Kids bathroom ideas that are both fun and functional? Read on!

If your kids have their own bathroom, then you know it’s very different than a non-kiddo space. It’s not just a matter of finding a shower curtain, set of towels, and a rug that matches and calling it a day. When it comes to kids bathroom ideas, whatever we put in there has to not only be functional (of course), it also has to be cute, convenient, and ready for whatever our little ones throw at it. Durability is key, but so is fun visuals, color, and some of their favorite characters. Afterall, we want to keep them wanting to use their own bathroom and learn some independence along the way. These kids bathroom ideas cover all your bases, so keep reading for our favorites.

Kupla Bubble Bath Rug

Crate&Kids

The bubbly tufts of cotton that adorn the Kupla Bath Rug from Crate & Kids is fun on their little feet and also absorbent—a must for splashy kiddos. Comes in 4 colors.

Kupla Bubble Bath Rug ($39.00)—Buy Here!

Bear Woven Kids Hamper with Handles

Crate&Kids

The Three Bears are a lot more helpful than the fairytale mentioned. Each one has plenty of room for laundry, and the sturdy water hyacinth weave can even handle toy storage. Add your pick of 3 colors and carrying handles.

Bear Woven Kids Hamper with Handles ($99.00)—Buy Here!

Hollow Woodworks Personalized Puzzle Step Stools

Pottery Barn Kids

Available in primary or pastel colors, not only do these step stools help your littles wash their hands and brush their teeth, they're also fun puzzles that help teach them how to spell their names! These are definitely keepsakes.

Hollow Woodworks Personalized Puzzle Step Stools ($125.00-$150.00)—Buy Here!

Tic Tac Toe Toilet Paper Holder

Etsy—CoylesWoodShop

Believe it or not, storing toilet paper can be super adorable with this Tic Tac Toe holder! You can choose from multiple wood finishes and X colors to match your kid's bathroom decor, too.

Tic Tac Toe Toilet Paper Holder ($59.99)—Buy Here!

Wild Animal Shower Curtain

Walmart

Kids love animals they can recognize, and moms love keeping bubble baths as contained as possible. Makes this shower curtain a winner across the board.

Wild Animal Shower Curtain ($20.99)—Buy Here!

Wall-Mounted Cloud Storage Box

Peachy Mart

A smiling cloud with water drop hooks is perfect for a little one's bathroom. It's an easy-to-clean plastic that comes in 4 colors, too.

Wall-Mounted Cloud Storage Box ($16.99)—Buy Here!

Dino Geometric Wooden Wall Art

Amazon

This wooden dinosaur set is unique and super fun, thanks to the geometric shape details. Hang them in a line or place them around the bathroom.

Dino Geometric Wooden Wall Art ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Dots Anti-Slip Bathtub Mat

Munchkin

Avoid slippery wet surfaces and add some color even to the bathtub itself with this cute anti-slip tub mat.

Dots Anti-Slip Bathtub Mat ($13.95)—Buy Here!

Ice Cream Party Bathroom Sink Set

Amazon

It's hard to find a sweeter set. With a cupcake soap dispenser, donut soap holder, cone cup, and toothbrush holder, there's also a coordinating shower curtain and wall prints available, all on Amazon.

Rainbow Nightlight (2pk)

Amazon

Don't let dark bathrooms keep your little ones from going in the middle of the night. With 3 settings (multicolored, amber glow, and solid colors), you can customize it to whatever your kiddos love most.

Rainbow Nightlight (2pk) ($11.99)—Buy Here!

Metal Open Wastebasket

Wayfair

Give them every opportunity to hit the trash can opening with this open wastebasket. It's made from durable paper over a sturdy metal frame.

Metal Open Wastebasket ($39.99)—Buy Here!

Star Cotton Bath Towel

The Company Store

Sized just for kids, these star towels are woven in Portugal of plush, yarn-dyed cotton. Amazingly soft, absorbent, and quick drying, they’re the perfect bath-time companion for your little ones.

Star Cotton Bath Towel ($24.00/+$12.00 with Personalization)—Buy Here!

"Live Happy" Boho Shower Curtain

Natural Life

Cheerful and colorful, this is a shower curtain option that'll grow with them, too.

"Live Happy" Boho Shower Curtain ($49.00)—Buy Here!

Tea Time at Wonderland Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Spoonflower

It doesn't get much more whimsical than this peel-and-stick wallpaper from Spoonflower. It also doesn't get much easier than peel-and-stick either, does it?

