Whether you are looking for the best playgrounds in Central Park, or ones that have been renovated in the last few years, this list has it all

NYC’s playgrounds were already awesome, but recent upgrades have made many of them even more epic destinations of fun for kids (and parents!). No matter what your kid’s age or style of play is, there’s an NYC playground for them.

We’ve rounded up all of our intel on the best NYC parks and playgrounds for kids—from the best playgrounds from around the city’s boroughs (including Brooklyn and Manhattan playgrounds), to cool splash pads and shady spots to cool down in the summer. Pack up some water, a change of clothes, a towel, and some snacks…and go play!

Our Favorite Manhattan Playgrounds

Teardrop Park in Battery Park

The two-acre, sustainable Teardrop Park was designed by child development experts and it shows. The park’s play elements are integrated into the awesome landscape, which allows children to interact with water, plants, rock, and sand. The shadier southern half of the park features a rock step-path that leads up to a long slide, two sand pits, “theatre steps,” and a water playground. The northern half of the park features a broad lawn (which receives lots of sunlight), park benches, a wetland, and a perched gathering area made from rocks, the last of which is an installation created by artist Ann Hamilton.

Dividing these two areas is a large wall, composed of rocks brought to lower Manhattan from elsewhere in New York State. A short tunnel connects the two areas, and paths crisscross the site, providing elevated views within the park and beyond as well as connections across the park. It’s a hidden gem of a spot for those really looking to connect with nature and take a literal few steps out of the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Restrooms: Located at the northwest corner and in the lower level of the Solaire Building, across the street from the Park House.

Warren St. in Battery Park
Battery Park City
Online: mvvainc.com

Battery Playscape in Battery Park
This playground is a natural-feeling oasis located right alongside the Seaglass Carousel that opened in 2021. The play structures draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape and feature open-ended play. There are plenty of spaces to run, play, slide, and climb, and the designs feature plenty of fun shapes and textures to look at and touch. Plus, it was opened with Hurricane Sandy in mind, and the entire space (including the plants) is designed to “flood and recover” in case of flooding. Battery Playscape is also home to ShowBox, a small stage that frequently hosts free plays, puppet shows, improv sessions, and more.

Restrooms: None on-site, but there are restrooms just a few minutes walk from the playground.

20 State St.
Battery Park City
Online: thebattery.org

Toll Family Playground in Central Park
The Toll Family Playground is a prime spot for toddlers and preschool kids, offering a full selection of features for a wide variety of play. The hallmark of the playground is two small house structures, a nod to similar shelters from the playground’s original 1936 design. (The playground was renovated in 2018.)

You’ll also find a smaller slide and play structure, swings, spinner, and spring toys, and an area for sand play that’s sized for smaller children. The playground is located at the base of Summit Rock, the highest point in the park and a popular point of interest.

Restrooms: None on-site. The closest park restrooms are located at Delacorte Theater, around 80th Street.

West side of Central Park at 84th Street, near Mariner’s Gate 85th Street entrance
Upper West Side
Online: centralparknyc.org

Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park
Inspired by the Central Park nature that surrounds it, this playground is like a miniature version of the park.  The playground received a facelift in 2018, adding more opportunities for play and interaction while maintaining its charming natural feel. Kids can slide down granite slides (meant to feel like a smaller version of sliding down one of the park’s famous rock formations), walk across a miniature bridge, follow natural-feeling trails, or hang out in the wooden play structure.

Restrooms: Be aware that the closest restrooms are located at Heckscher Playground, which is a bit of a walk.

East Side at 67th
Upper East Side
Online: centralparknyc.org

Pier 25 Playground at Hudson River Park

River Park’s Pier 25 Playground is the golden ticket of playgrounds with a rock climbing wall, two space-age climbing structures for big kids, small slides for toddlers, a modern merry-go-round, a roomy sandbox, multiple swing sets, and a huge water play area. Not to mention, it’s next door to a skate park, snack shack, mini-golf course (for a fee), beach volleyball court, and soccer field.

Need more? Kids can explore a historic steamship and tugboat! The park also features an on-site Art Shack, where kids can get crafty and creative at no cost. Ice cream and light snacks can be purchased nearby for a good cause: Proceeds support the park and Manhattan-based youth programs.

Restrooms: Find the restrooms near the pier entrance along the walking path, close to the playground.

North Moore St. at Hudson River
Tribeca
Online: hudsonriverpark.org

Dinosaur Playground in Riverside Park
This playground has swings, two sandboxes, a summer spray shower, lots of places to climb, and plenty of shade provided by large trees. But the playground’s main attraction is its namesake: two fiberglass dinosaurs! The Triceratops and hadrosaur (which you may recognize by its other name, a duckbill dinosaur) offer a whimsical space for climbing and imaginative play. Plus, Dinosaur Playground is located in Riverside Park, which has spectacular views of the Hudson River and New Jersey, and many places to explore and rest when the little ones have had their fill of playing.

Restrooms: The playground has a restroom at 97th Street & Riverside Drive.

6681 Riverside Dr.
Upper West Side
Online: nycgovparks.org

The Ancient Playground in Central Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqQoKWVOobS/?hidecaption=true

 

The Ancient Playground is one of Central Park’s adventure-style playgrounds, which features play structures that you wouldn’t normally find in a traditional playground. The popular play spot is inspired by the Egyptian exhibits at the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art, located a stone’s throw away from the playground. It’s a perfect place to visit for a picnic and some fun in the sun after a trip to the museum.

Kids can scramble around on the pyramids, obelisk, and sundial—or frolic in the sandbox, swings, and slides. Sprinklers will cool down steaming kiddos on hot days. Be on the lookout for some beautiful sculptures depicting different fairy tales scattered throughout the playground, like a brass squirrel and peacock, and various storybook fables on the playground gates.

Restrooms: On-site restrooms are available from 7 a.m. until dusk.

East Side at 85th St.
Upper East Side
Online: centralparknyc.org

Indian Road Playground at Inwood Hill Park
Named after the Indian settlement that used to stand on the site, Indian Road Playground is a community space that’s maintained and fundraised by the Friends of the Indian Road Playgrond organization. The playground is made up of muted browns and blues, looking like it belongs in the middle of the natural space it resides in. It’s themed around chess and checkers, complete with pawn-shaped sprinklers and a checkerboard painted on the pavement. There’s also a complete playground set, including a wooden climbing structure and swings. Rocks form places to climb or sit, making for a hybrid naturalistic and modern playground space for all ages.

Restrooms: Yes, restrooms are available.

570 W. 214th St.
Inwood
Online: nycgovparks.org

Discovery Playground in Fort Washington Park
The Discovery Playground is built right into its surroundings, with slides and benches standing literally at the bases of large trees. This means there’s plenty of shade all summer long, and that kids can interact with both structured playground equipment and unstructured imaginative play with the surrounding natural environment. There’s a charming treehouse made of tree trunks, a rope web for climbing, a mini-mountain of rocks, and a sand pit.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available; however, they’re not wheelchair-accessible.

