Have a water fight, take a road trip, or just talk. There are so many daughter & mother activities mothers that’ll strengthen the bond
Between school, work, and keeping the family afloat, sometimes it’s tough for mother-daughter activities to come front and center. To help you keep that bond strong, we found 33 of the very best ideas. Whether your daughter is 5 or 15, keep reading to discover mother-daughter activities you’ve got to try at least once.
1. Play a game of basketball. Even if you aren’t the next Steph Curry—you can still shoot hoops with your daughter. Plus, it’s a great workout!
2. Have a spa day. Every mom and daughter deserves the royal treatment at least once. A soothing mask, manicure, pedicure, and refreshing cucumber water will make for a memorable day.
3. Write in a journal together. Sometimes talking about our feelings is tough. But using a mother-daughter journal to share our dreams and disappointments can be a great bonding experience (and a wonderful keepsake for the future).
4.Have a movie marathon. Pick a series of movies (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Disney), pop popcorn, and make a day of movies in your family room.
5. Go on a road trip. Nothing says togetherness like riding in a car for a long time. Create a playlist of music you both want, pick a destination, and start driving.
6. Set up and finish a jigsaw puzzle. A puzzle guarantees hours of quality time with your daughter.
7.Run a race. Whether it’s a 5k or a 1-mile fun run, train with your daughter and show her that girls can do anything!
9. Have regular mommy-daughter dates. Whether it’s a lunch date, a walk to the park, or visiting a local museum, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to spend time with your daughter.
10. Pick a Pinterest project to tackle. You know all those crafts and projects you have pinned? Find a perfect one for a mother-daughter team and make an afternoon of it.
13. Go to high tea. Find a fancy hat and get your pinkies up. High tea is a luxurious activity every mom and daughter should do at least once.
14. Volunteer or do a community service project. There are a lot of community activities for families. Pick an activity that will help mom and daughter give back to others while spending time together.
15. Schedule a professional photoshoot. Most moms have hundreds of photos of their daughters, and we all love a good selfie. But having a photographer other than yourself capture lasting memories is a gift you'll enjoy well into the future. We love Shoott, the company that connects local photographers with people who want their pictures taken.
16. Go to a fancy dinner. Make a reservation for a restaurant you've always wanted to try and have a date night with your daughter.
17. Have a water fight. Invest in some balloons and water guns and spend the day getting wet.
18. Learn to build something. Put your girl power into action, and perfect your building skills at a class through Home Depot or another hands-on workshop. There's no reason the hammer and drills should be left to fathers and sons.
20. Have a picnic.Pack a picnic lunch (or buy a delicious sandwich at a local shop) and find a pretty outdoor spot. Spend some time eating, chatting, reading, or playing together.
21. Bake a cake or cook a full dinner. You've probably enlisted your daughter's help baking cookies or peeling veggies. Take your culinary skills up a notch and attempt to create an entire cake or a four-course meal.
22. Travel to a new city. You can take a plane ride to another state or drive to the next town. Explore a new city with your daughter, and see what interests both of you.
33. Have a good cry together. Showing your daughter that it's okay to express her feelings is important. And, it's important to show her that you're human, too.
24. Take a hike.Find a trail to explore. Wander through your local park. Stroll the beach, head up a mountain, or discover the desert. Enjoying nature together may open your eyes to many new things along the path.
25. Go on a shopping spree. While it's probably worth saving up some money for this indulgence, an afternoon shopping spree is something every mother and daughter should do together.
26. See a play or musical. Dress up, have lunch, and experience a play or musical at a local theater.
27. Take a painting class together. Get artsy and do a painting or crafting class together. You'll love seeing your unique perspectives come to life on the canvas.
28. Go to an amusement park. Some moms like theme parks as much (or more than) as the kids. Spend a day at the Happiest Place on Earth, or explore the features at Universal Studios.
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29. Have a dance party. Blast your favorite playlist and dance, dance, dance.
30. Look through old photos and scrapbooks. Before the days of Facebook, we kept our memories printed in albums. Share your old photo albums and scrapbooks with your daughter, and tell her stories about those special times.
31. Go thrift shopping or antique hunting. It's fun to hunt through thrift shops and see what treasures you can find.
32. Go fishing. Who says fishing is just for the guys? Find a local fishing hole and spend an afternoon casting a line.
33. Play a board game. There are plenty of games that are perfect for a mother-daughter afternoon. You can even take the game to a local coffee shop or park to make the time more special.
With over 400 National Parks in the United States, whether you’re into exploring hiking trails, camping, going on scavenger hunts, or even soaking in hot springs, there’s an open space out there that you’ll love. If you have a 4th grader in your crew, be sure to snag the free national parks pass that’s good for their whole 4th-grade year. Another way to get in free is to visit during free national park days or choose a park that’s always free.
With a huge increase in visitors to national parks in recent years, some have instituted a reservation system during peak weekends and summer months. Be sure to check for this before you visit! Keep reading to see our favorite family-friendly parks, along with insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
What to See & Do: Located around 4 hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, Sequoia National Park is home to the famous General Sherman Tree (the world's largest tree by volume). Also not to be missed is The Congress Trail—a 2.7-mile paved hike that loops through the forest where you'll get up close and personal with other famous sequoias like The President, The House, and the Senate—jaw-droppingly beautiful trees that have called this micro-climate home for the past 2,500 years or so.
Tips & When to Go: Open year-round, there's no bad time of year to see these gentle giants. In the winter, you can snowshoe among the trees (some roads may be closed due to conditions) while in the summer, you can spend more time and camp inside the national park if you desire. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. To help plan your trip, read our insider's guide to visiting Visalia and Sequoia National Park.
From the river bed of the Rio Grande to the peaks of the Chisos mountain range, this remote park runs along the Texas/Mexico border.
What to See & Do: Designated as one of the darkest places in the country, it’s one of the best places to stargaze with your kids. It’s also filled with fossils—be sure to take your dino enthusiast to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. There are also plenty of hiking opportunities for families: some of the best trails for kids include the Window View, the Basin Loop, the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, and for older kids, the Lost Mine Trail is worth the trek. One of the most popular things to do in Big Bend, however, is to float the Rio Grande. There are several outfitters that offer easy, half-day floats, like this Madera to Grassy Banks option from Big Bend River Tours, which are perfect for families with young children.
Tips & When to Go: Cell service can be spotty, but free, public WiFi is available at the Panther Junction Visitor Center, the Chisos Mountains Lodge, and the Rio Grande Village Store. The best time to go is Sept.-May, as it gets very hot in the summer.
Famed for its granite domes and ancient sequoia trees, Yosemite is a gold mine for families.
Things to See & Do: Filled with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, two favorites include the Tuolomne Grove Nature Trail because you are rewarded with some massive Giant Sequoias, including the one you can walk through, and the Mist Trail as you have the opportunity to see two waterfalls. Make sure you set aside some time to spend exploring Yosemite Village. Grab some lunch and souvenirs at the gift shop (it is huge—perfect to stock up on everything from hot cocoa to wine to grilling supplies). Take a break to watch the Spirit of Yosemite film at the visitor center to give the kids all the background info on Yosemite and how it came to be a national park.
The Yosemite Museum has hands-on exhibits where kids can learn all about the cultural history of Yosemite’s native Miwok and Paiute people from 1850 to the present. If you are lucky, you may even be able to see traditional skills presented by historians. Outside you can walk through a replica Miwok village to see how they lived.
Tips & When to Go: The park is open year-round, with seasonal activities, but May and Sep. are less crowded.
Sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and animal wildlife are all part of the wonder of Zion National Park in Utah. You’ll want to give yourselves plenty of time at this scenic destination to take it all in.
Things to See & Do: Try a kid-friendly hike, like The Grotto Trail, Weeping Rock Trail, or the Emerald Pool Trail. While at the Emerald Pool trail, be sure to check out the gorgeous waterfall views. For a fun way for families to learn more about Zion together, head over to the Nature Center. Daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, youth programs specifically for children and families are offered, and last 30-45 minutes, so they're just the right length for your mini explorers.
Tips & When to Go: Zion National Park is open year-round. Some services or facilities may have limited hours at various times of the year.
Located in Maine, Acadia National Park offers trails along the granite shoreline that seem to rise from the sea. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about lobsters or search for harbor seals, the cool freshwater lakes, and frothy saltwater tidal invite exploring, and there are plenty of yummy lobster dinners within reach.
What to See & Do: Acadia offers families dozens of activities beyond hiking (though the hiking is both excellent and most often very family-friendly), which everyone will love. Pack your bikes for rides along the network of Carriage Roads, and blow their minds at Thunder Hole, a partially submerged cave that booms about an hour before high tide.
Tips & When to Go: While there is plenty to do for visitors of all ages and abilities, much of Acadia’s landscape is very rugged. If you’ve got wee ones in tow, a child’s backpack carrier just might save the trip. Late summer and early fall offer warm days, fewer crowds, and typically chilly evenings, making it the perfect time for a visit.
From mountain waterfalls to ice-cold streams running through rhododendron-laced valleys, the Smokies are full of crystal-clear swimming holes, easy and moderate hikes for all legs, and scenic drives. In addition to being a great national park for kids, this park offers free admission year-round.
What to See & Do: Getting to the Smokies is relatively easy from any place in the southeast, and it’s easily accessible from both Tennessee and North Carolina. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are both mountain towns just outside of the park and offer plenty of lodging and entertainment options for families looking to neon-light their vacation. A true naturalist would be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with the Smokies, and it’s equally suited for families who prefer to balance their bouts with nature with outlet shopping, live entertainment, and restaurants (all available just outside the park).
Tips & When to Go: It’s rare to have a true off-peak season in the Smokies, so if you’re looking for isolation this isn’t the park for you. However, solitude can be found inside the boundaries of the park, and we recommend going in the early spring to catch the incredible display of ephemeral wildflowers in bloom. Or, go in the fall around the second or third weekend of October to see the brilliant fall leaves.
Explore the coastline and see wild horses on this island sanctuary.
