You waited 9 months and baby is finally here. And even though you’re ready to have fun with that little bundle, baby—not so much (especially during those first few months). But in between the diaper changes, naps, and feedings, you and your little one can find time to play simple games that benefit baby’s development. Playing helps babies learn about the world and develop new motor skills and social skills. The key is knowing at what age they’re ready for baby games like peekaboo and blowing bubbles. Here’s an age-by-age guide for the best games to play with babies at different times during their first year.

Games for Babies: 0-3 Months

two moms play peek a boo, games for babies, with a newborn on a bed
iStock

1. Imitation Game

Your face is your baby’s favorite thing to look at. Keep it about a foot away from your newborn so they see you properly, and then stick out your tongue or form an O with your mouth. Before you know it, baby will copy you. Bonus points for making silly noises to go along with your expressions.

2. Singing

Newborns might not be able to see you from across the room, but they can hear you, and they recognize (and love) your voice. Sing a lullaby or “Wheels on the Bus,” belt out your favorite song or commercial jingle, or make up a song about your daily activities. It doesn’t matter if you’re out of tune, your voice gives your baby comfort and joy.

3. Flashcards

While even the smartest newborn nerd isn’t ready for math or reading flashcards yet, simple images from cards or books get their attention. Black and white images, simple patterns and bright colors are easiest for them to see at this age. They also love images of other babies. All you have to do is hold up the card, point at the picture, and talk about the image. Or put it down in front of them to explore during tummy time.

4. Hanging Toys

Your little one might not be reaching out for toys yet, but looking at them is one of their favorite baby games. Hang a mobile above the crib or find an activity gym with hanging toys and lay baby on their back to enjoy. Baby-safe mirrors are great, too. Babies won’t know it’s their face, but that won’t dampen their enthusiasm for staring at it or reaching out for it.

5. Repetitive Routine

While the endless cycle of eating, burping, sleeping, diapers and baths may not be thrilling for you, it’s your baby’s whole world. Add some fun to the routine by singing a song during bath time, dancing after a diaper change, or stopping to look at framed photos of family members. Whatever you do, the key is doing it consistently.

Related: Baby Games: 7 Sure-Fire Ways to Amuse Your Baby

Games for Babies: 4-6 Months

two dads hold a baby in the bed playing games
iStock

6. Interactive Stories

Your little one is a bit more responsive at this age. Change up those simple newborn activities for slightly more interactive baby games. This is a great time to introduce games like “This Little Piggy.” They don’t require independent movement from baby, but kids find the story super fun.

7. Moving Tummy Time

Put tummy time in motion to mix things up. Once your baby has pretty good head control, lay them on their stomach on a small blanket. Then slowly pull them around the room. Make motor or train noises for even more silly fun.

8. Blowing Bubbles

You don’t need to wait until baby’s old enough to chase after bubbles to introduce then. At this age, babies are starting to see better, so they will be fascinated with the moving rainbows of bubbles. Blow the bubbles near them but not directly at them to keep the soap out of their eyes.

9. Echo Noises

When your baby makes a happy noise, make one back. If they blow bubbles with their lips, blow some back. You’ll get big smiles real quick from this imitation game.

10. How Big Is Baby?

It’s amazing how fast those early months fly by. Your six-month-old will seem huge in comparison with how little they were just a few months ago, making the classic “How Big Is Baby?” game all the more poignant. To play, hold baby’s hands and ask in a sweet voice, “How big is baby?” Then put their hands up over their head and say, “This big!” Mix it up by replacing “big” with different adjectives smart, sweet, etc.

Games for Babies: 7-9 Months

a dad kisses his baby on the forehead, baby sitting on the counter, playing games for babies
iStock

11. Patty Cake

You don’t need to retire those songs from the newborn stage, but continue to up the game with tunes that have motions and finger play to go along with them. Start by showing the motions to songs like “Patty Cake,” “Itsy-Bitsy Spider” and “Wheels on the Bus.” You can also help babies do the motions with their hands.

12. Peekaboo

By now your baby is beginning to have an understanding of object permanence, knowing that when things are out of sight, they aren’t gone forever. If your little one hasn’t already discovered the joy that is peekaboo, this is the perfect time to try it out. Hide your face behind your hands, hide baby’s face behind your hands, or pop out from behind a door or curtain. You can also hide or partially hide objects (like putting a musical toy under a blanket) to see if your child will look for them.

