Unwrap the magic of the season with a sleigh full of heartwarming toddler-friendly titles, all streaming on your favorite platforms

Baby, it’s cold outside! Thank goodness there’s a load of indoor fun just waiting to be streamed. Whether you and your tiny tots are snowed in or are spending the weekend stringing popcorn, you’re going to want the perfect movie—so we’ve curated a list of the best Christmas movies for toddlers. From retro classics to modern favorites featuring new characters and inventive songbooks, these films and specials are a cozy way to celebrate the spirit of the season. Read on for our picks and don’t worry: We won’t tell if you borrow a popcorn string from the tree for a snack.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Stop-motion is making a comeback! From Marcel the Shell with Shoes On to Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, the flipbook style of storytelling is finding new fandom. No reason we can’t introduce littles to one of the first to perfect the form, right? Even better: This holiday origin story about how Rudolph found his place at the front of Santa’s sleigh team celebrates acceptance and self-discovery. 

Available on Amazon

Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

A Very Merry Pooh Year is a great Christmas movie for toddlers
Walt Disney Studios

In this magical Christmas movie for toddlers, everyone's favorite honey-gold teddy recalls a past holiday season before setting resolutions for the New Year around the Pooh Corner. Your own honey bunch will want to bounce with Tigger, be brave with Piglet, and throw an arm around Eeyore. Just like you did when you were little.

Available on Disney+

Strawberry Shortcake’s Perfect Holiday

Netflix

A tasty delight about Strawberry Shortcake and her attempt to make the holiday perfect, this Netflix animated film is as good as it looks. As Miss SS and her Berry Buddies get ready for their winter festival, themes of friendship and personal growth outweigh the pursuit of perfection—fantastic lessons that are never too early to learn. 

Available on Netflix

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne is a good Christmas movie for toddlers
Apple TV

For every special occasion, there’s a Peanuts special. So after you’ve wrapped up Christmas, be sure to usher in the New Year with the gang, too. This 2021 holiday special was animated in the WildBrain studio’s new style, with Charles Schulz’s timeless characters brought to life through rich, vibrant color and their touching narratives hitting all the right notes.    

Available on Apple TV+

All I Want for Christmas Is You

NBC Universal

Parents will love that this adorable computer-animated film is based on the unofficial Queen of Christmas’s chart-topping jingle (yes, Mariah Carey); baby boppers will revel in the film’s story about a little girl who wants to prove to her parents she’s ready for a puppy.

Available on Amazon

A Garfield Christmas 

CBS

If there’s anyone we love more than Garfield, it’s Grandma! In this 1987 short film, Garfield shares our sentiment, as he, Odie, and their human, John, pack up the old sedan and head for Grandma’s house. It’s a holiday that taps into the pasta-loving cat’s charm, delivering a down-home good time for everyone.

Available on Peacock

Related: The Best Holiday Movies on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon & Apple TV+ This Year

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a Christmas movie for toddlers
Warner Bros.

A little bit salty, a little bit sweet, this forever classic Christmas movie for toddlers has a happy ending that captures the spirit of the season. Clocking in at just less than a half hour, it’s the perfect length for your giggle box’s attention span, especially those who, like Cindy Lou Who, are not much more than two.

Available on Peacock.

The Snowman

The Snowman is a good Christmas movie for toddlers

Many of the best holiday movies for toddlers and preschoolers are based on books. Our favorite? The Snowman, adapted from Raymond Briggs’s wordless tale. With a gentle, ethereal vibe that won’t scare mini snowballs, it’s just the wondrous gem to watch after building a frosty buddy in the backyard. 

Available on Pluto TV

 

The Polar Express

The Polar Express is a Christmas movie for toddlers
Castle Rock Entertainment

Locomotive-loving kids will toot their horns for this visual feast about a boy who boards a magical train headed straight for Santa’s domain. They’ll love it even more if bigger kids make them paper train tickets and hot cocoa. Quick note: There are a few intense scenes, like the dramatic chase, so keep the remote ready to skip ahead if need be.

Available on Max

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a good Christmas movie for toddlers

Yes, it’s the classic special that comforted you every year during your childhood, and it’s just as lovely as you remember. Introduce your silly peanuts to Charlie, Snoopy, Linus, and the rest of the group as they search for the true meaning of Christmas. And keep tissues close for the heartfelt pageant at the end.

Available on Apple TV+

The Snowy Day

The Snowy Day is a good Christmas movie for toddlers
Amazon Studios

An adaptation of Ezra Jack Keats’s acclaimed picture book, this animated adventure captures the spirit of outdoor exploration and wintertime wonder as it tags along with protagonist Peter on his way to Nana’s. At just under an hour, you can squeeze it in after dinner and still get your toddler tucked in on time.

Available on Amazon

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Muppet Christmas Carol is a good Christmas movie for toddlers
Walt Disney Pictures

Featuring kiddos’ favorite felted friends, this hilarious musical reworks Charles Dickens’s 19th-century novella into a zany romp that will keep the chuckles chuckling. With Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Michael Cain as Scrooge, there’s no shortage of fun surprises. Some of the ghosts might be too much for toddlers, so keep the remote handy.

Available on Disney+

Frosty the Snowman

Get ready to sing along with the beloved holiday tune featured in this 2D-animated classic. About the lovable and friendly Frosty, the story sees the snow buddy and his friends keep his magic hat out of the clutches of a greedy magician. Something to be aware of: There’s a scene in which Frosty melts, which can make the little ones sad.  

Available on Amazon

Prep & Landing

Prep and Landing is a fun Christmas movie for toddlers
ABC

Sure to elicit giggles, this clever holiday story features elves working together to prepare for Christmas. At only 22 minutes, you can watch this and then go on to the second short feature with elves Wayne and Lanny, Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice. It’s a newer Christmas movie for toddlers that's just right for the preschool set.

Available on Apple TV+

Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas

Walt Disney Studios

House of Mouse fans will cheer for this robust collection of holiday shorts featuring Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, and the rest of the gang. It’s actually the sequel assortment to Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, and with so much kindness and good cheer from the menagerie, you’ll want to stock up on both.

Available on Disney+

The Nutcracker

Warner Bros.

Show us a toddler who can sit through an entire ballet. We’ll wait … Exactly! That’s why you should just bring the show to them. In this 1993 take on the tale of Clara, the Mouse King, and those mesmerizing Sugar Plum Fairies, your budding bunhead can spin right along with New York City Ballet’s principals.  

Available on Hulu

Every special, musical, comedy, and classic kids’ Christmas movie your family will want to watch together this holiday season. And trust us, they all deliver tidings of comfort, joy, and laughter

The holiday season is here. That means the tinsel’s been unleashed, every meal includes sugar cookies, and all the screens in the house are tuned to family Christmas movies. From seasonal specials and animated comedies featuring your little ones’ favorite cartoon characters to jazzy musicals and instant yuletide classics that you and yours will treasure for years to come, the following curated list is a festive smorgasbord of kids’ Christmas movies. So grab that batch of cookies from the oven and dig in!

Family Christmas Movies on Netflix

Family Switch

Family Switch is a new family Christmas movie on Netflix
Netflix

Queen of the body switch, Jennifer Garner of 13 Going On 30 fame stars in this identity switcheroo with Ed Helms from The Office. They star as parents of two who feel their once-tight-knit bond starting to fray. Come the holidays, however, the two are determined to make meaningful memories with their kids. It’s a wish that magically scrambles the families’ identities and leads to a slew of holiday hilarity.