What to See & Do: Since the park is located on a 37-mile-long barrier island, this spot is ideal for beach-loving families. Look for shells, kayak, play in the ocean, or visit one of the centers for a nature program and to experience the marine life touch tanks. Camping is a popular lodging option here, there are several sites, and reservations are required during portions of the year.
Tips & When to Go: Be sure to keep a distance of 40 feet from the wild horses. The park is open year-round, and visitors peak in July, to watch the horses swim the channel, but insects like mosquitos and gnats thrive in the humid summer months. Spring and fall are lovely times to visit.
The third-largest national park in the lower 48 states spans 2,400 miles and offers a respite from cold winter temps elsewhere in the country.
What to See & Do: The dry winter season here means more animals to spot (hello, alligators and manatees!), more ranger programs to attend (think: hikes, bikes, and talks), and way fewer mosquitos than you and the kiddos would find any other time of year. Ride bikes, take a boat tour (most of the park is only accessible by boat), or set up camp before the wet season hits.
The dramatic landscape of Badlands has an otherworldly feel that has to be seen to be believed. With a combination of impressive rock formations and beautiful grasslands, this South Dakota spot is worth a visit as it’s one of our top national parks for kids.
What to See & Do: Drive Badlands Loop Road and stop at a few of the overlooks for jaw-dropping views. Popular with kids, the quarter-mile Fossil Exhibit Trail winds along a boardwalk and features fossil replicas. Along with the Junior Ranger program in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, kids can also check out the interactive exhibits and visit the theater to watch the film Land of Stone and Light. In the summertime, families can get a close-up view of the night sky through telescopes on Friday through Monday nights at the evening ranger program.
Tips & When to Go: Badlands is open year-round, although the visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Summertime offers additional programs such as the Night Sky program, evening ranger programs, guided hikes, and talks.
Although not as well known as some other parks, Cuyahoga Valley is an ideal spot to watch changing foliage, colorful wildflowers and wildlife. Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, this midwestern park may become a new favorite.
Things to See & Do: To see a magical view of Blue Hen Falls, the Blue Hen Falls Trail is an easy hike that the whole family can do together. At half a mile and just under thirty minutes, it’s a great intro trail and leads to the peaceful waterfall. You can also try birdwatching, canoeing and a whole schedule of summer events including train rides on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, ranger-led hikes and wildlife walks.
Tips & When to Go: The park is open every day, although some areas close at dusk for the night. Wildflowers are in bloom in mid to late summer.
If you’ve got a dino lover in your house, then Dinosaur National Monument is a definite stop for your list. Inside the Quarry Hall, the kids can check out over 1,500 real preserved dinosaur fossils that are sure to fascinate them. Next, move on to see some petroglyphs and pictographs as you drive the 10-mile Tour of Tilted Rocks. You’ll also find hiking, river rafting, and ranger-guided programs.
Tips & When to Go: Dinosaur National Monument is open every day all year, but during the winter, some roads and facilities are closed. The Quarry Visitor Center and Quarry Exhibit Hall are only open at certain times, so check the website before heading on your trip. In the summertime, temperatures can easily climb over 100 degrees, so take plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Located only 75 miles outside of Washington, D.C., and with over 100 miles of scenic highway, this park is perfect for families who love a good road trip. Skyline Drive is the main (and only) drag through the park, and the 75 overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley are swoon-worthy.
What to See & Do: The Shenandoah National Park’s Scenic Drive ensures that you will see splendid views and have every opportunity to get out and explore the park since nearly all trailheads are located a short distance from the road. This is the perfect park for families with good car seat travelers!
Tips & When to Go: Because they leave the fields in the Shenandoah National Park unplowed to purposely propagate the wildflowers that bloom there, you are guaranteed to see an incredible show year-round.
Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the Hot Springs National Park is the only park that had a city grow up around it. Known for its bubbling mineral springs and their restorative and healing powers, you can still bathe in them today in one of the restored historic bathhouses.
What to See & Do: While the springs have been around for ages, the amenities have continued to improve. You can bathe in the mineral waters from the comfort of a modern-day spa after spending a morning hiking one of the park's 26 miles of trails. And did we mention that there’s a diamond mine only an hour away in Murfreesboro?
Tips & When to Go: We like the idea of a nice, hot mineral spring bath on a cool spring day, don’t you? The bathhouses are open year-round, but Arkansas heats up in the summer and we suggest going during one of the cooler months.
You can see beaches, rainforests, and mountains at this beautiful park in the Pacific Northwest. Olympic National Park holds a little something for everyone.
What to See & Do: On the coast, kids four and up can be “Ocean Stewards” and earn a badge for completing activities. You can also explore tide pools, try any number of family hiking trails or spend some time on Rialto Beach. For evening fun, join one of the Night Sky programs, such as stargazing or full moon hikes at Hurricane Ridge.
Tips & When to Go: June through September are the most popular times to visit. Although the park is most crowded during these times, the park also has the most facilities and programs available. The park is still a show-stopping sight in winter, but check the website for weather and road conditions first.
Lava Beds National Monument is a must-visit spot when you bring the family to Siskiyou County in Northern California. Here you can check out free flashlights from the visitor center and explore the many (VERY DARK) caves that were formed when lava flowed through the area thousands of years ago. For the youngest explorers, check out Mushpot Cave just a short walk from the visitor center. This is the only cave that has its own lighting in the tunnel.
What to See & Do: Skull Cave (pictured above) is a popular choice because of its massive size. A good lighting source will be needed if you want to venture all the way down to the cave's ice floor (the flashlights from the visitor center can be pretty dim so you might want to bring your own).
Tips & When to Go: Summer is a great time to visit Lava Beds. Remember that even though it might be in the 90s above ground that it will be very chilly when you head into the caves so long pants/long sleeves are recommended. There's no restaurant at the park so bring in lunch with you when you visit. Check out our guide to visiting Siskiyou County with kids for lots of other tips including where to visit the petroglyphs!
While not an official national park, Indiana Dunes still offers visitors over 15 miles of protected lakeshore and 48 miles of trails—some within sight of the Chicago skyline!
What to See & Do Lake Michigan’s sandy shoreline includes dunes that reach as high as 125 feet tall, and its National Lakeshore status has protected its natural beauty from development and commercialization. If you decide to explore the dunes, just be sure to stay on the marked trails to protect the natural habitat!
Tips & When to Go Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a perfect spot for a picnic, day hike or day at the beach from the moment the sun starts shining in the spring until the last leaves have fallen in autumn.
Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest-known cave system. Experience the underground adventure with cave tours, trails, and more.
What to See & Do: You’ll find over 84 miles of hiking trails suitable for all different levels, so find the one that works best for your family and get ready to explore. A variety of cave tours are also available so you can see Mammoth Cave up close and personal. The Frozen Niagara is a popular cave tour for families with young kids. Lasting an hour and 15 minutes, the tour is ideal for small hikers at just about a quarter of a mile. Reservations are strongly recommended, but not required.
Tips & When to Go: The cave is open year-round, and the Visitor Center’s hours vary by season.Cave temperatures are between the 50s and 60s but can become much colder in the winter. When touring the caves, flash photography is not permitted. Strollers and child backpack carriers are also not permitted on cave tours, so make sure young ones are up for the walk.
Mountain scenery, glacier-chiseled lakes, and tons of activities greet you at this stunning park in Montana.
What to See & Do: Visit the Apgar Nature Center so kids can play and learn with various interactive activities, ranger talks, and children’s programs. Take in the scenery and look for wildlife as you drive the 50-mile Going to the Sun road. As an alternative, you can use the free shuttle along Going to the Sun Road between the nature center and the St. Mary Visitor Center. You’ll also want to make sure to make time to explore the park with a hike. Plenty of trails are popular with children, such as Trail of the Cedars, Hidden Lake Nature Trail or the Oxbow Trail. After you’ve worked up an appetite, don’t forget to make a stop for a scoop of huckleberry ice cream! A Glacier must.
Tips & When to Go: Glacier is open every day of the year, although hours at visitor stations vary by season. Summer is the most popular season to visit. Weather-related events may affect Going to the Sun Road plowing and opening, so follow the park’s current road status to get the latest information.
Little fossil fans will love imagining past prehistoric days and dinosaurs as they explore the Painted Desert landscape of Petrified Forest National Park.
What to See & Do: Be sure to make a stop at the Rainbow Forest Museum where your kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and skeleton displays. From the museum parking area, you can find the trailhead for the Agate House trail, a two-mile trek with a paved portion, leading to an old pueblo made of petrified wood. At the Painted Desert Visitor Center, you’ll find an orientation video, a restaurant, gift shop, and plenty of information about the park.
Tips & When to Go: Petrified Forest National Park is open year-round, with the exception of December 25th. However, visitor center hours and park road hours vary by season.
Visiting White Sands feels a little bit like running through a dream. Acres and acres of soft white gypsum sand dunes will have the kids running, rolling and sliding for hours.
What to See & Do: Hit the Visitor Center first to learn all about how White Sands formed, and then head out to experience it! The eight-mile ride down Dunes Drive will take you to the center of the dune field. Sleds can be purchased at the Visitor Center, and little ones (and adults!) will love the chance to take a slide down. Sledding is permitted in the loop area of Dunes Drive. The Visitor Center also has a Junior Rangers program, a gift shop and a native plant garden. Kids can also check out an Adventure Pack for the day, containing binoculars, field guides, a compass and other items to help them explore the dunes.
Tips & When to Go: White Sands is open daily all through the year, with the exception of December 25. The monument occasionally closes for inclement weather or unsafe road conditions. Hours vary depending on the season, so check the website for the latest times. Pack sunglasses and don’t forget the sunscreen, because the sun shining off of those white dunes is bright.
Be wowed by the active volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa on Hawaii’s Big Island!
Things to See & Do: Start at the Visitor Center and check out the video Born of Fire, Born of the Sea. You’ll want to cruise the main road of Crater Rim Drive, where you’ll find tons of scenic stops to admire, such as Kilauea Overlook for unbeatable views. Swing by the Jaggar Museum where you can learn all about lava, seismographs and everything volcano-related. Finally, take your flashlights and explore the magnitude of Nahuku, the Thurston Lava Tube.
