Need a good laugh? These Thanksgiving jokes will keep the whole family entertained for hours on turkey day
Add a little levity to the Thanksgiving table this year with some kid-approved Thanksgiving jokes. We gathered our favorite jokes about pie and funny jokes about turkeys for this list that will have your whole family laughing before dessert is even served! If you’re looking for more ways to keep the kids entertained during the holiday, check out our fun free Thanksgiving printables and Thanksgiving games for kids.
Turkey Thanksgiving Jokes
1. Why was the turkey late for Thanksgiving?
He ran out of thyme.
2. What are turkeys most thankful for on Thanksgiving?
Vegetarians
3. What instrument does the turkey play in the band?
The drums because he already has the drumsticks.
4. Who comes to Thanksgiving dinner but is not hungry?
The turkey because he’s already stuffed!
5. What side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside.
6. Why did the turkey cross the road?
The chicken was on vacation.
7. What kind of weather does a turkey like?
Fowl weather!
8. What kind of key can’t open doors?
A tur-key!
9. Why did the turkey get arrested?
He was suspected of fowl play.
10. What do you call a turkey running in a sprint?
Fast food.
Jokes about Dessert
11. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin pie?
With a pumpkin patch.
12. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake? A pie-thon.
13. What’s the best thing to put in pumpkin pie?
Your teeth.
14. What’s a pumpkin’s favorite game?
Squash
15. Why did the pumpkin pie cross the road?
It saw a fork up ahead.
16. Why did the pie go to the dentist?
It needed a filling.
17. Why did the apple pie cry?
Its peelings were hurt.
18. What did the pie say to the fork?
You want a piece of me?
Thanksgiving Dinner Jokes
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19. What did one plate say to the other plate? Dinner is on me!
20. How many cranberries grow on a bush?
All of them.
21. What smells the best at Thanksgiving dinner?
Your nose.
22. Knock, Knock
Who’s there? Harry!
Harry who? Harry up, I’m hungry!
23. What is the role of green beans at Thanksgiving dinner?
The casserole
24. What’s a potato’s favorite game to play during Thanksgiving dinner?
MASH
25. What kind of music do pilgrims listen to?
Plymouth Rock
Trader Joe’s does not disappoint when it comes to seasonal products, especially with regard to its pumpkin, apple, and Halloween goodies. You’ll find tasty autumnal flavors of all your favorite Trader Joe’s fall items including yogurt, pasta, donuts, and snacks. There are so many options that even picky eaters will find a thing or two to add to this month’s school lunches.
The fall beauty section is a real star with a pumpkin body scrub and pumpkin body butter that you’ll definitely want to snag. There’s even a giftable soap and lotion set in a lovely vanilla pumpkin scent. We’ve rounded up the most recent fall products—and be sure to check back as TJ’s continues to pack its shelves with fall goodness.
New Trader Joe’s Fall Items
La Colombe Pumpkin Spice Latte
Forget making a second stop at Starbucks and snag your favorite fall beverage at Trader Joe’s instead. This perfectly portable Pumpkin Spice Latte is found in the cold case and you’ll want to grab a few to get you through the school pickup line.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Ravioli
You’ll find both the gluten-free and regular versions of this pasta during the fall season. We love it with an easy brown butter and sage sauce.
We confess that we buy these “for the kids” but really they are for us. They are just $2.49/bag so you should just go ahead and get a few bags.
Cinnamon Brooms
If you want your house to smell like fall, snag one of these cinnamon brooms to hang on your door. Bonus: They easily switch over to Halloween decor once October hits.
Your day is made when you start it off with Pumpkin O’s in your bowl. They are vegan and gluten free and will run you just $2.99/box.
Non-Dairy Maple Oat Beverage
We love this addition to our morning coffee routine and know you will too.
Apple Cider Foaming Hand Soap
You’ll have the kids washing their hands all day when they can use this delicious-smelling foaming hand soap. It’s only $2.99 and lasts quite a while.
Apple Cider Donuts
Another favorite in the apple cider category are these cinnamon-sugar coated apple cider donuts that are perfect when you warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Josephsbrau Oktoberfest
This full-bodied beer is perfectly priced to bring to your next fall gathering whether it’s a football game or Halloween party.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Butter
The pumpkin beauty products are on point this year and you’ll definitely want to buy a tub or two of this body butter to get you in the mood for all those pumpkin patch and apple farm visits.
We can think of so many ways to use up these mini marshmallows from topping squash casserole to adding to cinnamon hot cocoa. They are gluten free and vegan and are made with real maple syrup.
