Minute to win it games for kids make for instant fun

If you’re looking for a great way to spend the evening at home with the family or you’ve got a big party to plan, there’s a good chance you’re searching for fun games for kids. That’s where minute to win it games come in. (You can also try out some of the best jokes for kids, DIY magic potions, ultimate trivia questions, and amazing movie night ideas.) These completely creative games will make all the difference during your next rainy weekend afternoon, family game night, or birthday party.

What’s a minute to win it game?

Simply put, it’s a 60-second game using items typically found around the house. Participants attempt to see who can finish a challenge first or who can complete a task the most times in under a minute. You can even add a theme, like Halloween minute to win it games or holiday minute to win it games!

How to play minute to win it games

These quick, exciting games are good for parties, of course, but you can also do them with just one or two players! There are three basic ways you can play Minute to Win It Games.

  • Player vs. timer: In this style, a player races against the clock. They still have just one minute to complete the game and if they do win, you can move on to another game. If they don’t, you can choose to let them try until they do beat the clock or move on to another player.
  • Player vs. Player: In this version, which works great for small groups, have two people compete against each other (for a minute), and whoever completes the challenge first, wins! This way, you can rotate through your crew at a reasonable pace.
  • Group Minute to Win It Play: Here’s where you’ll split your group into two teams. Each team decides who goes first, and then those players compete against each other to win! This is fun for teammates too because they’ll be cheering on competitors in each round.
minute to win it dice game
Paging Fun Mums

1. Dice Balance
The kids over at Paging Fun Mums try to see how many dice they can get on the stick in one minute (the most dice win!). It's a little tricky and super fun to watch!

2. Sticky Situation
This popular game requires players to bounce a ping pong ball just right, to land it on a piece of bread slathered in peanut butter. See the full instructions here.

3. Cup to Cup
Have your players sit outside in a single file line (have the last player sit back to back with the second to last player). Put one bucket at the front of the line and one bucket at the end of the line. From there, players must fill a small plastic cup from the first bucket and pass it over their heads to the last bucket. The first team to reach the designated mark on the bucket wins!

4. Sock the Block
Build several LEGO block towers and place them around the room. Players must use balled-up socks to knock over all five towers.

5. Nose Dive
The secret weapon in this game? Petroleum jelly dabbed on the nose. Using their noses (no hands allowed), players must move five cotton balls from one bowl to another, before the minute is up.

minute to win it games are fun activities for kids
iStock

6. Defying Gravity
Up and away! Using one hand, kids keep their balloons in the air for one minute. If this is too easy, for the half-pints you can add two balloons (or more!). Remember, no resting a balloon on a body part.

7. Wrap It Up
A two-player game that involves wrapping one player up with streamers, ribbon, or toilet paper.

8. Ball Drop
Have your player stand on a chair. Set a plastic cup on the ground in front of them and give them three ping pong balls. The object is to get all three balls in the cup without missing or having any bounce out.

9. Cereal Scramble
Cut the front of a cereal box into equal pieces. Stack the pieces into a flat tower and set a timer for one minute. Each child has a minute to piece the cereal box together.

10. Movin' On Up
Stack up 25 plastic cups of one color and add one cup of a different color at the bottom. Half-pints move the top cup to the bottom and see how far they can move the single-colored cup to the top in one minute.

girl playing the stacking cup minute to win it game
iStock

11. Stack Attack
This one might not be as tasty as cookie face, but it's still pretty popular. Give the kids one single stack of 36 plastic cups. Each child gets one minute to stack all of the cups into a pyramid and then unstack them, making a single column again.

12. Johnny Applestack
How about them apples? Another fun stacking game for kids using fruit from the kitchen—apples. Little ones have one minute to stack five apples (or three for younger kids) on top of each other and stay for three seconds.

13. Rubber Band Shooting Gallery
Get some rubber bands and aluminum cans and have players stand 10 feet away. Start the clock and see how many they can knock over in a minute!

14. Junk in the Trunk
Each player will need a tissue box, pantyhose and ten ping pong balls. Put the ping pong balls in each tissue box. Then, tie the boxes around each player. Kids have one minute to shake out (no hands) as many balls as they can.

15. Doughnut Chew
A piece of cake! Of all the minute to win it games, kids will eat this one up. First, tie a string around a doughnut, then hang it between two chairs. Littles need to eat the doughnut within a minute without it falling to the floor.