13. Flying Baby

At this age, your baby should have enough control and strength for some flying time on your knees. Lay flat on your back or slightly propped up on a pillow. Use your bent legs to support your baby’s body, hold their hands, and gently fly them around. You can go up and down, side-to-side or a combination of the two. Sound effects and silly songs are mandatory with this activity.

14. Roll the Ball

Once your child is able to sit, sit across from them and roll a ball toward them. At first, baby probably won’t roll it back, but they might pick it up and play with it or chew on it. When they lose interest in the ball, pick it up and roll it back to them to start the game over. Eventually, they’ll be rolling it back to you.

Related: The Smart Parents’ Guide to Montessori Toys for Babies & Toddlers

Games for Babies: 10-12 Months

iStock

15. Sensory Boxes

Nothing is more fun for your older baby than taking things out of a box and putting them back in. Fill a box or bin with a combination of balls, soft blocks, small books, scarves or baby-safe household items like a wooden spatula. Look for objects that have different textures and are big enough not to be choking hazards. Show your child how to take things out of the box and put them back in. It won’t be long before they’re dumping out and rearranging every box they can get their hands on, not to mention your purse and diaper backpack.

16. Obstacle Course

Let the baby games begin! Chances are your little explorer is on the move, or ready to be soon. Whether scooting, crawling, walking or full-on climbing, a baby-appropriate pillow obstacle course is a good energy burner. Set out couch cushions or pillows all around the floor. Demonstrate how to climb over, around or peek under them and then watch your kid go.

17. Dance Time

There are so many ways to enjoy dancing with your baby. You don’t have to stick to baby music; play your favorite tunes if you’d like. Sit on the floor together and bop your head and body or pretend to play an instrument. Baby might not be ready for air guitar yet, but it won’t take much prompting to get them bopping along to the beat. You can also hold baby in your arms and spin in slow circles or sway back and forth. Or sit them in your lap and bounce them on your knees in time to the music.

18. Stack & Attack

Stacking cups, stacking rings and blocks are a favorite for your almost one-year-old. In fact, any items that can be put on top of one another and knocked back down without breaking are fair game. Try plastic storage containers, empty yogurt containers, or small boxes and bring in your little destructor to hulk-smash them down.

19. Bath Splash

A few plastic cups, clean sponges and washcloths add baby thrills to the nightly bath. Use the cups to show how they can be filled with water and them emptied. Squeeze the sponges and washcloths on baby’s belly. Show baby how to smack the water to make a big noise.

20. Make Noisemakers

Fill a clear plastic container with dry beans or rice. Give it a shake and roll it along the floor to show your baby how to make music with it. Add a few colored pom poms to the container to make the shaking even more interesting for your baby.

Related: Play All Day: 20 Sensory Play Ideas for Babies & Toddlers

Let your Halloween door decorations do the spooking for you this year

It’s October—Halloween has officially arrived! Now is the time to get your house ready with your favorite Halloween inflatables and pumpkins (be sure to use one of our pumpkin stencil designs), but what about Halloween door decorations and front porch Halloween decorations? From rustic door panels, crow silhouettes, and even a witch who has a wrong turn, we’ve got 11 easy ideas to make your front entrance shine this Halloween. When you’re done with the decor, plan a movie night by picking one of the best Halloween movies on Netflix, and don’t forget the movie night snacks!

Monster Halloween Door

Would you believe us if we told you there’s no need for a kit when it comes to re-creating this monster Halloween door decoration? Just lots of poster board. We are so inspired by @liz.morrow’s gorgeous setup. For another idea, check out our monster door tutorial.

Pretty in Pink Halloween Door

 

Who says Halloween door decorations have to be scary? This adorable setup gives us just as many thrills as something a little more spooky might.

Halloween Door Panels

Amazon

These rustic signs are made from fabric that is weather-resistant, washable, and easy to put away to use in future years.