Vanilla Pumpkin Hand Soap & Hand Lotion
We love this cute box as it makes the perfect autumnal hostess gift to keep on hand for when you get invited to a last-minute Halloween party.
Pumpkin Greek Nonfat Yogurt
Sprinkle on a little pecan granola and this yogurt is the best way to start your day when there’s a chill in the air.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese
Spread some pumpkin cream cheese on your pancake bread or toasted bagel for a sweet and creamy treat.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Scrub
With a base of exfoliating brown sugar and mega-moisturizing pumpkin, sunflower, and jojoba seed oils, this body scrub is a must-buy addition to your beauty routine.
This is going to be your new favorite nut mix, we promise. It has maple-roasted almonds and pecans along with black pepper, dried cranberries, and pepitas.
Honeycrisp Apple Candle
These candles top our list of favorite scents so you’ll want to be sure to pick up enough to get you through to Thanksgiving.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur
Whether you sip this over ice or added to your after-dinner cup of pumpkin spice coffee, you’ll love having this sweet liqueur in your liquor cabinet.
Saying “you don’t have to eat it” actually works in your favor
Have a picky eater in the house? You know, the kid who only eats food in three shades of white or the kid who physically gags at the sight of anything new on their plate? There is hope—and no, it doesn’t consist of waiting for them to go to college and outgrow their food aversions. We asked doctors, nutritionists, and the like for tips on how to get kids to eat healthy(ier). See not only how you can use their techniques to get your kids to eat something other than boxed mac ‘n cheese, but which positive words will help you get there.
This article is sponsored by Sun-Maid, one of the most iconic, timeless and trusted snacks in America. With delicious yet versatile products, busy parents can make wholesome recipes that are ready to eat anytime, anywhere. Learn more about Sun-Maid here!
Things You Can Do to Get Kids to Eat Healthily
Play Grocery Store Games
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Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, and author of Read It Before You Eat It—Taking You from Label to Table sees the supermarket as a giant classroom. "For example, grocery store 'field trips' allowed me to show and tell my kids that all foods can fit into a healthy diet as long as you know how to balance your plate. For older kids, ask them to compare the labels of certain products to show them how vastly different even similar-looking foods are from a nutritional standpoint."
If your kids are too young to read labels or you are just beginning your healthy-eating journey, Taub-Dix recommends playing games in the grocery store. "Play 'I Spy' in the produce aisle by asking them to pick out colorful foods that are red, green, or yellow, for example. Or have them find foods that are circular, oval, or some other shape. Spotting red foods or round foods, for example, may help kids see the food as something that's fun instead of something they'd prefer to avoid. This game can be expanded on when you go home—just unpack and use the similarly shaped or colored purchases to create simple recipes your kids can help prepare."
Catherine McCord, founder of Weelicious and One Potato—an organic meal-delivery kit made with families in mind—knows a thing or two about how to get kids to eat healthy foods. Her secret weapon? Making meals approachable yet fun like these monogrammed sandwiches.
Always on the lookout for the next idea to help parents in the daily meal struggle, McCord also launched the Smoothie Project Cookbook, inspired by her son when she was looking for a way to boost his nutrition. And truth be told, what kid can resist a smoothie? The best part is when McCord dropped this expert tip: "Adding frozen cauliflower makes smoothies creamy, and you don’t taste it." Your kid gets a great-tasting smoothie, and you get to sneak in some vegetables—all without your picky eater being the wiser.
There's nothing wrong with appealing to a toddler's taste says Taub-Dix. "Think outside the pan and add something sweet to complement the taste of certain veggies. For example, saute dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or raisins along with broccoli rabe to cut its bitter taste. Or drizzle some honey on Brussels sprouts before roasting them. Adding a touch of sweetness for young palates can make vegetables way more desirable. I'm not suggesting that you spoon on sugar or add sweet ingredients in large quantities, but my whole family enjoys these additions to vegetable dishes and yours may too."
Stop the Custom Meals
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Kai Nunziato-Cruz, a 14-year-old nutrition expert and author of Digest This Now for Kids!, (son of Dr. Liz Cruz, a Board Certified Gastroenterologist, and Tina Nunziato, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist) recommends parents stop making kids separate meals. "If the parents are eating a healthy meal, the kids need to eat the same meal. Don’t give the kids whatever they want. They will always choose chicken fingers and mac 'n' cheese over salmon and broccoli. If you don’t give them the option they might not eat dinner a few times but they will start to eat the healthier foods eventually."
