Check out our ultimate guide to daily adventures and gallons of giggles
Summer is in full swing, and you’re going to need an arsenal of activities for kids to fill the long days or open afternoons after camp. This is why it’s the perfect time to make a family summer bucket list. To help you make that happen, we collected 73 ideas that fit the bill for summer 2024. From having a Yes Day to putting together a new LEGO set, here are all the best things to do in the summer with kids.
If you need other ideas, check out our favorite swimming pool games, the best games to play in the dark, sidewalk activities, and backyard science experiments.
If you’re overdue to spend some real QT time with your son (when aren’t we?), one of the easiest ways to make it happen is to set aside a few hours at a time for just the two of you. We asked moms of boys everywhere to share their favorite mother-son activities, and from a Sugar Rush-inspired baking session to planting a garden and playing LEGO, there’s tons of ground to cover!
1. Go fishing. Grab a pole, and hit the local pond. It’s a quiet sport that’ll keep you present and in the moment.
4. Start a journal. There are plenty of diaries and journals for girls, but boys need a place to write down their thoughts too. Encourage him by writing in it with him. We especially love this one from Wee Society.
5. Schedule tech-free playtime. Being present with your kid, even for 20 minutes, is one of the most valuable ways to bond.
6. Run a race. Whether it’s a 5k or a 1-mile fun run, train with your son and show him what moms (and women) can do!
7. Attend a rally for a cause you care about. It’s important to teach your son how to be a good citizen.
8. Bake something. Not a seasoned baker yourself? Try one of these easy kits that make you look like a cake boss, even when you’re not.
10. Have a good cry. Boys are often encouraged to hide their feelings and “man up.” Letting your son know it’s okay to have emotions will set him up to be a more empathetic adult.
11. Go surfing. Spend an afternoon catching waves with your kid. Don’t live near the beach? Make it a vacation, and book one of these Airbnbs that are perfect for families!
16. Get takeout from somewhere fancy and eat al fresco. Support a local restaurant by grabbing takeout and hitting the open green field for an outdoor dinner.
17. Go see a symphony or stage performance. Sharing this experience with your son will help him appreciate the theatrical arts later in life.
18. Have an up-close encounter with animals (reptiles, giraffes, starfish, etc.) at your local zoo. We can’t deny that a visit to the zoo is a favorite for everyone involved.
19. Plant something. There’s nothing like digging in the dirt and watching the fruits of your labor grow in the sunshine.
20. Make art/take a clay class. Art isn’t just for girls, it’s for everyone! Schedule a class and get ready to get messy
21. Volunteer. Compassion is a key skill in raising a strong man.
22. Pretend to be spies and create decoder messages for each other.
23. Practice random acts of kindness. Because it's awesome.
24. Play ninjas/dinosaurs/Star Wars/house. Whatever he’s into, he’ll love that you’re into it too.
25. Make a “lunch” out of free samples of a shopping trip to Whole Foods or Costco. Hey, those samples are worth their weight in gold!
26. Do a big puzzle together that can be framed in his room when it’s done. It'll keep everyone busy for hours! Which will be some kind of record.
27. Make a surprise craft together for your partner. Do something sweet for the other person who loves him as much as you do.
28. Ask him a question.These simple prompts will help your son feel comfortable opening up and sharing his thoughts.
29. Plan a walking (and sampling) food tour of your favorite local foodie district. Every kid should know exactly how the neighborhood delicacies taste.
31. Go through old family photos and talk about your family history. To go forward it’s important to know where you’ve come from.
33. Have a water balloon fight in the warmer months. Don’t want to deal with the broken bits of balloons after it’s all over? Try our favorite water games, instead.
34. Go to a museum together. Pick a museum, any museum! From dinosaurs to cars to local history, there’s something for everyone.
35. Go beachcombing for crabs and other beach critters together. Whether you live nearby, or if it’s an annual trek, collecting stuff on the beach is a must.
38. Chaperone a Boy Scout trip. Dad doesn’t always have to be the one on the campout.
39. Go to a sporting event. Whether it’s baseball, tennis, football, golf, basketball, or hockey (or anything else!), if he’s into it, he’ll love being able to watch it in person.
The Easter Bunny is getting ready to hop up to your house—and we have just the thing to add a little magical fun to your Easter celebration. Check out these creative Easter ideas for Easter Bunny fun, like making a bunny trail and the Easter Bunny tracker. Once you know how he’s going to make his arrival, be prepared with Easter games for kids and hilarious Easter jokes.
Easter Bunny Tracker
iStock
Track the Easter bunny on your smartphone! Compatible with both Apple and Android phones, download the app and then, on Easter Eve 2024, March 30 at 5 a.m. you'll be able to follow the Easter Bunny as he delivers treats to kids around the world.
We know there will be some eye-rolls over this idea for Easter Bunny fun, but how cute would a pastel-themed Easter tree be? It’s also a fun place to have the furry guy drop Easter baskets filled with goodies. Go for an all-white tree like this one, and go wild with Easter decorations. This is also a perfect place to leave a plate of carrots the night before!
The Easter Bunny can drop a winding trail of jelly beans to the kitchen—with this delicious bunny fairy bread serving as the treat at the end of the trail. Skip over to Hello Wonderful to find out how to set up this easy idea for Easter Bunny fun. Pair it with pastel-colored milk made with a few drops of food coloring in your little one's morning glass of milk for a festive breakfast. Note: if you have animal friends who'd gobble up a jelly bean trail, the Easter Bunny can leave a trail of inedible white cotton balls through your house instead.
The clever Easter Bunny doesn't leave baskets out in the open: he hides them at the end of a tricky scavenger hunt. Happiness is Homemade put together a free printable packed full of treasure hunt clues, with each one leading to the next. You'll be able to drink your morning coffee while your kids decipher the clues.