Hudson River Greenway at W. 163rd St.
Washington Heights
Online: nycgovparks.org

Bloomingdale Playground in the UWS
The fun checkered floor, the curved structures, and the circular gear kinetic fixtures make Bloomingdale Playground look like a steampunk park. Besides looking incredibly stylish, this playground uses a special “universal design” concept, which emphasizes accessible design for all children. The playground merges equipment meant for different levels of physical and mental ability, encouraging interaction between children who might otherwise be delegated to different parts of the playground.

Restrooms: Yes, the playground has restrooms.

Amsterdam Ave. & W. 104th St.
Upper West Side
Online: nycgovparks.org

Our Favorite Brooklyn Playgrounds

Domino Park Playground

This playground is part of Domino Park, a five-acre park that opened in 2018. Built on the former site of the Domino Sugar Factory in North Williamsburg, this park provides gorgeous views of the East River. Domino Park is home to a one-of-a-kind playground designed by Mark Reigelman that’s inspired by the sugar refining process. It’s as fun to play in as it is to look at, with slides short and steep, ladders to scale, web tunnels to traverse, pulleys, platforms and stairs. There’s seating nearby for grownups, and faux turf for relaxing on. Tacos from the park’s food vendor Tacocina are nearby, but expect a line. Take note that wildly-popular pizza place Roberta’s has a location nearby at 6 Grand Street.

Restrooms: In the park, a short stroll away (very nice trailers when we visited).

15 River St. (Entrances along Kent Ave. at South 5th, South 3rd, and Grand Streets)
Williamsburg
Online: dominopark.com

Pier 3 at Brooklyn Bridge Park
While not exactly a playground, Pier 3 is worth checking out with the kids for at least a couple of reasons. First, it’s the final pier to be converted to park space in Brooklyn Bridge Park, in 2018. Second, it’s home to numerous interactive pieces, many of which happen to demonstrate scientific principles of sound and light. On one part of the pier, hedges of various shapes and sizes create a natural labyrinth with surprises around every turn: a walk-in kaleidoscope (extra large mirrored panels) parabolic reflectors, sound tubes, dance chimes, and stone seating from Gunther Beltzig. When you’re done, head to the massive open lawn to run around or lounge.

Restrooms: Not here; the closest one is one pier over on Pier 2, in the orange building.

334 Furman St.
Dumbo
Online: brooklynbridgepark.org

Harmony Playground in Prospect Park
Located next to the Prospect Park bandshell, this enormous playground was designed with music in mind. Little ones will find the harp and trumpet-shaped sprinklers totally refreshing in warmer weather. When they’re done, they can clang out a tune on the larger-than-life xylophones. Jungle gym equipment areas featuring slides, ramps and ladders are available for both toddlers and big kids.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available, but we recommend that you bring wipes as they’re not always stocked.

Prospect Park West between 9th and 11th Streets
Park Slope
Online: prospectpark.org

Zucker Natural Exploration Area in Prospect Park
When life throws an unexpected hurricane at you, you make the best of it. And that’s exactly what Prospect Park did with the Zucker Natural Exploration Area, which uses natural materials like trees that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The result is a very natural and unstructured playground for kids of all ages, allowing children to closely interact with nature.

Restrooms: None on-site. There are public bathrooms north and southwest from the playground.

Northeast section of Prospect Park
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Online: prospectpark.org

Pier 6 Playgrounds in Brooklyn Bridge Park

This playground is, quite frankly, absurd in its offerings. A giant wooden teepee with slide exit, large spherical climbing structures and more slides built into the landscape are just a few of the highlights. On warm days, the Water Lab is packed with kids of all ages splashing around in the sprinklers and wading pool area. If they prefer to stay dry, your tots can put their building skills to the test in one of the city’s largest sandboxes. Looking for high-flying fun? Check out Swing Valley’s ten swing sets and Tarzan rope. Not for nothing: the landscaping, nearby waterside, and yummy food vendors at the park don’t hurt either.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available (at the Fornino Pizza building near the Water Lab).

Atlantic Ave. at Joralemon
Brooklyn Heights
Online: brooklynbridgepark.org

Main Street Playground in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Your little pirates will love this nautical-themed playground located in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge on Pier 1 of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Kids can climb aboard the ship-shaped playground equipment and peep through portholes, race across bridges, or whiz down the twisty slide. A boat-shaped sandbox provides yet another spot for sunny day diversions.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available nearby at Pier 1.

Plymouth & Main St.
Dumbo
Online: brooklynbridgepark.org

Betsy Head Memorial Playground at Betsy Head Park
After a multi-year, $30 million overhaul, this Brownsville park has everything you could want. Additions include a skate park, a parkour course, an inclusionary basketball course for self-competition, handball and basketball courts, an event space, running track, athletic field, traverse wall and new play structures. Plus new plantings, game tables and renovated bathrooms. The park is also home to the city’s second Imagination Playground—a collection of large blue foam building blocks that encourage creativity and collaboration. (The first one, located in Manhattan’s Seaport District, is one of our favorites in the city.) Plus: there’s a huge pool in the summer.

Restrooms: The playground has wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

Dumont Ave. & Thomas S. Boyland St.
Brownsville
Online: nycgovparks.org

North Side Playground in Ft. Greene Park
Also affectionately known as New Fort Greene Park, this playground can be a nice alternative to the often-crowded play area on the other side of the park. The main attraction is a huge, fort-shaped structure, complete with slides, ramps, monkey bars and a couple of treehouse-like hangouts. A separate toddler area is available for the smaller set, complete with baby swings and pint-sized climbing equipment. Take a break from playing to check out the pillars surrounding the playground to learn the official state animal of each of the thirteen original colonies. (Spoiler alert: New York’s is not a pigeon, it’s a beaver.)

Restrooms: There’s a comfort station on-site.

Myrtle Ave. and St. Edwards Place
Fort Greene
Online: nycgovparks.org

Leif Ericson Park Playground in Bay Ridge
Named for Viking Leif Ericson, one of the first Europeans to set foot on North American soil, it’s fitting that the equipment at this playground has a Viking theme. Kids can climb the oar ladders and run across the wooden planks in the Viking ship-shaped play structure, or run through the flower-shaped sprinklers in the water play area.  While the park tends to get crowded, it still has a true neighborhood feel.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available.

Shore Road between 3rd and 4th Avenues
Bay Ridge
Online: nycgovparks.org

Lincoln Terrace Park Playground in Crown Heights
Opened in 2019, this bright new play space forms a circular portion in Lincoln Terrace / Arthur S. Somers Park. It has separate play areas for big and small kids, slides, rope webs for climbing, and tons of monkey bars for kids to clamber around on. Besides the typical playground fare, the playground has some more open-ended play fixtures, like integrated natural spaces, colorful “stepping stones,” and some adorable little hobbit houses. There are sprinklers on-site as well, to cool down little visitors in the summer heat.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available, but they’re not wheelchair-accessible.