And if you really are committed to eating healthier (the whole family included) then it's time to cut the junk says Nunziato-Cruz who suggests parents stop buying junk food and having it around the house. "Only buy fresh fruits and vegetables for kids to snack on. They will snack on whatever is nearby. But if junk food is there too, they will always choose that instead. Don’t make it available."
Registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Kids Eat in Color, Jennifer Anderson, empowers her clients by saying, "You don't have to eat it." She says, "Instead of forcing kids to eat vegetables, I recommend telling kids, 'You don't have to eat it.' It's easy to think that forcing kids to eat food will get them to like it. What often happens instead, is that they end up disliking the food they were forced to eat. This doesn't mean 'anything goes' at dinnertime, however. It means that parents serve a balanced meal, including at least one food they know their child likes, and the child decides what to eat from what is available."
In addition to her website, Anderson's Instagram page is full of advice on getting kids to choose healthy foods, including how to incorporate dessert into meals in a healthy way and create balance.
"Let's eat together."
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"Family meals are very successful at improving kids' eating habits," says LeeAnn Smith Weintraub, MPH, RD, and founder of HalfaCup.com, where she offers nutritional advice and counseling. "Family meals provide the opportunity for adults to model healthy eating habits and good table manners to children. Family meals are associated with better nutrition including greater consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as other academic and mental health benefits."
Of course, family meals don't have to mean just dinner. Between work and after-school activities, there isn't a lot of time left during the week for a good old-fashioned family meal at night. If that's the case, try committing to a family meal at breakfast and model the same good, healthy choices in the morning as you would at night.
"Check your belly."
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We've all been there—a little voice from behind tells you they are hungry a few minutes after all the food has been put away. "Parents often struggle with getting young children to eat well at mealtime," says Weintraub. "It's challenging for some kids to sit through meals and eat what's offered to them. Then once the kitchen is cleaned up and food is put away, kids tell their parents they are hungry. Of course, this can be super frustrating for parents and caregivers."
Weintraub says parents can encourage children to eat healthy foods at meals by asking them to check their bellies before they're excused from the table. Asking how much space is left in their stomachs for food will help them learn to assess their own fullness and hunger. She says, "It's best to avoid telling kids to 'eat more' or 'finish what's on their plate,' which teaches kids to eat based on external, not internal, cues."
"It's okay to play with your food."
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Anderson, from Kids Eat in Color, loves to encourage small children to play with their food. "Small children often go through a phase of neophobia, the fear of new things. They become afraid of new foods too, and picky eating is often the result. Food that was out of season over the winter is suddenly 'new' to them! One way that we can help kids learn that foods are okay is by having them play with the food. Take the example of summer squash. Sauteed squash rounds may have been okay last summer, but this summer a toddler may be scared of it. You can ask them at dinner, 'Can you stack your squash?' Many toddlers are happy to try to stack their food. They may not eat it right away, but this is the first step to learning it is safe so that they can try it in the future."
"What food can we grow?"
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"Getting kids involved in gardening can help increase veggie consumption. If you don't have room for a full-on vegetable garden, even encouraging your child to water herbs growing in pots on a windowsill can help your plants and child flourish while teaching a lesson about responsibility. Also, a salad or any other dish may look a lot more attractive to your child if it includes the fresh basil or parsley that they helped to nurture," says Taub-Dix.
For those without a green thumb—here are 12 easy gardening projects to get you started on your healthy-eating journey.
Although your kids might think otherwise, Halloween isn’t just about candy! We caught up with some of our favorite folks from Ireland to share the origin stories of our spookiest holiday. From the traditions surrounding Halloween costumes to the backstory of carving pumpkins, here are Halloween facts to share with your little ghouls and goblins.
Here's the very first Halloween fact you should know. The celebration began over 3,000 years ago as the Celtic festival of Samhain, pronounced sow-in. Say it out loud and you'll be able to hear the connection to the modern word Hallow-een.
When the Christian holiday of All Hallow's Eve arrived in the 5th century, which took place around the same time of year, the practices began to merge and the more common term became Halloween.
Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and a transition into the darker months of winter, the Celts believed that this was a time when the worlds of the living and the dead could interact, and spirits could move between the worlds.
Walk Among Us: The Tradition of Costumes
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In order to avoid being tricked or taken into the Otherworld (aka the world of the dead) people would disguise themselves as spirits like ghosts, fairies, witches, demons, and goblins.