 

girl with balloon
iStock

16. This Blows
If you’re looking for a minute to win it game that your tween or teen will still get a kick out of, this is it. Each player has one minute to blow up a balloon and then use the air that’s inside of it to knock over as many plastic cups as they can. If they still have time on the clock, they can repeat the steps to blow down any leftover cups.

17. Chandelier
Light up the fun! You'll need 15 empty soda cans and four paper plates. Kids have one minute to stack cans with paper plates in between to see how high they can go.

18. Sponge Run
Place a kiddie pool or a bucket full of water on one side of the yard, and place an empty bucket on the other side. Players must soak up as much water in their sponge as possible and carry the sponge on top of their heads to the empty bucket. Once they arrive, players must squeeze as much water as possible into the empty bucket and head back to their teammates. The first team to fill their bucket to the line wins.

19. Noodling Around
Start this minute to win it game with one strand of uncooked spaghetti. The player puts the end of the dry noodle in their mouth; they have 60 seconds to pick up six uncooked pieces of penne pasta—with the spaghetti. Oh, and without using their hands!

20. Scoop It Up
Move six ping pong balls from one bowl to another, using only a spoon. Again, like some of the other minute to win it games, the kids can’t use their hands. Instead, each child will use a spoon—in their mouth.

Chica Circle

21. Card Ninja
Tweens and teens will get a giggle out of this minute to win it game. Slice a watermelon in half, securing it on a table or other flat surface. Give the kids cards to throw (kind of like throwing stars). Whoever gets the most cards into the melon in one-minute wins. Chica Circle has more details

22. Puddle Jumper
Set up a series of plastic cups. Fill them to the top with water and set a ping pong ball on the first in the row. The kids need to blow the ball from the first cup to the second. Keep going with more balls, racing to see who moves the most in one minute.

23. Penny Hose
Players have to retrieve two pennies from the bottom of a pair of pantyhose. It's hard than it looks!

24. Nut Stacker
It’s almost like the penny game, just slightly more difficult. Instead of stacking coins with one hand, each child has one minute to stack hex nuts onto a wooden stick or dowel.

25. Leaning Tower of LEGO
Fill two bins/buckets with LEGO (the number depends on the age of the players). Players must stack all the bricks in the container. If the tower breaks, continue to stack. The first person to stack all their bricks wins!

Sunflower Mom

26. Peep Face Game
Got extra peeps? We love this twist on the cookie minute to win it that's a fun game for kids at Easter. Sunflower Mom gives her little chicks one minute to stick as many peeps as they can to their face! Little bunnies think this game is funny.

27. Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Toss
Have players stand back from the table with mugs on it. Give players a designated number of marshmallows and see how many the team can throw into the mug in one minute.

28. Penny Tower
How many pennies can your child stack in one minute? If they just guessed a million, they’re not exactly right. The trick to this game is that the child can only use one hand. And believe us, that makes it oh-so-challenging.

29. Cookie Face
This is by far one of the favorites of kids just about everywhere. Not only do they get to play a super-silly game, but it’s all done with cookies. Cookies! Place a regular ol’ sandwich cookie on the child’s forehead. They’ll need to use their facial muscles to move it down their face and into their mouth—without using their hands.

30. Keep it Up
As light as a feather! Little players keep two feathers in the air for one minute (or as long as they can). The catch is they can just use their breath. To make it easier for younger kids, they can use a straw.

goldfish games are minute to win it games
Ginger Snap Crafts

31. Go Fish!
Whether it's crackers or mini marshmallows, this fun game for kids is easy! You'll need straws and two plates. Little gamers have one minute (to win it!) to see how many fish they can transfer from one plate to another with the suction from the straw and no hands. See more Goldfish Minute to Win It Games over at Gingersnap Crafts.

32. Ping Pong Toss
Players have one minute to try and toss ping pong balls in a container down the table. Three in a row wins, or, at the end of the minute, whoever has the most balls in their container.

33. Spin Doctor
As far as a minute to win it games go, tweens find this a ton of fun. A player spins a coin on the table. A second player stops the coin with one finger on its edge (upright!). Either player can spin the coin, and it's a win when you stop the coin for three seconds within a minute.

34. State of Fun
This minute to win it game uses brainpower! Get a sheet of paper and pencils for players, then have them write down as many state capitals as they can before the timer goes off. The player with the most correct state capitals wins the round.

35. Gummy Worm Search
This minute to win it game is messy, so save it for warm weather or a summer birthday party! Fill aluminum pie pans with gummy worms and cover them with whipped cream. Players have to find the gummy worms using their mouths, no hands! The player who finds the most gummy worms at the end of the round wins. 