We love this extra-sweet tradition for Easter bunny fun! Simply gather a handful of jelly beans and, with your little one, plant them outside. While your bunnies sleep, you can swap out the beans for lollipops. Voila! Your kids will wake up to a magical lollipop garden on Easter morning. If you're worried about your dog gobbling up the jelly beans outside, or if it's too chilly for an outdoor planting session, you can bring the magic jelly bean fun inside with this easy lollipop garden craft.
What will the Easter Bunny be sure to leave as he hops through your house? Paw prints! You can create a bunny trail that leads through your house with a template and white flour. It's an affordable way to sprinkle a little egg-stra magic on Easter morning. Find all the DIY tips here. If your bunny's in a hurry, simply pick up a pack of oversized pink-and-white paw print decals and spread them out on the floor. Get them here.
The Easter Bunny's surprises don't have to end with candy-packed baskets. Bake a hidden bunny chocolate and vanilla funfetti cake for a sweet Easter brunch finale. It's easier to make than it looks! The Itsy-Bitsy Kitchen has step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process for this fun Easter idea for kids.
Make your own Easter Bunny fun hideaway with these super fun steps from Allison Murray from Dream a Little Bigger. You can simplify with some paint and stencils for a quick DIY project.
Set aside the conversation hearts (except when doing science experiments) and show your kiddos how much they mean by filling the day with oh-so-sweet Valentine’s Day games and activities. From playing musical hearts to making suncatchers to concocting potions, the following ideas are fun ways to share the L-O-V-E. Be sure to check out our favorite DIY Valentine’s Day cards, jokes, and Valentine’s Day gifts kids can make.
There’s nothing quite like a classic game of ring toss, and this pink version is perfect for Valentine’s Day festivities. Start collecting your bottles now, and order some heart-shaped bracelets to use as rings.
3. Heart Counting Game
Deirdre Smith
It’s craps meets math with a clever counting game from the Kids Activities Blog. Roll the dice then add the same number of beans to the heart. The first overflowing heart is the winner! Play again and again—it’s a lovely (and educational) way to celebrate the holiday.
Want to walk all over hearts? It’s acceptable—and encouraged—during a session of musical hearts. Each heart has an entertaining activity written on the bottom. When the music stops, the kids start! Creative mom Amy incorporates reading and acting into each prompt and shares her awesome list of activities on her site, Teach Mama.
Tiny conversation hearts are big on charm but short on taste. Kids can use these little love messages to start a different type of conversation. First, fill recycled plastic bottles with various forms of liquid. Drop in candy hearts and observe what happens next! Check out Fun-A-Day for the lowdown.
Want to put the kiddo’s knowledge to the test? See if they know their ABCs by heart with a colorful set of letters. Find out where Jamie of Hands On As We Grow grabbed her game set, or try your hand at making your very own.
7. Heart Hopscotch
Toddler Approved
It’s hopscotch, Valentine’s style. Use cardstock (what else?) in red, pink, and white, add numbers or letters, grab something heavy(ish) to throw, and start hopping! You’ll be crushing on how much your kids are learning, from letter or number skills to physical coordination. Get more details on this simple Valentine's Day game by visiting Toddler Approved.
The clever clues and hand-written love notes in this simple but brilliant treasure hunt we found too sweet not to share. Cut out large hearts for hints and attach treats to each for added sweetness! The treasures at the end can be anything from simple toys to gift cards. Get great tips for making clues by visiting Thriving Home.
As parents, there’s nothing quite like a homemade Valentine’s card for mom. We’ve searched the web and carefully curated everything from Valentine’s Day crafts for toddlers to easy Valentine’s Day cards for school, and all of them are sweet as can be. These Valentine’s Day recipes will sweeten any Valentine’s Day plans and these Valentine’s Day games will tucker them out. Choose your favorite ideas for making homemade cards for Valentine’s Day 2024.
Who doesn’t love plants? This homemade Valentine’s card can grow! Follow the instructions to make a seed heart that can be planted. Grow plants like wildflowers, herbs, and small vegetables.
Our kids love mandarin oranges (aka cuties), and this easy homemade Valentine's card from It’s Always Autumn is the perfect way to use them. Buy a big bag at the grocery store and you’re halfway there.
Build super cute homemade Valentine's Day cards this year with this printable from The Resourceful Mama. The only other things you'll need are LEGO bricks and plastic bags.
Your littles will soar to the top of the class with these awesome plane valentines from Crap I’ve Made. Snag toy planes on the cheap on Amazon or at a party store.
Since kids will be loading up on candy all day, we love this change of pace from Pretty Prudent. Pick from crayons, bubbles, glitter, or bandaids—all of which have their own clever puns.
If you want to get crafty for your Valentine this year, this idea from The Nerd’s Wife is an awesome option. Plus, you’ll get to put all your broken crayon stubs to good use.
Here’s another gift that keeps on giving: Play-Doh. Just add a fun label to the carton (Random Thoughts from a Supermom has a convenient printable), and the whole class will be sculpting hearts and flowers for their special someone.
We love the quirky character of these homemade Valentine's Day “cards” from My Paper Crane. The supplies are easy to round up, there's lots of room for kid participation, and the results are oh-so-cute.
Good news for little snake charmers! A Subtle Revelry has ultra-cute easy Valentine's Day cards that only require a teensy amount of effort and a handful of Dollar Store snakes.
What, you didn’t think those festive Valentine’s Day cupcake liners were only good for cupcakes, did you? Urban Comfort has a crafty idea that’s easy to make but oh-so-impressive.