Ancient celts would frequently don animal skins and other elaborate outfits. These costumes would cause confusion and allow the living to walk among the spirits without harm. This is where our tradition of dressing up on Halloween comes from!
Bonfires are lit on the hillsides to mark the holiday, a tradition that still is popular today in Ireland. Traditionally a Samhain bonfire was a place where clans and communities would gather together to celebrate.
Recent archaeological excavations have suggested that Tlachtaga, or the Hill of Ward, (in present-day County Meath) was used for feasting and celebration over 2,000 years ago. There is also documentation in manuscripts that it was thought that the fire from this hill was used to rekindle all of the fires in Ireland.
Another fun Halloween fact is that the tradition of carving pumpkins also has its origins in Ireland. While pumpkins are indigenous to the Americas, the Irish carved turnips and large potatoes into the original jack-o'lanterns.
Why the name Jack? Many believe it's because of the story of a man named Stingy Jack, who tried to trick the Devil. He did not succeed and as punishment, he was doomed to wander eternity with only a turnip with a single ember to light his way.
Some believe that the single ember to light a jack-o'-lantern came from the Samhain bonfire and brought good luck to the household. It was placed inside a turnip and carried to the hearth to light the first fire of the Celtic New Year (Nov. 1).
Trick-or-Treating & Caroling???
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The practice of going door to door and asking for candy has its roots in this tradition:
On the night of Samhain, or in preparation for the big bonfire, children and the poor would go door to door to ask for donations for the celebration: food, kindling for the fire, or money.
In exchange, they would sing songs and offer prayers for the dead. Often they were given a traditional food called a soul cake: a flat fruit cake. The tradition was known as "souling."
Feasting was a traditional part of the Samhain celebration, and foods included were those that were in abundance at the end of harvests, such as nuts, apples, grains, poultry, beef, pork, and squash.
Eventually, Samhain merged with the Christian practice of All Hallow's Eve (to create Halloween), and the day before became a day of fasting and preparation.
Part of the fasting was to eat no meat, so vegetarian fare became the norm, including the use of apples, squash, turnips, and potatoes.
The classic Irish potato dish colcannon became part of a long-lasting Halloween recipe tradition, along with fadge (an apple cake) and barmbrack.
Barmbrack is a sort of fortune-telling cake that has trinkets or coins baked into it. What you get in your slice could predict what your new year holds. You can find a recipe here (caution should be used when serving this type of cake as there are small pieces that could be hazardous to young kids, so use sound judgment here).
Common items found in barmbracks include a ring (marriage), a coin (wealth), and a piece of cloth (bad luck).
In some places, you'll find other unique items, including a stick (an argument), a thimble (independence), and a button (bachelorhood).
Colcannon, a beloved Irish dish of potatoes and cabbage, isn't just for warming your belly.
If you were single and seeking a spouse, you would make colcannon on this magical night with similar symbols to barmbrack: a ring was marriage, thimbles a life of living solo, and coins were wealth.
If you were unmarried, you may be sent into the garden to pick the cabbage while blindfolded. Then the colcannon was made with that chosen cabbage, and a single ring was added. Whoever found the ring would be next to marry.
One legend tells of putting the first and last spoonful of colcannon into a sock and hanging it on the door. The first (single?) person to walk through that door would be their spouse.
Trader Joe’s is to you what the LEGO store is to your kids. A land of possibility that both delights and overwhelms. That’s why we’ve found eight simple dinner recipes to help you navigate Trader Joe’s landscape. From a five-minute meal even your Insta-pot can’t recreate to a fortified version of everyone’s favorite Mandarin Orange Chicken, these dishes will keep you warm and sane when the snow flies.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Sausage
Gabby Cullen
Wondering how to use up all that kale sitting in your bin? This simple stew-like recipe is perfect for cold winter nights, and the kids love it! Simply saute white onion and the sliced up sausage in a bit of olive oil until the onion is soft and the sausage has browned. Add the chicken stock or broth and bring to a boil. Then, add the tortellini and reduce heat to a simmer for about four minutes. Finally, toss in the chopped kale, let it wilt and then top with parmesan cheese.
Warm Winter Salad
This easily assembled winter salad takes advantage of the fruits (and veggies!) of the season. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish but can double as a side just as easily. The trick? The warm vinaigrette dressing you whip up ahead of time and pour over a package of Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch bagged salad mix to soften it up. Top the now slightly wilted salad with sliced yellow beets, edamame and pomegranate seeds that all come prepped and ready to go. Then throw on your favorite winter citrus (we’re partial to grapefruit) before serving. This dish hits all the healthy notes!