Make sure to capture all the giggles—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.

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.

 

So you have a newly-mobile little one. An official toddler. It’s a whole new world for both of you and while you’re baby-proofing all the things and chasing them down the hall, it’s also time to stop (you know, when they’re asleep) and consider what first walker shoes to start them out with. They’re a little different from pairs for older kiddos. New toddlers need shoes designed to keep them upright (obviously) and support their foot development. Luckily, there are so many baby shoes for new walkers to choose from, so you’ll be able to find the perfect pair or two for their little feet.

Carter's Relay Sneakers

navy and pink baby sneakers
Carter's

Carter's line of shoes for new walkers, called Every Step, features sneakers, boots, Mary Janes, moccasins, and even high-tops. A double hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to put on and take off these shoes, and the cute, classic styles and colors mean they'll easily match with your child's outfits.

Carter's Relay Sneakers ($17.05)—Buy Here!

First Walkers from Ten Little

Ten Little

Foot-shaped toe boxes make these ultra-lightweight baby shoes perfect for those first steps. Available in 5 colors.

First Walkers from Ten Little ($39.00)—Buy Here!

Wobbly Waddlers First Steps Shoes

Wobbly Waddlers

The First Steps line from Wobbly Waddlers,offer a flexible rubber sole, leather insole, ankle support and additional stability to support toddlers as they learn to walk. The shoes in this line are handmade in Mexico and come in cute and classic styles.

Wobbly Waddlers First Steps Shoes ($55.00)—Buy Here!

BirdRock Baby Mary Janes

BirdRock Baby

Four heart cutouts dress up this classic leather Mary Jane from BirdRock Baby. There's an elastic band at the ankle that keeps shoes snug and makes it easy to take them on and off. And with each purchase, BirdRock Baby donates a day's worth of food to a child in need through the charity Feed My Starving Children. BirdRock Baby also makes super cute moccasins and baby booties in a variety of colors and styles and at reasonable prices.

BirdRock Baby Mary Janes ($30.00)—Buy Here!

RO + ME Crib Shoes

silver iridescent baby shoes
RO ME

RO + ME by Robeez, their line of soft-soled shoes, feature eye-catching metallic and sequin accents and casual designs that can be dressed up or dressed down. They're especially made for babies in all stages from crawlers to walkers. Available in 6 styles.

RO + ME Crib Shoes ($20.99)—Buy Here!

Zutano Booties with Gripper Soles

Zutano

Zutano booties not only stay on little feet; they have a grippy sole that give them stability. Parents will love the hook-and-loop side closures, which make slipping the shoe on and off squirmy baby feet a breeze. Available in a ton of colors and prints.

Zutano Booties with Gripper Soles ($21.00)—Buy Here!

pediped Dani First Walker Shoe

grey and brown baby shoes
pediped

Pediped's First Walker Shoes are designed for a toddler's first steps, with flexible soles and spacious toe boxes that let little feet learn to grab onto the ground and march forward with confidence. Available in 7 fun color combinations, too.

pediped Dani First Walker Shoe ($39.95+)—Buy Here!

Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie Sneaker

white and navy baby sneaker
Stride Rite

For almost 100 years, Stride Rite has been making shoes for teeny tiny feet. The kicks in the Stride Rite Soft Motion line are built for toddlers' first steps, with bendy flexible bottoms, strong closures and rounded soles that won't trip up your toddler. Plus, these shoes come as small as a size 3 and in three different widths, so you should be able to find ones that fit well.

Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie Sneaker ($51.95)—Buy Here!

Baby Sock-Shoe with Memory Foam

off-white baby sock-shoe combination
Amazon

These slip-on baby shoes are incredibly flexible, soft, and come in a ton of different colors! They're also really affordable, so you can grab a few to mix and match.

Baby Sock-Shoe with Memory Foam ($19.99)—Buy Here!

jbrds Stand2Walk Baby Shoes

jbrds

jbrds Stand2Walk Baby Shoes' sock-like upper and injection-molded support cage are designed to promote the healthy development of feet + provide the support for first steps. They come in multiple colors, too.

jbrds Stand2Walk Baby Shoes ($48.00)—Buy Here!

kimi + kai Sam Stripe Baby Shoes

kimi kai

The fan-shaped toe box, supportive sole, and flexible upper make these sporty baby kicks a total winner. There are multiple colors to choose from.

kimi + kai Sam Stripe Baby Shoes ($54.00)—Buy Here!

adidas Superstar Baby Sneaker

adidas

It's never too early to start them on a journey into the classics. The footwear classics, we mean. These little Superstars come in multiple colors, too.

adidas Superstar Baby Sneaker ($33.93)—Buy Here!