A loving message and a treasure hunt all in one? Yes, please! A Mom with a Lesson Plan has a great idea for adding a little “I Spy” to your V-Day. It’s a great excuse to roam the neighborhood (or a good way to entertain house-bound little cupids).
You can’t help but love this idea from Art Bar Blog. With washi tape, alphabet stamps, and lots and lots of upcycled hearts, you can make gift bags for storing cards or holding other V-Day treats.
We can’t get over the cute factor of these Valentine's Day cards for school from Domestic Mommyhood. They’re easy as pie to print, cut, and distribute—and they also make excellent lunchbox love notes.
What’s the ultimate show of support for your special valentine? A Subtle Revelry has the answer in the form of a printable high five. This nifty idea is easy and sure to be a classroom fave.
Even big kids like getting Valentine’s Day cards, and this one is cute, to the point, and includes a fun beauty gift. Get the printable from All Things Thrifty.
You’ll find more than Jack-o-lanterns at these pumpkin patches
Linus would be sad to hear the truly most sincere pumpkin patch is located right here in the great northwest! Actually – we’ve got a lot of ’em. Whether you are looking for some prime photo opportunities or for a full day of adventure, look no further. Our list contains the simple to the sublime. This year, be prepared to shoot apples from a cannon, get lost in a corn maze, ride on a cow train, and eat lots of good food. Some even host beer gardens. Oh! One features a fireworks show and another features a light show on the weekends. Plus, we’ve got a few tips and “tricks” you’ll need to make this October a blast.
Head north to find fall festivals, pumpkins, corn, and more
At this super popular farm, take a hayride out to the 40-acre pumpkin patch where you will find over 60 varieties of pumpkins. From ginormous 200 pounders to mini pumpkins, you’re sure to find the perfect jack-o'-lantern for every member of your family. And it’s not just about the pumpkins at Bob's. Kids come back year after year for the 10-acre corn maze, trike track, cow train, pony rides, kids' corn maze, and a new mining experience (extra fee). There’s also hot food concessions and face painting on the weekends. Psst! Get in line for the homemade hot donuts when you arrive; they're delicious and always sell out early in the day. And if that's not enough...you can book a personal bonfire here as well. They have a total of 18 fire pits inside the corn maze that can be rented out for small and large groups.
With a 20-acre pumpkin patch (and more than 30 varieties of pumpkins), a 15-acre Alice-In-Pumpkinland-themed corn maze, an apple slinger, petting zoo, and donut and espresso bar, this farm covers all the bases. Littles will especially love the non-scary I Spy Barn and all the fun harvest decorations around the farm (let's just say they're picture perfect). The Kids Adventure Maze is another great option for tots who are not quite ready for the 15-acre maze, but still want to enjoy "getting lost" at Craven Farm. Kids will wander through the Story Book Lane corn, viewing story boxes, until they come upon Adventure Alley where they can challenge each other on the obstacle course and finally make their way through the Maze answering farm-related questions to find the quickest way to the exit.
Good to Know: Farm activities can be purchased a la carte or get a wristband if your kids want to try it all.
Patch Perk: For added fun, ride the cow train or hay wagon ride, shoot the apple cannon, play a round of mini golf with your little putters or experience human foosball. Each are $5/person. (Axe throwing is also available on the weekends!)
Acres of oversized orange pumpkins aren't the only draw of this family farm up north. They've got lots to offer in the way of fall festivities too. The corn maze, duck races and picture board photos ops will keep the kids busy for a while. And when they're ready for more they can feed the chickens, climb through the tot tunnel and search for coins in the straw treasure hunt. Then it's off to see their farmyard favorites (think: chickens, goats, bunnies, pigs and ponies) if they still have any energy left.
Patch Perk: The animals take the spotlight here, and there's nothing cuter than watching baby chicks and ducks in the baby animal barn.
At this awesome farm, find a 50-acre pumpkin patch and 12-acre corn maze (in the shape of Washington state) as well as a children’s play area with a dump truck roller slide, hay pyramid, three-story hay maze, rubber duck races, petting farm, critter swings, cow train, barnyard sports zone, corn box, jumping pillows, pedal trikes, tractor pull, hay hoist and three-story hay barn. Looking for even more excitement? Try the ziplines, watch the live duck races, try your hand at the nine-hole putting course, take a wagon ride, nosh on kettle corn and hot drinks and listen to Farmer Ben's famous Four Little Pigs show. With all this excitement, a nap on the way home is almost guaranteed. Get your tickets online before heading out.
Patch Perk: This farm is great for little ones since it doesn’t have any scary Halloween decorations and instead has a fall harvest theme. And we love that you can u-pick apples when you visit, too. Gem Mining is available too - $10 per bag.
In addition to a 10-acre pumpkin patch and seven-acre corn maze, this farm features over 30 attractions, including a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin and candy cannons (on select days), a kids climbing wall, trikes, tire mountain and so much more. Tots will be especially happy to race rubber ducks, see Old McDonald's pals at the animal barn, get their faces painted, create crafts and more! Don’t forget to bring your camera. If you feel like noshing, on the weekends you can savor the culinary delightfulness of their roasted corn, hamburger, and hand popped kettle corn. Mom and Dad will appreciate the beer garden too!
Explore the twists and turns of the 5-acre corn maze, ride the bucket train, check out the farm animals, try your hand with the apple guns or head into the Kids Korral to slip down the tube slides, glide on the zip swing, move down the roller slides and check out the climbing tires. For adventure, try out the paintball gallery and jump pad. Oh, and don’t forget to pick some pumpkins while you are there, of course! Every activity requires one ticket. Or, if you just want to hit up the no frills, but lovely pumpkin patch, feel free to do so. It is open to the public at no charge.