Chicken Alfredo with Linguine and Broccoli
Gabby Cullen
Give your go-to alfredo sauce a seasonal boost with this new harvest version that's made with lots of cheese, cream and plenty of fall flavors. Simply warm up the sauce on low with ready-made chicken strips, toss it with a bag of linguine and add some steamed broccoli on the side. Dinner is done!
Classic Fondue
Trader Joe’s is on a mission to bring fondue back. We’re loving it because busy parents can throw this cheesy meal together faster than your Insta-pot can say “ready, set, go!” Simply heat a container of Trader Jacques’ La Fondue (made with three savory kinds of cheese) in the microwave for about five minutes. Let it sit for one or two more, and then bring it straight to the table (psst … no dishes or special cookware are part of this easy-peasy meal’s appeal), where you can have fresh fruit, veggie, and French bread pieces waiting. The only thing that would make this meal better is a matching container of chocolate fondue for dessert!
Butternut Squash Soup
Bring your best winter soup game with this lighting-quick meal that’ll warm your mini crew up from the inside. It starts with a box of Trader Joe’s butternut squash soup heated through on the stove. It finishes with all kinds of scrumptious, seasonal toppings your little chefs will love to toss into this healthy soup base (We’re digging dried cranberries, sour cream, and pumpkin seeds, but green onions, almonds, and goat cheese might be just as good!). Cater your topping choices so everyone in the fam gets to ladle up a bowl of their favorite flavors. Pair it with a box of Raisin Rosemary Crisps, and you’ve got the easiest, tastiest soup you’ve ever made.
Fortified Mandarin Orange Chicken
You know your little foodie will gobble this one up no matter what the season. So why not turn it into a filling dish that meets your kiddo’s daily veggie requirement too? It’s easy to beef it up with winter greens like broccoli, peas and green peppers. Follow SOP for stovetop prep when you’re cooking the chicken and sauce. Throw in chunky green peppers and broccoli florets for the last few minutes, and cover your saucepan so they steam a bit, and then swirl in a handful frozen green peas just before you serve. Your little chef won’t know what hit her!
Individual Pizza Pies
Pizza is always a hit in your house, but deciding on toppings is where you hit a snag. Overcome the great pizza debate by making simple individual pies for your half-pint and better half this winter. Use Trader Joe’s frozen naan bread, covered with your favorite pizza sauce to start. Then let everyone pile their must-have toppings onto pre-shredded mozzarella. Mushrooms, olives, pineapple, pepperoni. It’s all fair game here. It takes about 5-7 minutes in a preheated 400-degree oven to turn the cheese nice and bubbly. That’s when you know they’re ready to bring to the table!
Winter Rice Bowl
You’ve been looking for an excuse to try Trader Joe’s new Everything But the Bagel seasoning, so we came up with one for you. Make it the primary flavor of this simple winter rice bowl that combines seasonal squash and broccoli with Trader Joe’s precooked, frozen chicken. Cook the chicken, squash zig zags and broccoli on their own (psst ... it’s easy to throw a personal spin on this bowl by subbing your seasonal faves in lieu of ours). Then zap the three-minute miracle bag of TJ's Organic Brown Rice in the microwave before tossing it into a bowl. Top the rice with fixings and then get down to seasoning it to your liking. Serve it mixed together or leave the separate parts atop the rice.
Halloween season is here and it’s time to head out to your favorite pumpkin patch to pick the perfect one. These Las Vegas pumpkin patches offer tons of family-friendly activities and things to do with kids like corn mazes, bouncy houses, live music and tons of seasonal treats. The best pumpkin patches in Las Vegas are listed below!
Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch You'll definitely want to plan for a full day at Halloween Town as there's so much to do here. They have over 30 rides, many that are the vintage 50s style to bring you back to the good old days. Take a ride down the giant slide and plan a picnic or purchase food on site. There are three locations to choose from:
Gilcrease Orchard You'll be surprised to see such a prolific farm in the desert and that's thanks to a long family history of hard work at Gilcrease Orchard. Known for their famous apple cider, you'll love the pick-your-own experience here. Download the orchard's app before you come so that you can more easily navigate the property to find the produce you want. Pumpkins are sold at $0.50/lb. You can also pick cucumbers here.
Moapa Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch This spot is about an hour from the strip but totally worth the drive to get your fill of fall fun. Check the website for the day's activities which can include pig races, petting zoo, corn maze and the corn cannon. At night, the maze becomes haunted so consider yourself warned! The pumpkin patch is open when the corn maze is open—swing by before you leave to grab a pumpkin or some melons to take home.