Get the look here

Spider Web Halloween Door

spider web halloween door decorations
Ashley & Hallman via Jane Can

This spider web door from Jane Can is too cute to spook! Grab yarn, Styrofoam balls, pom poms, and pipe cleaners to make this large spindly web and multi-legged spiders. 

Get the look here.

 

Related: 14 Genius (Almost) Homemade Halloween Decorations

Shadowy Silhouette Halloween Door

Wayfair

This shadowy silhouette is an easy one to fix up. Plus, there's no adhesive, and you can use it year after year.

Get the look here.  

Mummy Halloween Door Decorations

mummy Halloween door decorations
Carol Speake via Always The Holiday

Little ghosts will brave the walk to your front door when they see this welcoming mummy. A breeze to create with white streamers, black and yellow construction paper, and tape. 

Get the look here.

 

Witch Crash Halloween Door Wreath

Alison Faulkner via The Alison Show

Your little pretties will be bewitched by a crash-landing witch wreath! 

Get the look here.

Eyeball Door Wreath

Nicole & Candace via Crafty Sisters

All eyes are on the costumed guests! Add a little eerie to your door with an eyeball wreath like the one spotted over at Crafty Sisters

Get the look here

Related: DIY Halloween Decorations to Deck Your Haunted Halls

Moving Spiders

Delia Creates

Add a little creep factor with magnetic spiders (that you can move!) like these from Delia Creates.

Get the look here.  

Eek! Door Light

Settle this in next to a few spiders and cobwebs around your door, and it'll be a sweetly scary way to light up your front door on Halloween. 

Get the look here. 

Crows Flying Halloween Door

silhouette birds halloween door decorations
Idle Wife

There’s something eerie about swirling crows (thank you, Alfred Hitchcock), and we love the look spotted over at the Idle Wife.

Get the look here

 

Use baby’s handprints, footprints, and artistic ability to create adorable fall crafts for infants

Introduce your baby to art, create some seasonal decor, and make keepsakes to treasure, all at the same time. These adorable fall crafts for infants help celebrate all of the pumpkins, turkeys, and falling leaves of autumn, and even the littlest of babies can be your creative assistant.

Jack-o'-Lantern Suncatchers

Fireflies Mudpies

Looking for a low-mess fall craft for babies? Try these colorful suncatchers. Help your child draw on coffee filters with markers, using whichever colors you like. Then spray the coffee filters and let them watch in amazement as the colors blend together. After the pumpkin has dried, cut out shapes with construction paper and attach them. Laminate the pumpkin to keep it for next year. Head to Fireflies and Mudpies for how to make these gorgeous gourds.

Spider Handprint Window Clings

these spiders are one of our favorite fall crafts for infants
Hands on As We Grow

Transform tiny, little hands into spiders for Halloween! These creepy-crawly window clings can be as sweet or scary as you like. You'll need non-toxic acrylic paint, a paintbrush, clear contact paper, googly eyes, and a little patience to bring these creatures to life. For extra credit, use a little school glue to draw a spider web on your windows (yes, it peels or washes off). Hands on As We Grow has step-by-step instructions.

Baby's First Jack-o'-Lantern

Today's the Best Day

This clever spin on pumpkin carving uses your baby's handprints and footprints to make the face. Trace your baby's hands and feet to create stencils, then use those to carve the pumpkin. The result provides a seriously adorable and original photo opp. This idea comes from Today's the Best Day

Handprint Turkey Placemat

Meaningful Mama

Here's a craft you can treasure for years to come at the Thanksgiving table. Stamp three handprints with your child to create a turkey. Stencil in a message and the turkey's body and you're done. Get more details on how to make this keeper at Meaningful Mama.

Handprint Spider on a Plate

Mama Papa Bubba

Fans of the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" will love this one. Use two of your baby's black-painted handprints to create a spider. Incorporate the song into crafting this cute project from Mama Papa Bubba, and you have a craft and a fun activity in one.

 

Related: 12 Autumn Sensory Play Activities You’ll Fall for

Handprint Pumpkin Keepsake

A handprint pumpkin is a fun fall craft for infants
Amy Anderson of Make and Takes

This idea from Make and Takes will leave you with a polished autumn decoration to remember how little baby's hand was that first Halloween. Choose a pretty orange textured paper or fabric to make the most impact.