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Netflix

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday

If you and your littles loved the original Bad Guys film as much as we did, then you’re in for a treat. The menagerie of very bad animals is back for another heist, this one tangled up in tinsel and twinkling lights. But before they can carry out the perfect crime they’ve just masterminded, they have to save Christmas.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Netflix

Strawberry Shortcake’s Perfect Holiday

Baking their way through the yummiest season of the year, Strawberry Shortcake and her Berry Besties are using flour power to have the most perfect Winterswirl Eve yet. The only problem is Peculiar Purple Pieman has snagged all the cinnamon. Gather the little ones for this tasty adventure that decks the halls in pink frosting and rewrites the holiday songbook with the cutest tunes. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Netflix

Trolls Holiday

Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, and Zooey Deschanel hit all the right notes in this addition to the happiest little franchise ever. Released in 2017, Trolls Holiday sees its brightly coiffed creatures celebrate Glitterpalooza, the day every troll indulges in song, dance, and glitter bombs. Should you want to keep the glitter flying with the 2021 installment, Trolls Holiday Harmony, it’s over on Hulu.  

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available on Netflix

A Boy Called Christmas

Fans of Paddington will find similar comfort in this wintry adventure that gives Father Christmas an origin story full of elves, reindeer, and enchantment. When a little boy named Nikolas heads out to find his father, he, with his talking mouse, Miika, and his flying reindeer, Blitzen, discovers the magic of the Far North’s village called Elfhelm.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Netflix

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

A christmas carol is a classic family christmas movie
Netflix

If you prefer an animated version of Dickens’s classic Christmas story, Netflix offers Scrooge: A Christmas Carol. With a supernatural bent, this musical adaptation promises something for the whole family. 

Rated: No Rating

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Netflix

Alien Xmas

A young elf receives an alien she believes is simply a toy but is, in reality, much more. While this movie has a brief 42-minute runtime, it will entertain the young and old alike. 

Rated: TV-Y

Recommended Ages: 2+

Available on Netflix

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Released in 2020, this charming live-action musical about a toymaker is part Steampunk and part Dickens. Featuring a predominantly Black cast, including Academy-Award-winning Forest Whitaker, the once-betrayed and disgruntled toymaker finds new hope with his granddaughter. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+ 

Available on Netflix

Klaus

The first original Netflix animated film follows the story of a plucky mailman and a toy maker in a bleak, remote village. They form an unlikely friendship when they decide to spread joy by delivering presents to kids.

Rating: PG

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available on Netflix

A StoryBots Christmas

StoryBots fans will love following along as Bo heads to the North Pole to get gift advice from Santa only to discover that the Jolly Old Elf has gone missing.

Rating: TV-Y

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Netflix

The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2

Netflix

After two siblings accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, they head on an all-night journey to get things back on track. Starring Kurt Russell, this crowd-pleasing film got a sequel in 2020 with Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus, and it’s just as fun as the original. 

Rated PG

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available at Netflix

Supermonsters Save Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season in Pitchfork Pines with this special starring the Super Monsters. Christmas Eve finds the Super Monsters lending Santa a magical helping hand to find his missing reindeer.

Rating: TV-Y

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Netflix

White Christmas

Dreaming of a white Christmas? You can’t get much more classic than a Christmas movie featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney, with tunes from Irving Berlin. It may not have cartoon adventure, but it does have musical numbers and an emphasis on love and family.

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Netflix

Kids’ Christmas Movies on Disney+

Dashing Through the Snow

Dashing Through the Snow is a new family Christmas Movie on Disney+
Disney+

Lil Rel Howery dons the Santa suit for this festive Disney+ original. It costars Chris Bridges, who Mom will know better as Ludacris (the lyricist behind her favorite 2000 hip-hop hits), as a social worker who learns the true meaning of Christmas after a series of misadventures with his daughter. 

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available on Disney+

The Naughty Nine

Retooling heist films like Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job for the younger set, this family-friendly romp sees nine youngsters learn they’re on Santa’s Naughty List. Not about to accept a coal-only Christmas, the crew hatch a plan to hit the North Pole and take back the gifts they think they deserve.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Disney+

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Reimaging the original tale of sugar plum fairies and the little girl who dreams them up, the House of Mouse offers a dazzling and poetic fantasy film emphasizing the importance of love and courage. The magic swirls around Clara as she visits four realms while searching for the key to a mysterious box.  

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Disney+

The Santa Clauses

While technically not a movie, this mini-series and the latest installment in this modern Christmas franchise finds Santa hanging up his red hat, shaving off his pearly white beard, and retiring. His retirement is short-lived, though, when he realizes he may have hired the wrong replacement and endangered not only his elves but the whole holiday. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Disney +

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Kevin Bacon appears in this hilarious and festive holiday special from Marvel Studios: the Guardians take a trip to Earth to find a Christmas gift for Quill. Parents should keep in mind that the original film was rated PG-13, and while the holiday special has not yet been rated, it may be best suited for older kids.  

Rated: Not yet rated 

Recommended Ages: TV-14

Available on Disney +

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas is a classic family christmas movie
Walt Disney Studios

The three sweet holiday tales in this anthology star Mickey and his pals in reimaginings of classic stories. Make this viewing a double feature with the sequel Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas, also available on Disney +.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Disney +

Santa Buddies

What’s more playfully fun than a bunch of talking puppies trying to save Christmas? The adorable Santa Buddies are lending their paws to save the big day at the North Pole.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Disney+

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Are your little elves torn about whether their favorite holiday is Christmas or Halloween? Then give ‘em a dose of both. This holiday classic is a little offbeat, a little spooky, and full of a whole lot of crazy stop-motion visuals. It’s perfect for kids who crave a different kind of Christmas movie—and those old enough to enjoy the eerie effects.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available at: Disney+

The Santa Claus

Older kids will get a laugh watching Tim Allen (a divorced, uninvolved, turkey-burning dad) take a turn as Santa. The scenes at Santa’s workshop and the North Pole are amazing, but practice some Christmas caution: Allen gets the Santa gig because the original takes a fatal topple off a roof, there’s a lot of talk about divorce, and even a slightly scary scene with police.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 9+

Available on Disney+

The Muppets Christmas Carol

There are a lot of versions of this story out there, but how many of them feature Michael Caine as Scrooge and the big-hearted Kermit as Bob Cratchit? Throw in all the fun musical numbers and Gonzo as the Charles Dickens narrator, and you’ve got a movie night to remember. Fair warning: his job is to scare Scrooge, so the Ghost of Christmas Future is pretty scary.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Disney+

Noelle

Ever wonder what it’s like being Santa’s kids? Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader star in this super fun story about how filling the big man’s shoes might be a little too much pressure. Is the Christmas spirit truly hereditary? Find out!

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Disney +

A Christmas Carol

Jim Carrey takes on this classic tale as Ebenezer Scrooge as only he can. Watch as he’s visited by three spirits, and learns the true meaning of Christmas in this live-action film.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Disney +

Beauty and The Beast: An Enchanted Christmas

Inspired by the classic fairytale, this movie is a great way to celebrate the holidays as Mrs. Potts tells the story of the Christmas that almost didn’t happen. Kids will enjoy seeing their favorite characters and the new songs in this tale of friendship and love.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Disney +

Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

Tiny viewers will love watching Pooh and his friends help Rabbit discover the true meaning of the season. It’s an animated story about friendship and staying true to who you are.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Disney +

Family Christmas Movies on Apple TV+

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Lee Mendelson Film Productions

For wise kids (and those who have a soft spot for Snoopy), you can’t go wrong with the Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown has some deep thoughts about Christmas commercialization and the holiday blues, but the end is all kinds of merry: the true meaning of Christmas and snappy music to boot.