The Farm Fall Festival If you are looking for varieties of fruits and vegetables, this is your spot. This is a great opportunity to meet their farm animals such as chickens, peacocks, ducks, goats, pigs, horses, cows, rabbits, tortoises, a llama, and more. You'll find artisanal breads, jams/jellies, amazing local honey and fresh eggs from the farm.
COVID-19 Update: All visitors will be required to wash hands upon entry. Fully vaccinated visitors do not have to wear a mask.
McKee Ranch This pumpkin patch is run on a donation system to support the McKee Ranch Foundation. For the entire month of October, there will be horse and pony rides, train rides, a corn maze, LA Photography, a hay pyramid, tether ball, Gaga Ball pit, face painting, arts and crafts, and more! Pay $20/family and you'll get a pumpkin and carrots to feed the animals.
Staheli Family Farm This six-generation family farm is worth a drive if you are looking for a full day of activities. Make your way through the corn maize (with or without a map) and then spend some time in Farmland where you'll find a zipline, giant chair for photo ops, jumping pillow and pig races. Older folks will want to come back in the evening for Field of Screams.
Getting kids involved in growing their own fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to also get them to EAT those fruits and vegetables! But convincing kids that gardening isn’t just a chore you’re forcing them to do is another challenge entirely. One of the key strategies you can use to get kids excited about growing their own produce is choosing ones that will capture their attention.
There are four criteria you can use to help your kids choose fruits and vegetables that get them excited:
1. Quick Reward: Focus on produce that grow fairly quickly and will be ready to pick sooner rather than later
2. Kid-Friendly Picking: Focus on food that kids can pick and eat right off the plant, without too much work
3. Yummy Flavor: Choose fruits and veggies that your kids actually like to eat, or might learn to enjoy without too much fuss
4. Unique or Unusual Appearances: Choose produce that look so freaky or funny your kids can’t help but be curious
Another key to choosing which plant to grow—let them be a part of it! The more ownership your child feels over the process of picking and planting produce, the more likely they are to get invested. This is where resisting the urge to correct them or steer their decisions is going to be key. Give them some guidelines about how much space they have, how many plants will fit, and how much money they are allowed to spend. If it helps, give them some choices based on our guidance by telling them a bit about their options.
Great Produce Choices for Kids:
Cucumbers: First, cucumber seeds are recognizable right away because they look exactly like, well, cucumber seeds. Your kid will get a kick out of the fact that they recognize these seeds from when they are eating cucumbers. In addition, cucumbers are one of the fastest seeds to sprout, and they come up with determination. I am always pleasantly surprised to plant cucumbers and come back to seedlings popping up within just a few days. And lastly, cucumbers are often a favorite in kids’ vegetable choices. Consider a small snacking variety that will be ready sooner, and allows your kids to simply pick them off the vine and eat them like apples. They’ll feel like they’re doing something sneaky!
Cherry Tomatoes: There is no better vegetable to grow for snacking right off the vine than cherry tomatoes. The fun thing about this veggie is that they come in way more varieties than you’ll see at a grocery store. And, if you buy a cherry tomato seedling it will be one of the first tomato plants to produce edible fruit. Try a fun sweet variety like Sungold, or go for something dramatic like black cherry. Allow kids to plan their own cherry tomato, choose a cage to support it, and—when ready—eat to their heart’s content without making them collect or save them.
Watermelon: A little bit harder to grow because they need more space, watermelon is still a fun option to try because it makes for a more dramatic result. For quicker satisfaction go for a mini watermelon variety that will be ready a bit sooner, and buy a nice healthy start so that they aren’t waiting for something to start from seed. For best results, look for something seedless or with minimal seeds so that kids aren’t frustrated with seedy flesh. For something a bit more fun and unusual, go for the cucamelon—a fruit that looks like a tiny watermelon and tastes like a cucumber with a hint of lime. They’re tiny bite-sized fruit that kids can pop in their mouths and enjoy while walking through the garden.
Yard Long Beans: In the category of fun and unusual nothing quite beats the yard-long green bean. They grow on vines that will crawl up a trellis and, when ready, can be up to 12 inches long. Cook them without cutting them so kids can eat them with their fingers and have a little playtime at the dinner table! For added fun, plant any type of green bean on a vertical bean tower—you can literally grow the walls of a fort for the kids to play in!