Handprint + Footprint Turkey Card

turkey footprint is a fall craft for infants
Toddler Approved

Trace your baby's hands and feet to create this clever turkey card. Whether you send it to relatives you won't see this Thanksgiving or use it to make a DIY centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, you can bet your family members will love it. Find the instructions at Toddler Approved.

Candy Corn Footprints

Rust and Sunshine

Paint your baby's little feet in yellow, orange, and white stripes to create a pair of sweet, smiley candy corn treats. Use black paper or canvas to make the prints really pop. Or, use only the white paint on baby's feet and make a spooky ghost. Rust and Sunshine, came up with both clever ideas.

Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet

See Vanessa Craft

It's all in the saying. Preserve your fall baby's tiny footprints forever in this festive Halloween art project. Just paint your tot's feet in orange and black stripes to "stamp" on a canvas, and then add the words "Trick or Treat Smell My Feet" for a super cute keepsake. Get the full how-to at See Vanessa Craft.

Handprint Turkey Artwork

Toddler Approved

Turn your baby's little handprint into a turkey to commemorate their first Thanksgiving. Be sure to add the year to your design, so you'll know how old your child was when their hands were so very tiny. Get all the details on how to make this at Toddler Approved.

 

It’s no secret that a mobile baby is a busy baby, and a busy baby is a happy baby. But if the crawling, creeping and scooting hasn’t yet begun, there are still plenty of ways to engage with your little one—and have a little fun yourself. Here are our favorite ideas for infant games you can play with your stationary sweetie.

1. Bubble Blowout

Something about the rainbow swirls and fanciful movements are endlessly alluring for babies and grown-ups alike. An inexpensive bottle of bubbles—or the homemade variety, if you prefer—will keep your mini-me fixated and, depending on age, may allow your child to exercise hand-eye coordination, too, as he tries to grasp at the floating orbs.

2. Song Sesh

There are plenty of studies showing that babies recognize and respond to human voices—especially their mama—but did you know that researchers have found that babies can hear and remember music even while in the womb? And that they enjoy concerts as much as their parents? It’s no surprise, then, that songs (especially when sung by mom!) are a sure thing when it comes to entertaining your wee one.

While lullabies are great for setting the mood for bedtime, more upbeat tempos are better at keeping baby amused during wakeful hours. To really capture your little one’s attention, choose interactive songs that include motions or silly sounds. (Think: sneezing, animal sounds, or surprise responses, like “peek-a-boo!”) Make up the lyrics as you go, or stick with tried-and-true classics like “Wheels on the Bus” or “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”

Related: Your Month-By-Month Guide to Activities During Baby’s First Year

3. Fancy Footwork

Babies who haven’t mastered the art of being on the move just yet still do plenty of kicking and squirming. Keep your squirmy worm endlessly entertained by tying a helium balloon to their foot. Your baby will love watching the colorful balloon bounce above them in response to their movements, and you’ll love watching this newfound excitement.

photo: regina_zulauf via Pixabay 

4. Head Outdoors

Let’s be real. There’s only so much excitement that can happen indoors. A simple change of scenery can do wonders in keeping a non-mobile baby entertained, and getting outside your usual four walls into the fresh air and sunshine can soothe even the crankiest infant. Get in a few minutes of tummy time by positioning baby on the edge of a blanket to explore the grass. Or simply lay back together and watch the leaves swaying peacefully in the wind or the clouds floating by.

5. Master Mimicry

While the jury is still out on how early babies can mimic adult gestures, expressions, and sounds, what we do know is that infants benefit from intentional face-to-face interaction at every age. Bond with your baby by focusing on maintaining eye-to-eye contact (that means putting that distracting smartphone aside!) and exchanging facial expressions, such as sticking out your tongue, wrinkling your nose, or showing various emotions, from surprise to sadness. These interactions will not only result in cognitive benefits for baby, but you’ll both enjoy the intentional one-on-one time.

Related: 10 Games to Encourage Baby’s First Words

6. Picture Perfect

If you’ve had your fill of reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear for the day, give baby a mini art tour through your own home. Carry baby around and show them the photographs or paintings that grace your walls. If you have family pictures or portraits, tell baby about the people in the photo. If abstract art is more your thing, point out the colors and shapes.

