Night lights are the secret superheroes of kids’ bedrooms. They have the ability to calm, chase away monsters, and allow parents to sneak into the room without bashing a knee, and inadvertently wake a sleeping babe. And, really, the whole house can benefit from some nighttime glow. Of course, each room and each family member is going to need a different version of the best night light. From bathrooms to the kitchen to the nursery and tween bedrooms, one size definitely doesn’t fit all here.

Between bathroom trips, kitchen runs (that cold pizza isn’t going to just eat itself, right?), and checking on kids of all ages before you turn in for the night, night lights are a must. So whether you are in the market for nursery lamps, nursery lights, or even a projector, here are some of the greatest options for everyone in the whole house—and where to find them.


Hatch

Best Night Light for Babies

$70 BUY NOW

This night light by parent-trusted brand Hatch has a trifecta of features. In addition to the soothing night light, the Hatch Rest 2nd Gen also has a sound machine and a time-to-rise setting (clutch when your baby turns into an early-rising toddler). The best part? It can be controlled from your phone so if you need to turn the brightness or music up or down, you don't have to sneak into the room and interrupt that precious sleep schedule.

 


Amazon

Best Night Light for Middle-of-the-Night Wake-Ups

$19 BUY NOW

If your little one likes to get out of bed and you know, hover over your face until you wake up, this night light will help lead the way...safely. Lightweight and handy, this on-the-go night light comes with three different light settings—your kid can pick the brightness to keep them company while they make their way to you in the night. 

 


Amazon

Best Night Light for Kids Who Need a Lightshow

$26 BUY NOW

This projector night light is like having your very own nightly light show, all in the comfort of your bedroom. Features include 360-degree rotation, both remote and touch control, timer setting and 12 lullaby songs. 

 


night lights for kids
Crate&Barrel

Best Night Light for Kids Who Love Animals

$25 BUY NOW

For kids who love cuddling with a menagerie of animals, this sweet bunny-shaped night light will send your tot's room into cuteness overload. Features include 8 different light options, a sleep timer (but can also last 12-20 hours if needed) and is chew safe (for all those mouth-curious kids out there).

 


nightlights for kids
Pottery Barn Kids

Best Night Light for Big Kids

$31 BUY NOW

Made of ceramic, this sweet rainbow night light plugs into the outlet (so old school!) and emits just the right amount of light for those kids who need a little something something in their room.  

 


Etsy

Best Night Light that Doubles as Wall Art

$32+ BUY NOW

Add a lot of personality and funk to your kid's room with a neon sign that not only can be used as a night light when the sun sets but also doubles as wall art. Not into dinosaurs? They have loads of pre-made signs to choose from, or, if you'd like, order a custom sign for your kid—perhaps their name in lights? 

 


decorative night lights for kids
Amazon

Best Night Light for Tweens & Teens

$9 BUY NOW

Every tween and teen loves a string of fairy lights (we know, they're "too old" for night lights) but this set lights up the night with an added bonus—clear photo clips that can hold up to 50 of their favorite polaroids, postcards, notes and more.

 


Amazon

Best Night Light for Bathroom Scaries

$12 BUY NOW

If they're going through a phase of bathroom scaries, or even if your older kids just hate turning on the overhead light in the middle of the night to use the restroom, this soft light plug-in LED night light is a win. Pick from 8 different colors with dawn-to-dusk sensors, so they'll never be on when they're not needed, either. This is a 2 pack, too, so you'll be able to cover more than one bathroom.

 


Amazon

Best Night Light for Midnight Snack Runs

$37 BUY NOW

Whether it's a drink of water or that last slice of cake, middle-of-the-night kitchen runs are totally common. To avoid altering the neighborhood by turning on ultra-bright kitchen lights, try these strip lights under cabinets or counters. They're rechargeable and come with magnetic strips for easy install and all you have to do is pop the light off the strip when it's time to recharge. You can set them to constantly on or motion-activated.

 


Amazon

Best Night Light to Promote Sleep for the Whole Family

$18 BUY NOW

From kids to their parents, these sleep-promoting night lights emit a diffused long-wavelength LED red light that promotes restful sleep and may help melatonin production. Available in a 2 pack.

 

—Gabby Cullen, Andie Huber, & Kate Cartia

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Take the lingering light of the day by storm with these easy and incredibly fun night games to play

There’s something undeniably magical about that time just after the sun sets but before dark settles in—and it’s not just because the mosquitos aren’t out in full force yet. Take advantage of the lingering light of day (hint: you’ll tire the kids out before bedtime!) with these games to play in the dark. From spooky games like Ghost in the Graveyard to tamer night games like Limbo and Charades, there’s something for everyone.

1. Sardines

Like hide-and-seek, but in the opposite direction, if you’re playing with little kids, consider sending them out in pairs of two to hide. Then, have the rest of the players count to 50, then let them loose. As kids find the hiding players, they squeeze into the same hiding spot, until all the players are squished together like a can of sardines! The kids who discovered the pair first get to hide during the next round, and so on.