 

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.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Conjure up serious entertainment

You and your magic-loving tykes aren’t Hogwart’s Alum? No worries, because with a little practice, and a lot of illusion, the kids will be amazing audiences (probably you) in no time. We’ve got seven easy magic tricks, and don’t forget the “Alakazam!”

easy magic trick with a dollar bill
photo: Gabby Cullen

Paperclip Magic Trick

For our first trick, we chose a simple one with a major WOW factor. A dollar bill and two paperclips are all your magician will need to get “oohs” and “ahhs” from audience members of all ages. Make the magic happen by jumping over to Kids Activity Blog for the how-to.

Color Coded Cards 

Card counting isn’t a necessary skill when performing the color card trick, which makes it perfect for tiny magicians’ assistants. Simply separate a deck into black and red stacks (without showing anyone), then ask an audience member to pick, look at, and reinsert a card; after cutting the stack, “magically” select the right card (it should be the only wrong card in a colored stack). If you’re curious about the fine print, Funology has the details.

Leak Proof Bag
photo: Shelley Massey

Awesome Illusions
Your older brainiacs may know the secret behind plastic and polymers, so this “magic” trick is a great way to have your science pros impress any younger siblings. We’ve got the scoop for any sorcerers’ assistants right here.

Disappearing Coin Magic Trick

Beginning illusionists will really need to get their hocus pocus working if they want to make a coin disappear. From sweeping the coin under the table to saying the magic words, kids trying this trick will learn that practice makes perfect, and a lot of hand waving helps. You can get the whole tutorial over at Kid Spot.

easy magic trick with a toothpick
photo: Gabby Cullen

Floating Toothpick Magic Trick

This trick gives liquid soap a little mojo (we aren’t talking dirty dishes). Getting the five toothpicks to stay in the right place while floating in the water will be your little magician’s hardest challenge. This trick is all about the science of water and surface tension, so kids will be learning a little something, too! You can find out how to master this gimmick over at Kid Zone.

magneticpenciltrick_gabbycullen_magictricks_redtricycle
photo: Gabby Cullen

Magnetic Pencil Magic Trick

From levitating, and rubber-esque scribblers, to sticking a #2 through your head; there is more than one way to perform a magic pencil trick. The one we like for beginning magicians will defy the laws of magnetic forces—the pencil will seem to be stuck to the performer’s hand. Magneto would approve! Find out how to perfect this trick here.

matchboxtrick_gabbycullen_magictricks_redtricycle
photo: Gabby Cullen

Coin-in-Matchbox Magic Trick

Presto! The classic coin-in-matchbox not only looks super cool, but after a few practice rounds, it’s a trick even a muggle can manage. You don’t need anything but the box, a coin, and a few views of this awesome tutorial from Instructables.

Related: Make Magic with Your Very Own Fairy Garden for Kids

Let’s get babyproofing around the house

Although it seems like it was just yesterday you were bringing your sweet baby home for the first time, the months have flown by. You’ve joyfully witnessed baby’s first smile, first time rolling over (both ways), and don’t even get us started on how amazing it was the first time baby sat—without padding or leaning on anything. Sounds like crawling is just around the corner—yet another in the line of baby’s firsts. That means it’s time to start babyproofing the place.

Our handy babyproofing checklist includes clever DIY tricks that make your home safer for your child and can save you some money too. Whether you need to babyproof your cabinets, your fireplace, or drawers, these ideas are a great place for any parent to start.

When to Start Babyproofing

As your little one gets close to crawling, it’s time to babyproof your home and other places they visit frequently, like grandparents’ homes. To start, get on the floor and look at the surroundings from a baby’s perspective. See what’s tempting to grab and pull on, what’s at eye level, and what could injure them. Then, put away fragile items, move cords, secure furniture that could fall over, and put padding on sharp edges. Every few months, and when your child reaches a new milestone, like walking, evaluate your home for additional babyproofing needs. As kids grow taller, the danger zones will change and likely increase.

Related: 12 Babyproofing Tips to Corral Your Crawler

Babyproofing Checklist for Your House

1. Secure stairway railings

The railings on staircases or landings on upper floors may look narrow, but they’re big enough for kids’ limbs (or heads) to get stuck in. Secure clear plastic or fabric to railings to deter kids from playing on them.