7. Hands On

There’s a reason why simple games like “This Little Piggie” elicit baby smiles and giggles over and over again. Combining the cadence of rhymes with physical interaction is a guaranteed win when it comes to keeping little ones amused. Our favorites include actions that point to baby’s body parts (eyes, nose, fingers, feet, tummy), and offer a gentle tickle where appropriate. If you need a refresher course on rhymes, a simple Google search for “action rhymes for babies” will offer lots of inspiration.

Check out the newest seasonal stuff from your favorite affordable design store

Warm weather, vacations, and long sunny days are on the horizon, and what better way to prep than to head to your closest IKEA for items that are perfect for the whole family? From outdoor decor to fun beach gear, we found some items that are new at IKEA that promise to set you up for the best summer ever.  

ÖMSESIDIG Shopping Bag

shopping bag new at IKEA

This shopping bag, new at IKEA, is all about colorful fun and is big enough for everything you'll be toting around this summer: towels, pool toys, flip-flops, sunscreen, and whatever else the kids hand off. 

Buy it here, $4

SUNDSÖ Table and Chairs

table and chairs new at ikea

If you've been looking for a quick way to give your patio or outdoor space a pop of color, consider the SUNDSÖ table and chairs set that's new at IKEA. Affordable and foldable, you can even pull it out when you've got company coming and put it away when everyone has gone home. 

Buy it here, $135

STRANDÖN Wind Shelter

If you've got babies or toddlers, having a shady spot for them to nap while at the beach or at the park is a must. This lightweight pop-up shelter is easy to put up, or, when they're ready to go, to get it back in its storage bag in a flash. 

Buy it here, $35

ÖMSESIDIG Picnic Blanket

You're going to need a way to claim your space at the beach, movie night, or outdoor concert this summer, and this picnic blanket will do the trick. With a waterproof back and plenty of room for your crew, this will get plenty of use. 

Buy it here, $30

STRANDÖN Umbrella

umbrella is new at IKEA

You're going to want to shade yourself from the sun's rays this summer. If last year's umbrella is a little worse for wear, snag this bright yellow one that's new at IKEA. It has hooks under the parasol for hanging your gear and it has a handy screw-in base for easy assembly. 

Buy it here, $25

 

SVARTRÅ LED Lights

Light up your patio or lawn with a strand of LED lights. This set of 20 bulbs has hooks that make adjusting the height a breeze. 

Buy them here, $50

Related: 10 IKEA Organizing Hacks Every Family Could Use

STJÄRNANIS Flower Box

flower boxes that are new at IKEA

Give your old terracotta pots an upgrade by putting them in one of these acacia wood flower boxes that are new at IKEA this summer. Stack them or line them on the edge of your patio and fill them with flowers or even veggies!

Buy them here, $43

TOFTÖ Cushion Cover

Give your weather-beaten outdoor pillows an upgrade with this bright and cheery cushion cover. Add in another pop of color with a new outdoor throw or rug and your outdoor space will shine. 

Buy them here, $15

STRANDÖN Chaise Lounge Chair

You'll need somewhere to lounge once you find that perfect spot in the sand! We love this chaise lounge that's new at IKEA because it has a hidden pocket at the back for your valuable items and a strap for easy carrying (because you know you'll be carrying everything, for everyone. 

Buy it here, $45

ÄRTBUSKE Vase/Watering Can

It's for flowers... no wait, it's used to water flowers! Whatever it is you end up using it for, this cactus-inspired piece will look great inside or out this summer. 

Buy it here, $17

BASTUA Water Bottle

this water bottle is new at IKEA

You and the kids will need to stay hydrated this summer, and this mini stainless steel bottle is adorned with adorable flowers and has a handle that's perfect for little hands. New at IKEA for summer 2023. 

Buy it here, $13

 

If you don't yet have a hammock, what's stopping you? This durable version is made from recycled 90% polyester and can be hitched between two trees or used on a hammock stand. 

Buy it here, $40

ÖMSESIDIG Cooler Bag

Now that you have your tote bag, your picnic blanket, and your water bottle, the only thing left is a cooler bag to store all your drinks and picnic snacks. This one is small enough to make it easy to carry but comes with a mesh pocked for dry supplies and a moveable divider so you can organize it in any way you need. 