East New York Ave.
Crown Heights
Online: nycgovparks.org

Our Favorite Queens Playgrounds

Gantry Plaza State Park

Part sprinkler, part sculpture, and the water feature at Gantry Plaza State Park is not only cool-looking, but it also helps conserve water, operating for 45 minutes at a time. The shiny metal rods are kid-activated, and users can also regulate the water pressure as well. Nearby hammocks and seats offer a place to rest and enjoy the spectacular view of midtown. Don’t forget to take a stroll in the 12-acre riverside park and marvel at the Pepsi Cola sign or the large metal gantries—vestiges of the shipping industry—the structures that give the park its name.

Restrooms: The playground has restrooms by the basketball courts.

4-09 47th Rd.
Long Island City
Online: parks.ny.gov

Playground for All Children in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
This playground was specially designed to be accessible to children with disabilities. It was the first of its kind when it opened in 1984, and served as inspiration for others to open in other locations in NYC, as well as across the United States. The equipment is meant to accommodate kids ages 3 through 12, and features play structures that allow kids who use crutches, walkers, canes, or wheelchairs to enjoy the same kind of fun that able-bodied kids can achieve. The space includes a race track that surrounds an ADA-accessible splash pad, a 12-foot-long suspension bridge that’s equipped with safety measures, slides, and swings—all created to be accessible for all children. Plus, plaques around the park teach kids about nature in English and braille.

Restrooms: Yes, located at 111 Street and Corona Avenue.

11101 Corona Ave.
Corona
Online: nycgovparks.org

Astoria Heights Playground
The Astoria Heights Playground is a stylishly industrial space with gleaming steel and a slick design. It was recently renovated and now houses a curved climbing wall, some exercise equipment for adults, and a set of 10 spray jets for a splashing good time. The space caters to kids of all ages, from tots to teens. Parents will love it for the calm picnic area, where families can wind down and relax after an exciting romp through the park

Restrooms: Yes, public restrooms are available here.

30th Rd.
Astoria
Online: nycgovparks.org

Paul Raimonda Playground in Astoria
Take your little composers and performers out to this musical playground in Astoria for a frolicing fun time. The playground was originally called the Steinway Community Playground, named after the famous piano makers Steinway & Sons. Despite the new name (renamed to honor Paul Raimonda, a local community activist), the playground retains its musical origins in the play structures on offer. The main attraction is the piano-shaped sprinkler system, but there’s also a lyrical flow to the rest of the playground’s structures, which rise up and down like a melody. Though if this goes over your tot’s head, they’ll still love to cross the piano bridge or climb over and under the different curved structures.

Restrooms: There are restrooms in the playground.

47th Street &, 20th Ave.
Astoria
Online: nycgovparks.org

Jurassic Playground in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
The Jurassic Playground and its sister playground across the lake, the Triassic Playground are themed around—of course—dinosaurs! The playground pays homage to “Dinoland,” an exhibit from the 1964-5 World’s Fair held in Flushing Meadows Park. Alongside swings and monkey bars, the playground has some dino-inspired structures, like a curved ladder built like the spines of a stegosaurus. There’s also a large apatosaurus structure, and dino art depicting every kid’s favorites, from the triceratops to the ankylosaurus.

Restrooms: None in the playground. The closest restrooms are by the basketball courts north of the playground, on Grand Central Parkway.

Meadow Lake Dr. & Meadow Lake Trail
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Online: nycgovparks.org

Our Favorite Bronx Playgrounds

Roberto Clemente State Park

Not only does this Bronx park feature an Olympic-size pool, you’ll also find a new sprayground with more than 20 spray features in a rainbow of colors and multiple shapes. The 25-acre waterfront park runs along the Harlem River and charges a nominal fee ($2 for adults, $1 for kids) to use the pool complex.

Restroom: Yes. In fact, this park boasts the city park’s first gender-neutral restroom.

301 West Tremont Ave.
University Heights
Online: parks.ny.gov

St. Mary’s Playground West in South Bronx

St. Mary’s Park is the largest park in South Bronx, and, as such, it’s pretty popular with the community. There are three playgrounds in the park, and all are worth a visit. The western playground was newly updated in 2019 and is now home to brand new play equipment and safety flooring in bright and colorful patterns, sprinklers for hot summer days, and a new adult fitness equipment section. There are now also more spaces to sit, including picnic tables, as well as renovated basketball courts. While you’re there, take a dip in the recreation center’s indoor pool! (You’ll need a membership to NYC’s system of park rec centers.)

Restrooms: Yes, ADA-compliant restrooms can be found in the playground.

519 St Ann’s Ave.
South Bronx
Online: nycgovparks.org

Our Favorite Staten Island Playgrounds

E.M.T. Christopher J. Prescott Playground
If you have a child who’s on the autism spectrum, they’ll feel right at home at this playground. Renamed in 1997 after a local Staten Island E.M.T. (he attended the school that stands by the playground), who died in the line of duty. The playground received a facelift in 2021, and now includes a brand new Sensory Playground, designed specifically for kids with autism. There are lots of spaces to interact with, including a depiction of the sign language alphabet, sensory boards for a variety of tactile feedback, metal drums, and more… in addition to the usual swing and climbing set. Sprinklers in the shape of rocks adorn the accessible splash pad, and there are some unique play spots like a slide composed of rollers for even more sensory feedback.

Restrooms: Yes, there are accessible restrooms in the playground.

Irvington St.
Staten Island
Online: nycgovparks.org

Seaside Wildlife Nature Playground

Never has anyone been so excited to be shipwrecked! This Staten Island playground is also known as Pirate Park and features a huge boat to explore and fun play equipment to climb. Structures are inspired by well-known Island mainstays like the Staten Island Ferry and the Lighthouse, and once the kids are done climbing, they can cool off in the spray showers.

Restrooms: There are no public restrooms in the park or the surrounding area, so come prepared. (Restrooms are planned but have been in the works for over five years now.)

Nelson Ave. & Tennyson Dr.
Great Kills, Staten Island
Online: nycgovparks.org

Other Awesome NYC Playgrounds

play:groundNYC at Governors Island

This playground is more like a junkyard, and heads up: parents aren’t allowed in! Kids are given free reign to discover, create, and build (with real tools!) as they wish. The space is watched over by trained “playworkers,” who support kids in their play, and help assess risk and keep things safe. Other than these helpers, the kids have all the power over how they play and what their play space looks like. The Yard is only open on weekends, April through November. It’s free to play, but note that there tends to be a wait.

And while you’re here on Governors Island, you don’t want to miss the other play spaces it has to offer. We highly recommend having a go at Slide Hill, which includes a slide that’s a whopping three stories tall, and checking out the Hammock Grove Play Area, where kids can clamber around on naturalistic structures made of logs and ropes.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located all around the island.