Special note: A Charlie Brown Christmas will be offered to non-subscribers on AppleTV+ from December 16 – December 17.

Otherwise, subscribers can stream it anytime. 

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 3+

The Velveteen Rabbit

Based on Margery Williams’ classic children’s book first published in 1922, this film adaptation stays true to the original story of a little boy who loves the plush bunny he got for Christmas so much it comes to life, but also injects a little modern-day flair. Blending live action with 2D animation, this family-friendly gem explores themes of friendship and unconditional love.

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available November 22 on Apple TV+

Frog and Toad “Christmas Eve” Special

Frog and Toad are best friends, and though their amphibious DNA might make you believe they’re pretty similar—they’re nothing alike. Now, it’s Christmas Eve, and the adventurous Frog is stuck in town, while creature-of-comfort Toad worries his buddy will miss the holiday entirely. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available December 1 on Apple TV+

The Snoopy Show Christmas Special

A holiday special that’s part of a stellar series, The Snoopy Show’s “Happiness Is Holiday Traditions” tags along with Snoopy and Woodstock as they visit the beagle’s brother, Spike, out in the desert. Not to let a few prickly cacti ruin their Christmas spirit, they conquer misadventures for the best holiday ever.

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available December 1 on Apple TV+

Shape Island Winter Special

Based on the best-selling picture books written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen, Shape Island molds its narratives around three shape friends: Square, Circle, and Triangle. In “The Winter Blues,” the series’ holiday special, Square is sad, so the others try to cheer him up with a new Yeti-centric holiday. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available December 1 on Apple TV+

Sago Mini Friend New Year’s Eve Special

The colorful crew of Sagoville are celebrating closing one chapter and beginning another in “New Year’s Eve Steve.” The special unfurls as Harvey, the floppy-eared dog, gets help from a firefly to stay awake to see the clock strike midnight. One scavenger hunt and a ton of laughs later, the brood just might get their wish. 

Recommended Ages: 2+

Available December 22 on Apple TV+

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

The book on which this snowy special is based was written and illustrated by Charlie Mackesy, and it’s a beautiful work of art that would make the perfect gift for loved ones of all ages. The moving short film, another masterpiece, brings the titular four to life through traditional hand-drawn animation, following along as the friends ponder love, kindness, and hope on their journey home.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Apple TV+

Spirited 

Spirited is a family Christmas Movie on Apple TV+
Apple TV+

Enjoy this musical with the older kids, as Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer hold nothing back as players in a rejiggered take on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Reynolds stars as Clint Briggs, a miser whose ghostly visits teach him the true meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, Ferrell embodies the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Spencer plays the gift he wants to unwrap.

Recommended Ages: 13+

Available on Apple TV+

Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues

This year, the self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas is spreading cheer on the stages of the country’s biggest cities during her holiday tour, but if hard pants and big crowds aren’t your family’s style, just queue up this immersive sequel featuring Mariah Carey, her beloved songs, and a few fancy friends. Should you want a quick link to the 2020 original, here you go!

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Apple TV+

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne

Apple TV+ has so. much. Peanuts. content, so go nuts! With For Auld Lang Syne, Lucy takes center stage, missing her grandmother and throwing a NYE party to cheer herself up. The first new holiday special in the Peanuts canon in nearly 20 years, this brilliantly animated short film is already an instant classic. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Apple TV+

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

This stop-motion classic family Christmas movie about Rudolph and his unusual nose is a must-watch for every generation in your house. Parents can join their children on a nostalgic journey to the unforgettable Island of Misfit Toys. 

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Apple TV+

Family Christmas Movies on Amazon Prime

A Christmas Story

A Christmas story is on Amazon Prime
MGM Entertainment

Warning: Watching A Christmas Story is likely to result in nonstop quoting of all those hilarious one-liners (Go ahead and say it with us: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”). Double warning for the younger tots: “Fudge” is substituted for the F word, one poor kid gets his tongue frozen to a flagpole, and let’s not forget that fishnet stocking leg lamp.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available at: Amazon

Candy Cane Lane

Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross team up for a holiday adventure about a family man who makes a pact with an elf to get a helping hand in winning his neighborhood’s holiday decorating contest. Of course, things don’t go as he expects, and the 12 Days of Christmas come to leaping to life.

Recommended Ages: 9+

Available November 30 on Amazon

Merry Little Batman

Damien Wayne is home alone and determined to keep a bunch of supervillains from ruining his Christmas, so he turns himself into Little Batman and shows those filthy animals who’s boss. If it all sounds familiar, that’s because this animated tale is DC’s super-twist on Macaulay Culkin’s 1990 classic.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available December 8 on Amazon

It’s a Wonderful Life

It certainly isn’t new, but no holiday is complete without watching Frank Capra’s seminal holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life. A heartwarming story that explores the human condition in all its forms, kids young and old always find much to love about George Bailey, a businessman who gets a glimpse at what life would look like without him. 

Recommended Ages: 9+

Available on Amazon

The Preacher’s Wife

A remake of The Bishop’s Wife from 1947, this musical drama starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington is another holiday must-watch. Featuring a beautiful holy soundtrack sung by the late pop diva, the film sees Denzel’s Dudley help a family in crisis around the holidays.

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available on Amazon

Yogi’s First Christmas

This classic kids’ Christmas movie finds Yogi and his affable sidekick Boo Boo joining in on the holiday fun, even though they should be hibernating. Kids will love meeting other Hanna-Barbera favorites like Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, and Augie Doggie. 

Rated: No Rating

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

The Legend of the Christmas Witch

Legend of the christmas witch is a family christmas movie
Lucky Red Morena Films

This 2018 Italian film tells the story of an ordinary school teacher who, at night, transforms into Befana, the magical witch who bestows gifts upon all the good children. Available in Italian with English subtitles or a dubbed English version

Rated: Not Rated 

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Amazon Freevee

Alone for Christmas

What’s cuter than puppies? Christmas puppies! This is basically the plot to Home Alone, but instead of a kid—you’ve got an adorable pup! 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Amazon

Jingle All the Way

Arnold Schwarzenegger is willing to go to any length to get his son the latest and greatest toy for Christmas in this 1990s film. While there are some funny moments, some are also violent, and the movie may be better for older kids.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Amazon

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas

The Cat in the Hat is back again, making a messy party for all of the guests. But when the party is over, The Cat in the Hat, Sally, Nick, and the Fish discover a poor lost baby reindeer they are determined to help find his way home. 

Rated: G 

Recommended Ages: 2+ 

Available on Amazon

Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You

Inspired by Mariah Carey’s instant holiday classic song “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” this sweet little cartoon features a young girl named Mariah who wants one thing for Christmas—a puppy! (Again, puppies + Christmas = love). Plus, it features voices by Mariah Carey, Breanna Yde, and Henry Winkler.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Amazon

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

Fans of the affable monkey won’t want to miss this adventurous holiday story featuring George and the Man in the Yellow Hat. They both work hard to find the perfect gifts for each other.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

Frosty the Snowman

The whole family will be a bunch of jolly, happy souls when they watch this classic family Christmas movie about the snowman who was brought to life with a magic hat and some love.