Buy it here, $15

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.

Light the lights, spin the dreidel, eat some latkes—and read a book! There’s no better way to tell the story of Hanukkah than by, well, telling a story. Lucky for your littles, there are plenty of new books on the market to bring the festival of lights to life in their imaginations. From The Rugrats and Pout-Pout Fish to a book that actually becomes a menorah itself, here are our picks for our favorite Hanukkah books for kids.


The Speedy Menorah, by Cider Mill Press

$11 BUY NOW

This isn't really a book; it's a decoration! This colorful board book contains all the pieces to make a decorative foldout menorah, perfect for spaces where you don't want kids lighting up (I.e. in their rooms, at school, etc.). Kids will love popping out the pieces, putting them together and adding the candles each night.


You're My Little Latke, by Natalie Marshall

$5 BUY NOW

An adorable board book for toddlers that uses sweet, rhyming text and the hallmarks of Hanukkah (latkes, jelly donuts, menorahs) to celebrate the love between parent and child. Includes page cutouts and raised elements to captivate little readers.


A Rugrats Chanukah: The Classic Illustrated Storybook, by Kim Smith

$16 BUY NOW

Millennial parents will love introducing their kids to this infamous '90s-era baby crew, who learn—after a series of misunderstandings about the ‘meany of Hanukkah’—the real meaning of the holiday.


Hannukah books for kids

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah

$9 BUY NOW

This story about a Jewish family preparing for Hanukkah gives readers a glimpse of immigrant families living on the lower East Side of New York in 1912. When the youngest daughter Gertie isn't allowed to help prepare the meal, she throws a tantrum, but once her father comes home, she's finally allowed to a part of the holiday tradition—lighting the first candle on the menorah!


Larry’s Latkes, by Jenna Waldman

$18 BUY NOW

An alligator with a food truck sets out to find some fresh new flavors for his Hanukkah latkes in this rhyming story that centers around tradition, cooking and friendship. If peach or turnips aren’t your kids’ thing, the included recipe for rainbow latkes will hit the spot.


Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is a classic Hanukkah book

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

$4 BUY NOW

This classic Hanukkah book follows the journey of Hershel, a traveler who makes his way into a village on the first night of Hanukkah. Expecting to see warm lights and latkes, instead, he finds that a band of goblins has taken over, and not a single candle is lit. Using only his wits, Hershel tricks the goblins night after night, but will it be enough to save Hanukkah?


Goodnight Bubbala, by Sheryl Haft

$9 BUY NOW

“In the small blue room, there was a bubbala”…and a mishpacha (Jewish family), and a kiss on the keppelah (head)—and a host of other Yiddish phrases that match the rhythm and tone of Margaret Wise Brown’s classic bedtime tale. This simple parody pays homage to Jewish culture and values and will amuse the bubbies (grandmothers) maybe more than the bubbalas (darlings) themselves.


Pinky Blum and the Case of the Magical Menorah, by Judy Press

$9 BUY NOW

Looking for a Hanukkah-themed book that your independent readers can tackle on their own? This short chapter book follows kid detective Pinky Bloom as she takes on the case of an Israeli coin stolen from her synagogue. Strange events ensue—and Pinky solves the case with the help of her little brother.


Happy Hanukkah, Pups!

$7 BUY NOW

Get ready for the holiday with the Paw Patrol pups in this colorful board book that counts from one to ten with dreidels, latkes, snowflakes and more.


Happy Hanukkah, Pout-Pout Fish, by Deborah Diesen

$6 BUY NOW

Everyone’s favorite scaled grumpy face is back to light the lights (underwater!) in this sweet rhyming story that toddlers will love. Follow Pout-Pout Fish as he lights the menorah, spins the dreidel and celebrates Hanukkah with his fishy friends.


Red and Green and Blue and White, By Lee Wind

$7 BUY NOW

This picture book for older children loosely tells the true story of a community, that in 1993, stood up to bigotry. It follows Isaac, whose family is Jewish, and his best friend, Teresa, whose family is Christian, as they gear up for the holidays in their traditional ways. But when Isaac’s window is smashed in the middle of the night, the children bring the community together to stand up for what’s right.