40 Barry Rd.
Governors Island
Online: play-ground.nyc

Imagination Playground

Imagination Playground, designed by famed architect (and dad) David Rockwell, is an interactive play space that prompts kids to engage in unstructured creative free play and make a play space of their own. Kids use sand, water and loose parts like giant foam blocks, mats, and fabric to engage in fantasy and cooperative play, as well as good old fashioned running around like nuts.

The flagship Imagination Playground is located near South Street Seaport at Burling Slip (South St., Front St. and John St.). Additional Imagination Playgrounds pop up in playgrounds around the city as well. Check the NYC Parks page to find a location near you!

Multiple locations
Online: nycgovparks.org

Best NYC Parks with Shade

Catbird Playground in Carl Schurz Park
Located on the south end of Yorkville’s lovely Carl Schurz Park (also home to the mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion) Catbird Playground takes its name from a James Thurber short story. You’ll find climbing structures, swings, monkey bars, rings, a sandbox and spray showers—all under the cover of shade mature trees. The park, home to two dog runs, is also known for being very dog-friendly.

Restrooms: Yes, restrooms are available.

East End Avenue and 84th St
Yorkville
Online: nycgovparks.org

Hippo Playground in Riverside Park

If hippos don’t know how to keep cool, who does? Much beloved by the community, the Safari Playground takes its more common name “Hippo Playground” from the impossible-to-miss Bob Cassily hippopotamus statues found “frolicking” in the park.  A particularly good spot for young ones, the playground includes swings, a wood play structure, a jungle gym, a slide, a soft play surface, a sand pit, and a spray fountain. There are also picnic tables and a cool Joan of Arc statue at 93rd Street, just a brief walk away. Lots of seasonal events take place here, so be on the lookout for fun things in the works.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available on-site.

W. 91st St. and Riverside Dr.
Upper West Side
Online: nycgovparks.org

Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park
This rustic and naturalistic playground has miniatures of Central Park features, like a mini-Gapstow Bridge and granite slides meant to recreate the experience of climbing on and sliding down one of the park’s huge rock formations. The playground is located in the middle one of the more wooded areas of the park, which means tons of trees casting comfortable shade onto the play areas. A number of pergolas provide additional shade on the playground and over the benches.

Restrooms: The closest restrooms are located at Heckscher Playground.

East Side at 67th
Upper East Side
Online: centralparknyc.org

Pier One at Brooklyn Bridge Park
An unsung hero in Brooklyn Bridge Park (often overshadowed, so to speak, by Slide Mountain and Swing Valley over on Pier 6) the Pier 1 play space is notable for a couple of reasons. While we love the playgrounds at BBP, shade can be sparse. However, this playground is an exception and is mercifully surrounded by greenery. It’s tucked away and feels like a hidden sanctuary!

The playground is also a fantastic space for the younger set; babies and toddlers can explore low-lying turtles, a colorful mini house and climbing structure, and enjoy some swing time.

Restrooms: The closest restrooms are located on Pier One, in a trailer near Lizzmonade. There are more restrooms on Pier 2, under Squibb Bridge.

Brooklyn Bridge Park (near ferry and water taxi docks)
2 Furman St.
Online: brooklynbridgepark.org

St. Mary’s Playground in Gowanus
It’s so limiting to think of shade coming just from trees. In the city—and in the proud industrial Brooklyn neighborhood of Gowanus—the shade comes from train tracks overhead. It sounds counter-intuitive, but this playground, located beneath the F/G train overpass, is a pleasant place to spend some time. It features ADA-accessible playground equipment for kids of all ages, lots of room to roam, a safety surface underfoot, and gentle spray showers that are activated at the touch of a button.

Restrooms: The playground has restrooms.

422 Smith St. (between Nelson and Huntington)
Carroll Gardens/Gowanus
Online: nycgovparks.org

Charybdis Playground in Astoria Park

Taking its name from Greek mythology (Charybdis was the daughter of Poseidon, and responsible for some rough waters near Sicily) this playground is found on the western edge of Astoria Park. In addition to shade, this park offers lovely views of the East River, and the Triborough and Hells Gate Bridges, as well as photo-worthy sunsets. Bonus: It underwent major renovations a few years ago and the splash pad area is epic! Plus, Astoria Park is also home to one of our favorite free public pools in the city.

Restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in the playground.

Shore Blvd. and 19th St. at 23rd Rd.
Astoria
Online: nycgovparks.org

 

Buy it here, $10

Buy it here, $10

Threshold™ Plastic Tumblers

new tumblers are Easter decorations at Target

Spruce up your table just in time for Easter with these lovely (and durable) plastic tumblers that come in blue or pink.

Buy them here, $4 each

Threshold™ Cloth Bunny Napkins

What goes better with your new tumblers than these sweet bunny napkins? All that’s left is to decide on your Easter brunch menu.

Buy them here, $5 each

Easter decorations at Target
How cute is this little guy? There are other birds in the collection, including an Easter Bunny bird, and a gardener bird. We love the whimsical vibe they’ll bring to Easter this year!

Buy it here, $5

Spritz™ Nesting Easter Rainbow

Spring means rainbows and this adorable nesting figurine will bring smiles to your home!

Buy it here, $10

Threshold™ Easter Flower Filler

If you don’t love to go all in on Easter decorations, then consider leaning into spring. These vibrant flowers will brighten up any table.
Buy them here, $12

See the entire new collection of Easter decorations at Target here.

All images courtesy of Target

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


If you’re looking for a name that stands out but doesn’t make your kid cringe when they’re a tween, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. From classic baby names for boys or girls to unique baby names from countries and cultures around the world, we think these names will end that “what to name the baby” question. Read on for the sweetest list around.

For more baby name inspiration, check out these baby names that show your regional pride and retro cool names with modern appeal.

Unique Baby Names for Girls

bedtime routine
iStock

Abina
Origin: Ghanaian
Meaning: Born on Tuesday

Accalia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: the name of the foster mother of Romulus and Remus, twins who founded Rome.