Tips & When to Go: The park is open year-round, including all holidays. The park contains two active volcanoes, so safety is always a priority. Stay up to date on volcanic activity and air quality before visiting by checking the park’s website.
Joshua Tree’s beautiful desert landscapes, nature trails and Dr. Seuss-like trees make this park a consistent favorite for families. It’s definitely worth a stop on your next California journey.
What to See & Do: You’ll find plenty of short trails and nature walks that won’t be too strenuous for small hikers. The Bajada, Cap Rock, Hidden Valley, and Cholla Cactus Garden are loop trails that are all one mile long or shorter and take an hour or less to complete. Let the kids pose for a photo with the appropriately named Skull Rock, located along the main park road. If you’re there at night, don’t miss the chance to gaze up at some unbelievable stars.
Tips & When to Go: Joshua Tree can get extremely hot in the summer, so a spring visit might be more comfortable, weather-wise. You’re in the desert, so plenty of water is also a must!
Yellowstone is definitely one for your national parks list! With geysers, hiking trails, animals, and forests on display, this gorgeous park is a can’t-miss stop on your road trip.
What to See & Do: No trip to Yellowstone is complete without a visit to Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser. Take a stroll on the boardwalks around the geyser, and then stop by the Visitor Center to find out when the next eruption is scheduled to take place! You can get a great look and a photo op from the viewing area nearby. While you’re in the Visitor Center, kids can sign up for the Yellowstone Junior Ranger program, where they can earn a badge after completing a series of activities around the park.
Grand Prismatic is another stunning feature on your Yellowstone trip. The park’s largest hot spring boasts bright colors that almost seem unreal. The boardwalk surrounding Grand Prismatic does get crowded, so hold tight to little hands as you check out this amazing thermal feature.
Driving into Yellowstone, you’ll catch some great wildlife sightings, and maybe even a bison crossing, which is always a thrill for little ones.
Tips & When to Go: Summer offers a ton of available activities but is by far Yellowstone’s busiest season, so expect crowds and a slow drive into the park. Spring, summer and winter offer fewer crowds, but some roads and activities are not available depending on weather, so keep up to date on Yellowstone’s website and plan your trip well in advance. We also love visiting in the winter via snowcoach!
With over 2,000 natural stone arches, beautiful red rock formations, and hikes for all ages, Arches National Park is a treat for the whole family.
What to See & Do: Drive through the park to catch a glimpse of some of the famous arches, and stop for strolls and photos. Kids will love Balanced Rock, a gravity-defying structure with a short loop trail that is perfect for small hikers. Another great spot for your little road trippers is Sand Dune Arch. With a 0.3-mile hike and tons of soft sand to play in, kids will have a blast making a detour here.
Tips & When to Go: March through October is the park’s busiest season, so expect crowds and longer lines to drive into the park. Rangers programs are offered in spring, summer, and fall, and the Visitor Center is open daily, except for December 25.
Kids love volcanos, and they’ll love that this lake formed from a volcano is also the deepest one in America. But there’s more to Crater Lake National Park than just the lake, and you’ll want to hit the trails (and fishing holes, and swimming holes) before you wrap up your visit.
What to See & Do: Trying to spot the Phantom Ship (a rock formation along the rim) is worth the trip all by itself, and Crater Lake National Park also offers boat trips to Wizard Island. With its volcanic past, this park is perfect for littles with big imaginations.
Tips & When to Go: Accessible almost all year, Crater Lake is rarely overwhelmed by visitors, even in the summer. Go between July and September for the best weather (and best chance to get out and explore).
Located just off the coast of Ventura, California, Channel Islands National Park is the perfect family day trip. Accessible only by boat or plane, the Park includes five islands.
What to See & Do: Not only are the islands great to explore by foot or kayak, but the necessary boat ride to get there adds to the trip’s element of adventure. Since these islands are truly remote, don’t take anyone whose needs might exceed what you can carry in a backpack. Tiny tots and need-to-nappers might be better off going when they get a tad older.
Tips & When to Go: While the islands are open to visitors year-round, fall, with warmer water and animal migrations, is a sure bet for the WOW factor. Keep your eyes peeled for blue and humpback whales off the coast, and you’re sure to see dolphins as you make your way to the islands by boat.
Additional reporting by Anna Doogan & Shelley Massey
Make sure to capture all your best travel moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
It’s no newsflash that traveling with kids can be a challenge, especially during the holidays. Before you get too worked up about that upcoming long-haul flight or road trip with kids, we’ve compiled a list of great travel gear for families that will make getting from Point A to Point B easier, safer, and hopefully, more fun! From carry-on cases that double as strollers to disposable covers that sanitize airplane trays, these are some of our travel favorites.
Keep>Going First Aid Kit
A mini first aid kit is definitely something you should throw into your carry-on for the next trip. These packs have everything you need from minor boo-boos to dealing with splinters and torn clothes. Their handy zippered container comes in loads of prints and includes a carabiner (which can be surprisingly helpful for lots of travel situations). The Go Kit is a great size for travel with kid-approved bandages included. There’s also an adult kit if you prefer neutral skin-toned bandages.
Organization is key when traveling and you’ll want to be prepared for anything that might arise. Pilly Pal keeps your medications and vitamins organized in a too-cute snapping container. You can use their stickers to designate which items are included in each slot so you don’t have to remember. There’s nothing worse than having to run to the store while on vacation so this is a must-include in your carry-on backpack.
We can’t be the only ones who say all screentime rules are out the window when traveling. The Pocket Tripod is great to keep in your wallet as it is as small as a credit card and will set up your phone or tablet for kid viewing while on the airplane. It easily adjusts to devices of different thicknesses and it works great to snap that perfect family pic while you’re out and about.
If you've ever watched your little jet-setter try to play with her toys on an airplane, you know all too well the pain of collecting LEGO or crayons from a dirty plane floor. Enter the Lusso Gear Kids Tray Cover, a strap-on tray that keeps tray tables covered and toys (hopefully) off the ground. The tray has a raised border on all sides to keep sippy cups, LEGO, crayons, etc., from rolling right off mid-flight, and the strap on bottom keeps the whole thing from sliding. The Lusso Gear Tray Table Cover tray also solves the problem of your child eating snacks straight from the dirty tray table. It can also be rolled up and tucked away, which means it's just as useful at your final destination as it is on the journey.
Got a long flight planned? Maybe you really need to do the red-eye, but the thought of traveling with restless toddlers has stopped you? It doesn’t have to anymore! The JetKids by STOKKE Bedbox is a ride-on suitcase that converts into a bed in a regular coach seat. Seriously! If you’ve got a baby or toddler, the lay-flat bed feature of the BedBox makes it totally worth the price. For older kids, stick with the basic "Ridebox" (it's the same suitcase; it just doesn't have the bed converting apparatus inside), which will give your kids a set of wheels (and a suitcase) to zip around the airport. Kids can safely use the ride-on until they're about 77 lbs.
Is it a suitcase or a scooter? It’s both! For any parent who has ever had to lug their own child’s suitcase because he is just “too tired,” and for any parent who has felt that fear of missing the flight because of the snail’s pace of airport walking: the Zinc Flyte is your new favorite thing. It comes in three sizes: the mini for ages two to four, the midi for ages four to eight and the soon-to-be-released maxi for ages eight and up. The best part? It actually makes travel even more fun for kids! We can actually see this becoming a thing for kids who walk to school each day. Learn more about it here.
You have a special seat for your kiddo in the car, why not extend that to the airplane? The Cares Harness keeps young children buckled up safely with the same sort of four-point harness used in baby and toddler car seats. Consequently, it keeps kids from sliding out of their seats during unexpected bumps—and it can help kids feel more secure in the air (which means they may actually sleep on the flight!). Plus, the whole thing weighs less than a pound and fits in your purse when not in use.
Want to give your toddler a fun way to speed around the airport—without the need for a stroller? Try this nifty invention that makes getting kids to your gate on time way cooler than walking. The Luggage Eazy carry-on (made by the same company that makes Micro scooters) is just like a regular roller suitcase—with one big difference: The top of the case has a built-in seat, so your child can hop on and catch a ride whenever you want to get things going. Rolling your tot around like luggage is way easier than you'd think, thanks to the tripod-style swivel (third) wheel that pops out from the back when your child wants to use the seat. There's also an easy place for your child to prop her feet so that she's perfectly balanced, with no dangling limbs, while in motion.
Note: The seat is designed to fit kids from 18 months to four years old.
Want to travel with your toddler but NOT your toddler's bulky toddler car seat? The hifold by mifold car seat is here to help. The hifold is a high-back booster seat that folds down small enough to fit in a small carry bag. Not only is it "the most compact, lightweight highback booster ever," it also meets worldwide safety standards and complies with car seat regulations worldwide. If you’ve got older kids—at least four years of age and weighing 40 lbs or more—the mifold the Grab-and-Go Booster is a great option. It folds up to roughly the size of a paperback novel (not kidding about this at all—it is 10x smaller than the average booster and just as safe) and can tuck right into your suitcase or purse. It’s tested and meets regulatory approval in the U.S., U.K. and most other countries. We like it for those times when the rental car seat fails or you’re just not sure who is picking you up at the airport!
Headphones are essential for any flight, but what are kids to do when their free airplane earbuds keep falling out of—or not fitting into—their tiny ear canals? Try a pair of CozyPhones! These fleece-encased headphones look like wraparound ear muffs and keep the small speakers right on top of your tot's ears without sliding out or falling off—and without getting so loud the music hurts her eardrums. Plus, they're super comfy (kids can fall asleep without that bulky push of plastic headphones), come in a variety of animal-themed designs, and will keep your kids a little warmer on those long chilly flights. And, they come in grown-up versions, too!
JL Childress Spinner Wheelie Deluxe Car Seat Travel Bag
J.L. Childress
Lugging a traditional toddler car seat through the airport can be a workout—and checking your beloved seat with your luggage leaves it open to scratches, dings and grime from who-knows-what it may encounter in transit. Not with the Spinner Wheelie Deluxe Car Seat Travel Bag, which works as both an easy roller and protective cover for your kid's car seat. You'll glide through airports, train stations and cruise terminals with ease thanks to the bag's unique combination of full padding and 360-degree spinner wheels. And, if you're checking the car seat, the bag will protect your child’s car seat from damage, dirt, moisture and germs. Additional features include a top carry handle and a clear ID card pocket.