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


You don’t need a spell to land a Harry Potter-themed suite in your next house, but $5 million and some change might help. That’s what one (very posh) Muggle’s home was recently listed for near Orlando, Florida. While it’s definitely a chunk of galleons, who can really put a price on access to the world’s most famous wizarding school?

Zillow Gone Wild, an Instagram account dedicated to over-the-top real estate listings—and those of us who like to stay up way too late to check out the market in states we’ve never visited—recently posted an eight bedroom, 11 bathroom, 8,989-square-foot modern marvel for $5.45 million.

Zillow

While the rest of the house seems like a relatively traditional pad, the Harry Potter theme takes flight when you reach a wall that resembles the 9¾ platform. If that doesn’t alert you to the possibility of things getting wacky, the locomotive—where you’ll find sleeping quarters—the nook inhabited by a dragon, the Whomping Willow, Hagrid’s pet spider, even a thematic bathroom will.

Zillow Gone Wild/ Instagram

Whether the water closet comes with its own Moaning Myrtle we do not know, but one can only hope.

Zillow Gone Wild/ Instagram

Zillow Gone Wild/ Instagram

The Harry Potter-themed room certainly put this listing in a playing field of its own, but an “Avengers” entertainment room and a “Beauty and the Beast” en suite bedroom still outshine anything else on the market.

While the listing reportedly closed to a new owner on February 15 (a magical Valentine’s Day gift to that special someone, perhaps?) you can still check out the full listing here.

—Shelley Massey

George Pointon is a year one teacher in the UK. He’s also an expert Twitter user who has a great sense of humor and knows that kids are smarter than most adults when it comes to answering deep questions about life. He’s gone viral in the past for asking his students questions like, “What’s your mantra to get through life,” and “What would you like to get off your chest?” He recently went viral again, this time for asking kids to pitch him a new film idea.

Honestly get these kids some agents.

Last week, he posted a thread that’s already been liked nearly 182k times. In it, he says, “I asked a group of 6 year olds to ‘Pitch me a new film idea.’ Move over Hollywood.” He’s not wrong.

The kids really delivered.

“Genre, fighting” is our new favorite film genre, and frankly a burger that eats other burgers is terrifyingly dark.

 


“But is it worth it?” We don’t know! Somebody make this film!

 


Money cannon? We’re in!

There were a total of 10 films, all of which we’d like to see. Twitter users got so invested, some of them even made movie posters.

 

Television writer and novelist Tyler Park weighed in with his stamp of approval, too.

Children are really the future.

 

Fall is in full effect and that means it’s the perfect time to bust out all those Halloween science experiments! These kits from our friends over at KiwiCo will have you learning about static electricity while you get ghosts to rise from the dead. Which one is your favorite? 

Halloween Kits

Spooky Halloween Science

KiwiCo

Learn about static electricity with this spooky set that will have ghosts rising from the grave! 

Ages 5+

Buy it here, $25

Puking Pumpkin Science

KiwiCo

You'll love this fun addition to your pumpkin carving plan. Add a little science and your pumpkin will be oozing all over your porch! 

Ages 3+

Buy it here, $15

Halloween Luminaries

KiwiCo

Create four Halloween luminaries with this kit that has all of your Halloween favorites like a ghost and spider. 

Ages 3+

Buy it here, $20

Light-Up Haunted House

KiwiCo

LED lights and vellum paper windows add to the spooky element of this DIY haunted house. 

Ages 9+

Buy it here, $25. 

Bubbling Cauldron

Mix together a witchy brew and get your cauldron bubbling with this fun Halloween kit. 

Ages 5+

Buy it here, $25

Trick-or-Treat Tote

KiwiCo

This glowing candy bag comes with stickers to design a cat or any spooky monster you desire. 

Ages 3+

Buy it here, $13

Other Kits We Love

Little Artist

A paint and sculpture kit for kids ages 3+.

Buy it here, $24.95. 

Planet Bath Bombs

A fun spa experiment for kids ages 5+.

Buy it here, $19.95. 

Cannonball Launcher

Shoot foam cannonballs after building this kit for kids ages 7+.

Buy it here, $24.95.