Good to Know: Pets are not allowed at the farm, so please leave the pooch at home. If you want to experience all that Carleton has to offer, think about purchasing their wristband that includes unlimited tickets to all activities. Wristband activities include access to the corn maze, hayride, game zone, bucket train, and the Farm Korral.
You love their berries in the summer, so why not check out their pumpkin patch in the fall. During the month of October families can pick pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. The kids will love making their way through the corn maze only to sit down for mini donuts (weekends only) once they've made it to the end. We hear they have a great fill the wheelbarrow deal too. Be sure to ask them all about it.
Patch Perk: This farm is all about the pooches, so bring yours (costume encouraged) for some fall fun.
We love these Eastside pumpkin farms with tons of fall activities
Remlinger Farms
Allison Sutcliffe
What to do at Remlinger Farms Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival and Family Fun Park? Well, you can catch a ride on the steam train, shoot the apple cannon, check out the 4-H barnyard, explore the hay maze, go on a hayride and toddler play area and take a spin on the famous Flying Pumpkins. If that's not enough excitement, zip down the giant slide, ride the mini roller coaster and, of course, pick some pumpkins in the U-pick fields (the price of the pumpkin is included in your admission). When your crew gets hungry, Remlinger Farms has a full menu complete with their own mini donuts (made with real pumpkin), plus fair food, caramel apples and kettle corn. If you’re too tired to pick your own pumpkin after enjoying the plethora of farm activities, stop by the Farm Market and purchase a pre-picked one.
Patch Perk: Your kids will think the pony rides are tops. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance (it's $5/rider). Check out the new arcade and brewery too!
Celebrate the Oxtober Fall Festival at Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center in Carnation! offers lots of pre-picked organic pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, along with fun activities for kids and adults. They have hayrides, a scavenger hunt, OxEd Harvest Tours, children's book readings, face painting and pumpkin fixings to decorate your own mini pumpkin (one per kiddo). Everyone will have a blast at the Sling King slingshot. Be sure to bring a debit or credit card if eats are on your mind. Farm-fresh food will be for sale at Oxbow's on-site Outdoor Kitchen. Be sure to register early for this popular festival.
This family-owned, couple-acre pumpkin patch has been open for more than 25 years (the farm has been in the family for over 50 years!) and includes cornstalks, a large variety of winter squash, seasonal vegetables and both U-pick and pre-picked pumpkins and gourds in all kinds of varieties (orange, French red, white, mini orange, mini white and sugar). While you're there, be sure to pick up mini hay bales, corn stalks and ornamental corn for your harvest decorations. And be sure to visit with the farm's animals in the barn. The beat part? This farm can accommodate groups with a reservation.
Good to know: The farm is cash or check only. Hit that ATM before you visit.
If you’re looking for a pumpkin farm with all the bells and whistles, Maris Farms is your one stop shop for harvest fun. In addition to a wide variety of pumpkins on more than eight acres, the farm sells gourds, cornstalk bundles, hay bales and carving kits. Kids will especially love seeing the farm animals, watching the pig and duck races (not together!), weaving through the five-plus acre cornfield maze and riding on the wagon ride. The Kids Courtyard, designed for ages 2-11, is where you can ride the cow train, wave to the goats, sheep and piglets and view the live beehive. Other activities include the glass pumpkin patch, catch & release trout fishing and a light show offered four times a night. For those older (and braver!) kiddos of yours, check out The Haunted Woods (a nighttime, scary corn maze), if you dare! A large weekend munchie menu offers hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey legs, funnel cakes, chili, kettle corn and more. Get your advance tickets online.
With over 20 acres of pumpkins, you will have no problem finding the perfect jack-o'-lantern at the Carpinito U-Pick pumpkin patch. In addition to pumpkins, the farm boasts their famous corn maze and a Family Fun Yard with a children's hay maze, corn pit, hay slides, rubber duck races, "Rodeo Ropin' Cows", farm animals, and a Pygmy goat walk. Carpinito Brothers also offers tractor-pulled hayrides and a farm fresh produce stand with seasonal fruits and veggies. If you and your crew work up an appetite, indulge in delicious kettle corn, popped fresh on-site, as well as cool drinks, hot beverages and, of course, the ever-so-popular Carpinito Bros. roasted sweet corn.
Good to know: The pumpkin patch and corn maze are at a different location (see below).
Dates: Sep. 30, 2022
U-Pick Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze 27508 West Valley Hwy. N. Kent, WA
In 2018, Picha Farms was selected as one of the 10 Best Pumpkin Picking Spots in Washington by Best of American Towns, so you know the farm is going to be good! In addition to picking the perfect pumpkin in the U-pick fields, stroll through the farm's 5-acre corn maze, answering trivia questions along the way to earn a prize (hint: it's round and orange) when you answer them all. Other farm activities include the best slingshot in Puyallup (hit the target and win $5 off your pumpkin purchase), hayrides, the kiddie train ride and delish food (think: hot apple cider, kettle corn, homemade caramel apples, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs), plus a huge selection of gourds, cornstalks and squash.
Good to know: Dogs are part of the family and welcome at the patch. However, they are not allowed in confined spaces like the corn maze or hayride.
Patch Perk: Live bluegrass music will be playing on the weekends! Got an October baby? Consider hosting the party in Picha's birthday tent ($50 for 90 minutes). All you need to keep the kids busy is right on the farm.