Additional reporting by Melissa Heckscher, Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Repeat after me: Getaways with young kids are not a vacation, they’re a trip. Now that you’ve set the right expectations, check out these baby travel hacks that will make your trip a little less work and a lot more enjoyable for you and everyone else involved. Whether you’re flying with a baby to an all-inclusive or taking a road trip, these are the keys to a good getaway.
photo: iStock
1. Plan activities.
For older babies who are active and stay up for longer stretches, plan simple activities to pass the time and keep them engaged. One idea: Bring a water bottle filled with pom-poms for your little one to take out and put back in. You can also bring interactive books to hold your babe’s attention.
2. Ship diapers and wipes to your destination.
You have enough stuff to squeeze into suitcases. Use a service like Amazon to send diapers and wipes ahead of time to your destination, whether it’s grandma’s for the holidays or somewhere tropical. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask them if they’ll accept deliveries prior to your arrival.
3. Nurse or feed your baby during takeoff.
This is an important one. To help your little one deal with pressure changes in the cabin during takeoff (and landing!) that could make them uncomfortable, nurse or give your baby a bottle at that time. The sucking distracts your child and alleviates much of the discomfort.
4. Request a portable crib in your hotel reservation.
Most hotels will offer a portable crib at no extra cost. Request it in your reservation, so you can make other arrangements if the hotel informs you they can’t provide it. Pro tip: Bring your own crib sheets with you. They won’t take up much space in your luggage and will be soft and smell familiar to help your child drift off to sleep in their new location.
photo: iStock
5. Baby-wear to keep hands free.
Definitely bring your baby carrier or wrap. This frees up your hands for carrying luggage and other important items, like handing your ID and boarding pass to TSA. Plus, being close to you will likely keep your baby calm and happy in unfamiliar, sometimes stressful, environments. If you’re traveling by car, keep your wrap on or your carrier easily accessible, like on the floor right by your baby’s car seat, so it’s quick and easy to put on at every stop.
6. Wear a badge to hold your ID, ticket, and baby’s birth certificate.
You know those clear name-card badge holders they distribute at conferences, with a lanyard? Use one of those to hold your license, boarding pass, and baby’s birth certificate. No digging through your purse or running the risk of it falling out of your pocket. Simple, accessible, and no fuss.
7. Simplify the car seat situation.
If you’re flying, you can usually check your car seat at the ticketing desk for no charge (call ahead to confirm with your airline). Make sure they put a plastic bag over it (you can also purchase a sturdy bag for your car seat online). Or, if you want to eliminate the hassle of bringing it with you, arrange to include a car seat in your rental car. If you’re taking ride-sharing services, check their app to see if they offer cars with car seats in that area.
8. Pack odor-blocking diaper sacks.
A blow-out at 30,000 feet or in the middle of the desert with no trashcan in sight doesn’t have to be a total disaster. Pack Arm & Hammer diaper dispenser bags or even just plastic grocery bags to mask the smell of the dirty diaper. Nobody wants to lug a stinky diaper around or assault others’ noses, but at least this will make it a little more pleasant.
9. Pack a baby essentials kit.
Keep a pacifier, wipes, sanitizing wipes, and other essentials easily accessible, in your purse or diaper bag. This goes for flights and road trips. When there’s a mess or a howling baby, you’ll want to access these items as quickly as possible.
iStock
10. Bring snacks—for baby and you. Pack simple, low-mess snacks for your baby, like puffs or pouches. And it’s important for you to stay fed as well. Pack protein-filled snacks to keep you energized during your travels and a decadent treat as well. If drama ensues, you’re going to want the good stuff to help you through it.
11. Keep extra clothes in your carry-on bag.
Keep an extra outfit for baby and a shirt for you in your carry-on or diaper bag for air and car travel. The goal is to keep it easily accessible so when a blowout, spit-up, or other potentially outfit-ruining scenarios happen, you can solve it without having to wait for landing and checked baggage retrieval.
12. Think location, location, location for the hotel room.
When you book your hotel room, ask for it to be away from the elevators, pool, and vending/ice machines. While you can’t control if the hotel room is perfectly noise-free, choosing your room carefully will help make it a quiet space.
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13. Pack a sound machine to help baby sleep.
Increase the quiet factor in your room by bringing a small, portable sound machine with you to mask noise from other rooms. Don’t want to haul something else with you? Download free white noise or wave sounds to play from your phone or tablet.
14. Do a thorough check of the hotel and car before leaving.
This is one of those tips for traveling with a baby that you’ll thank us for later. Before checking out or returning the rental car, look under beds, under seats, the trunk, and glove compartment, because something will likely be left there. And always double-check that your baby’s favorite lovey and stuffie is with you at every transition and location change.
Make sure to capture all the travel moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Getting to your destination can be part of the adventure when you have this handy list of car games in your back pocket
If you’re heading out on a road trip soon and want to ensure that the trip will be spent making memories with the kids (screen-free fun in the car is possible!), then we’ve got a list of car games just for you. To make your journey as enjoyable as possible, you’ll want to print out this list of easy games to play in the car. They don’t require any special gear, there are no pieces to lose, and they’re actually fun for parents and kids alike. Be sure to check out our list of road trip hacks that’ll make the drive even easier. Win, win, win!
1. The Alphabet Game: Find all the letters of the alphabet on things you pass along the highway. Variation: limit your finds to license plates or road signs to make it harder.
2. I Spy: This road trip classic has players starting with a vague clue like, “I spy something that moves” and the other players guessing from there. Only yes or no questions are allowed. Tip: put a limit to the number of questions so the rounds don’t go on for eternity.
4. Fortunately/Unfortunately: This story-creation car game for kids starts with a sentence like, “Mom came home with a chocolate cake.” The next person has to continue the story with fortunately like, “Fortunately, it had sprinkles on it.” Turn passes to the next person who uses unfortunately like, “Unfortunately, they were made of wax.” Hilarity ensues.
5. Story Volley: A similar game is story volley where you take turns creating a story back and forth between two (or more) players. This one can go on forever!
6. Open-ended Questions: Learn a little more about your car companions with this game where you can ask any question you like. Good ones to start with: What’s your favorite animal? What superpower do you wish you had? What TV character are you most like?
7. Alphabet Game (Version 2): The flow of this game is to use this phrase, “My name is ______ and I’m married to _______. We live in ______ and are shopping for ________.” All words have to start with the letter you are on like, “My name is Amy and I’m married to Al. We live in Arkansas and are shopping for apples.” Then you move on to B.
8. Letter, Word, or Sentence Guessing Game: For back seat players only, you have one kid draw a letter, word, or sentence (depending on age) on the other player’s back. Try to guess what was drawn.
9. License Plate Bingo: Using a little notebook to keep track, try and find all the state license plates. This game can carry over from road trip to road trip as who has ever seen a Hawaii plate outside of Hawaii? Parents should be ready to verify any rare sightings (to prevent cheating).
10. 20 Questions: This game has you thinking of an item while your opponent has to guess what it is. Limit your questions to 20 so you don’t go totally insane. This game knows how it is to travel with kids, clearly. For little kids, you can limit it even further to a category like animals.
11. The Name Game: Good for teens and tweens, this game has you name a celebrity like Oprah Winfrey and the next person has to take the first letter of that celebrity’s last name to start their turn and name another celebrity like Will Smith.
12. Hot Sauce or Chocolate: A variation on this or that, this game has you choose which item between two that you’d rather give up. Start with hot sauce or chocolate, choose one (clearly chocolate is the one to keep) and the next person has to add another to the pair like peanut butter so now you’re choosing between chocolate and peanut butter.
13. The Vacation Memory Game: This is a fun car game for kids! The first person starts with, “I’m going on a vacation and I’m going to bring . . . ” and then they choose an item like sunscreen. The second person starts, “I’m going on a vacation and I’m going to bring sunscreen and . . .” and chooses a second item like beach towels. The game continues until someone messes up the order and forgets an item. You can make it trickier by going in alphabetical order.
14. Count the Item: Choose an item like an American flag, tractor, or Starbucks sign and see how many your crew can find while on your journey.
15. Yes-No-Black-White: In this car game for kids, one player is the questioner and one the answerer. The questioner asks a question, trying to get the answerer to say the words “yes, no, black or white.” The answerer needs to answer verbally and truthfully, without using the forbidden words.
16. The Animal Name Game: The first player picks an animal like a squirrel. The second player has to pick an animal that starts with the last letter of the prior animal, like “lion.” And on and on!
17. Skittles: In this game, you are looking for the holy grail: the yellow vehicle. See one and yell, “Skittles!” and get one point. You may have to set your own rules about whether yellow farm equipment and buses count or should be excluded (as a fleet of school buses could cause an early end to your gameplay).
18. Cheers to the Governor (the kid version): This is a collaborative memory game you can play in the car to get to a certain number. So, if your goal is to get to 21, you start by counting one by one in order. You start with one rule, usually that 7 and 11 are switched (instead of saying 7 the person who is supposed to say 7 will say 11, and the person who should say 11 will say 7). If you make it through all the numbers, someone makes up a new rule (clap twice instead of saying three, make an animal noise instead of 15), and start counting back at 1 with the new rule. If someone misses a rule, you start back at one. The goal is to get to the point where all of the numbers are replaced with rules.
19. State Capitals: Good for all you geography fans, get the kids to list the state capitals. You can do it in alphabetical order or quiz style.
20. Cows and Graveyards: You get a point for every cow you spot on your side of the car. Spot a graveyard and lose all points.
21. Name That Tune: Play a snippet of a song from the radio and try and guess the song and artist.
22. Restaurant Race: Each player gets a restaurant like McDonalds, Taco Bell, or Burger King and players count how many of their restaurants they can find along the way.