Alair
Origin: Latin
Meaning: cheerful

Amaris
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: promised by God

Bahija
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: happy

Cleta
Origin: Greek
Meaning: illustrious

Clove
Origin: Old French
Meaning: nail

Demere
Origin: French
Meaning: unknown

Dhiya
Origin: Tamil
Meaning: God’s gift

Eilin
Origin: Indian
Meaning: champion

Emica
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: charming

Era
Origin: Hindi
Meaning: wind or air

Halona
Origin: Native American
Meaning: happy fortune

Kanna
Origin: Indian
Meaning: pet name of Lord Krishna

Liliosa
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: lily

Loire
Origin: French
Meaning: named for the French river and region

Lumen
Origin: Latin
Meaning: light

Marinelle
Origin: Latin
Meaning: from the sea

Nalika
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: stem of the lotus flower

Odina
Origin: German
Meaning: wealth

Rosine
Origin: Latin
Meaning: rose

Sky
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: cloud

Talitha
Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: little girl

Tima
Origin: Old Greek
Meaning: honoring God

Winter
Origin: English
Meaning: named for the season

Related: 75 Gender-Neutral Baby Names You’ll Love

Unique Baby Names for Boys

toddler kissing baby sibling
iStock

Adrith
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: beloved

Aero
Origin: Greek
Meaning: of the sky

Cairbre
Origin: Irish
Meaning: chariot driver

Calian
Origin: Native American
Meaning: warrior

Carrick
Origin: Irish
Meaning: rock

Dell
Origin: Old English
Meaning: small valley

Esten
Origin: Norwegian
Meaning: eastern town

Garin
Origin: Armenian
Meaning: ancient city in Armenia

Joah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: brother of God

Jostein
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: horse

Kol
Origin: Norse
Meaning: dark

Ludis
Origin: German
Meaning: fame

Nicandro
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: man of victory

Ossian
Origin: Irish
Meaning: deer

Qasim
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: charitable

Quintile
Origin: Latin
Meaning: fourth-born child

Romer
Origin: German
Meaning: fame

Romik
Origin: Hindu
Meaning: magnet

Saturn
Origin: Latin
Meaning: named for the planet

Tavish
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: twin

Tyge
Origin: Greek
Meaning: luck

Uchuu
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: infinite space and time

Voss
Origin: German
Meaning: fox

Zavid
Origin: Russian
Meaning: beloved

Zorian
Origin: Latin
Meaning: happy

Related: Sticking with Tradition: Classic Baby Names for Boys & Girls

Just as we watched our babies transform into opinionated toddlers and then imaginative school-goers, our rising tweens reveal ever more of their personalities and passions that aren’t so little anymore. A big part of instilling confidence along the way is showing our respect for their self-expression—their rooms being an important extension of that. Read on for fun and inspiring tween room decor ideas to help make their space truly their own.

Start with a Clean Slate

tween room for a girl
NeONBRAND via Unsplash

Wall space is one of the first terrains you may remember taking control of yourself, whether you collaged photos of friends or hung posters of your favorite bands (or 90210 stars). If your tweens have lived and played in their rooms since nursery-hood, it may well be time for a fresh coat of paint anyway (in a color or fun accent of their choosing). Then let them change up what most inspires them. If you have framed prints they want to update, sites like Etsy, Wayfair and Minted have a range of options and price points. A large bulletin board is easy to refresh, and storyboarding is also a great study tool for visual learners.

Carve Out a Creative Corner

modern tween room
Gabriel Beaudry via Unsplash

The experts at Highlights Learning say it’s a great idea to have a “school stuff” zone, so everything is in one place, making staying on top of schoolwork all the easier. If your tween doesn’t already have a study station, go for a desk that will last through this next stage of her education when she'll be working independently. If you’re short on space, set something up under a lofted bed, go DIY with a hideaway desk, or even retrofit a closet. (We have many more workstation ideas rounded up, too.) And don’t forget wall space when it comes to keeping workflow in check and in style, like a chalkboard calendar, functional pegboard or mounted storage. 

Delegate Organization

Lorena Canals

Remember those early years of rounding up their toys, puzzles and miscellaneous “projects” every night before bed? Now that it’s their job to keep a tidy room, help your tween stay organized by stowing away anything on the loose in stylish storage bins, like these hand-crafted, 100% cotton, and naturally dyed baskets from Lorena Canals. We love that these are also machine washable and available in ash-rose, aubergine, black, and vintage blue.

RELATED STORIES: Things You Should Throw Out of Your Kids’ Room Now

Clean Out the Bookshelf

Annie Spratt via Unsplash

It’s that time again to weed shelves and make room for all the new titles they’ll be bringing home in middle school. While they may be reading a fair share on tablets or computers, it’s essential to have real deal books within reach to keep encouraging reading for fun. For age-specific reading inspiration, check out our list of some of the best graphic novels for tweens and teens

Update the Sleep Zone

tween room for a boy
iStock

Just as you once transitioned that crib to a toddler or twin bed, it may again be time to re-think sleep. If you have space to work with, consider upgrading to a full or queen that will him off to college (and serve as future guest accommodations, too). Or, perhaps you’re keeping twin beds on hand for the sleep-over circuit now in full swing. No matter the sleeping arrangement, the bedding theme itself could most likely use a refresh. 

Let Their Personal Passion Shine

Courtesy of PBteen

By this age, many tweens are well on their way to honing a sport, hobby or passion. Their personal space can certainly reflect that, be it a guitar propped in a corner for an aspiring shredder, an oversized world map for a traveler in training, or a printing service for a budding photographer’s latest shots. These metal wall signs from Pottery Barn are perfect for sports fans.

Re-Organize the Closet

iStock

Just as their rooms do, closets should also grow and adapt as our kids do. Marty Basher, an interior design expert at Modular Closets, has some choice tips for tween parents when it comes to organizing closets. “Formal events, dances, concerts, and performances bring the need for more hanging space in the closet,” Basher says. “With their input you can create a space to hang jewelry and formal dresses or suits and uniforms and full-size sports equipment.” Basher also advises adding hooks, a full-length mirror, and shoe storage solutions. “Use under the bed storage for off-season shoes and boots and only have what they’ll need for the season in the closet. Make use of boxes and baskets for high storage of items they don’t use regularly but can reach now when they need them.”

Add a Dash of Green

Lizzie via Unsplash

Houseplants do so much to bring fresh air and energy to our interior spaces. So why not give your tween room a little something living to tend to that will give a little fresh O2 in return for a brain boost? You can even rent a plant for a few months to see how your tween does with the new responsibility.

 

RELATED STORIES: 10 Genius Ways to Hack an Amazing Kid’s Room

 

If your little one’s favorite food group is chicken, you’re in luck! From green chicken chili to chicken parm to chicken tacos, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of Crock Pot chicken recipes that even the pickiest of eaters will love. So put down the chicken nuggets and start clicking through the gallery to find your next easy meal. 

Crock Pot Spicy Chicken Drumsticks

A Taste of Madness

This spicy chicken drumstick recipe from A Taste of Madness will be a crowd pleaser for the whole family. Try this recipe on a weeknight and you may be surprised by how easy it is.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Domestic Superhero

We love this lightened-up version of classic buffalo wings from Domestic Superhero. Shredded chicken is bathed in a mouthwatering sauce, then wrapped in butter lettuce. 