2. Spotlight Charades

Your favorite party game is fun at dusk, too. Grab a flashlight, and a group of kids, and have them act out their favorite movies, characters, TV shows, or book.

3. Flashlight Limbo

Don’t put that flashlight away! Use it for another fun game to play in the dark. Simply grab a speaker, and stream your family’s favorite tunes as the “limbo stick” holder lowers the beam of light lower, lower, low!

4. Ghost In the Graveyard

This classic summertime game adds a little extra thrill to the average round of hide-and-seek. Here’s how to play this fun night game:

Choose your players and your boundaries: This one is best for a group of at least 3 neighborhood kids or friends. More is better. Pick front or backyards, a park field, etc. Just be sure everyone knows and agrees on the borders. Be sure and designate a spot as a home base, where you need to get when the ghost is discovered. It should be large enough that the whole group can touch it, stand on it, etc.

Get It: Choose an “it” to be the first ghost. (The next round’s “it” is designated as the last person to reach the safe zone of the home base.) While everyone but the ghost stays at home base and counts without looking, the ghost hides. The rest of the group counts—One o’clock, two o’clock, three o’clock, etc. up to 11 o’clock. When you reach midnight, chant: “Midnight!/The time is right/All ghosts come out tonight!”

Hunt your ghost: Now all the players except the hiding ghost venture away from “home” while looking for the ghost. Split up, and scan as much space as you can. As soon as someone spots the ghost, they shout as loud as they can, “Ghost in the graveyard!” Now everyone must get back to the safe zone before the ghost tags them.

5. Statue & Tourist

Perfect for a forested glen or even indoors as the light is fading (or in a dark room). One player is the “tourist” who is viewing the amazing statue garden. They get a flashlight.  All the other players must stay as still as a statue: they are allowed to move when the light is off, but as soon as the tourist turns the flashlight on they must stay still. When the flashlight is on the statue, the tourist tries to make the statue giggle or wiggle. If they do, they join the tourist’s team and go tour the next statue.

6. Flashlight Tag

This is your basic game of tag, but instead of having to touch the person to make them “it,” you use your flashlight to try and “catch” them.

7. Twilight Treasure Hunt

In the fading light, an ordinary scavenger hunt takes on an exciting new dimension. Create clues and riddles for the players to solve together along the way, leaving each one at the sight of the last riddle’s solution. Give the group a flashlight to help spot tricky hidden clues. This one is great because you can set it up during daylight hours while the kids are splashing around and won’t notice your stealthy moves.

8. Glow Big

Use glowsticks to illuminate plastic water bottles for this game to play in the dark. Now line ’em up and try to strike them down with a small kickball, rubber ball, or tennis ball. Use bottles with water (or add after you’ve rinsed and placed glow sticks in). You can adjust how much water you put in to make it easier (or harder) to knock them over. You can also try glow ring toss. Just set up a stick on the ground and toss glow bracelets or necklaces around it. Like horseshoes, but with glowsticks!

9. Glow-in-the-dark ring toss

All you need for this simple, all-ages game is a glow stick and necklaces. Separate into teams and the first to 10 points wins! For an added level of difficulty, try it with glow bracelets. Here are a few other glow-in-the-dark games.

10. Nighttime “Marco Polo”

Just like the popular pool game, except this version keeps kids dry. Determine the space they’ll play in, and make sure there’s nothing they can trip over since they’ll be blindfolded, then you’re good to go!

 

When it comes to Disney magic, we can never have enough. And thanks to a brand new series, uber fans can finally get a glimpse at how their favorite park attractions came to be.

Produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Brian Volk-Weiss, Being the Attraction takes viewers on a 10-episode journey through the creation of some of Disney’s most iconic rides. Want to see how the Haunted Mansion was filled with ghosts? Or how the castles became central to Disney parks? The new show tackles it all.

The 10 episodes will cover The Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, the Castles, the Disneyland Hotel, “it’s a small world,” Trains, Trams, Monorails and The Hall of Presidents.

Behind the Attraction debuts only on Disney+ on Jul. 21.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Courtesy of Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution

 

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Twilight star Kellan Lutz and wife Brittany recently announced the birth of their baby girl! The new parents posted sweet pics on Instagram last Friday, with a special message about their daughter.

Lutz and his wife welcomed Ashtyn Lilly Lutz on Feb. 22, after a long road to parenthood. Last year the pair had a devastating loss—six months along into Brittany’s pregnancy.

In February of 2020, Brittany wrote a candid IG post about the loss, her supportive husband, and the medical staff and blood donors who saved her life, “I’m not ready to talk about what happened, and I’m not sure I ever will. But I can say I am SO grateful for the most amazing husband who’s been by my side the entire time. I have the best most supportive family. The prayers from friends have meant everything. My incredible doctor and the amazing team at UCLA Medical Center who kept me alive are the real MVPs. And to all of you who donate blood- I have never been more grateful for you. Without you people like me wouldn’t be here. ”

Just over one year later, Brittany welcomed baby Ashtyn, posting, “The day she came into the world it was snowing, raining, and freezing, but that night she was born and we woke up to sun, clear skies, and winter melting away. It was so symbolic considering this time last year was literally winter for our souls only to be met one year later with the brightest sunshine. She ushered in a new season for us and we love her beyond comprehension.”