2. Hide cleaning products

Plastic bins with lids and latches that baby can’t open are a safer place for cleaning products than under your kitchen sink. If you can store them on a high shelf or out of sight in a tall cabinet, that’s even better.

3. Corral cords

Cut a slit down an empty paper towel roll or piece of pipe insulation and thread multiple wires through it to keep them from becoming tangled in your tot’s curious hands. You can also use zip ties to pull together cords and then tuck them far away from baby’s reach. Don’t forget your USB cords that still hold a charge when they’re plugged in.

4. Cover outlets

Plastic covers are the easiest way to cover outlets around the house (and safest too). But in a pinch, or when you’re visiting relatives or traveling, you can put adhesive bandages or duct tape over electrical outlets. Avoid cartoon varieties of bandages that will attract little ones’ attention.

Related: 15 Products You Need When Your Baby Starts Crawling

Renee Servinsky of Sassy Wife/Classy Life

5. Block off the fireplace

Babyproof a fireplace without sacrificing aesthetics too much by covering the opening with a piece of magnetic chalkboard (we love the one above from Sassy Wife/Classy Life). The chalkboard blocks off the fireplace and give little ones a surface on which to draw with chalk and play with magnets (choose large magnets that don’t pose a choking hazard).

6. Place dishtowels out of reach

Nix the dishtowel hanging off your oven door handle. Kids can pull down on it and open a hot oven or bonk themselves with the heavy door. Move towels to a higher shelf or put them on command hooks out of baby’s reach.

7. Test choking hazards with a toilet paper tube

There’s no need to purchase a choke tester. Anything that can fit into an empty toilet paper tube is small enough for your baby to choke on. Keep all those wee things out of reach.

Related: Your Guide to Safe Sleep for Baby

8. Create a TP protector

Babies love to unroll toilet paper as much as pets do. Keep your TP intact and out of baby’s hands and mouth with a two-liter soda bottle! Cut off the top and bottom of the bottle and cut a slit down the remaining center piece. Use tape to cover sharp, raw edges and slide the container over your toilet roll to cover it. See the tutorial at My Frugal Baby Tips.

9. Protect with pool noodles

These summertime staples can be used for everything from door stoppers to crib-rail covers that prevent tots from rolling out of bed. They’re also good for wrapping around sharp edges, like around the fireplace, to minimize bumps and scrapes.

10. Pad corners with tennis balls

Tennis balls can soften sharp corners where a pool noodle doesn’t fit. Cut a few small slices into the ball’s core so you can wedge it over items like table corners. It may not look pretty, but this hack is pretty temporary. Before you know it, your toddler will be steady enough on their feet that you no longer feel the need to protect every corner in your home.

11. Shorten pull cords

Use clothespins or twist ties to shorten and hold up pull cords on curtains and blinds to remove this strangulation risk from your home. Command hooks are also handy for keeping cords out of reach.

12. Sock it to knobs

To keep little hands from turning door knobs, cover them with a spare sock and wrap a hair tie or rubber band around the base to hold the sock in place. An adult can still squeeze and turn the handle, but a child won’t be able to.

13. Band together on horizontal cabinets

Attach hair ties or rubber bands to keep paired cabinet doors closed. Just loop the tie around the handles and your baby will only be able to open the doors a little bit, not wide enough to slip a hand through.

14. Get a handle on vertical drawers

Slide a yardstick or tension rod (or another long, thin object) through the handles of horizontally stacked drawers, rather than spending time and money on individual locks.

Make sure to capture photos of your baby crawling around their newly babyproofed pad—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.

This colorful holiday is all about excess. But while we love all the buttery, sugary, deep-fried goodness that this epic celebration is known for, we aren’t huge fans of all the cheap, wasteful junk that passes as decorations this time of year. So we committed to making a Mardi Gras mask from things we already had around the house. From old costume jewelry, we haven’t worn in years to craft paints on the verge of drying up to a handful of colorful feathers, we pulled together a magical mask without making more waste. Party on!

 

What You'll Need

1. Creativity: All these materials are optional, and we recommend just looking through what's in your recycling bin, craft area and jewelry box for any items that will work. We used the following.

2. A sheet of yellow foam paper for the mask base. We were out of yellow paint, so this was the solution! Before we stumbled on this at the bottom of the craft box, we had sliced a rectangle of cardboard off the box that held the garbage bags.

3. Paint, markers or glitter glue. Traditional Mardi Gras colors are yellow, green and purple, but we promise, any colorful outfit will be welcome on Mardi Gras.