Screen Printing

Print your own graphic on fabric with this kit for kids ages 9+.

Buy it here, $20.95.

Walking Robot

Use this kit to build a robot that walks! For kids ages 9+

Buy it here, $24.95.

Paper Circuits

Peek into the world of electricity with this kid for kids ages 11 & up. 

Buy it here, $24.95. 

—Kate Loweth & Gabby Cullen

All images courtesy of KiwiCo

 

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Covering your house with Halloween thrills and chills has never been easier. We found 14 homemade (or almost) Halloween decorations that range from super clever (dead & breakfast anyone?) to delightfully simple. Scroll down to get inspired. 

Add a Bubbling Cauldron to the Yard or Front Porch

courtesy of Grandin Road

Witches and wizards will appreciate a properly bubbling cauldron on Halloween night. We love this tutorial from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. Get what you need in the link below! 

Get the look here

Go Overboard on Pumpkins

Andrei Lanovskii via Unsplash

We love the idea of going overboard on pumpkins lining your front porch. You can get various sizes and shapes and even use some luminaries! 

Get the look here

Halloween Yard Sign

Jen Theodore via Unsplash

Lead little ones to your front door with eerie signage. From Harry Potter to zombie warnings and more, there’s no end to the possibilities! We love this version from Birds and Soap.

Get the look here.  

Keep It Simple

Annie Spratt via Unsplash

If you aren't a huge fan of over-the-top Halloween decorations, keep it simple with gourds, pumpkins and straw. It's still got that festive feeling, and you aren't staring down skeletons for a month. 

Get the look here, or snag real pumpkins at your local pumpkin patch. 

Make a Cave-Like Entrance

The Crafting Chicks

It’s easy to make your porch a spooky cave where bats dwell like this cobweb banner we spotted over at The Crafting Chicks. We love how it’s sweet enough to not scare off tiny trick-or-treaters. 

Get the look here. 

Milk Carton Luminaries

Jen Sedillo via Eighteen 25

Better start saving your milk jugs (and ask your friends!) now to make your own Spirit Jugs like the ones from Eighteen 25.

Stacked Painted Pumpkins

courtesy Brit Co

These stackable pumpkins look amazing, add a funky vibe to your front porch, and are surprisingly easy to make—especially when you follow the tutorial we found over at Brit + Co. It’s also a decoration idea that’ll last for years and can be used both inside and out. 

Get the pumpkins here

Dead & Breakfast Sign

Christy James via Confessions of a Serial DIYer

How clever is this Dead & Breakfast sign from Confessions of a Serial DIYer? It's the perfect addition to your haunted home. 

Get the look here.

 

Easy Floating Ghosts

Practically Functional

These floating ghosts seem more sweet than spooky. The best part? This last-minute decor detail is a cinch to make. Jessi of Practically Functional has the details on a DIY anyone can tackle.

 

 

Giant Spider Web

Jacob Clayton at MyUntangledLife

Life can be a tangled web and MyUntangledLife makes one of the best! Drape this amazing spider’s home on your front porch for the holiday and see how many little ghouls and goblins dare enter!  

Get the look here

Mice Silhouettes

courtesy Sixty Fifth Avenue

If you’ve got steps up to your front door, this idea from Sixty-Fifth Avenue works perfectly. We love the silhouette mice: they add a spooky touch without being too creepy. Add in a few pumpkins and any Cinderellas out for a stroll will feel right at home. You can find the silhouettes at the local craft store or make your own if you’re feeling crafty. See the entire set up over at Sixty-Fifth Avenue.

 

Climbing Skeletons

Stefanie Schiada of Brooklyn Limestone

We are in awe of the skeletons caught crawling all over this amazing home in Brooklyn. Stephanie of Brooklyn Limestone shares her inspirations and stunning home decor here. And, even if you don't have a 100-year-old home to decorate, you can still get the look by following this tutorial from Instructables

Nancy Creative

These Jack O’ Lanterns are anything but “cookie cutter"! They’ll light a ghoulish path to your door as luminaries, or add a stylish pop to your porch. All you need are stainless steel cookie cutters and a rubber mallet. Nancy at Nancy Creative has the scoop.

 

— Natasha Davis & Gabby Cullen

 

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