Rated: Not rated 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town

Santa Claus is coming to town is a family christmas movie
Rankin/Bass Productions

Narrated by Fred Astaire, this classic holiday movie tells the story of Santa’s humble beginnings. The kids will get a kick out of seeing the movie’s take on how certain Christmas traditions began (like the flying reindeer and why Santa comes through the chimney).

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Amazon

Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch

This 2018 retelling of the classic Dr. Seuss story about the green grump who wants to stop Christmas is packed full of fun and laughs. Pharrell Williams narrates, while Benedict Cumberbatch voices the cantankerous Grinch. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

The Snowman

Based on the classic picture book by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman is worth a watch with your tiny tots. This wordless movie follows the adventures of a young boy whose snowman comes to life. It’s a simple but whimsical story that still offers a healthy dose of holiday magic.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

The Polar Express

Based on the beautiful best-selling book, this classic family Christmas movie follows a young boy on his journey to the North Pole, where he discovers just how real Santa’s holiday magic is.

Rating: G

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

It’s a Very Muppet Christmas Movie

The classic story of It’s a Wonderful Life gets a kid-friendly twist thanks to the Muppet gang. In this version, the Muppet Theater is in trouble, and a stressed-out Kermit wonders if the world would have been better off without him and his friends. Luckily, his guardian angel (David Arquette) shows him what matters most—with the help of fun musical numbers and a star-studded cast.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

Arthur Christmas

What’s the lovable youngest son of Santa to do when he discovers that one child hasn’t received her Christmas present? Go on a madcap mission, of course! You’ll love the family spirit of this movie as we meet Arthur and the whole Claus clan. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Amazon

Home Alone

Home Alone is a family christmas movie
20th Century Fox

A member of the John Hughes movie family, Home Alone is a full-fledged faceoff between eight-year-old Kevin and a couple of witless burglars. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen this one, you may not remember just how violent the slapstick gets. Still, it’s worth a view for older kids who understand the Christmas consequences.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available on Amazon

Elf

Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins (pardon our language) and miss out on watching the story of our favorite innocent “elf,” Buddy. This is another family Christmas movie you’ll be quoting all season long. Though a few spots may run a bit boring for little ones, kids will still love seeing the holidays through Buddy’s enthusiastic eyes.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available on Amazon

Miracle on 34th Street

This 1994 remake of a 1940s classic has all the tried-and-true favorites of a family Christmas movie: a precocious kid, a lovable Santa, and a smiley ending. But keep in mind, Mom and Dad, that the little girl in the movie does question the existence of Santa Claus—so if this isn’t a hot topic in your house yet, you might want to skip this one!

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

We can’t settle the age-old debate of old Grinch vs. new Grinch—but we’ll admit that the classic ‘toon version holds a special place in our “two sizes too small” hearts. Add it to your holiday movie lineup to get your yuletide dose of Seuss and Whoville.

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Amazon

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas

There’s a “Gift of the Magi” element at play in this 1977 Jim Henson wholesome classic Christmas tale that is as adorable as it is lively, with original songs by Paul Williams. Kermit the Frog’s turn as the narrator is both funny and adorable. 

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available at: Amazon

Full Court Miracle

This Disney original Hanukkah movie, which happens to be based on a true story, follows a beloved basketball coach as he becomes the coach of a yeshiva in Philly.

Rated: TV-G

Recommended: Ages 8+

Available on Amazon

 

with additional reporting by DeAnna Janes

 

These new Netflix kids’ shows and movies coming in October are perfect for when the kids need downtime

Fall is officially here, which means chillier days and many excuses to relax on the sofa. Netflix’s October lineup is jam-packed with new releases and family favorites. No matter what you like to watch, there are plenty of new Netflix kids’ shows and movies this month. Family favorite Kung Fu Panda is back and there are a few new additions for Halloween, too. All that’s left is to decide what they want to watch first.

New Netflix Kids’ Shows and Movies Coming in October

Oct. 1

The Adventures of Tintin

This animated film is based on the comics of the same name. When young journalist TinTin buys a miniature version of a legendary pirate ship, he is unknowingly thrust into an adventure that involves traveling the world, looking for sunken treasure, and avoiding some nasty pirates. And he does it all with the help of his trusty sidekick Snowy.

The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 

While the Andrew Garfield version of New York’s favorite superhero might not be the favorite of the comic book film adaptations, these movies are still action-packed fun for the whole family.

Casper 

This modern take on a classic cartoon character spins the story of an afterlife therapist and his daughter becoming friends with a friendly spirit after they move into a crumbling mansion.

Drake & Josh: Season 1-3 

In this classic Nickelodeon series, two stepbrothers learn to live together and navigate high school even though they’re very different people.

Kung Fu Panda 

Go back to where it all began for Po and his ninja master friends. Enjoy the discovery of the dragon warrior all over again with this animated classic.

The Little Rascals 

Based on the classic “Our Gang” movie shorts from the ’20s and ’30s, Little Rascals follows the adventures of Alfalfa, Darla, Stymie, Spanky, Waldo, and more.

Megamind

This hilarious animated film about an overly smart reformed super-villain alien is back on Netflix. Starring the voice talents of Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, and many more, this is a perfect choice for family movie night.

Oct. 2

Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry Bog

In an all-new special, the Berry Scary Fright Night Carnival has arrived in Big Apple City and Strawberry Shortcake must solve the mystery of who is trying to spoil the fun.

Oct. 10

Blippi’s Big Dino Adventure

If you didn’t catch Blippi’s feature film debut this summer, here’s your chance. In this 60-minute length film, Blippi and Meekah set out on their biggest and best dinosaur adventure yet. They’ll meet up with friends like Park Ranger Asher and help to find some missing dino eggs before they hatch.

Oct. 12

LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising: Season 1: Part 2

The key to stopping the MergeQuakes from reaching their tipping point lies in the Dragon Cores. Can the Ninja find all three before it’s too late?

Oct. 13

Spy Kids, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, Spy Kids 3: Game Over

Now that you’ve seen the remake, how about going back to the beginning with the original trilogy? Follow Juni and Carmen as they follow in their super spy parents’ footsteps and help save the world with the help of some super cool spy gear.

Oct. 16

Oggy Oggy: Season 3 

Kind and curious kitty Oggy Oggy wants to spread joy to all his friends and neighbors. But sometimes, he gets into playful mischief instead. Miaow!

Oct. 17

I Woke Up A Vampire 

On her 13th birthday, Carmie discovers that she’s half vampire—and she must learn to navigate middle school while learning to control mythical powers like strength, super speed, and power blast. A fun new TV show for tweens.

Oct. 23

Princess Power: Season 2 

When there’s trouble in the Fruitdoms, these princess pals join forces to help each other—because sometimes problems are too big for just one princess!

Oct. 24

Minions

Gru’s sidekicks get their own feature-length film with this spin-off of the Despicable Me franchise. Find out where the minions came from and why they are obsessed with bananas.

Oct. 25

Life on Our Planet

Life as we know it has fought an epic battle to conquer and survive on Planet Earth. There are 20 million species on our planet in 2023, but that number is just a snapshot in time—99% of Earth’s inhabitants are lost to our deep past. The story of what happened to these dynasties—their rise and their fall–is truly remarkable.