Dates: Sept. 30 - Oct. 31, 2023
6502 52nd St. E. (one block off River Rd. at the 66th Ave. E. bridge) Puyallup Online:pichafarms.com
This family farm is perfect for first time pumpkin pickers and the under five crew. In addition to a large selection of pumpkins (sold by size), tykes will love the awesome corn maze and Jr. corn maze, plus the bubble table, duck races, cattle roping and slides. There's also tractors and tires to climb on, tractor train rides pulled by Grandpa Tim's John Deere, a hay maze, trike track, farm animals, apple sling shots, laser tag (on weekends only) and hay wagon rides around the farm. Remember to reserve your tickets online to enjoy this farm.
Good to know: The Thomasson Family Farm is part of an actual operating dairy farm, so please keep that in mind and wear appropriate clothing and shoes. If the skies are unforgiving, you may encounter rough and weathered structures and terrain. And please, no doggies allowed.
Patch Perk: Challenge the kids to a few rounds of Giant Jenga or Giant Connect Four on the lawn. Easy fun for everyone!
This family operated farm has been a South Sound favorite for more than 22 years and there's a good reason why. The farm boasts an impressive pumpkin harvest with more than 50 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, squash and ornamental corn. During October, the farm's Harvest Festival includes activities for kids of all ages. There's a 5-acre, "Hocus Pocus: A Quest to Save Jinx"-themed corn maze with over three miles of paths, a pumpkin sling shot, pedal karts and pony rides, plus Pumpkin Pete's Playtown and duck races. And don't forget about the farm animals, concessions, candy store and fun fall decorations. Phew! This farm has it all.
Good to Know: Pony rides will be available on weekends only. No pets allowed, please.
Make sure to capture all the fall fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
These fun Halloween party games will have guests howling with laughter
When it comes to entertaining little ghosts, goblins, and ghouls, there’s nothing like a few classic fun Halloween games for kids. (Halloween jokes, magic potions you can DIY, and easy Halloween treats don’t hurt, either!) From pumpkin games to free Halloween printable bingo, we’ve rounded up 20 spooktacular Halloween party games to play at your bash that will keep everyone busy and happy, even after the candy runs out. And don’t forget the fan-favorite Halloween minute-to-win-it games! If you’re looking for more general gaming fun, check out these backyard games.
This adorable Halloween party game from Housing a Forest includes rolling the dice to build your very own creation. We especially love that even the tiniest kiddo can play this game with ease.
A classic Halloween party game, fill your boxes with everything from grapes to candy to spaghetti, and let the sensory fun begin! Kids take turns sticking their hands into each box and trying to guess what those eyeballs really are.
We love this Stack the Spider game because you can play with just one kid, and you can get all the items from the dollar store. Have them stack a certain number of spiders to work on math and fine motor skills. Or grab a die and play with two players to see who can get their spiders to the top first.
We love this fun idea from Kid Friendly Things to Do that will have your Halloween kids digging for candy corn in a plate of whipped cream. Get the adults involved in this one for even more hilarity!
Snag yourself some eyeball ping pong balls from the Dollar Tree and set up your eyeball pong table. This game teaches hand-eye coordination and is fun for all ages. Get the full scoop from Productive Pete.
Witches, warlocks, and everyone in between will love this easy-to-play game. The trickiest part is not eating ALL of the candy corn while waiting for your turn. Fly your broomstick over to Chica and Joe and follow their tutorial on how to make your own witch pitch.
Strike! This fun pumpkin bowling game is a cinch to put together and will have the kiddos rolling with laughter. For all the details on this boo-tastic game visit A Girl and A Glue Gun.
Everyone, young and old, enjoys a good scavenger hunt; this game is perfect for a mixed-age Halloween party. One of the best parts is that you can find plastic skeletons at The Dollar Tree. Spreading the bones all over the house and yard is the easy part. Finding them and putting them back together is up to the kiddos. Happy Go Lucky has the details.
Want epic chuckles rather than startled screams? Try this spider web walking game that helps little bodies sharpen their motor skills in between fits of giggles. All you'll need to get started is painter's tape, plastic spiders, and a prize for the lucky winner. Get the tutorial at No Time For Flash Cards.
Even skeletons need to get dressed up sometimes. This "spine-chilling" game is perfect for a classroom or a house party. The Crafting Chicks have a template ready for you, all you need to do is get it printed (tip: upload it to Staples and order their engineering print for a life-size skeleton!). Voila—now you can work on tying that bow tie.
A great game to play at the Halloween party or give as a parting gift (packaged perfectly with a bat-like bow!). Check out all the details and download your own version at Childhood 101.
Say goodbye to the donkey. Thanks to the creativity of Lil’ Luna, you can wow party-goers with a Pin the Eyes on the Monster Halloween party game. The same rules apply, and we think your little monsters will get a kick out of this friendly giant.
She's melting! Take a cue from Following In My Shoes and set up your own Melt the Witch activity. Paint a picture of a witch using washable paints and then let the kids melt her using water balloons or water guns.
Think of this cute party game as the Halloween version of an Easter egg hunt. Just hide pumpkin cutouts around the house or yard and let the kids loose (For an extra-organized hunt, you can even number your pumpkins and look for them in order!). Don't forget to include a prize at the end! Get the tutorial at Little Family Fun.
We love this Halloween version of charades—especially that you can get the free printable from the always-amazing Buggy and Buddy. It’s a great interactive activity for a party, and you can even customize your game sheet.
With a few free printables, it’s easy to hunt up a little fun at your Halloween party. The kids will love figuring out the clues, and you can even include an awesome treat at the finish line (Caramel apples, anyone?). Find out more at Play. Party. Plan.
Grab toilet paper or white crepe streamers and take a cue from mummy dearest. Get the kids to wrap each other's legs mummy-style, then hold a hopping race and see who can keep their wrappings intact. Oh, and get ready for lots of laughter! Learn more at Delia Creates.