Mushroom Chicken

CookingwithKaryn

For a simple but comforting meal, try this quick recipe, adapted from Easy Crock Pot Recipes:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/4 c flour (swap cornstarch for flour to make it gluten-free)

1 box of sliced mushrooms

Salt, pepper and paprika

Method:

1. Rinse chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper and paprika on BOTH sides. Place in crock pot.

2. Mix other ingredients together. Add to crock pot. Cook on LOW 6-8 hours.

3. Serve over pasta or rice if desired.

Butter Chicken

One Lovely Life

Your littles will love this dairy-free butter chicken from One Lovely Life. The creamy, flavorful sauce, paired with rice or quinoa, is sure to have the whole fam asking for seconds. 

Chicken Tacos

Alexander Mils via Unsplash

Make any night Taco Night! This recipe is foolproof, and kiddos can choose their own toppings, from sour cream to salsa to shredded cheese. 

Chicken Parmesan

Baking & Creating with Avril

This simplified take on chicken parm from Baking & Creating with Avril is bound to be a hit with picky kiddos. It skips the breading process, making it a healthier and quicker version than the original.

Tuscan Chicken and Beans

Moms with Crockpots

Served over rice or pasta, this recipe adapted from Moms with Crockpots makes for a lightning-fast weeknight meal. It’s a smart way to use those cans of beans and tomatoes hanging out at the back of your pantry, too.

Honey Soy Chicken

Shared Appetite

For an instant family fave, make this Asian-inspired recipe from Shared Appetite. Savory soy sauce and tart pineapple juice come together to make a super tasty sauce for the chicken. Drooling yet?

Rosemary Chicken with Butternut Squash

GI 365

There's nothing quite like the combo of butternut squash and rosemary to make a meal seem less than ordinary. The secret to making this savory dish from GI 365, is adding a can of soup to make it both creamy and satisfying without a lot of extra work.

Green Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Gourmet

For a fun twist on chili, try this fantastic recipe from Slow Cooker Gourmet. With salsa verde, fresh corn and white beans, it’s super hearty and delicious topped with sour cream or tortilla chips. 

Chicken and Gravy

Sarah Olson’s The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms

This filling dish is more prep than fuss thanks to this foolproof recipe from Sarah Olson’s cookbook. Served on top of mashed potatoes and bread, it doesn’t get much more comfort food than this. 

Chicken Ragu

Whitney Bond

Switch up your usual pasta dish by making this delish ragu from Whitney Bond. The sauce gets better and better as it simmers, making it the perfect slow cooker meal.

Chicken with Balsamic and Tomatoes

Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

Pop some tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and chicken in the crockpot with a few herbs and you’ll come home to an amazingly hearty meal. We love this recipe from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook, and chances are your family will feel the same way. 

Chicken with Grapes

Dash

Chicken and grapes might sound like a strange combination, but this recipe from Dash marries the two perfectly. Add simmered tomatoes, chickpeas and butternut squash to the cumin-spiced chicken, and you’ve got a complex and delicious meal.

Lemon Chicken Pitas

Leah’s Thoughts

Put anything in a pita, and our kids are on board. This Greek-inspired recipe from Leah’s Thoughts is bound to be a hit. Topped with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes and onion, you’ll be happy to come home to this meal. 

 

— Taylor Clifton & Susie Foresman

23 Crock Pot Chicken Recipes Perfect for Summer

20 Family-Friendly Plant-Based Slow Cooker Recipes

40 Make-Ahead Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

 

 

Can we let you in on a little secret? You don’t have to hover and constantly try to entertain your kids. In fact, according to experts, it’s better for your little ones and their imaginations if you start fostering their independence by giving them time to play alone. We’ve rounded up a few parenting experts who share why they recommend solo play to help your kiddos become more well-rounded as they grow. See their reasons below.

1: Develop Responsibility

Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

“For preschool-age children, solo/solitary or independent play allows children the freedom to make their own rules, which helps them understand they can make choices and can learn from those choices,” "says Donna Whittaker, VP of Curriculum and Education at Big Blue Marble Academy." It’s a lot harder to blame someone else for a mess if your kiddo plays alone. They learn that choices lead to consequences.

Suppose your child isn’t accustomed to independent play. In that case, Whittaker recommends starting by helping them to understand their play options by saying something like: “While I am on my work call, you can draw a picture for me, put a puzzle together or use blocks to build something. I can’t wait to see what you have accomplished by yourself while I was busy on my call.”

2: Lower anxiety

Eren Li via Pexels

As humans, we feel better when we control our environment. When children play alone, “they learn that their play does not have to be guided or influenced by others and gain a sense of being in charge of what happens and when it happens. This is how children develop a sense of self-efficacy, resilience and responsibility,” says Whittaker. 

Making choices and working independently on solutions when the stakes are small can lead to big benefits when children get older. If your preschooler comes to you to solve a problem that came up during solo play, try asking them how they would solve the problem if you weren’t there. 

3: Boost Creativity

Allan Mas via Pexels

Next time your mini complains of boredom, tell them you’re stretching their creative muscles. “Prominent writers, poets and artists have described profound creative leaps that originated with a quiet moment and nothing to do, epiphanies that emerged from extended periods of day-dreaming that began as ‘boredom,’" says Jeanne Huybrechts, Chief Academic Officer at Stratford School. “Numerous psychologist-researchers have established that boredom can trigger mind-wandering, which leads to creativity. Moments of boredom should be cherished, or at least recognized as an opportunity to spark creative learning in kids and find things that interest them.” 

If your crew doesn’t want to flex their creative muscles, give them a clear start and end time. Get a timer and tell the kids that they need to play independently until they hear it ring. According to Huybrechts, chores “allow one to be physically busy, but with a reduced cognitive load that allows for daydreaming.” So if your children don’t know what to do while they wait for the buzzer to ring, you can always suggest they clean something.

4: Drive Resiliency and Life-long learning

Allan Mas via Pexels

Unlike screen time, solo play requires active engagement from your child if they want entertainment. In the beginning, they might not know how to build their games. But don’t be too quick to help them out of their boredom. 

As Allison Wilson, Senior Director of Curriculum & Innovation at Stratford School, says, “It’s not the boredom itself that helps children acquire these skills — it’s what they do with the boredom that can support creativity, independence, self-confidence, and even mental wellness. The next time you hear your child say, “I’m bored,” embrace an open-ended task or encourage a bit of mess or outdoor play. You might be surprised to see how quickly your child turns boredom into a budding new interest or skill.”

5: Teach Happiness in Solitude

Monstera via Pexels

According to the latest US Census data, 37 million people–roughly 28% of all US households–live alone. Teaching children to enjoy their own company can lead to a more fulfilling life down the line. They will have strategies for entertaining themselves because you allowed them to hone their skills while they lived at home. And adults who flourish on their own won’t stick with a toxic partner because they fear living alone. 

If your small fry needs an audience, start with ‘solo adjacent’ play. Whittaker suggests checking in with them often with verbal or nonverbal cues. “Explain that even though you will not be able to talk to them while you are on your work call; you can still see them and communicate with them by smiling or giving them a ‘thumbs up’ to let them know you appreciate their efforts to play all by themselves.”