5. Feathers and glue.

6. 3-4 rubber bands connected into a daisy chain.

7. An old beaded necklace that we deconstructed.

Other suggestions: Colorful cereal, macaroni or other pasta, beans, glitter, googley eyes, sequins or gems. 

 

What to Do

1. Cut a mask shape out of your base. Leave a little extra space up top to hold plenty of feathers or other decorations.

2. Draw a simple diamond pattern. If you have paint, outline a simple diamond pattern (a traditional Mardi Gras motif) and have your child paint it in.

3. Decorate! Now that you have a simple, Mardi Gras-themed based, just go nuts! We used two layers of feathers for the top, then decorated with beads.

4. Use a hole punch or scissors to make two holes for the rubber band.

5. Don your mask and DANCE!

 

–Erin Feher

All images courtesy of the author

Feature image: Izzy Park via Unsplash

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Summer’s here! It’s time to get your outdoor enthusiast properly geared up for warm-weather adventures with a pair of water-friendly shoes that’ll take them from the pool to the park and back home again in style. Since we know it can be hard to figure out what they want, we searched high and low for tough footwear that isn’t afraid of a little H20, and that we know they’ll love. From Keen to Native Shoes, scroll down to see our favorite water shoes for kids.

Native Shoes Jefferson Bloom

This very popular shoe is not only comfy, but it can go just about everywhere, even in the pool! Offered in a dozen different colors, the Jefferson Bloom is a best bet for just about any kid. Super cool: they are made from repurposed algae! 

Buy them here, $40 & up.

Northside Cedar Rapids

Creek-jumping adventures await with this fun and comfortable shoe from Northside. No socks are needed and your kids can get them on and off with ease. They are super grippy on the sole and perfect for hikes and jumping off rocks. Bonus: they come in adult sizes too!

Buy them here, $40. 

Adidas's Hydroterra Shandal Water Shoe

Ever heard of a shandal? Neither had we, but we think this water shoe from Adidas is pretty cool. It's a lightweight hiking shoe that can withstand wading in creeks or jumping in puddles. They have an easy on-off lace-free closure and a collapsible heel that makes it easy for little ones to manage. 

Buy them here, $60. 

UBFEN Water Socks 

These unique water shoes have rubber soles that are perfect for climbing and running and lightweight and quick drying. Plus, they come in dozens of different colors and prints. 

Buy them here, $19.99 & up.

Teva’s Hurricane Sandal

The original outdoor/water shoe is always a good choice. The velcro fastenings make it easy for kids to take on and off and the foam bed offers comfort all day long. 

Buy them here, $27.97 & up.

plae’s mimo Loafers

Stylish, made with water-friendly and quick-dry lightweight EVA, plae’s mimo loafers can go from the playground to dinner with ease. 

Buy them here, $27.56 & up. 

Northside Burke

This closed-toe option has a velcro back for easy on and off that kids can do themselves. A sturdy sole means they won't be slipping on rocks as you walk. 

Buy yours here, $35. 

KEEN’s Newport H2 Sandal

A classic water shoe that won’t fall apart, KEEN shoes are worth the price. The pull tab fastener holds the shoe tight on the foot and your kiddo can pick from tons of different colors and styles. 

Buy them here, $43.90 & up.

Stride Rite’s Made2Play Phibian

This fun shoe from Stride Rite is a perfect wet/dry shoe for toddlers. They are 100% washable, have a rubber outsole for traction and have Aegis™ and Biome™ lining that helps to reduce odor. 

Buy them here, $19.95.

hiitave Kids Water Shoes

Simple but effective, these non-slip water shoes are perfect for on-the-go or travel, as they easily fold up and the rubber sole means kids can walk on wet surfaces with ease. 

Buy them here, $12.99 & up.

World Wide Sportsman Eagle Peak Water Shoes

We can’t help but love the price of these water shoes! You won't be disappointed with this pick with toe bumpers and rugged outsoles for added protection and traction. 

Buy them here, $19.99.

Crocs

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

They may be less than stylish for adults, but they are super comfortable and come in dozens of styles and character collections, which make them perfect for kids! You can even buy JIBBITZ charms and let the kids decorate in their own style. 

Buy them here, $34.99 & up. 

—Gabby Cullen

All images courtesy of retailers.

Featured image: Torsten Dederichs via Unsplash

At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.