Related: New, Original Family Movies You’ll Only Find on Netflix, Disney+ & Apple TV in 2023

Kids’ Titles Leaving Netflix in October

A League of Their Own

Jumanji

Nanny McPhee

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie

 

 

Open through Mother’s Day, the Flower Fields are fun for the whole family

Need an instant mood booster? Take your little “buds” to see the amazing colors of the ranunculus bloom at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. You’ll have a bushel of farm-related fun on a wagon ride through a sea of blossoms (on a clear day you can see the ocean from your wagon ride, which is pretty spectacular) and at the sweet pea maze and U-pick blueberry field. Read on to learn how to get the most flower power out of your visit and where to go for the best food and shopping near the Fields, which are open through Mother’s Day, May 14.

Kate Loweth

Blooming Flower Fields From March-May
The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are the showstopper at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. They’re in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year so a visit during this annual burst of color is such a treat. Introducing your kiddos to nature’s official way of announcing the arrival of spring in Southern California can help them appreciate the beauty and bounty of Mother Earth. In addition to the ranunculus flower, roses, orchids, poinsettias, petunias, sunflowers, and petunias are planted in stages so there is never a shortage of blooming plants. Kids can run around the spacious garden checking out the fields of flowers, visit the artists’ gardens, and find their way through a living maze of sweet peas.

Insider’s Tip: Tickets are only available online so make sure you snag those before you head over. Wear close-toed, comfortable shoes to make it easy to walk on the dirt pathways, and be sure to check out the full event calendar for other happenings (ahem, sunset wine tastings!) going on throughout the season.

photo: The Flower Fields

Wondrous Wagon Ride
Make sure you bring pocket money for an open-air wagon ride through The Flower Fields. The tractors will take you and the kiddos right through the gorgeous flowers. Rides are $4 for little ones (ages 3-10) and $8 for adults. This is truly the best way to experience the rainbow of blooms right in front of you and a view of the Pacific Ocean in the background. Tickets can be purchased after you enter The Flower Fields on a mobile device or with a credit card. Cash will not be accepted.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t leave without checking out the full-size American Flag created completely out of red, white, and blue petunias. It’s hidden from the main flowers, but worth the view.

Photo: Aimee Della Bitta

Activities for Kids

"Eight Flags" Treasure Hunt
Boredom will not be a complaint when you take the kids to The Flower Fields. Aside from the thrill of a tractor ride, little explorers should make sure to pick up a copy of their Flower Fields passport when they enter the site. They will then embark on a "treasure hunt" to find eight flags hidden throughout the Field. At each flag is a stamp that goes into the passport.

Carlsbad Mining Company
The Flower Fields is also home to the Carlsbad Mining Company. Kids will love using the miner’s old method of sifting sand in water to find polished gemstones. 

Butterfly Garden
Wander and wonder in the renovated garden celebrating the butterflies that help make flowers bloom. Be sure to get a photo on the colorful butterfly bench.

U-pick Blueberry Field
This year, the U-pick blueberry field is available. When open, you can purchase your 1-pint baskets for $8 each at the blueberry stand to enjoy the U-Pick experience. 

Sea of Sunflowers
Escape in the 5-acre sea of sunflowers.  The test patch features all colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are as big as small moons and others over 12’ high! The best time to visit and see the sunflowers is mid-April.

santa village flower fieldsPhoto: Leah Singer

The last stop of the day should be Santa’s Playground. Yes, we said Santa! Nestled in The Flower Fields is a playground that’s home to whimsical playhouses and gigantic mushrooms that were part of Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead years ago. Come see the dollhouse and crooked treehouse, and play on the structures to get those last-minute wiggles out.

Insider’s Tip: The Flower Fields is family-friendly with plenty of restrooms, picnic areas, and lots of free parking.

Where to Eat and Shop-In and Around the Flower Fields

There are plenty of food and drink options in and around The Flower Fields. If you’d like to stay within the fields you can start your day with a lavender latte from Rollin’ Beans Coffee Co. located right at the ranch and then enjoy lunch at The Pizza Trolley. The Pizza Trolley serves only the best authentic artisan pizzas and fresh salads. Everything is made from scratch on the trolley from dough to sauce. Close out your day with a cool treat from The Strawberry Shack which serves soft-serve ice cream, strawberry shortcake, and strawberry cannolis. Yum!

Or you can walk a short distance to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets where you’ll find lots of great places to eat and shop. We love Blaze Pizza, the perfect restaurant for families who have picky eaters and/or a variety of preferences. Each person orders their own inexpensive pie and can pick their own perfect toppings. There’s also a gluten-free pizza crust option.

Another family favorite is the 1940s-themed Ruby’s Diner. Kids will be captivated by the trains that move overhead and they’ll marvel at the airplane models hanging throughout the restaurant. Each young diner also receives a cardboard train or automobile they can assemble and decorate at the table.

After lunch or dinner, indulge in some retail therapy at The Disney Store Outlet, Carter’s, Baby Gap, Sketchers, Stride Rite, OshKosh B’gosh, and more.

Insider’s Tip: Carlsbad Premium Outlets offers stroller rentals and has clean bathrooms with changing tables.

The Flower Fields
5704 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA
Online: theflowerfields.com

Additional reporting by Kate Loweth & Beth Shea

Tucked away in the midwestern region of the nation lies a family-friendly haven that offers popular city amenities with small-town hospitality: Springfield, Missouri.

With activities rooted in both outdoor recreation and urban exploration, Springfield is the ideal destination for a ‘fusion trip’—a getaway that merges a vibrant city break with an outdoor getaway. Families can spend time hiking and biking the Ozark Mountains one day, then dine at amazing local eateries and visit the aquarium (voted America’s Best Aquarium by USA Today!) the next.

Read on to discover which experiences await nature lovers and city dwellers alike in the Queen City of the Ozarks.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Voted by USA Today as America’s Best Aquarium, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is one of the largest immersive wildlife attractions in the nation that provides hours’ worth of entertainment. Get ready to be WOW-ed by the on-site 1.5-million-gallon aquarium that showcases over 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

For more immersive exhibits, families can interact with penguins, sting rays and sharks or learn about ongoing wildlife conservation efforts in a fun way.

Fantastic Caverns

Known as the Cave State, Missouri has approximately 7,500 recorded caves, with one of the most renowned located right in Springfield. Fantastic Caverns provides a complete drive-through tour where guests can hop in a bright red, Jeep-drawn tram for a relaxing ride. The 55-minute guided tour will take you and your family through an ancient underground riverbed for breathtaking views of massive formations and deep dive of the history of the cave.

Thanks to the constant temperature of 60°F within the cavern, you’ll feel comfortable no matter what time of year you visit.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

Adjacent to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium stands the original and largest Bass Pro Shops. The 500,000-square-foot facility, which is rooted in its outdoor recreational gear and gifts, is more than just a store. The immersive experience brings to life the beauty of the great outdoors, with an in-store swamp filled with alligators and fish and surrounded by 100-foot-tall cypress trees.

Dads can check out the firing range and boat showroom while kiddos can visit the many indoor museums for history on the first Bass Pro store, archery and more. Don’t miss the store’s daily fish feeding shows at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.!

Springfield Cardinals Baseball Game

Baseball fanatics and families looking for a local experience should head to Hammons Field for an exhilarating Springfield Cardinals game. As the town’s Minor League Baseball team, which served as the starting point for countless St. Louis Cardinals players today, residents and visitors alike flock to Hammons Field for an affordable evening of tasty stadium bites, on-field contests and unique giveaways.

The season runs from April through September, so be sure to check out their schedule here in advance. Pro Tip: Bring a glove–you just might catch a ball from a player who’s destined to make it big someday soon!