6: Support Better Parenting

Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

There are only so many times you can play fire flower unicorn kitties without losing your ability to parent with empathy. Even if it’s for a few minutes, solo play allows you to catch your breath. Research from a team at the University of California, Riverside, shows that young children are better able to regulate their own emotions when parents are calm. 

Sometimes the best way to get your child to play alone is to tell them you need to take a calming activity break. Try saying, “I’m feeling a little over-excited right now, and I need to read for a few minutes to calm myself down. You can play with your stuffies or color something while you wait.”

7: Steer Little Problem Solvers

Elina Fairytale via Pexels

Real talk: Our littles know how to problem-solve. That’s why, when they get quiet, we run to find out what they’re doing. The challenge is steering that ability to more productive uses than, say, smearing peanut butter on the dog. 

Think about containing toddlers in an area while you work in an adjacent space nearby. “Kids learn to problem solve more when they don't have an adult right nearby for help,” says Meg St-Esprit, M. Ed in Counseling and Development, “They might figure out a way to get the Legos to do what they want them to do, figure out how to put Barbie's shoes on themselves.”

8: Supercharge Focus

Monstera via Pexels

When children play alone, they don’t have to keep checking in with someone else to find out if they are doing the right thing. Without distractions from other people and shiny devices, they can achieve a ‘flow state,’ where they’re fully absorbed in (and enjoying!) a task. This will come in handy during the school-age years when it’s time to study for tests and complete homework.

When it comes to helping toddlers focus, less is more. Put some toys out of sight and set others out where they can be discovered. Those blocks from grandma will feel exciting all over again if they’ve been gone for a while.

9: Discover Who They Are

Amina Filkins via Pexels

No one expects a four-year-old to settle on a career path. But independent play helps preschoolers to discover new interests. Whether they love trucks, dinosaurs, horses or trains, solo play also means never having to stop the game before they’re ready. 

The best way to support kiddos in discovering new interests is by exposing them to different things. Bring books back from the library. Borrow plastic horses from a friend with an older child. Keep old boxes from those Amazon deliveries and stack them in a corner. 

Then sit back and let your child do the rest. 

—Teresa Douglas & Leah R. Singer

 

RELATED STORIES:

11 Toys That Foster Independent Play (& Will Gift You a Few Minutes to Yourself)

The Best New Preschool Books of 2022

10 Tips for Raising an Independent Thinker

The Benefits of Risky Play

 

Raising kids isn’t easy on the pocketbook and escaping for a night away isn’t either. If you’ve been scratching your head wondering about the going rate for a sitter, Care.com has the answer.

The online mecca of childcare resources has a babysitting rates calculator that helps you pay a fair wage based on your location! The easy-to-use feature lets you input your zip code, years of experience you’d like your sitter to have, number of children and how often you’ll need help. Then, like magic it spits out the going rate in your area for childcare.

While parents don’t love forking over the dough for babysitting, there’s no denying that you can’t put a price on the safety of your kids. Knowing the cost of a sitter with the experience you want will go along way in finding the perfect person (not just anyone) who will become part of the fam.

Once you’ve nailed down the going rate for a local sitter or nanny, you can use Care.com‘s super helpful lists of the best sitters in your area with a quick click of the button, and you’re off to the races.

—Karly Wood

Feature photo: Care.com/Shutterstock

 

RELATED STORIES:

14 Date Night Ideas for Busy Parents

How to Stop Your Babysitter from Texting & Tweeting on the Job

How to Interview a Babysitter: Must-Ask Questions & Interview Tips

We feel for your winter birthday babies: celebrating in the shadow of the holiday season is tough! We’ve rounded up eight party favor ideas for kids that promise to make their special day that much more special—and parents will appreciate that none of them include candy. Whether you’re looking for a magic wand or a DIY memory game to while away cozy winter days, we have the perfect party favor to wrap up your little one’s celebration. See them all below.

Bitty Bubble Jars

The Pretty Blog

These pint-sized glass jars from The Pretty Blog are the perfect size for bubbles—and the pipe cleaner bubble wands are genius! Adding a few drops of food coloring in winter shades of icy blues transforms an anytime-toy into an adorable seasonal favor.

Adorable Aprons

Lillian Hope Designs

For a group of budding chefs—or perhaps for a cookie decorating gathering—consider passing out aprons so that you don’t send home tiny bakers encrusted in frosting and sprinkles. While these aprons from Lillian Hope Designs are personalized with iron-on transfer paper, you could easily swap out guests’ names for a mixture of holiday symbols, snowflakes, snowmen ... you get the idea!

Wonderfully Easy Wands

Aesthetic Nest

For the Frozen fanatics who just can’t let it go, make their whimsical dreams come true by outfitting each and every guest with one of these Elsa wands from Aesthetic Nest. Using just a dowel rod, a few ribbons, and some snowflake ornaments, they’ll soon be turning everything into snow and ice.  

Party Pampering

Evermine

For older children who enjoy a little pampering, dole out these mini manicure kits from Evermine. The frosted bags are on-target for the season, and you can change up the packaging and nail polish colors for a more wintery look. You could even include tiny bottles of hand cream to protect little fingers in the dry cold!  

Make Your Own Memory

The Green Divas

Compact enough to slip into a backpack or purse, this pint-sized memory game from The Green Divas is perfect for airplane rides, doctor’s office waiting rooms, or restaurants. The options for images on each wooden coin are only limited by your local craft store’s stamp selection! Your special birthday kid will have a ton of fun making these games for his friends, too. 

Let It Snow

Minieco

Give your guests the double-whammy magic of a snow globe AND a LEGO miniature! These hand-held jars from Minieco will entrance little eyes for hours—both with their softly-falling glittery “snow” and the LEGO figurine inside. Let your child choose different figurines for her guests to choose from for themselves.

[rt_slide image=”1447962″ caption=”One%20Little%20Project” photo_url=”http://onelittleproject.com/birdseed-ornaments/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>One Little Project are sweet to look at and simple to make, and can easily hang from a tree limb so kids can watch feathered friends stop by for a snack.

photo: — Taylor Clifton & Katie Brown

 

RELATED STORIES: 

18+ At-Home Birthday Party Ideas for Kids

29 of 2021’s Top Birthday Party Themes

Easy Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas That Look Fancy

 

Turkey and mashed potatoes are great, but no Thanksgiving meal is complete without stuffing. There are so many different stuffing recipes out there, from slow-cooker varieties to vegan and gluten-free options, and we’ve rounded up our favorites below. These drool-worthy recipes might just steal the show at your holiday dinner.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins

The Colorful Kitchen

Think outside the turkey! Not only are these stuffing muffins kid-size, but they’re also vegan and gluten-free. Add a scoop of mashed potatoes on top and you’re all set for a can’t-miss combo. Get the recipe from The Colorful Kitchen.