23. Rock-Paper-Scissors: This is a classic hand game that’s a perfect game to play in the car. Two players shoot rock (fist), paper (flat hand), or scissors (the peace sign) on the count of 1,2,3… shoot! Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, and scissors beats paper. Try the best of three, or just keep playing down the road.
Our All-Time Favorite Games to Play in the Car
24. Off Limits: In this game, you choose words or phrases that are “off limits” like family member’s names, “hungry” or “are we there yet?” (Brilliant!)
25. The Quiet Game: The player who is quiet the longest wins! Save this one for when you are really desperate.
Fads come and go, but dinosaurs are here to stay! Kids just can’t get enough of them, and lucky for you, there are plenty of dinosaur attractions from coast to coast. From silly cartoons to serious science, we’ve found over 20 of the best dino-mite places to discover with your little paleontologists including state parks, theme parks,children’s museums, and even a dinosaur-themed restaurant that features its own “Build-A-Dino” center.
Children’s museums are fun regardless of where you go, but the Chicago Children’s Museum gets a lot of praise for its “cool” Dinosaur Expedition. Among other things, it features a recreation of the real Saharah expedition where Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno discovered a new type of dinosaur. It also features a life-size skeleton of Suchomimus (sue-co-MY-muss), an excavation pit to dig for bones, and an opportunity to learn what it would be like to be part of Paul’s expedition team.
Dino Valley at LEGOLAND California Resort | Carlsbad, CA
This brand-new land just opened at LEGOLAND California Resort and we are super excited! Here you can ride two new rides, the Explorer River Quest and DUPLO® Little Dino Trail, as well as the beloved Coastersaurus dinosaur ride. Build your own dino in the interactive dino build and play area, and meet all the new characters.
Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site | Republic, WA
What’s better than getting to dig for your own fossils? This spot in WA lets fossil diggers of all ages look for and even take home fossils they find while they are there. Just wait until you see their eyes light up when they discover something that’s 50 million years old!
Tate Geological Museum | Casper, WY
Casper, WY is home to this awesome (and free!) museum that the whole family will enjoy. Little paleontologists will be amazed when they spot Dee the Mammoth: Discovered nearby in 2006, Dee is part of the museum’s Pleistocene Exhibit where kids can learn the difference between mammoths, mastodons, and elephants. Little visitors will especially love visiting the Dino Den where they can explore touchable fossil casts, do fossil rubbings, and play with dinosaur toys.
Dinosaur National Monument | Jensen, UT
Welcome to a dino digger’s dream. Over 1,500 prehistoric bones are still encased in the rock at Dinosaur Quarry exhibit hall on the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument, and visitors can view reconstructed dinosaur fossils—like Allosaurus and a baby Stegosaurus. The quarry gives kids a view of the fossils in their natural state (instead of removed, cleaned, and reassembled), and when you’ve checked out the dino-box there are plenty of other activities (including hiking and kayaking on the Green River) to explore.
Burke Museum | Seattle, WA
Unlike other museums that house their dinosaurs in the basement, the Burke Museum features their dinos proudly on the top floor. Exhibits focus on fossils from Washington state including giant whales, creatures from the ice age, and more. Visitors can get an up-close look at what the researchers are working on every day with large glass windows looking inside their laboratories.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Orlando, FL
Most people are familiar with Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which is one of four Disney theme parks in Orlando, but not everyone is aware that the park features an entire land dedicated to Jurassic animals. What DinoLand U.S.A. lacks in science, it makes up for in the form of fun. This “land” is home to the thrill ride, “Dinosaur,” where riders will travel back in time, ride in a Jeep, and attempt to rescue a dinosaur before a meteor strikes. What could go wrong?
DinoLand U.S.A. also features a replica of the T-Rex “Dino-Sue” which is pretty amazing. However, Mom and Dad might be more impressed with the open-air “fossil fun site” known as The Boneyard, a place themed around a dinosaur dig giving the little explorers time to burn off some energy.
Field Station: Dinosaurs | Derby, KS and Leonia, NJ
With two dino-mite locations, the Field Stations take families on tours full of mystery, surprise, and over 40 life-sized realistic (and moving!) dinos. Get up close and personal along the trail and take part in over 30 live shows, games, and activities in the parks. Here you can dig for fossils, learn about a dinosaur’s diet during a live musical show, and play a game of Dinosaur Discovery miniature golf. As they say, “Science had never been this fun, this scary, or this big!”
The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles boasts a 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall to show off their dinos. You need that much space to present the world’s only Tyrannosaurus rex growth series, and you’ll also find a Stegosaurus and the 25-foot tall Triceratops making their debut here, too. The museum is also home to a Dino Lab, where you can see their staff working on real fossils and get your hands on some other ones that are said to be between 66 and 120 million years old! Of course, what will really thrill your kids is the Dinosaur Encounters, where large-scale puppets (think huge) come “alive” to give a better sense of what living with prehistoric creatures would be like.
National Museum of Natural History | Washington DC
The David H. Koch Hall of Fossils–Deep Time allows guests to travel through ancient ecosystems to witness the evolution of life and see firsthand over 700 fossil specimens including early insects, reptiles, mammals, a Tyrannosaurus rex, Diplodocus, and a woolly mammoth. The exhibit shares how the choices humans make today will affect our future (a good lesson for us all).
Arizona Museum of Natural History | Mesa, AZ
Located in the center of Downtown Mesa, the 80,000-square-foot Arizona Museum of Natural History offers plenty to see, learn, and explore for young dino enthusiasts and historians of all ages. Strongly referred to as the “Dinosaur Museum,” here visitors can admire their collection of nearly 60,000 objects, snap a selfie with a T-Rex, pan for gold, and discover so much more. To simulate some of the perilous encounters faced by these ancient beasts, a “flash flood” sends rushing water cascading down a three-story mountain full of life-size animatronic dinosaurs every 23 minutes.
Dinosaur World | Cave City, KY
With more than 150 life-size replica dinosaurs, this outdoor museum is the perfect place for kids to be kids, while they learn about paleontology. What’s more, the museum’s “boneyard” offers them a chance to uncover a life-size stegosaurus buried under the sand. If the weather isn’t cooperating, Dinosaur World has an indoor Prehistoric Museum that features displays of cast and real fossils.
The world-famous roadside attraction may not be the most scientific of spots, but it sure is fun! Climb up Dinny the 150-foot replica Apatosaurus, or take a peek out of Mr. Rex’s mouth. Check out the animatronic dinos in the open-air museum, pan for gold, or spend time in the totally diggable sand pit. Oh, and snapping that iconic pic of the fam, the mountains, and the dinos? A must.
Dinosaur Valley State Park | Glen Rose, TX
Follow the path of a dinosaur battle from millions of years ago. The Paluxy River is home to over 1,500 dinosaur tracks, the newest one being exposed in summer 2023. The extremely popular, and fairly easy hike takes dino hunters along the creek bed, in search of the tracks under the water. One of the most famous trackways ever discovered, a section of it can be seen at the American Museum of Natural History.
Jurassic World Ride | Universal Studios Hollywood, Studio City, CA
Universal Studios Hollywood recently upgraded the Jurassic Park ride into something bigger and better and inspired by the Jurassic World movie franchise. Many of the dinosaurs featured in the original ride have returned with all-new technology. You’ll love entering an immersive land and coming face-to-face with the Indominus rex as she stalks you through the jungle. Get caught in the fray as she’s confronted by her archrival, the Tyrannosaurus rex, in an epic battle for the ages.
The Field Museum of Natural History | Chicago, IL
The Field Museum was already a hot spot for dino fans even before SUE—the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered—arrived in 2000. Evolving Planet takes guests on a journey through four million years on Earth; there are videos, hands-on interactive displays, and an expanded dinosaur hall. SUE, of course, is the highlight and doesn’t disappoint.
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum & Field Station | Malta, MT
The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum may be small, but it’s mighty. Home to Leonardo, the world’s best-preserved dinosaur, it’s also one of the best places for those who want to get dirty, dino-style. Kids ages 5-11 can sign up for the Junior Paleo Field Experience: three hours at a real dinosaur dig with the pros, then back to the lab to process, analyze, and write up their finds. Not to worry— there’s plenty of hands-on stuff for the smaller set, including their own dig pit outside the museum.
The Prehistoric Gardens | Port Orford, OR
If you’re up for a road trip to the Oregon Coast and want a fun pit stop that is more Pee Wee’s Big Adventure than Smithsonian, this place is for you. It’s a campy, cool dinosaur attraction with dinosaur sculptures looming amid a gorgeous, lush Pacific Northwest forest. In short, it’s awesome. While the dinos aren’t real, the ancient Oregon forest is.
What a great idea! The T-Rex Café is part restaurant, part museum but all fun—and very popular. Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find large animatronic dinosaurs (“Honey, we’ll find a table over by the T-Rex…”), exotic plants, aquariums, hands-on educational activities in the Paleo Zone, a Discovery Dig fossil sandpit, the Discovery Creek water mill where kids can pan for precious gems and stones, and “meteor showers” that take place every 20 to 30 minutes. They even have a “Build-a-Dino” by Build-A-Bear Workshop. Parents might want to check out the Octopus Bar (with moving tentacles and jellyfish) too.
Dinosaur State Park | Rocky Hill, CT
200-million-year-old Dilophosaurus tracks—2,000 of ‘em. That’s what, in 1968, was discovered in Rocky Hill, CT. Today, the trackway is a protected National Landmark, and visitors can check out some 500 tracks in the Exhibit Center’s geodesic dome. Little visitors will dig in fossil boxes, investigate rocks and crystals, work on puzzles, read books, or make a Dinosaur Tracks bookmark in the Discovery Room, while nature nuts will love the flora and fauna-filled (only two miles!) trail around the center.
Dinosaur Park | Rapid City, SD
Dinosaur Park in Rapid City has celebrated the state’s paleontological history since its opening in 1936. The public (and free) space boasts life-size concrete dinosaur figures the kids can climb, and the 360-degree view of the Badlands is worth the uphill trek necessary to reach the park. The park is a must-see spot if you are in the area!