Dickerson Park Zoo

Dickerson Park Zoo seamlessly combines entertainment, education and brisk exercise for visitors of all ages. Stroll along the zoo’s 1.2 miles of paved trails to learn about more than 450 animals from five different continents, including South America’s red kangaroo, North America’s mountain lion and Asia’s Malayan tiger, to name a few.

Spend the day greeting the zoo’s roaming peacocks face-to-face, feeding the giraffes and attending an on-site educational workshop for young learners, like identifying animal footprints and learning about kookaburras. You can also take a train ride and play at the children’s playground for more hours of fun.

Andy’s Frozen Custard

For Springfield residents, Andy’s Frozen Custard and summer are practically synonymous with one another. Families flock to the family-owned shop for their impressive, slow-churned custard that’s made fresh every hour with toppings that are baked daily in-house. As a drive-through and walk-up service restaurant, Andy’s exclusively sells frozen custard creations, from traditional vanilla and chocolate cones to floats, malts and seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Pie Concretes and Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes.

The secret behind their rich, thick and decadent dessert? Keep the recipe short and sweet with simple ingredients that are free of gimmicks, such as cream, sugar and vanilla extract.

 

Want to learn more about Springfield? Click here to order the official Springfield Guide. Once you arrive, don’t forget to “Ask a Local,” Springfilend’s ongoing initiative that strives for visitors to capture the welcoming, energetic, fun and creative personality of the city. By asking a local, you can discover the best things to see, do and eat in the Ozarks—they’ll be more than willing to show off Springfield to your family!


Donuts aren’t just for breakfast anymore. It’s true. While you can still find the classics just about everywhere, your kids’ favorite morning sweet treat has been spotted going gourmet with unique flavors, crazy toppings, and wild shapes (our apologies to the circle). From Cajun-inspired concoctions to creations you have to see to believe, check out our list of the best places in the metroplex to indulge.

Hypnotic Donuts

Welcome to the best donut shop in Dallas. From their house-made glazes to one-of-a-kind toppings, this is a must on your list of “donut shops to try before I die.” We’re drooling over menu items like the “Peace-stachio,” the “Breaking Bad,” and (of course) the “Homer.” Did we mention they also serve chicken and biscuits? Be still, our hearts. 

9007 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX 75218

Onlinehypnoticdonuts.com

Jarams Donuts

Heart-shaped donuts for Mother’s Day? Snowflake donuts for the holidays? Funnel cake donuts? Yes, please. This artisan donut shop is bound to have a flavor, shape, and theme for any moment you get a craving.

17459 Preston Rd.
Dallas, TX 75252

2117 Abrams Rd.
Dallas, TX 75214

Onlinejarams.com

The Salty Donut

We need to be honest. Some of the best donuts in Dallas can be found at this spot, and they look more like cakes than breakfast food. And with names like the Horchata Donut, the Key Lime Meringue Pie Donut, and the Carmel Toffee Crumb, we see no reason why you shouldn’t have one for dessert. Plus, they’ve got cold brew growlers to go, and for you donut junkies out there, be sure to sign up for their rewards program.

Park Place Donuts

Here’s where you’ll find crazy character donuts like Minions, Hello Kitty, and Baby Shark, alongside Nutella Oreo donuts, Fruity Pebble donuts, and Strawberry Cream Cheese donuts. Don’t worry! You’ll find all your go-to flavors here too.

4515 Matlock Rd #115
Arlington, TX 76018

Onlinepark-place-donuts.com

Funky Town Donuts

Funky Town is one the places to find the best donuts in Dallas and Fort Worth
Gabby Cullen

This fun shop is in historic Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. Not only do they serve a monthly rotating menu of donuts like Root Beer Float, Hibiscus Lime, and Strawberry Shortcake, but they’ve got beer and wine for purchase too, which means you can stop here later in the day (open until 3 pm Sun-Thurs, and 10 pm Fri. & Sat!)  and everyone in your crew can enjoy happy hour.

132 E. 4th St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Onlinefunkytowndonuts.com

Cajun Donuts

One of the best places in Garland to get a fix for your sweet tooth, this family-owned shop brought their favorite recipes from Louisiana and has been serving donuts, kolaches, breakfast sandwiches, boudin, and beignets since 2013.

850 Beltline Rd.
Garland, TX 75040

Online: freshcajundonuts.com

Detour Donuts

The menu at Detour changes every month, and the options are totally different. Think Thai Tea & Coconut, Blueberry Goat Cheese, Tiramisu, Lemon & Earl Gray and much more. And don’t worry, donut traditionalists, there’s a menu of classic options like glazed, chocolate, old-fashioned, apple fritters, and the ever-popular donut holes.

8161 FM 423 #250
Frisco, TX 75036

Onlinedetourdoughnutsandcoffee.com

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When it comes to making a dessert in the summer, the last thing we want to do is turn on the oven to make a cake or pie. That’s why we love having an array of awesome (and simple!) no-bake desserts in our arsenal. We’ve compiled some of our favorite kid-friendly picks, none of which will leave you a sweaty mess. Sounds like a win-win situation to us!

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Check out these refreshing no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars! This dessert is the perfect combination of fruity and creamy. 

Chocolate Cream Pie

There's nothing wrong with a classic chocolate cream pie to cool down a hot summer day! 

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

no bake desserts
Sweet Peas & Saffron

Crispy and crunchy come together in this six-ingredient no-bake dessert! Both PB and chocolate lovers will enjoy sinking their teeth into this treat that travels well and whips up in an hour! Head to Sweet Peas & Saffron to get the recipe.

Cherry Cheesecake Dip

no bake desserts
Carlsbad Cravings

Can you believe this gorgeous dip is no-bake? You can enjoy the rich flavor of cheesecake without turning on the oven with this simple recipe that requires more time in the fridge chilling than it does to make! Check out Carlsbad Cravings for the full recipe.

Salted Caramel Cups

no bake desserts
Pinch of Yum

How are these not crafted in the oven? This healthy-ish recipe combines items like oats, dates and nuts miraculously houses thick caramel for the ultimate surprise treat. Check out Pinch of Yum because you know you want this recipe!

Thin Mint Bites

no bake desserts
Pinch of Yum

Who needs Girl Scout cookie season when you can make these thin mint bites? Just three ingredients are all you need to make these fancy looking, awesome tasting mint cups. Check out Chelsea's Messy Apron for the recipe.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna

no bake desserts
Bake Me Some Sugar

Move over, red sauce lasagna! This fun take on an Italian dish will satisfy your sweet tooth in a cinch. Just combine ingredients and chill before devouring. Want the complete recipe? Check out Bake Me Some Sugar.

Mason Jar Ice Cream Cake

no bake desserts
Evermine

Mason jars can be used for just about anything, even no-bake desserts! We love these ice cream cakes from Evermine because not only can you mix it up and use whatever ingredients you like best, but there are also minimal melting messes to clean up afterward! Get the how-to here

Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches

no bake desserts
Joesph Gonzalez via Unsplash

This delicious "sandwich" is so easy, a budding pastry chef could do it all by herself. Using only four ingredients, we love The Novice Chef's version!