Creamy Mushroom and Swiss Stuffing

Fox Valley Foodie

Fox Valley Foodie is sure to be a winner, with its indulgent cheese topping and hearty mushroom filling. And it’s super easy to make, too, with the help of a boxed stuffing mix. To get the recipe, click here.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Cornbread Stuffing

Life Made Sweeter

This delish dish from Life Made Sweeter combines butternut squash, cornbread, cranberries, sweet potatoes and more into a stuffing of epic flavors. Bonus points: it uses the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it. Click here to grab the recipe.

Classic Vegan Stuffing

Raepublic

Plant-based eaters don’t have to miss out on the feast thanks to this tasty stuffing recipe from Raepublic. It’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a win for your shopping list. Click here to grab the recipe.

Stuffing in a Bundt Pan

A Spicy Perspective

With this stuffing from A Spicy Perspective, the magic word is “bundt.” That’s right, with your handy bundt pan, you can actually make a stuffing sculpture that’s fit for any Thanksgiving dinner table! Get the recipe by clicking here.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Damn Delicious

We’re all for any Thanksgiving recipe that involves the slow cooker. This top-notch stuffing from Damn Delicious cooks in the crockpot and uses delish Hawaiian sweet bread. We dare you to eat just one spoonful. Click here to get the recipe.

Marilyn Monroe's Stuffing

The New York Times

Ready for a Hollywood-worthy stuffing? This yummy dish is adapted from Marilyn Monroe’s own recipe. To read more about how it was found, check out The New York Times’ article for the full low-down.

Italian Chard Stuffing

Myrecipes.com

Your kids may be wary of the chard but with chunks of French bread and juicy sausage swarming around the fresh green, they won’t be able to resist this unique recipe. Get the details by clicking here.

Mom's Classic Stuffing

Savory Sweet Life

This timeless recipe from Savory Sweet Life is a traditional masterpiece because of its beautiful simplicity. It's perfect for your really picky eaters as the three main ingredients are bread, onions and celery. To snag the recipe, click here.

Spinach and Broccoli Stuffing

Little B Cooks

This tasty stuffing has a creamy texture and comes to us from Little B Cooks. It’s a great recipe for your kids to get involved in because it’s simple–just four ingredients! Find out how it's made by clicking here.

Cranberry Pistachio Stuffing

Season With Spice

If you like your stuffing more crispy, check out this cranberry pistachio stuffing from Season with Spice. This dish is full of crispy bites of bacon and toasted bread chunks, plus an added pistachio crunch. Click here to get the recipe.

Apple Sausage Stuffing

Weelicious

Thank goodness for Weelicious, where you can find all kinds of recipes (like this apple sausage stuffing) designed around pleasing little bitty taste buds. You’ll like it, too, because the prep time is minimal. To grab the details, click here.

Surf 'N Turf Stuffing

A Taste With Koko

Looking to add some seafood flair to your family feast? Try this New England style stuffing from A Taste with Koko. It’s packed with sausage and oysters, for extra rich and out-of-the-box flavor. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Simple Herb Cornbread Stuffing

The Diva Dish

A hit recipe from The Diva Dish, this cornbread stuffing combines lots of fresh herbs, homemade cornbread and several other kid-friendly flavors into one tasty package. Snag the recipe by clicking here.

Gluten-Free Quinoa Stuffing

Marla Meridith

If you or a family member has gluten restrictions, check out this stuffing option from Marla Meridith. It’s gluten-free, soy-free, vegan and satisfying for carnivores, too. Click here to get the recipe.

 

— Abigail Matsumoto

 

RELATED STORIES

How You Can Teach Your Child to Be Thankful This Holiday

10 Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude This Thanksgiving

100+ Crowd-Pleasing Thanksgiving Recipes

 

Did somebody say sugar skulls? It must be Día de Los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead)! From the history of the holiday to crafts, to food, and artisans to support, read on to get some inspiration for celebrating this important holiday with your family.

The Skull Truth: Día de Los Muertos Facts & History

Pixaby

Celebrated throughout the Americas, this tradition of Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico. Kids will recognize the colorfully decorated sugar skull as the most common symbol. Your town or neighborhood may host a celebration, but not everyone knows the meaning behind it.

Did you know: 

The Dia de los Muertos holiday is actually two days, held consecutively: Nov. 1 is marked as a day to honor lost children, as well as any lost or forgotten souls. Nov. 2, Day of the Dead official, honors all lost ancestors and loved ones.

The week preceding (and sometimes longer) is spent in preparation for the big night which often culminates in a procession to the town cemetery or a central place where altars have been erected.

Loved ones are honored with offerings including the departed's favorite foods, drinks, and objects. 

Sugar skulls aren't necessarily to eat. 

Click here to learn even more about the significance of sugar skulls, why it's such an important holiday in Mexican culture, and how you can participate.  

Read a Day-of-the-Dead Inspired Story

Get ready for the holiday and inspiration for your own celebrations by reading books together. We love La Catrina: Emotions - Emociones, a sweet board book that uses beautiful imagery to help kids express emotions. For ages 4-8 we recommend the bilingual picture book, I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story/Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito: Un Cuento Del Dia de Los Muertos

Support Latinx Artists

LaCatrinitaCrafts

Yes, we know you can get Day of the Dead decor at Target. But put some dollars into supporting Latinx artists to get your skeleton vibes and honor the roots of this holiday. 

Etsy shop MyCajitaCo goes beyond fair trade and cultivates items from Mexico-based artisans, like this incredible three-piece ofrenda set. And LaCatrinitaCrafts has hand-painted skeleton owls you will want next to you all the time. This Mama Muerte print from artist ScenicG is just one of his many gorgeous and unique pieces. 

Día de Los Muertos Recipes & Activity Kit

Día de Los Muertos activity for kids
Kidstir

Kidstir has a special Day of the Dead activity and recipe kit, aimed at getting kids into the kitchen to help celebrate the holiday. You'll receive three iconic recipes for Mexican dishes like quesadilla skulls, Mexican hot chocolate and Sopa de Fideo (classic tomato soup with fried pasta), along with activities, a cooking tool, stickers and more inspired by the holiday. 

You can purchase this activity kit on Kidstir.com.

Sweet Sugar Skull Crafts

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

Skulls and skeletons with flowers in their hair, hats, mustaches, suits, and more can be seen throughout the Day of the Dead holiday. Here are some sugar-skull-inspired crafts you can try at home with your kids this year. 

If you've always wanted to try making your own sugar skulls at home, check out this site to get supplies, decor, and tutorials.  

10 Recipes Perfect for Día de Los Muertos

day of the dead recipes
mangioeviaggiodasola.com

Because this is a time of celebration, feasting together, especially on your loved ones' favorite foods, is a significant part of the holiday. From Pan de Muerto—a sugar sprinkled yeast bread frequently placed on the altars to the dead—to traditional Mexican foods, check out these ten recipes to cook up something delicious.