Forget Frozen. Try something from our list instead
When it comes to picking an all-around crowd-pleaser for family movie night, the struggle is real. After all, finding a foolproof family friendly flick that’ll entertain kids and parents alike is often like a Goldilocks dilemma: Choosing the perfect film that’s not too infantile, not too mature, but just right for all audiences. From animated gems to reimagined classics, check out our picks of 16 movies for kids and parents.
Cruella (2021)
For a younger generation that has grown up watching Descendants, it’s not difficult for them to reimagine classic Disney villains with streaks of humanity that are deeper and more colorful than their backstories. For grownups accustomed to seeing the world in black and white, it can be harder for us to root for the bad guys. That said, as villain origin stories go, Emma Stone’s portrayal of Cruella de Vil is a masterclass in flamboyance, pathos, and originality, and this daring and complex live-action retelling of the Disney animated classic will leave the entire family wanting more Cruella.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
For many parents and grandparents, watching the 1971 movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder and retitled Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, will elicit pangs of nostalgia. However, movie auteur Tim Burton’s polarizing 2005 remake is less sentimental, truer to the source material’s surrealistic conceit, and arguably better than its predecessor. Johnny Depp’s loopy performance as Willy Wonka is, in equal measures, sinister and sincere, and the candy-coated set and yummy costume designs are a visual feast to behold.
Enchanted (2007)
When it comes to various tropes about princesses and damsels in distress, the original Walt Disney Studios undoubtedly can be credited with (or blamed for) creating virtually all of them. But that doesn’t mean modern-day Disney also can’t subvert the unrealistic, happily-ever-after vibes that they established back in the day, either. Enchanted’s smart and self-referential take on fairy tales will delight wide-eyed kids as well as the most-jaded parent who might doubt that true happy endings are still possible.
While there have been plenty of cinematic and television retellings of the “Little Orphan Annie” story, the 2014 remake starring Quvenzhané Wallis in the title role breathes new life into this oldie but goodie by bringing the American musical classic into the social media age. The star-studded cast features Jamie Foxx as tech entrepreneur Will Stacks (a modern-day interpretation of Daddy Warbucks), Cameron Diaz as a cranky-but-lovable Miss Hannigan, and celebrity cameos from Sia, Rihanna, and Ashton Kutcher, among many others. Mixing songs from the original Annie songbook with contemporary tunes will have kids and parents singing and bopping along.
Harry Potter Movie Series (2001–2011)
Few movie franchises have created a world of such adventure, depth, and complexity as the Harry Potter movie series. JK Rowling’s fantastical literary vision of a wizarding world has captured the attention and hearts of millions of children and adults worldwide, and every one of the movie adaptations of the beloved books is as engaging and intriguing as the next.
Freaky Friday (2003)
There’s nothing freaky about this most recent remake of the 1976 Disney classic movie. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis rock as daughter and mother who switch bodies and come to realize that their respective lives aren’t always as easy as they might seem to the other. Kids will sympathize with Curtis as Lohan’s knock-out performance as a petulant-yet-precocious child trapped in an adult body, while adults will resent (but understand) having our aged looks compared to the crypt keeper.
Elf (2003)
SNL-alum Will Ferrell has seemingly cornered the market on joyously hilarious giant man-child roles, and his turn as Buddy the Elf is no exception. At turns charming and ridiculous, Elf is a new holiday classic that’s fun to watch year-round for anyone who still believes in the magic of Christmas—no matter how old (or tall) they are.
Years before Shrek came along, The Princess Bride was the original family friendly movie about a beautiful maiden kidnapped by an evil king who desires to marry her. Set as a story within a story, Gen X and elder Millennial parents have long swooned over this enduring fairy tale classic, which hits all of the right notes of comedy, romance, adventure, and satire. Featuring a pitch-perfect cast of good guys and bad guys as well as a luminous Robin Wright as the titular princess, The Princess Bride offers fun entertainment for little ones and plenty of quotable lines for adults. Inconceivable!
School of Rock (2003)
Actor-musician Jack Black was no slacker when it came to nailing his tailor-made performance as a down-on-his-luck musician who picks up a side gig as a substitute teacher at an uptight elementary school to help pay off personal debt. School of Rock’s mix of precocious kids and social satire makes this a fun movie for kids and parents.
Aside from Frozen, which every parent has probably watched at least a bajillion times with their little ones, Moana is quite possibly the most sing-along-able Disney movie of all time. Thanks in large part to music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and transcendent performances by Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Moana pulls at heartstrings while also tickling funny bones.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Director Hayao Miyazaki’s anime masterpiece is both magical and melancholy, and for many viewers, serves as the gateway to other terrific Studio Ghibli animated films like Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service. The subtleties and details of My Neighbor Totoro are acquired only through multiple viewings, preferably without the kids.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Best-known for helming quirky and beautifully composed cult films like The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, writer-director Wes Anderson’s first foray into animation resulted in the quirky and beautifully composed stop-motion animated movie Fantastic Mr. Fox. Based on the beloved and similarly titled Roald Dahl book, and featuring an all-star cast led by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson, this visually stunning, whimsical, and heartfelt film will elicit smiles from viewers of all ages.
With so many modern classics in its stellar film catalog, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one Pixar movie for kids and parents to include on this list. Inside Out makes the cut because while it’s ostensibly a kids’ movie about a young girl’s journey to getting in touch with her feelings, the sincerity and emotional depth of the movie will resonate with adults even more.
Sing (2016)
Set in a world of singing anthropomorphic animals, one of the great joys of watching Sing is hearing your favorite pop songs as performed by some of your favorite movie stars, including Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taren Egerton, and Jennifer Hudson. And, if you haven’t seen Sing 2 yet, it’s a must-watch movie for kids and parents too!
Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017)
Everyone loves bears, and Paddington is arguably the most beloved of them all. The two contemporary film adaptations of the 1958 children’s book, A Bear Called Paddington, combine computer-generated graphics and live action to great effect. Charming and entertaining, children will marvel at all of the adventures that a little bear can get himself into, while parents will want to take care of the little bear themselves.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
The Spider-Man character is a lot like the Energizer Bunny: Sequels, prequels, and reboots just keep going and going and going. While Spider-Man fatigue could have easily set in with so many Spidey options, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse surprised audiences by being an animated movie that kids and adults thoroughly enjoyed. With its clever storyline, plenty of inside jokes and references, and eye-popping comic-book animation design, this Spider-Man lived up to its well-deserved hype.
Minimal cost + minimal mess = maximum fun with these summer sensory bins and play ideas
Babies and toddlers learn through hands-on experience. Whether they’re digging in the mud or scooping up water, they’re learning all about the world around them. Sensory experiences allow kids to work on budding fine motor skills, strengthen hand-eye coordination, and explore their imagination! Summer is a perfect time to give toddlers sensory play fun.
Set up an outdoor sensory spot using a baking sheet or a plastic tub and let your little one dig in. Here you’ll find 12 awesome summer sensory activities from mess-free options to extra-affordable ways to keep your little one engaged.
1. Frozen in Ice
Ice is very nice in the summer. Sensory play with ice cubes lets your little one cool off as the weather heats up. Your kiddo can explore the chilly textures of brightly colored ice cubes as they melt in the warm sun. Prep for this sensory fun the night before by adding a few drops of food coloring into water in an ice cube tray. To add a little something extra, freeze small plastic toys in ice. Dump the ice on a baking sheet or in a plastic tub and let your little one explore. Find lots more ideas for twists on ice cube sensory play at Teaching Littles. Feeling the changing texture, working hard to pick up slippery ice cubes, and noticing the bright colors engage several different senses. Plus, because the weather is warm, you don’t have to worry about little fingers getting too chilly. It’s an easy prep, easy clean summer sensory activity.
2. Make a Splash: No Water Needed
A plastic baby pool is a summer classic, but you don’t have to fill it with just water. Add a few scoops of plain dry oats or cornmeal. Both are perfect for scooping up and dumping out, which is the stuff of toddler dreams. Plus, they’re edible so you don’t have to worry if a few pieces end up in your little one’s mouth. Add anything you’d throw in a sandbox, from plastic shovels to pint-size dump trucks. By pouring it all in the baby pool, you keep the mess, and the kid, contained.
3. Shaving Cream + Food Coloring
Finger painting gets an upgrade when you add a drop of food coloring to shaving cream. Note: If your little one puts everything in his/her mouth, skip this activity until he/she has outgrown it. Take out a baking sheet or tray, fill it with shaving cream, and drop in a few different colors. As kids put their hands in the shaving cream and explore, the colors will swirl and mix together. Fill up a tub with water to rinse off your baby afterward!
4. Paint the Rainbow
Rainbows are a summertime staple. You can make your own sensory, edible, rainbow-bright activity at home! Simply take plain yogurt, plop it on a baking sheet by the spoonful, and use food coloring to make each spoonful a different color. When you have the whole spectrum of colors, let your little one explore the gloopy, baby-safe finger paint. If you’d like to up your finger-painting game, make paints out of Skittles! Check out the step-by-step instructions on the Teach Preschool blog.
Lubomirkin via Unsplash
5. Plain Old Water
The easiest summer sensory activity for babies and toddlers? Water! Fill a plastic tub with water and add colanders, plastic cups, measuring cups, or spoons. If pouring and scooping water has gotten old, add plastic animals, cars, or things that float (think big wooden craft sticks, sponges, or rubber duckies). You can even drip in a little food coloring if you’re feeling extra fancy. Whether it’s a small bowl of water or a full baby pool, water is a surefire summer sensory play hit.
6. Shredded Paper
Empty out your paper shredder in a bin and hide a few items inside the tangle of paper, like plastic toys or blocks. It makes a perfect medium for a tiny treasure hunt. For additional textures, add torn-up tissue paper or soft, squishy balls. Give it a summery spin with plastic animals you’ve visited at the zoo.
Julietta Watson via Unsplash
7. Jello Playdough
Safe-to-eat homemade playdough (I Heart Naptime has a good recipe) offers squishy sensory play in every season. To give playdough a summertime twist, mix in Jello powder. It makes the playdough smell fruity and delicious; plus, the bright jewel tones are eye-catching. Growing a Jeweled Rose has a step-by-step recipe. Consider adding summery plastic cookie cutters like these flowers and a toddler-size rolling pin.
8. Scent Sensation
Incorporating scent adds an exciting dimension to summer sensory activities. Get old spice bottles or plastic bottles with holes in the lids and fill them with summery scents, like torn-up mint leaves, rose petals, or sliced lemons. In addition to looking at the beautiful colors of the items inside the jars, your little one can sniff out some favorite smells. With smelly goodies safely locked in containers, you can include items that aren’t edible but have a unique and interesting scent.
Hello Wonderful
9. Mud Pies
Mud pies are a summer classic for a reason: It’s fun to mix up cool mud, squish it between chubby fingers, and get good and dirty. These mud dinosaur eggs from Hello Wonderful add a new twist to muddy sensory play. Either hide small plastic dinosaurs in mud eggs for your child to unearth, or get your little one involved in hiding the dinos. Find all the how-tos at Hello Wonderful.