5-Minute Frozen Fruit Mousse

no bake desserts
Amanda Ma on Unsplash

This frozen fruit mousse takes literally five minutes, and only requires a few ingredients. Top with freshly whipped cream and fruit and you've got an Instagram-worthy no-bake dessert ready to go. Find out how to make your own version here

Vegan Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Avocado Pie

no bake desserts
A Taste of Madness

Hear us out. This rich and fudgy dessert is made even better by some sneaky avocado. It’s also a no-bake dessert masterpiece so you can whip it up in no time for any party, potluck, or mid-week treat. For the recipe, head to A Taste of Madness.

No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Cups

no bake desserts
Overtime Cook

The last thing you want to do on a hot summer day is turn on the oven. Luckily, you won’t have to with these no-bake lemon cheesecake mousse cups. They’re easy to make and assemble and look just as delicious as they taste. For the #1 reason to boycott your oven this summer visit Overtime Cook.

Kiwi Sorbet

Anja's Food 4 Thought

Kiwi is the total star of the show in this guilt-free sorbet from Anja's Food 4 Thought. There are no crazy ingredients—just kiwi, lemon, and honey. You'll be cooled off in no time!

Tiramisu Slab Cake

no bake desserts
The View from Great Island

What could be better than cocoa powder, espresso, ladyfingers and whipped cream all stacked up in a delicious bite? A recipe for tiramisu that requires no baking or stove-top prep, whatsoever. Both of your dreams are answered with this no-bake recipe from The View from Great Island

Homemade Twix Bars

no bake desserts
Back for Seconds

Who needs expensive store-bought candy bars when you can make your own? You'll only need four ingredients to make these super tasty "Twix" bars from Back for Seconds.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

no bake desserts
Wanna Come With?

Who knew you could make delicious cookies without ever turning on your oven? This clever recipe from Wanna Come With? uses rolled oats, peanut butter and cocoa powder to create one amazing cookie.

White Chocolate Lemon Truffles

no bake desserts
OMG Chocolate Desserts

If your little ones aren’t as crazy for citrus as you are, have them try a white chocolate lemon truffle. They may change their tune. With just a few ingredients, they’re super simple to make—15 minutes of prep time and you’re done. Just make sure you factor in that the mix has to get cold and harden in the fridge for a few hours. The result is pure magic! For all the delicious details, and other ideas visit OMG Chocolate Desserts.

S'mores Muffin Tin Ice Cream Cakes

no bake desserts
Blender Happy

These little treats from Blender Happy only require one minute of microwave action. With a graham cracker base, hidden marshmallow middle and chocolate ice cream on top (you can use store-bought or make your own dairy-free ice cream), the hardest part is waiting for them to freeze.

Ice Cream without an Ice Cream Maker

no bake desserts
iStock

Imagine whipping up a delicious batch of ice cream—without needing any equipment than what you already have at home. We've got six great recipes that will do the trick. See them here

—Taylor Clifton, Susie Foresman, Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

 

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The grill is your go-to summer cooking tool, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of burgers and steaks. When you’re ready to switch up your dinner menu, you’ll want to check out our roundup of easy grilling recipes. From sweet and sour grilled chicken to skewers and even grilled fruit, these recipes are sure to spice up your spread. Read on to get fired up about all of the delicious possibilities.

Grilled Chicken Recipe

One of the easiest things to grill in the summer is chicken. With endless possibilities, there’s a style and flavor for everyone. We can’t wait to try this Sweet & Sour Chicken version. You can find the recipe in the post below!

 

Corn on the Cob

What goes better with grilled chicken than corn on the cob? A staple for summer dinners, make some with butter and salt for the kids, and add elote seasoning, spicy mayo or just about anything else you can think of for the adults.

 

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Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp cook fast, so the hardest thing about this recipe is the prep work. Check out the video below and look for the link to the printable recipe!

 

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A post shared by Lisa Bryan (@downshiftology)

Grilled Zucchini Salad

If you’ve got kids who like to keep it simple, set aside a few pieces of zucchini for them to have plain, while the rest can be tossed into this simple summer salad recipe.

Veggie Beef Tin Foil Packets

Campfire food can be made at home too. Foil packets are genius because there’s literally no cleanup and you can add just about anything you want to the mix. The post below has the recipe for this particularly yummy-looking dinner.

Grilled Sweet Potato

Better than french fries (we think), grilled sweet potatoes are a cinch to prep (see the post for details), and after you’ve lathered them in olive oil and salt, they only take about 4-5 minutes on each side before they’re done.

 

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A post shared by Brittany Mullins (@eatingbirdfood)

Grilled Avocado

If you haven’t tried this yet, we highly recommend adding it to your summer recipe rotation. Warm and smooth and stuffed with everything from shrimp to feta and tomatoes, grilled avocados are a real treat. Check out the recipe below.

 

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A post shared by Foodtempel Recipes (@foodtempel_com)

Chicken Skewers

Another easy way to get a whole meal done at once is to assemble chicken skewers. Add fruit, and vegetables and marinate them in your favorite sauce.

add chicken skewers to your list of easy grilling recipes
iStock

Grilled Peaches with Feta

These grilled peaches can be served with feta, like in the recipe below, or with ice cream for a sweet summer dessert. A totally understated way to enjoy a sweet treat!

 

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The time is ripe to hit the farm in Georgia for juicy strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and peaches (not to mention other perks, like pony rides, tractor rides, corn pits, maybe a CSA box program, and inflatables at some spots). There’s no denying these Atlanta u-pick farms have got it all for families. While different crops ripen at different times, we’ve picked our favorite farms to take the small set for a day of fresh air, berry-stained fingers, and happy hearts. Read on for more about our favorite fields for strawberry (and other berries!) picking fun.

Note: If you’re looking for U-pick apple orchards, we’ve got seven to visit that aren’t too far from the city.

Wild Fern Ranch

Wild Fern Ranch offers around 1000 Certified All Natural (CNG) blueberry bushes of 3 different varieties that yield roughly 500 pound of delish blueberries per week. Open and in season from early June through mid July (check social media pages for details), you can visit from Mon.-Sat. for u-pick from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Don't miss community days weekly for discounted picking and Friday night events for live music.

12000 Hutchesons Ferry Rd.
Palmetto, GA 30268
404-545-4171

Warbington Farms

Offering a “Farm Fun Park” that includes a petting zoo, corn crib, inflatable slides, bounce house and playground set, this u-pick has the market cornered on farm fun in Forsyth County. Other perks include live bluegrass music and "hey" rides (pricing for Family Fun Park is $9 per child and $5 for ages 12 years and older, plus tax). Strawberry picking hours will be determined by availability and weather, so check here for current conditions before you go.

5555 Crow Rd.
Cumming, Ga
770-380-2920
Online: warbingtonfarms.com

Adams Farm

Blueberries are the newest addition to the u-pick options at Adams Farm in Fayetteville, and since the fields are netted, you don't have to compete with the birds for the berries. Containers are provided, there's a market with fruits and vegetables, and you can visit Mon.-Sat. from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

1486 Georgia Highway 54 West
Fayetteville, Ga
770-461-9395
Online: adamsfarmfayettevillega.com

Washington Farms

At this Watkinsville farm, spring strawberry season begins in mid-April and comes not only with buckets for berry picking, but also four super Saturdays where activities include wagon rides, a petting zoo, a cow train, a corn box, and more. Go later in the summer for blackberries, and pick your pumpkins there in the fall. Just be sure you pick before you play to make sure that the fields don't get picked out early! Open Monday-Saturdays 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Sundays.