Wyoming Dinosaur Center | Thermopolis, WY
There are over 30 mounted skeletons and hundreds of displays and dioramas in the museum, all designed to educate and thrill even the tiniest dino fans. It’s hard to say exactly what the star attraction, “Jimbo” the Supersaurus is, or the real-life dig action that happens from late spring into early fall. Families are encouraged to sign up, and if anyone finds a fossil, it’ll be labeled with their name and displayed at the museum!
Nash Dinosaur Track Site | South Hadley, MA
Billed as the best place in North America to see dino tracks, this Western Mass. wayside dinosaur attraction was started in 1939 by Carlton S. Nash and is still in the family today. Formerly known as Nash Dino Land, think more of a roadside stop than a museum. Though it’s not exactly a state-of-the-art facility, very little has changed in 70+ years, which is part of its indelible charm. Since the 1930s it has produced thousands of dinosaur track impressions, many of which are now housed in museums. The Nash Dinosaur Track Site and Rock Shop will delight all your rock hounds and pint-sized paleontologists.
Who wouldn’t want to meet “Rexy” from the Night at the Museum movies? Not only that, but you’ll also find the 122-foot-long Titanosaur, a Velociraptor, and the Triceratops, among thousands of other super cool specimens. Families with kids ages 5-12 should stop by the Discovery Room, an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at the museum, where visitors can assemble a life-sized cast skeleton of Prestosuchus, handle real fossils, and even unearth an Oviraptor nest in a re-creation of a paleontology field site.
Jurassic Park at the Islands of Adventure | Orlando, FL
“It’s lunchtime and you’re on the menu,” teases the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride. Sure, the water cruise starts innocently enough, but soon, your family will be bumped off course and will float toward the restricted area of Jurassic Park. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the hands-on activity center, where kids can test their DNA to see what kind of dinosaur they would be, answer dino trivia, examine dinosaur eggs, and, if they are lucky, watch a baby velociraptor “hatch.” There’s also Camp Jurassic, a prehistoric playground perfect for families with kids of all ages. You can also let the kids navigate suspension bridges, slides, and Thunder Lizard Trail and even try their hand at the water cannons in the containment paddock.
Additional reporting by Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier
If there’s one thing the Easter Bunny (ahem, you) knows, it’s that there are plenty of treats and sweet Easter basket fillers floating around on the big day. That’s why a basket not brimming with sugar is a good move for you and the kids. They’ll have fun surprises and Easter basket stuffers to enjoy, and you’ll be spared the inevitable crash after one too many chocolate bunnies.
We’ve curated a unique collection of Easter basket fillers for kids of all ages—even hard-to-please tweens. Believe it or not, there are a ton of fun and adorable fillers that don’t include a sugar coma. Pick one or two special gifts to surprise them with on Easter morning, or go all out and welcome the unofficial start of spring with a huge haul. Whichever way you go, these picks are sure to get the Bunny’s stamp of approval. So sneak a Peep or two (we won’t tell) and check out our list of basket-ready ideas.
Amuseable Tulip Pot
Jellycat
Did you squeal a little? We did. A plush pot filled with tulips and a contented little demeanor are exactly what we needed but didn't know it.
If you can find a better spring-inspired sock, let us know. We'll wait. If florals aren't what you're after, though, Sock Candy has a bunch of fabulous sheer (and not-so-sheer) socks to check out, too.
Older kids especially appreciate a more involved Lego build, and this cheerful watering can is absolutely ready to display for spring. It's a 3-in-1, so they can build perching birds or a rain boot, too!
Skip the wet paint and go straight to stickers with this puzzle art activity book. With 10 colorful pets to sticker-'paint', it's a great choice for any upcoming spring break travel, too.
A miniature desktop greenhouse complete with tiny gardening tools is perfect for spring. It's a craft-meets-science-project that lets them experiment with seeds and soils over and over.
These interlocking pieces are like if a puzzle and Legos had a baby that create 3-D builds like this adorable bunny and chick, complete with carrot and an Easter egg! This one is adorable for Easter basket stuffers.
When these prehistoric eggs get submerged in water, they crack and hatch a dino within 72 hours! (We don't know that's not how it really happened, right?)
This sparkly set includes 2 pre-printed window designs, 2 color guides, over 1000 SunGemmer gemstone sun-catching stickers, a double-sided mounting tape, plus full instructions.
You probably didn't know baby plants could be so darn cute, but don't feel bad. We didn't, either. This bundle comes with 6 eggs, each with a baby plant ready to hatch, and a collectible mini-poster inside.
We all remember our first digital pet, their little habitat hanging from keyrings on our backpacks. Bitzee is the next generation, with 15 pets inside that all react to touch: pets, swipts, and tilts. It's the #1 most-gifted on Amazon, so you know it's good.
Bring home a (plush!) Easter Bunny of your own and make a direct contribution to protecting animals your kiddo loves. The Snowshoe Hare Adoption Kit includes a plush bunny rabbit, an adoption certificate, a trading card, and a poster with fun facts to learn about your new fluffy friend (here's one: after blending in with its snowy surroundings all winter, the Snowshoe Hare changes its fur back to a rusty brown to celebrate spring!)
This extra-large, 8in diameter scrunchie is the perfect way to add a little extra oomph to any outfit, plus it works with most hair types. Available in 3 colors.
Everyone loves goodies with their zodiac sign, and this little bowl is ideal for jewelry, change, or tiny treasures your kids collect throughout the day. All 12 zodiac sign designs are available.
There's no better way to celebrate the warmer spring weather than by getting a little messy. These throwable paintballs have all the splashy fun of traditional paintballs, without the high-impact launching. The paint is washable and non-toxic, too. Available in multiple colors.
If decorating-with-stickers was a class, our kids would get an A+ every time. It's become a real art, and this sticker is a must-have addition to their collection.
No one ever said Rubik's Cubes have to be in primary colors only. No one. This flowery art cube works exactly the same as the original, but with a twist. Pardon the pun.
There's a good chance your family already loves the original Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game (and if they don't yet, they absolutely will!), and the Easter Edition is just as much fun.
Even if you're skipping jellybeans this year, don't skip these Mini Beans! Build-A-Bear's collection of Easter basket-sized buddies includes Splatter Cow, Cool Quills Hedgehog, and, of course, Pawlette Rabbit.
Glamnetic nails are notorious for gorgeous designs, multiple length and shape options, and major staying power. We think these short mermaid-inspired nails are perfect for tweens who aren't quite ready for a full-length set. Use them with the included glue, or snag some of the press-on sticker tabs, instead, for less mess and less commitment.
NeeDoh Chicka DeeDoos Stress Squeeze Toys, Set of 3
NeeDoh
NeeDoh creates the ultimate stress ball, and this bundle of three neon chicks are here to help you knead the stress away (or to just play with for the sensory experience).
YAWN is cosmetics specifically for kids. You read that right. All of it is formulated without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, mineral oil, or talc. It's designed to be fun and a little messy. This kit comes with All Smiles Lip Balm, Totally Cool Face Multi-Stick, and Be Chill Body Balm, all in a little YAWN pouch.
Miniverse Lifestyle Home Series 1 Mini Collectibles
Target
Each ball comes with realistic mini items and accessories to make your own mini replicas of your favorite lifestyle and home decor pieces! From birdhouses to flowers, and once you've created your replica, simply set it under any UV light for the resin to harden before you display.
We'll always have a special place in our hearts for Lip Smacker, and these Easter-themed Lippy Pals come in Foxy Apple, Hoppy Carrot Cake, and Strawberry Llama. We might need a set, ourselves.
These UV-protective mirrored sunnies were made for kiddos with a style all of their own. And, of course, it's literally never too early to start protecting their vision!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
If a road trip with your rugrat has you stressed—don’t fear! A smart stash of supplies will keep your little one comfortable and content on your travels. This road trip with baby checklist includes everything from snacks for all parties involved, ways to keep kiddo comfortable in their car seat, and extra supplies like books and new toys to make the trip actually enjoyable.
1. First Aid Kit
Buy a ready-made kit to keep in the car or put together your own with the essentials (adhesive bandages, antiseptic pads, gauze pads, tweezers, cold packs, scissors). Bonus: A box of bandages can keep a toddler busy in a pinch. Simply open up the box and let your little one take out the strips and put them back in, over and over. If that loses its magic, let them peel and stick bandages all over themselves and the car seat.
2. Bags to Hold Dirty Clothes
You may be leaving your house, but you’re not leaving laundry behind, unfortunately. Pack a few plastic bags you can use if there’s a blowout or spit-up situation. Better yet, buy Wash.It.Later’s Soak & Save Bags to give you a place to stash dirty clothes until you can toss them in the wash. These bags are pocket-size, leak-proof and have built-in stain-busting solution inside them.
3. Sun Shade
Who doesn’t get cranky when they’re too hot? That air conditioning doesn’t always reach the back seat. To keep kids cool and block UVA and UVB rays, attach one of these sun shades to your car window.
4. Diaper-Changing Kit
When you’re dealing with a dirty diaper on the road, a good diaper kit is a game-changer. You’ll want one that includes a changing mat, wipes, and diaper sacks that lock in wetness and odor, for when you don’t want your car to smell like…you know. No more digging through bottomless diaper bags looking for changing necessities in a panic! Now your trip just got a whole lot smoother.
5. Extra Baby Blankets
Muslin swaddling blankets are lifesavers on long road trips, and in general. They can keep your baby cozy when it’s nap time, act as a light and sound-reducing cover, mop up messes, and can even be folded into a makeshift diaper in a pinch.
6. New Toys & Old Favorites
Pack your little one’s favorite toys, especially a lovey, and throw in a few newbies, too. Put a cardboard box or plastic bin on the seat next to your child’s car seat and fill it with a mix of easy-to-grab toys, like this Oball Shaker and a drawing board. Small trucks and dolls are always a hit too. To maximize the wow factor and keep kids busy longer, wrap each toy before the trip. For more ideas, check out The Best Baby & Toddler Toys for the Car.
7. Mini Vacuum
Crumbs and toddlers go together like peanut butter and jelly. If all that mess drives you nuts, buy a portable vacuum cleaner with a car-compatible power plug, like this one. You’ll use it (and love it!) for years to come.