Decorative Gourds: Another fun one in the looks category are decorative gourds. Basically, like a little pumpkin or squash that has all sorts of bumps and warts, these gourds aren’t usually edible but they are a fun addition to the garden and can be used to decorate at Halloween or Thanksgiving. There are a ton of varieties, or mixed blends of seeds to add diversity to the results.
No matter what you grow, the important thing is to give your child a section of the garden, let them make some choices and gently guide them toward success. Remind them to water and weed when needed so that they don’t lose their veggies entirely, but try not to do it for them.
Carrie Williams Howe is the Executive Director of an educational non-profit by day, and parent, writer, and aspiring homesteader by night and weekend. She lives in Williston, VT with her husband, two young children, and a rambunctious border collie. Carrie writes about family, food, parenting, and homesteading.
Feeding toddlers is not for the faint of heart. As parents, most of us have experienced the anxiety and frustration that often comes at meal time. Whether it’s a busy schedule or a toddler who refuses to eat, meals can be downright stressful. Yet, at the same time, we feel pressure to provide our kids with the important nutrients they need to grow and thrive. This means a diet that includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy foods.
The biggest struggle often comes with two v-words: vegetables and variety. In fact, eight out of ten toddlers don’t eat enough vegetables. And the vegetables our toddlers eat typically lack variety. How many of us regularly throw a few raw baby carrots on our child’s plate because we know they’ll be eaten? In our busy world, it’s easy to fall into a feeding rut.
So, how do we support variety and vegetable consumption during the important toddler years? The key is having a few different tricks up our sleeves because toddlers are notorious for changing preferences overnight. One day they love broccoli, the next day they hate it. Here are some tried-and-true techniques designed to make veggie variety simple and give parents some peace of mind during those challenging phases.
Make Old Favorites in New Ways
One great way to increase the variety of vegetables in your family’s diet is by introducing favorite veggies in new ways. For example, if your child loves mashed potatoes, give mashed squash a try. If that goes well, try squash ravioli and then finally, roasted squash. Similarly, when introducing new vegetables, prepare them in a variety of textures—for example, roasted broccoli, cream of broccoli soup, broccoli & cheese scrambled eggs. This introduces the flavors in several ways and gives children a chance to develop their palettes and acceptance of the new taste.
Make Veggies Easy
Vegetables can be a logistical challenge at times—they’re perishable and require washing, chopping, and cooking. Make them a little easier by finding some shortcuts that work for your family. For example, wash and chop some vegetables on Sunday to keep on-hand for snacks throughout the week. Keep frozen vegetables in your freezer for quick use. Identify some healthy, veggie-rich short-cuts for busy nights. One great example is Little Dish. These fresh, all-natural, refrigerated heat-and-serve toddler meals offer a full serving of veggies in each bowl. Little Dish is now available locally through Fresh Direct.
When All Else Fails, Hide Those Veggies
During those difficult times when your child is downright refusing new foods or eating only a few different foods—don’t stress! This is a phase and will pass. That said, sneaking in extra veggies during times like this will often give mom and dad some peace of mind. Some of my family’s favorite ideas include:
Adding canned pureed pumpkin to our favorite chicken noodle soup recipe. It blends right in and adds a great kick of nutrients and fiber.
Finely dice mushrooms and add them to chili or tacos. Their savory “umami” flavor is often completely masked by the spices.
Add shredded zucchini into your meatloaf or meatball recipes! This trick also keeps the meat tender and moist because zucchini has a high water content.
Finally, remember it takes time for children to learn to love new foods. Just keep offering them and eventually, they’ll likely stop playing with their veggies and start eating them!
A research neuroscientist and expert in nutrition, diet and addiction. Dr. Avena is an Asst. Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC. She is the author of several books, including Why Diets Fail, What to Eat When You’re Pregnant, and What to Feed Your Baby & Toddler.
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to introduce my favorite toddler gardening activities! Gardening is great for kids ages 2-5 because it builds skills, gets them away from screens, and connects them with the big, wide world. Especially now, when there are fewer opportunities to get out and involved in the community, gardening can be another link in their social chain.
While it might sound exhausting to some moms, gardening with toddlers can be a lot of fun if you manage your expectations. Let’s be clear: there will be no Better Homes & Gardens cover images from your backyard. Your toddler will need to learn what they can and can’t do in the garden, and will probably make some mistakes along the way. But you’ll have something better than a pristine backyard: an occupied toddler!
Here are 7 concrete ways to get your toddler gardening that will keep them busy for at least fifteen minutes.