5691 Hog Mountain Rd.
Bogart, Ga 30622
770-554-8119
Online: washingtonfarms.net

DJ's U-Pick Blueberry Farm

For a closer-to-town option, DJ's—located a stone's throw from the Gwinnett Braves stadium—specializes in blueberries, but they also have Scottish Highland Cows (Coco & Rudolph) and goats on our farm. Please check DJ's Facebook page daily for hours or call ahead to make sure they are indeed open for the day. Open Monday-Sunday from 8 a.m. until picked out.

1839 Prospect Rd.
Lawrenceville, Ga
678-442-7853
Online: djsupickblueberries.com

Moon Farms Country Market

At Moon Farms Country Market, you'll find over 25,000 plants consisting of two different varieties of strawberries— Camarosa and Chandler. Pick-your-own fresh from the farm, or call ahead and place a pre-pick order. Check the website for fruit availability, and go Mon.-Sat. from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun. from 2-6 p.m.

3498 GA-72
Colbert, Ga 30628
706-338-0065
Online: moon-farms.com

 

Southern Belle Farm

Head to this 330-acre family farm in McDonough for pick-your-own berries, plus a country market, jumping pillows, a cow train, pedal cars, a hayride, a giant tube slide, and more (all on the weekends). Admission to the farm activities is $8/ person, but the berries are free to pick (you pay for what you pick after you're finished picking). Go Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays 1-6 p.m. Do yourself a favor and pick up an order of strawberry shortcake (with or without soft serve ice cream) before you leave!

1658 Turner Church Rd.
McDonough, Ga
770-288-2582
Online: southernbellefarm.com

Mercier Orchards

This family orchard, now in its 4th generation, begins picking season with strawberries in mid to late April, then offers blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples through the summer and into the fall. Go for the u-picks on select dates, but stay for the bakery and deli, market store, and now a farm winery and cider house.  Open seven days a week from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., but u-picks are available only on select dates, weather permitting.

8660 Blue Ridge Dr.
Blue Ridge, Ga 30513
706-632-3411
Online: mercier-orchards.com

Mitcham Farm

This working farm in Oxford, Georgia offers seasonal u-pick patches for strawberries and blueberries in the spring, blackberries in the summer, and pumpkins in the fall. Hours depend on availability of the crop and the weather, so be sure to check this out before you load the car. In addition to the fields, Mitcham Farm also has homemade strawberry ice cream, strawberry jam, local honey, frog jam, preserves, salsas, fresh produce (depending on availability) and other specialty items for sale at their Farm Stand, in addition to two family swings, a farm animal viewing area, and a picnic area onsite. Go Mon.-Sat. from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun. from 1-5 p.m., weather permitting. Check their Facebook page for live updates on picking conditions.

797 Macedonia Church Rd.
Oxford, Ga 30054
770-855-1530
Online: mitchamfarm.com

Fleeman's Blueberries

Fleeman’s offers clean potties, a picnic table under the shade of an old oak and eight varieties of Rabbit-Eye, pesticide-free blueberries perfect for little pickers. Prices and hours will vary depending on weather and crop availability, but the picking season typically runs from late June through August. Call ahead to check out the farmer's forecast for the day.

716 Harrison Mill Rd.
Winder, Ga
770-867-3420
Online: fleemansblueberries.com

Jaemor Farms

While they only open their farm for strawberry picking one day a year—this year on May 5—the folks at Jaemor Farm know how to throw a party. In addition to picking, the kiddos will go bananas over the hayrides, petting zoo, farm slide, skeeball and duck races, while you can taste a couple of new recipes at the strawberry cook-off and check out the local vendors at the festival portion of the farm. Don't miss the homemade strawberry milkshakes and fresh milk samples from Mountain Fresh Creamery's mobile dairy unit. Check website for updates on u-pick events.

5340 Cornelia Hwy.
Alto, Ga 30510
770-869-3999
Online: jaemorfarms.com

Remember to always call ahead since farm hours and crop availability are constantly in flux. Also note that many farms are cash only so hit the bank before hitting the road! Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, bug spray, and water.

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These farms in North Georgia offer lots of learning and hands-on experiences kids crave

Parents…start your tractors and head to the country. Family-friendly farm fun can be found just a short drive from Atlanta, and your kids are sure to love it. From farm animals to freshly-picked produce and vegetables, these farms in North Georgia have it all.

Cagle’s Family Farm

boys playing farm games for kids
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Pet a calf, feed a goat…yes please!  Cagle’s Family farm near Canton makes it easy to do.  At this former dairy farm turned beef farm, your little rancher can meet chickens, ducks, goats, calves, turkeys and herding dogs face to face. Cagle’s offers a Farm Ag-Venture, including a tractor pulled hayride through the farm. Check out the pigs as they gobble up corn on the cob, watch the herding dogs move goats and cows and see how a cow is milked.

362 Stringer Rd.
Holly Springs, GA
Online: caglesfarm.com

 

Berry Patch Farms

a girl picks strawberries at a u-pick farm
iStock

Trying to teach your tot a bit about farm to table? Show your babe berries don’t grow in baskets at the grocery store at Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock. The farm provides the bucket, you provide all the picking power. In the summer, go on a blueberry scavenger hunt to find the sweetest. At Berry Patch, the berries are sold by the pound; weight is calculated on a unique, old fashioned scale.  Since you’re doing the work, the prices are much less than the grocery store.

Don't Miss: On the weekends you can sample old-fashioned ice cream and in the spring, strawberry shortcake.

786 Arnold Mill Rd.
Woodstock, GA
Online: berrypatchfarms.net

girl with pigtails holding grapes and smiling

Not all farms grow food you'd store in a fridge. Some grow grapes... that you store in a wine cellar. For a different take on a farm visit, give Nutwood Winery a try. This ten-acre farm features a one-of-a-kind 6,000 square foot tasting room & Vineyard Cafe along with an historic manor home and 200-year-old pecan trees. The kids will have plenty to do, including giant lawn chess, corn hole, and a 10-hole disc golf course (after touring the vineyard, of course).

Good to Know: Unlike most u-pick farms, pets are welcome to enjoy the outdoor spaces at Nutwood Winery.

1339 Big Springs Rd.
LaGrange, GA
Online: nutwoodwinery.com

Apple Mountain Alpacas

Visit an alpaca farm in the Northeast Georgia Mountains and learn about farm-to-fiber products that are eco-friendly, biodegradable and renewable. The farm overlooks the first hole of the Apple Mountain Golf Course, and in addition to visiting with the animals and learning about them, you can attend a "make and take" class, 

357 Birchwood Dr.
Clarkesville, GA

Southern Belle Farm

The most popular thing to do in the spring at Southern Belle Farm is u-pick strawberries, but this year they have so much more fun to be had with attractions that will make the entire family smile. A cow train, barnyard and tube slide are just a few of the fun ways to play at Southern Belle.

Good to Know: Activities are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

1658 Turner Church Rd.
McDonough, GA
Online: southernbellefarm.com

 

Glo-Crest Dairy

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Glo-crest Dairy is a family-owned farm that supplies all of the award-winning milk for their creamery, Mountain Fresh Creamery. Scott Glover, owner, is a fourth generation dairy farmer. They recently built a new facility with the latest innovations of cow comfort, milk quality and agritourism in mind. With 210 Holsteins that they care for, pamper, and milk twice a day, a visit to Glo-crest is sure to make an impression.

Keep in Mind: Creamery hours are Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m and Sunday, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. The farm is open for guided tours Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11 a.m.

6615 Cleveland Hwy.
Clermont, GA
Online: mountainfreshcreamery.com

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