8. Extra Outfits—for You & Your Babe
Bring at least two or three changes of clothes for your baby, and keep it easily accessible. Keep a clean shirt nearby for yourself, too, as there’s a good chance you’ll get soaked in spit-up. It’s the law of the road.
9. Board Books
A few board books are perfect road-trip distractions for babies and toddlers. Littler ones love to gnaw on Indestructables, drool-friendly books featuring faves like farm animals and smiling faces. Interactive lift-the-flap books and texture-packed books are made to mesmerize toddlers. For more book ideas, read 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs.
10. Tunes for Days!
Your favorite jams will help put everyone on board in a good mood! No need to resort to the Wiggles; put on any music that makes you happy, and chances are your baby will bop along to the beat too. Just be sure to put together a lullaby-packed playlist for nap time.
11. Munchies
Road trips always induce snack attacks, no matter what age you are! We have some smart travel-friendly snack ideas here.
Make sure to capture all your adventures on the road—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Aside from parenting styles, pineapple on pizza, and whether or not Ross and Rachel were on a break, one of the biggest controversies out there is <deep breath> what is your go-to tumbler? We weren’t planning on getting so provocative, but it needs to be discussed. With all the water tumbler choices out there (and our deep need for a tumbler with straw, please) it just makes sense that our picks have a little something to do with our personalities, right? Afterall, that Emotional Support Water you keep by your side at all times (we have one, too) has to be kept in something you love to use. Are you a Zak lover, a Stanley tumbler enthusiast, or something else entirely? We’re here to help you figure it out.
We’re firm hydration supporters. And we’ve actually tried every popular vessel out there. So we’re pretty sure we’ve become experts on what mom personality matches your tumbler choice. You’re toting it around. It’s with you everywhere. It’s pretty much an accessory at this point. We’ve figured out which one you should choose to carry with pride from school drop-off, the office, and everything in between. BrüMate with a handle, Stanley tumbler with a straw? We have them here for you to pick from.
Stanley Tumbler Mom Style
Stanley 1913
Mom Style: You're about all things on-trend. Your Instagram feed is filled with fashion, pop culture, and influencers you love (even though you don't believe they actually sit around on white couches with their kids). If your friends need advice, you're the first one they call. And all that talking means a lot of water drinking.
Luckily, the Stanley 40oz tumbler delivers on everything it says it will. You're looking at 11 hours of cold sips and can stay iced up to 2 days (though we're hoping you refill your water a lot more frequently than that). They're also made out of recycled stainless steel and come in a ton of different colors (make sure to check out their newest tie-dye collection!).
Mom Style: You're an absolute classic. Nothing if not yourself, always. Maybe you love neutrals and have a closet full of mix-and-match, low-maintenance pieces that fit perfectly. You'd rather take your kids camping or sit in the warm sun at baseball practice than a spa day. Oh and that year-round tan? It's natural (but you never forget the SPF, either).
Yeti made its mark by being the outdoor adventurer's go-to, and although lots of different people love them, they've stayed true to their roots. Their tumblers are durable, machine-washable, and reliable (just like you. Well, not the machine-washable part.). One of their newest goodies includes a handle and straw.
Mom Style: Follow the crowd? Not you. Never. You'll set your own trends and march to the beat of your own drum. It's probably not unusual for you to show up somewhere with a new hair color or wild nails. You'll get down on the floor with your kids, fingerpaint, bake—messes are meant to be made.
Owala has a great wide opening, especially for those of us who will never be without ice. The lid can be used with a straw or as a sipper, and it adjusts to accommodate either left-handed or right-handed moms. It's a fab car companion (and moms spend a lot of time in the car, we know).
Mom Style: Life of the party has entered the chat. You're always more than happy to host your kid's friends, book club, or put together last-minute potlucks. You're a social butterfly and people can't get enough of your energy. Your laugh is completely infectious, so keep doing that a lot.
It takes a lot of energy to shine this bright, so it's a good thing that BrüMate can hold both hot (coffee, anyone?) and cold beverages. One of the best parts of BrüMate? Their leakproof design keeps spills at bay, so you have more time to socialize and less time doing laundry.
Mom Style: Beachy, thy name is you. Even if you don't live near water, your laid-back, breezy style exudes serious coastal vibes. Natural fabrics, light hues, and open windows are your whole aesthetic. Your kids know they can look forward to nature walks and road trips.
The Hydro Flask was the original choice of the Vsco Girl, but that’s not their whole business. They're super comfy to tote around, and their different lid options let you customize your drinking experience. Hot or cold, Hydro Flask can handle both.
Mom Style: If vintage was a person, they'd be you. You adore thrifting for the coolest finds (which you're totally notorious for) and whether you're sporting a 50's fit-and-flare dress for brunch or an oversized sweatshirt and leg warmers for an 80's vibe for class party volunteer duty, you can literally wear anything. You've already introduced your kiddos to classic movies (Goonies, anyone?) and are always, always up for a dance party.
Corkcicles newest 40oz Cruiser keeps drinks cold for up to 20 hours! It features an exclusive dual-function sip + straw spill-proof lid, a comfy soft-grip handle, and a stay-put silicone bottom to keep it upright on just about any surface. And the color options? Obsessed over here.
We should definitely mention, though, that you should drink out of whatever tumbler you darn well please, no matter what kind of mom you are. As long as you’re a hydrated one.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Whether they insist on sleeping with one arm flung out of their swaddle or giggle uncontrollably every time they hear the song “Shake It Off,” it’s probably become clear that your baby has a mind of their own—and they don’t need any words to tell you what they like (and strongly dislike!). Beyond their day-to-day preferences, to get a sense of what your infant’s interests, strengths, and challenges might be as toddlers and beyond, look no further than their unique natal astrology. Although it’s just one piece of the complex puzzle that is your baby’s birth chart, their sun sign—the zodiac sign that the sun was moving through when they came into the world—can give you a sense of what their personality will be like. That’s because your baby’s astrology can influence their self-identity, self-image, and confidence.
As an astrologer and the author of Raising Baby by the Stars: A New Parent’s Guide to Astrology, I’m passionate about teaching parents how to use astrology to gain more insight into their little’s distinct perspective—and to hold space for that tiny human to grow into their authentic selves. So let’s dive in and look at each sun sign to explain how it colors your baby’s budding personality.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
With Mars, the planet of action and energy, as their ruling force, your little Aries will need to engage in a lot of physical activity to burn off all that steam. In other words, the minute they’re on the move, you’re going to be getting some boot camp-level cardio just trying to keep up. As the cardinal fire sign, your Aries baby will be a restless go-getter who initiates games and has just about zero tolerance for losing at anything. And because they’re the first of all 12 signs, Aries is considered the baby of the zodiac, so even as they get older your babe will remain super playful and a bit wide-eyed. Key personality traits: Active, competitive, direct, fiery Favorite things: Fast-paced physical activity (jumping, running, or even chilling in the jogging stroller while you zip the two of you through the park); winning and being declared #1 (so make sure you have a space in their room for the trophies they’re going to start racking up); being silly and laughing at slapstick humor. Tantrum fuel: If anything takes too long, moves too slow, or just feels straight-up boring for eager, fast-paced Aries, they’ll quickly lose their cool. The good news is that they do everything at lightning speed, including tantrums, so just as quickly as they explode they’ll be back to their bouncy, happy selves and on to the next thing. To help them move through a bad mood quickly, lean on physical activity or a competitive game.
Taurus (April 21-May 20)
Born under the fixed earth sign ruled by Venus, the planet of luxury, art, and beauty, your Taurus baby adores being comfy and sticking to what they know to be tried and true. This is a kid who is more attached to their lovey than any other and who will really dig their heels in when it comes to trying new foods or routines. The positive flipside of this obstinacy is that they’ll be incredibly dedicated to the activities—and people!—they love and are especially engaged with following through on tasks or goals. As an earth sign, they’re also in touch with nature and love hanging out outside. Key personality traits: Down-to-earth, stubborn, slow-paced, practical Favorite things: Snuggling and getting cozy; enjoying activities that engage as many senses as possible (like smelling flowers in the park while listening to birds and eating a yummy ice cream cone); expressing themselves artistically, perhaps by painting or singing. Tantrum fuel: The good news: Taureans are known for their long fuse. The bad news: They absolutely hate to be rushed or pushed to change anything faster than the pace that comes naturally to them. And as the sign associated with the Second House of Material Possessions, losing a favorite toy or any tactile object they’re attached to will likely result in a major meltdown, so buy backups of that lovey ASAP. When they’re raging, speak to them in a calm, soothing voice and point to the practicalities of any given situation (e.g. “You need to wear this jacket because it is very cold outside”).
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
It’s no wonder Gemini toddlers are super social and raring to go; the mutable air sign is ruled by Mercury, the messenger planet that oversees communication, transportation, and technology. They want to take in as much information as possible and then share it, so don’t be surprised if your tot’s a total chatterbox. Mercury also makes them really active listeners, and they’ll be the first kids to mimic or do impressions (so you’ll want to watch your language around this one!). There’s a good reason the sign is symbolized by twins, as you may notice that your Gemini baby vacillates between two distinct personality traits—they could be incredibly shy one moment and extroverted the next. Key personality traits: Curious, communicative, dualistic, social Favorite things: Lively “chats,” whether that’s simply listening to you talk or fully engaged in a tête-à-tête; being read to and, later, reading on their own (they’re lovers of language from a young age); going on road trips or long-distance journeys where there are lots of opportunities to soak up new information. Tantrum fuel: Having to engage in quiet time or missing out on social time (maybe it’s their bedtime, but Grandma’s visiting) will send your Twins kid into a tailspin. They also loathe any circumstance that limits their mental stimulation and ability to express themselves and connect with others. That said, you can tackle a tantrum by holding space for them to talk through their feelings or work through them by scribbling with crayons on a piece of paper.