1. Planting
If you’re sowing plants with big seeds, call up the toddler troops. Pea, bean, squash, and sunflower seeds are the perfect sizes for little hands with limited coordination.
Start by grabbing a muffin tin and pressing it into the ground. This makes perfectly spaced indentations as a guide for your child. Have them poke one hole in each indentation (or one hole per pot if you’re gardening with containers). This will be about half the length of their pointer finger. Then they can practice putting one seed in each hole and covering it. In a few days, they’ll be rewarded with adorable green sprouts.
2. Watering
You know your kids best, so you can judge what exactly they can handle. Some toddlers might be able to use a partially filled adult-sized watering can. Others might be better suited to a toy watering can, or holding the hose with you. You can also make homemade watering cans using a milk jug with holes poked in the side. Finally, you might have a very young toddler whose best bet is a measuring cup filled and emptied over and over on some very sturdy plants.
3. Bug checks
One of the best ways to keep your garden pest-free is regularly picking bugs off your plants by hand. This is the perfect job for toddlers in the garden, especially those who love creepy-crawlies. I know my toddler just loves this job. (Well actually, she might just enjoy eating beetles.)
Teach your little one to identify good bugs like spiders, ladybugs, praying mantises. Then, learn what common bad bugs look like, including tomato hornworms, Japanese beetles, squash bugs. When you go out, bring a bucket of warm, soapy water around your garden. Every time they find one, have them drop it in the bucket.
4. Weeding
Of all the toddler gardening activities, this is the most dubious. After all, you don’t want your prized, heirloom tomato seedlings yanked up by an eager three-year-old!
I suggest only letting toddlers join your weeding team in July or later. Your veggies should be quite large by then, and the weeds are (hopefully) much smaller. Most older toddlers can follow a simple rule of “only pull the little ones.”
The other challenge with letting toddlers help weed is that they’re unlikely to have great technique. Instead of digging in and pulling weeds out by the roots, they’re likely to only yank aboveground leaves. If you’re making weeding a regular part of your daily schedule (or even just once or twice a week) this will be fine. Pulling weeds often is what prevents them from taking over.
5. Loading wheelbarrows
Sometimes, you just want to do all the weeding yourself. That’s okay, because kids can still get involved by loading up wheelbarrows. Have them follow behind you, gleefully chucking little handfuls of weeds into the wheelbarrow.
Warning: some handfuls will probably end up on you, the toddler, or other passing siblings.
6. Harvesting
Is there anything more rewarding than picking your fruits and vegetables after weeks of hard work? Get your little guys used to that joy and excitement by letting them help with the fun stuff, not just the work.
Obviously, some plants are less-suited to toddler harvesting than others. Plants that could be damaged by rough pulling are probably not a good bet for independent gathering. Toddlers should also be supervised to make sure they only pick ripe fruits.
7. Fall clean up
When the summer has passed and all that’s left of your garden is dried vines and stalks, it’s time to put your beds to bed. Toddlers are easily amused by the idea that gardens go “nighty night” for the winter and need to be tucked in, so let them help.
Have them wear those cute little gardening gloves (or snow mittens, if that’s easier) and yank up all non-perennial plants. I recommend using gloves because some common plants like squashes, cucumbers, and pumpkins, have very prickly vines.
Once everything’s out of the ground, have them help put compost on the beds. Fall is a great time to add nutrients to your garden because weeds won’t immediately grow and deplete them. Plus, the cold weather gives your compost time to fully break down and mix into the soil.
Have your little tike help you shovel 2-3 inches of fresh compost onto your beds. This job is ideal for toddlers because it requires no accuracy, serious muscles, or dexterity. If your kid can chuck their dinner off the table, they’ll do just fine with compost.
As a bonus, they get messy! (Ok, maybe that’s not a selling point…)
Hillary is a former high school teacher who went rogue and became a freelance writer. She's also a certified doula and yes, she'd love to hear your birth story. When not offering support and advice to families, she tends to her garden, two tiny humans, husband, and cat.
Whether you are venturing out to trick-or-treat or you are planning a stay-at-home bash there is plenty to celebrate this Halloween. Head over to ALDI if you are looking for some festive treats your kids will love to gobble up. Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Halloween Pumpkin-Shaped Pizza will hit the shelves starting Oct. 7.
According to its packaging, the pizza features “a crispy crust topped with a creamy butternut squash sauce, cheddar cheese, mozzarella eyes and a mascarpone cheese sauce” smile.
Each 8.11 ounce personal pizza retails for $3.99. Snap these up while you can because they won’t last long.