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Let your little one slip into something easy and stylish this back-to-school season. These lace-free options give even the smallest pre-schooler the independence to get ready on their own. Which means less work for you! From classic styles to collabs you’ll love, keep reading to see our top picks for shoes without laces.

Saucony Jazz Hook & Loop Sneaker

Saucony

A longtime favorite, Saucony's classic sneaker features a hook and loop feature for easy on/off, a rubber outsole for traction and flexibility and the suede and nylon uppers are just as stylish as the adult version. Offered in six different colors, there's one for every kid in the family. 

Buy them here, $38

Stride-Rite's Washable Slip-On Sneaker

A washable sneaker that slips on and off with ease? Sounds like a match made in kid heaven. Stride Rite's topkick washable slip-on sneaker is exactly that, and it comes in both white and navy blue. With a fun red rubber overlay and the option of adding laces (if you dare!), this is a good slip-on shoe for little and big kids alike. 

Buy them here, $24.95. 

The Miles from Native Shoes

courtesy Native

Native Shoes's Miles is a play on their classic Jefferson shoe but comes with retroreflective spray in select areas on the shoe that's perfect for low-light conditions. It's got a wider fit than the Jefferson but still has a quick slip-on, slip-off feature that both parents and kids love. 

Buy them here, $20 & up. 

New Balance's Fresh Foam Slip-On Sneaker

Even velcro straps can be a challenge for toddlers, which is why we love these super slip-on sneakers from New Balance. We also love that an extra-thick foam sole offers extra comfort for on-the-go kiddos. 

Buy them here, $24.99.

Adidas Superstar x LEGO® Shoes

How awesome is this collab between LEGO and Adidas? Your kiddo will get the same comfort that a regular Adidas shoe offers, as well as the fun colors and playful touch of the brick-inspired shell toe. 

Buy them here, $65. 

SO® Alexaa Girls' Ankle Boots

For your mini fashionista, these black ankle boots are perfect! They come in five colors, have a cute side bow and a soft faux-suede upper. 

Buy them here, $39.99.

KEEN’s Newport H2 Sandal

A classic water shoe that won’t fall apart, KEEN shoes are worth the price. The pull tab fastener holds the shoe tight on the foot and your kiddo can pick from tons of different colors and styles. 

Buy them here, $43.90 & up.

Vans' Ascher Checker Slip-On

Who doesn't love a good Vans slip-on sneaker? This iconic shoe is gender neutral and makes a statement at any age. 

Buy them here, $39.99.

Mishansha's Athletic Hiking Shoes

A lace-free shoe that doubles as both a running and hiking shoe? It sounds ideal for a little outdoor enthusiast! With water-resistant uppers and a resistant rubber toe guard that protects little feet, this pick will take your kiddo from school to the playground and beyond. Plus, it's offered in more than a dozen of colors. 

Buy it here, $29 & up. 

—Gabby Cullen with Felissa Allard

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase. 

All images courtesy of retailers. 

 

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It’s a scientific fact—kids love color! Primary colors are bright and cheerful; they help young children distinguish shapes, and they have a positive effect on the moods of kids of all ages. Since we can’t think of anything more colorful than tie-dye, we wanted to gather the best projects for kids. From cool tie-dye patterns to the must-know tips, we’ve got you covered. So, scroll down to see our favorite fun and unique tie-dye projects kids can do this summer.

Tie-Dye Kit

Amazon

The first thing you need for any tie-dye clothing like hoodies, shirts, and dresses is a tie-dye kit that has all the colors and supplies you'll need. This one has enough supplies for six people, includes 18 colors and an instructional guide with tie-dye patterns. The dyes are safe to machine wash and won't fade with time. 

Buy it here, $19.86.

Watermelon Tie-Dye Dress

Paging Fun Mums

Nothing says summer like watermelon! From the bright, fruity colors to the cute little seeds, we simply can’t get enough of this adorable dress. It’s a good thing Paging Fun Mums put together this super helpful tutorial complete with step-by-step video!

Tie-Dye Socks

Bombas

While we’re on a roll tie-dying every piece of white clothing we can get our hands on, let’s not forget the mountain of white socks just begging for a splash of color! The Tip Toe Fairy used a one-step tie-dye kit to make these rainbow-inspired pairs, and we think they turned out fabulous!

Tie-Dye Easter Eggs

A Little Pinch of Perfect

Yes, we know Easter is months away, but we can’t help but get a little excited about this edible craft. After all, it pays off twofold. Awesome crafts to keep the kiddos busy, check. Snacks, check! Head over to A Little Pinch of Perfect to find out how to make these easy tie-dye eggs today!