Cancer (June 22-July 21)
Born under the cardinal water sign ruled by the moon, which oversees emotions and intuition in astrology, your Crab baby is a total softie. Family-oriented and heartfelt, it might sometimes feel like they’re literally glued to your side. They’re also big on being near the water, whether that’s your go-to beach for annual vacays or just a tub full of their fave bath toys. Since the moon moves through the zodiac quickly, changing signs and setting a different emotional tone every two-ish days, you’ll notice your Cancer’s disposition tends to ebb and flow, too. That’s why they have a reputation for being a bit moody, but even when they’re retreating into their shell, they’re total lovebugs. Key personality traits: Sentimental, goofy, sensitive, nurturing Favorite things: Time spent with you and other family members, ideally feeling closely bonded by saying “I love you” (and showing it); creative outlets that allow them to lean into their innate caring side, like playing doctor with you as the patient; helping you make—and noshing on—yummy comfort foods in the kitchen. Tantrum fuel: Crabs need to feel emotionally secure and connected to their parent or caregiver even more than the average kiddo, so sensing that you’re not in sync and attuned to them could set them off. Reassuring them that you’re always there for them and love them can go a long way.
Your little Lion will be a bit of an attention fiend from the start, but they come by it naturally—it’s the fixed fire sign ruled by the gleaming, brilliant sun. They adore being the star of the show and earning all of the applause, and they just can’t help it since they’re usually pretty magnetic, upbeat, and charming. Plus, their sign’s association with the Fifth House of Self-Expression makes them naturally creative performers. They’re also direct, confident go-getters who believe being sunny and self-assured will get them across any finish line. Like all the fixed signs, they’re apt to become kind of infatuated with their favorite pastimes—whether that’s watching Ms. Rachel or staging their own plays. Key personality traits: Charismatic, optimistic, fun-loving, confident Favorite things: Soaking up the sunshine (they’re happiest during their warm, playful, summery season) and the spotlight; expressing themselves through an art form, like dancing or theater—ideally one with an adoring audience; setting the stage for friends to emulate them and leading the charge on play dates. Tantrum fuel: Leos are innate leaders and have a bossy streak, so learning that they’re actually not the one calling the shots can drive them up a wall. Feeling like you’re not seeing and/or hearing them will also likely fuel a lot of roaring. Offer them a sense of control and to feel heard by giving them a choice between limited options (like two different rainy day activities to do).
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Born under the mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury, the information-gathering planet, your little one is eager to be helpful, a bookworm in the making, and a super communicator with an aptitude for critical thinking. They love hearing and telling stories as well as learning and sharing what they’ve learned. And, lucky you, because they might actually be eager to help out with detail-oriented chores as a result of Virgo being associated with the Sixth House of Daily Routine. As a true mutable sign, they might just be a bit more adaptable than other kids, but on the flip side, they also struggle to make up their minds as a result of overthinking. Key personality traits: Cerebral, diligent, kind, pragmatic Favorite things: School supplies—even before they’re in school, they’ll gravitate to pencils, journals, or just blank pages of construction paper perfect for working on their communication skills; reading books, perhaps especially on Mercury-ruled topics like technology or transportation; a tidy, organized space that contributes to them feeling calm. Tantrum fuel: As a result of their ruler, Mercury, Virgos need to feel like they’ve had a chance to gather information before they make a decision, so feeling pressured into a conclusion before they’ve had a chance to do that can cause your Maiden kiddo to get frighteningly cranky. They also tend to overthink and worry quite a bit, which can contribute to moodiness—and is also a case for fostering grounding mindfulness skills, which can also be the perfect antidote to a grouchy mood.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
With Venus, the planet of relationships and art, as your Libra kid’s ruler, they can’t help but be partnership-oriented and beauty-loving. The benefits of having an aesthetically appealing space are probably lost on a lot of littles, but not a Libra who will be more inclined toward peacefulness if the color of their nursery walls and the amount of sunlight in their room is just so. The sign is also associated with the Seventh House of Partnership, so your wee Libra prefers one-on-one bonding with you, other loved ones, and friends—and may be quick to declare a playmate their BFF. They’re also people-people and complete social butterflies. Key personality traits: Social, peace-seeking, artistic, free-spirited Favorite things: Art supplies that will allow them to create something beautiful of their very own; soothing surroundings (music, colors, lighting) that set a harmonious tone in their living space; parties and other opportunities to hang out with a bunch of fun, friendly faces. Tantrum fuel: As a result of their ruler, Venus, which is the planet of harmony and peace, little (and, tbh, big) Libras will go out of their way to avoid conflict or any kind of bumps in the road. As they grow up, in an effort not to lose their cool, they sometimes steer toward passive-aggressiveness. It’s a case for showing them that all feelings are equally important and worthy of acknowledging and working through.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
If your kid was born under the sign of the Scorpion—the fixed water sign—they’re magnetic, dynamic, powerful go-getters. That’s in part because their modern ruler is Pluto, the planet of transformation, and their traditional ruler is Mars, the planet of action and energy. Though they experience emotions in a super-intense way, they’re prone to keeping them to themselves and sharing only once they are absolutely ready (and generally only with VIPs). Key personality traits: Family-oriented, fearless, intuitive, self-possessed Favorite things: A security item like a blanket or lovey that has been and will be theirs forever; games, activities, puzzles, or stories that involve a mystery they can solve; time spent at the beach or swimming, because, just like other water signs, they find being near or in the water centering. Tantrum fuel: Driven and resolute, little Scorps absolutely hate being told “no”—yes, even more than the average toddler. It’s enough to make them dig their heels in even further. Making sure they feel heard can make a difference. And remind them that they can let you know how they feel whenever, given that your Scorpion prefers to open up about big feelings on their own time.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
A little one born under the mutable fire sign Sagittarius is gregarious, free-spirited, independent-minded, and probably fairly outspoken—even if only in the form of top-volume shrieks or giggles. Thanks to Sag’s ruler, Jupiter, the planet of abundance and fortune, they’re glass-half-full kids and also believe bigger and more is always better. In other words, skip the mini cupcakes and opt for a totally over-the-top cake with a giant Bluey figurine. Being associated with the Ninth House of Adventure, they’re full of wanderlust right off the bat. You can typically guarantee a Sag kid is one you can plunk in a carrier and take with you wherever—on a hike, a train ride, or overseas—without all that much fuss. Key personality traits: Adventurous, unfiltered, buoyant, independent Favorite things: Any opportunity to learn about different languages or cultures given their innate penchant for soaking up knowledge and globetrotting; lots of silly jokes because they’re natural comedians; lots of wide, open spaces to play, run, and feel free. Tantrum fuel: As free-spirited as they are, Sagittarians absolutely hate boundaries, restrictions, and limits more than most kids, so talking to them from a young age about how following rules can actually create space for more freedom would be wise.
Capricorn (December 22-January 21)
Born under the cardinal earth sign ruled by taskmaster Saturn, the planet of commitment and boundaries, Cap kiddos are serious, driven, and wise beyond their years. They’re also eager to put in the work to achieve their goals, and they’ll set ambitious ones. Your Sea Goat is a natural-born leader who enjoys taking the initiative, likely catching you off guard when they actually want to help you file away bills or put away dishes. As a toddler or older, they’ll be the kid who kicks off a round of a new game with friends and then makes sure everyone understands the rules. Key personality traits: Precocious, grounded, traditional, industrious Favorite things: Spending time working toward a goal, especially in nature, like helping you garden; big-picture goals they’re able to hit via a step-by-step plan and possibly a sticker chart; learning about history as they’re old souls with a reverence for the past. Tantrum fuel: Being thought of as foolish is your Cap’s worst nightmare, so if they make a mistake or have an accident, they’ll be deeply upset. Don’t expect a fire sign-style freakout; their tantrum style is a bit more restrained as they may struggle to let their guard down. So relay that it’s OK to mess up, because we’re all human, and it’s also OK to have big feelings.
Aquarius (January 22-February 18)
Your science-minded, super-social kiddo was born under the fixed air sign, symbolized by the Water Bearer. Quick to make friends with just about anyone, your little one will also want to be fiercely themselves and strike out against convention, thanks to Aquarius’ modern ruler, Uranus, the game-changer planet. So if you want to encourage them to do something, telling them that all the other kids are doing it will get you, well, just about nowhere. Celebrating what makes them unique and different and allowing for a lot of experimentation is the fast track to a happy Aquarius. Key personality traits: Future-minded, inventive, friendly, rebellious Favorite things: Working as part of a team or group, maybe even joining you when you volunteer, because Aquarians take a lot of pride in connecting with and contributing to their community; technology of all kinds, given that Uranus is the planet of electricity and innovation; lots of opportunities to go against the grain, whether that’s by listening to quirky music or wearing wildly clashing colors completely on purpose. Tantrum fuel: Because they’re so defensive of their independent spirit, your little Water Bearer could very well go berserk as a result of being told they have to do, well, just about anything, especially if it’s because everyone else is doing it. And while all toddlers love to ask “why” repeatedly, Aquarius is especially prone to this, and if you don’t play ball, they’re sure to get wildly aggravated. Nurture their curiosity and lean on creative learning when they’re feeling down (think: STEM activities or putting together funky outfits).
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
If your baby was born under the mutable water sign Pisces, they’re empathic, sensitive, and intriguingly in tune with the mystical, spiritual aspects of life. Heck, they may even be psychic They can’t help but pick up on the energy around them, which means from a very young age, it’s smart to work with them on identifying and owning their own emotions. Incredibly imaginative, as a result of their modern ruling planet, Neptune, the planet of spirituality, your Pisces might have vivid dreams and would do well to have lots of artistic outlets for expressing themselves and their deep feelings. Key personality traits: Emotional, imaginative, tenderhearted, perceptive Favorite things: Whimsical, fantastical stories and entertainment that allow them to escape the humdrum of everyday life; an artistic way to share their emotions, whether that’s a beginner’s musical instrument or canvas and paint set; time spent with you learning about everyday magic (like how flowers bloom or the tides are linked to the moon). Tantrum fuel: Sensitive Piscean kids are easily overwhelmed by not only their own feelings but other people’s emotions they often pick up on, and feeling totally exhausted by being the littlest empath can really set the stage for a tearful tirade. In turn, you’ll do well to work with your Fish on self-soothing techniques like meditation or toddler yoga.