Tea Time at Wonderland Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper ($39.00+)—Buy Here!

Organic Super Safari Bath Mat

West Elm Kids

Modern with a wild side, the Organic Super Safari Bath Mat adds the perfect amount of playfulness to your kiddos' bathroom. And honestly, just look at their little silly safari faces.

Organic Super Safari Bath Mat ($39.00)—Buy Here!

Trains and Trucks 3 Piece Bath Accessories Set

Bed Bath & Beyond

In case you missed it, Bed Bath & Beyond merged with Overstock, and they're not missing a beat with this Trains and Trucks set. The durable resin dump truck holds tooth brushes upright, the traffic light disguises the liquid soap, and the road closed sign keeps bar soap clean and ready.

Trains and Trucks 3 Piece Bath Accessories Set ($45.89)—Buy Here!

ABC's Shower Curtain

Target

We're all for teaching them wherever we can, so start in the bathroom with this adorable and educational ABC's twill machine-washable shower curtain from Pillowfort at Target.

ABC's Shower Curtain ($18.00)—Buy Here!

Woven Paper Dot Rectangular Kids' Basket

Target

Clearly, we're all about the dots, and having extra storage in the bathroom never hurt anyone (especially not moms!).

Woven Paper Dot Rectangular Kids' Basket ($20.00)—Buy Here!

 

 

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All images courtesy of retailers.

You’ll have a hard time finding someone who enjoys the public bathroom experience, especially with infants and toddlers. But certain malls, play spaces, museums and hotels across Chicago and the ‘burbs are radically changing a trip to the loo for the better. You’ll no longer poo-poo the idea of stopping at a public restroom once you get to know our top 8 kid-friendly choices. Click through our gallery to see them all.

Bubbles Academy

This Lincoln Park play space was obviously designed by someone who knows a thing or two about potty training. No worries about a frantic potty search as bathrooms are located both upstairs and downstairs and feature trainer toilet seats, step stools and kid-friendly accessories that add an element of fun. In the upstairs restrooms, you’ll feel like nature is literally calling when you take your pick of the owl, mountain lion, mountain goat and wolf rooms with animal sounds pumped in for your listening pleasure.

1504 N. Fremont St., Lincoln Park (312-944-7677 or bubblesacademy.com)

Photography by Maggie Rife

Did we miss your favorite family lounge? Let us know in the Comments!

— Maria Barnes, with reporting by Tabitha Green

 

The dream of the ’70s is alive in Seattle. Right in the heart of the International District at the Seattle Pinball Museum, where pinball wizards of all ages test their mettle in a battle against the inevitability of the drain. And it’s where you’ll find all the cool kids (and their parents) this mid-winter break. So dig out that old jean jacket and warm up your flipper fingers. It’s time to play a mean pinball!

photo: Seattle Pinball Museum Facebook page

The Museum
If your mental soundtrack hasn’t already queued up The Who’s Pinball Wizard, it will once you walk through the doors of the museum. Between the flashing lights and those distinctive pinging bells, this is one throwback that’s not just for Thursdays. The museum was part of the 2010 Storefront Seattle project aimed at revitalizing empty storefronts in Pioneer Square and the International District. Since winning one of the coveted spots, it has become a favorite for kids and those who are young at heart. And while it’s not always crowded, count on busyness whenever you plan to go. If you’re looking for a quieter playtime, Sundays (especially on game days), Mondays, and some Fridays are the best days to get your game on.

photo: Seattle Pinball Museum Facebook page

Game On!
The museum has over 50 pinball machines and a few old-school video arcades. The titles range from long-ago generic games, to contemporary sports, movie and rock ’n’ roll themed machines you’ll recognize and totally love. (After all, it’s hard for Gen Xers to pass up childhood kitsch like Tron and AC/DC.) There might even be a few games your kiddos recognize, too. (Psst! Try the Flipper Football on the 2nd floor, featuring the Sounders FC). And while the history of it all may fall on deaf ears when it comes to your kidlets, there’s much for parents to appreciate in the artistry of pinball culture. Catch up on some by reading the posted placards that explain the lineage and development of each pinball game. Or scan QR codes with your smart phone for awesome in-depth descriptions to totally geek out. As for the oldest game in the museum, it’s from the early 60’s. And the newest is one seriously sweet game minted just last year—The Emerald City, Limited Edition, Wizard of Oz. Definitely bring a few dollars to try it out. It’s one that’s not on free play, but so worth it.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Just for Kids
If all of this sounds awesome, but you’re wondering if your littles will love it, we found quite a few reasons we think they will. First and foremost is that (almost all of) the games are set to free play. No quarters necessary. Just a flat entrance fee and then you get to say “yes” to your kiddo all day. Can I play this one? You bet! The littles will also love the many step stools that can be found hiding (in plain sight) under various machines. After all, it’s hard to score big when you can’t quite see the playing field. As for lines, players are pretty cool about watching out for each other. The request is that if someone’s waiting, limit play time to two games and then give her a turn. And that kind of policy means small wait times for the smallest players. Plus, it’s game time without a screen. Yes, please!