Colorful DIY Paper Crowns

The Kitchen Table Classroom

Do you have a little one who adores watercolor painting and loves crowns? Then this is the cleverest mashup you’ll find! We think The Kitchen Table Classroom’s idea to take paper doilies, paint them, and fold them along a band of paper is pure genius. Click here to see how to make these colorful crowns that are giving us all the tie-dye feels.

Crumpled Paper Art

Buggy and Buddy

This crumpled paper art craft by Buggy and Buddy is perfect for the little ones. Toddlers are sure to have a blast squishing up paper into balls and having messy fun decorating them with paint. Since this is a squish, paint, repeat type of craft, it’s sure to keep your kids busy for quite a while. The result makes for cute refrigerator art!

Tie-Dye Party Favor Bags

Ginger Snap Crafts

Celebrating your child’s birthday this summer? Even if you're throwing a virtual party, these tie-dye party favor bags by Ginger Snap Crafts are sure to be a hit with all of their friends! They’re so easy and fun to make, and once dried, just fill them up with some treats and you have the perfect party favors.

Tie-Dye Beach Towels

Emmy Lou Styles

Summer wouldn’t be complete without outdoor water play and of course, you'll need beach towels to dry up afterward. Since shopping at our favorite stores this summer is a bit of a challenge, why not round up a few white towels and let the kids have fun turning them into colorful tie-dye patterns? We love how Emmy Lou Styles’ tie-dye beach towels turned out. She also made tie-dye shirts, and we think they turned out great! 

 

Coffee Filter Flowers

The Kitchen Table Classroom

These are the perfect way to teach your little ones about nature and art at the same time. Simply take a stroll, and let your kids point out flowers that catch their eye. Then head home, and with just a few simple supplies, help them recreate nature by making these beautiful Coffee Filter Flowers with all the colors of the rainbow!

Tissue Paper Tie-Dye

The Kitchen Table Classroom

If your little ones aren’t quite ready for some of the more advanced tie-dye projects, you can start them out with this colorful Tissue Paper Tie-Dye craft that requires only tissue paper, food coloring, rubber bands, cups, and imagination!

Ice Tie-Dye Technique

Bre Pea

There are no rubber bands needed for this technique! Bre Pea’s How To Tie Dye with Ice tutorial is super cool. Pun intended! We think you’re going to love how she turned standard white t-shirts into throw pillow covers.

Permanent Marker Color Bursts on Fabric

The Kitchen Table Classroom

This is another great way to get that traditional tie-dye look without kits or rubber bands. The Kitchen Table Classroom’s Permanent Marker technique is so fun, and it will give your kids more control over the finished design since they'll be drawing out their desired patterns.

 

 

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School is out for the summer and playgrounds are in full swing. Whether you’re headed to the high tech new spot across town or the old faithful equipment around the corner, accidents happen. That’s why the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons just released safety tips to keep your outside playtime fun, not frightening.

A child in the U.S. visits the emergency room for a playground-related injury every two-and-a-half minutes and ER departments see more than 220,000 children for these injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But many of these incidents are preventable by following these tips:

  • Never go down a slide with a baby or toddler in your lap. The child’s foot can get caught underneath the adult’s leg and cause a twisting injury.
  • Make sure your kids play on age-appropriate playground equipment.
  • Check to see that there is enough space for children to easily get off the slide and look for crowding around exit areas.
  • Double check climbing devices to make sure the handholds are the right size and secure.
  • Swing seats are best made of plastic or rubber for better grip.
  • Stay away from equipment with openings where your child’s head could get stuck.
  • Make sure you can see your kids playing at all times.
  • Use playgrounds that have soft surfaces (wood chips, mulch or shredded rubber) as opposed to hard surfaces like asphalt.
  • In warm weather, check equipment before using to make sure it’s not too hot.
  • Finally, look out for tripping hazards like rocks or sticks and remove from the area before playing.

“In a natural effort to protect themselves, children often will fall on an outstretched hand and break the bones involving the wrist or elbow,” said Dr. Rachel Goldstein, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “By closely supervising children and making sure they are using equipment the way it is intended to be used, these injuries can be curbed. For example, no jumping from the swings and one person at a time on the slide.”

The next time you head out to play, keep these guidelines in mind for a little extra piece of mind. The AAOS has even more tips available at OrthoInfo.org. And get ready to enjoy unrestricted access to your favorite spaces!

Featured image: Sarah Pflug via Burst

 

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