10. Sand Dough
Bring the beach to your backyard with sand-filled sensory play. Whether you have a classic sandbox ready for digging and castle-building or a small tub full of sand, summer sensory play isn’t complete without it. We also love this sand dough recipe from Picklebums. It combines the best elements of squishy playdough with gritty sand for a unique take on sensory play.
11. Summery Sensory Bottles
Looking for a completely mess-free sensory option? These nature sensory bottles mesmerize little ones. Little Lifelong Learners suggests starting with a nature walk, during which you can gather interesting flowers, feathers, grass, or leaves. Fill plastic bottles with the items, and let your little one shake them, study them, and spin them around. Get tips on how to make your own at Little Lifelong Learners.
12. Ziploc Bag Sensory Fun
Mermaids unite! A sensory party in a bag, full of glittery blue mermaid things, will go over swimmingly with minimal mess. We love this sensory play-in-a-bag idea from The Chaos and The Clutter, because it can be pulled out whenever your little one needs an extra dose of fun. Like the sensory bottles, it keeps everything locked away so kids have all the joy of squishy textures without the mess. Gather up a Ziplock bag, glitter, and other ingredients and you can make your own sea-inspired sensory bag.
Looking for the best kids’ birthday party spot in San Diego? From retro eats to animal encounters, these venues know how to celebrate
Even in San Diego we occasionally need a break from the cooler temps outside. If you’re looking beyond the trademark pool party, backyard barbecue, or park picnic we’ve rounded up some of the best indoor spaces for your child’s next birthday party—and these venues are sure to keep even the littlest party guests busy and comfortable inside! In fact, these San Diego kids party venues (some of which just so happen to be world-class museums!) are destined to make the event a fantastic celebration for young revelers: There’s a theme for every interest—from rocket ships and pirate ships to trampolines and giant hammocks. Read on for birthday ideas in San Diego sure to make your kid’s big day the absolute best!
Spend your birthday boy or girl's special day at the coolest museum for kids downtown. Guests of your party get museum entry and two hours in the special party room. A dedicated party concierge will help parents throughout the party, and special activities can be added on for an additional fee. Your kiddo's crew will love all of the museum's exhibits––especially hanging out in their super cool art installation: Whammock!—a giant rainbow hammock they can swing and climb through. Be sure to book this popular spot two weeks in advance!
Let your little one rock and roll their way through a birthday celebration at the '50s style Corvette Diner. Birthday guests are treated to serenades from the beehived servers. Themed party packages include a party space, choices from a pre-set menu, and either time in the very popular arcade, crafts, or a dance-off! Many add-ons are available, including a popcorn cart, cupcake buffet, and balloon artist.
Calling all young explorers! The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum is the perfect party spot for little tykes, and it's easy to plan for the big day. They offer themed parties like Dinosaur Discovery, Future Farmers, or Little Chemists. You also get a party assistant and your own parking spot on that special day. Also good to note, the museum offers mobile birthday parties, which include some of their traveling exhibits and workshops.
Party-goers get to have their cake and eat it too at CeramiCafe. The best part about this venue is that you don't have to be an artist, yet you get to paint a great piece of pottery. The popular cupcake party includes a party host and cupcakes and lemonade for all guests. But, most importantly, the birthday artist enjoys creative time with friends.
Take your little ones' birthday celebration to the next level by jumping the day away! Rockin' Jump is an indoor trampoline park filled with foam pits, dodgeball courts, and a ninja challenge course to keep your tykes moving and grooving. Party packages include a private party room where guests can relax and take a break from the high-flying fun before chowing down on pizza and refreshments.
Shoot for the moon at this birthday spot that budding astronauts will love. Each party blasts off with a super scientific activity like Balsa Gliders, Alka-Seltzer rockets, or foam Rovers. Then, guests get a personalized museum tour with lots of good facts about the airplanes and rockets. You supply the food and they will take care of the rest! However, kids will leave with a goody bag perfect for the whole flight crew.
A bounce-it-out party that's also private, clean, and safe sounds great to us! First, there are plenty of party themes to choose from including a glow theme, pirate quest, and even superhero training. Kids bounce 'til their heart's content then head into a private party room for snacks, pizza, drinks, balloons, and party bags. Also, the birthday boy or girl gets to sit on a giant throne to unwrap presents. The Pump It Up crew sets up, cleans up, and packs the presents up, too.
Hands down, this is the best place to have an animal birthday paw-ty because the nonprofit expertly pairs education with the festivities. Further, they include themed party decorations, set-up, hosting and clean up. Plus, you'll get an animal encounter, face painting, and private backroom tour. We love the Bow-Wow Party for little ones and the Jammin' Jungle theme for bigger kids who crave a reptile encounter.
Capture the imagination at this birthday hot spot. With creative dress-up from princess to fire person and great attention to detail, party planning is easy and fun. So, bring your ideas and let them get to it. Even more, kids love to slide down the castle, climb the pirate ship and ride the bright red fire truck. Plus, at party time, bubbles and a giant parachute keep the kiddos entertained.
This oasis hosts a blooming marvelous birthday fete for the littles. Set-up in a private picnic spot and explore the Seeds of Wonder garden. Budding green thumbs can pot plants, easel paint, create bubbles and paint rocks. Plus, there's also a train mountain, dino dig, and an epic treehouse to play in. Here you'll find that nature is nurture.
Age: 1-5
230 Quail Gardens Dr. Encinitas, CA Online: sdbgarden.org
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate party for me! All aboard the Star of India for a three-hour pirate party. Ye little mateys learn Swashbuckling 101 including the secrets of ship plundering. Even more, they raise the sail and lower the anchor. And finally, divide the gold amongst the crew. Also, you bring the cake and goody bags—which little pirates find on the treasure hunt.