photo: Seattle Pinball Museum Facebook page

Good to Know
1. No outside food or drink is allowed, but there are snacks, sodas and beer (along with some killer swag) available for purchase.

2. Depending on when you plan to play, street parking may be hard to come by. Try the lot at the end of the block on Maynard to avoid parking headaches.

3. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours to take in all the games and play a few faves more than once.

Seattle Pinball Museum
508 Maynard Ave. S.
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-623-0759
Online: facebook.com/pages/Seattle-Pinball-Museum/131237786915560

Times: Sun. & Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. (10 p.m. on tournament nights); Fri. 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. 1p.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: $15/Adults; $12/Kids (7-12) for one entry. All Day Pass $20/Adults; $17. 50/Kids plus games on freeplay.

Ages: 4 & up

—Allison Sutcliffe

A step stool has the ability to magically reveal a whole new world to a toddler. Suddenly, brushing their teeth and washing their hands poses no problem for their diminutive stature, and the once daunting kitchen counter becomes a new frontier for kids to explore their inner chef. You may want to build two of these step stools: one for the bathroom and another for the kitchen.

This is a great project to involve the kids, so let the creativity soar and have fun with color and paint. Your child may even want to customize the stool with his or her name or go wild with stencils and stickers.

Materials and Tools
jigsaw
cordless drill and 1/2″ bit
square or ruler
2″ wood screws
wood glue
sanding block and medium-grit sandpaper
1x12x8 pine board (11-1/4″ wide is standard)
2 standard hinges
paint if desired

Cut List
2 sides at natural width of board at 11-1/4″ and cut length 14″
2 storage panel pieces (front and back) at 11-1/4″ and width 12″
2 storage box bottoms and kick panel pieces at 11-1/4″ and 5-1/4″
2 step stool tops 14″ width and 7-1/2″ length

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Mark the Cuts: After assembling the tools and materials, use a square and pencil to measure and mark the cuts for all sides of the step stool as well as the handle holes. All pieces of this stool can be cut from one piece of 1x12x8 pine board.

2. Cut the Wood: Using the jigsaw, make each straight cut. For the best results on the handles, first drill a hole a bit larger than the jigsaw blade in the center of the area to be cut out. Then insert the jigsaw blade and follow your markings around the circular handle openings. Finish by cutting out the bottom decorative arches.

3. Sand It All Smooth: Sand all edges using medium-grit sandpaper. Remember, this stool will likely be moved from room to room and handled by precious toddler skin, so take extra care in making sure all edges are as smooth as possible.

4. Dry Fit All the Pieces: Line up all of the cut pieces and make sure they fit together nicely. If any adjustments need to be made, do that now.

Note: If you choose to paint or stain your stool, you will get the most professional results by doing this before each piece is assembled.

5. Attach the Back to the Sides: To assemble the pieces, start by attaching the back of the stool to the sides by first gluing the pieces together, then securing them with the screws.

6. Add the Bottom: Attach the bottom of the stool to the back and the sides using that same technique.

7. Attach the Front Piece and Step: Secure the front section of the stool storage area, then the front kick panel. Attach the bottom step.

8. Add the Hinges: Prepare the lid by installing the hinges. Line up the hinges 3″ from the outermost end and attach them to the bottom of the lid. Finally, attach them to the inner side of the back panel.

For added safety and traction, consider adding grip tape to the tops of each step. Since little hands aren’t very adept at doing anything gently, you can add a felt strip where the top lid touches the stool to reduce “slamming” the lid when it is closed.

9. Paint and Decorate: Lastly, paint, stencil, engrave and decorate your storage stool to your heart’s content.

Parents to a little guy who’s two feet tall, Timothy and Laura Dahl founded Built by Kids as an extension of their adventures in raising a capable, confident and independent man. The Dahls are inspired by the Makers of the past and are passionate about introducing the next generation to the skills and creative thinking that will help empower their future.