Congrats go out to the happy couple on the birth of their daughter!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Alex Millauer / Shutterstock.com

 

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Twilight fans have something to look forward to. Stephenie Mayer announced that Midnight Sun is close to will be available to purchase on Aug. 4. The new book in the Twilight series tells the story from Edward’s point of view. 

Reading book

“I thought seriously about delaying this announcement until things were back to normal,” Meyer said in a statement. “However, that felt wrong, considering how long those who are eager for this book have already waited.”

She added, “I don’t know how everyone else is coping, but right now books are my main solace and happiest escape. Personally, I would be nothing but delighted if one of my favorite authors announced something new for me to read. (No pressure, Laini Taylor.) So, I hope this announcement gave you some pleasure and something fun to look forward to.”

Meyer acknowledges that working ona book for 13 years is an unusual experience and a lot has changed in all of our lives since the first book in the Twilight series was released.As she looks back over all the good times we all have experienced. She writes, ““I hope going back to the beginning of Bella’s and Edward’s story reminds you of all that fun, too.”

More information on music, contests and information about the Midnight Sun book tour will be posted on Mayer’s page.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: João Silas on Unsplash

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School looks different right now, but we want to show our appreciation to all of the teachers and support staff that are working extra hard to make sure our children are getting the most from this time at home. During Teacher Appreciation Week, Chance the Rapper will shine a light on teachers through “The Twilight Awards,” a special award show to recognize and thank teachers for all they do each and every day. Through three live broadcasts on Instagram, Chance the Rapper will surprise teachers with supplies, donations and more on behalf of Box Tops for Education to help them continue doing what they do best.

Chance the Rapper

For more than 20 years, Box Tops for Education has been focused on helping families easily earn cash for schools. Since its inception, more than 70,000 schools have earned more than $934 million to fund supplies, field trips, playground equipment and more. Through “The Twilight Awards,” Chance will donate $300,000 directly to 10 deserving teachers and schools in need on behalf of Box Tops for Education. Teachers were selected by showing dedication, originality and creativity in helping their students thrive.

After donating $1 million dollars to Chicago Public Schools in 2017 and working with SocialWorks to create the “New Chance: Arts & Literature Fund,” Chance personally connected with teachers and principals while working inside Chicago schools. He quickly realized the need to both recognize and celebrate the work these educators do for students, their families and the community both inside and outside the classroom. To acknowledge and honor them, he developed the idea for “The Twilight Awards,” a national award show highlighting their dedication to students across the country.

“The Twilight Awards” will be broadcast live on Instagram at 7 p.m. CT on May 6, 7 and 8, 2020. Follow Chance the Rapper on Instagram to watch these special broadcasts and see which teachers Chance the Rapper surprises next.

To help teachers at your favorite schools earn even more, Box Tops for Education will offer Double Box Tops on all receipt scans from May 3-10, 2020. Limit 10 claims per receipt. Offer valid while supplies last up to $250,000 or until end of promotional period, whichever comes first.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Box Tops for Education

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Actor Kellan Lutz and his wife Brittany Gonzales are expecting! The Twilight star recently announced the couple’s baby news via Instagram with a completely cute  post.

Lutz posted a pic of himself and Gonzales decked out in matching denim jackets. The couple, who posed mid-smooch, also held a teeny tiny jean jacket for their soon-to-be baby.

Along with the family photo, Lutz wrote, “So much to be grateful for this year… and even more so in 2020!”

Gonzales (who changed her last name to Lutz on IG) also posted the pic on her account, captioning the photo, “Can’t wait to meet you Little Lutz!” Earlier, the mama-to-be posted on her Instagram Story, “2 years ago on this day we had a surprise we shared.” She continued, “This Thanksgiving we have another surprise…. Hint: it’s probably what you’re thinking.”

As of now there’s no information on when “Little Lutz” is due.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Kellan Lutz via Instagram

 

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Two YA faves are coming to a brand-new vertical theme park, and if you’re wondering what exactly a vertical theme park is, read on! This awesomely amazing attraction is coming to China soon.

Lionsgate Entertainment World is taking the theme park idea to new heights—literally! The world’s first vertical park is a 10-story tall bean-shaped building that will house attractions based on blockbusters such as Hunger Games, Twilight, Divergent, Now You See Me and Gods of Egypt.

Among the 25 rides, fans of the films will find a replica of The Capitol lobby and a 3D simulator called The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Flight Rebel Escape. Hunger Games enthusiasts can also dine at a restaurant featuring menu items from the flick’s “districts.”

If you’re into virtual vampire and werewolf experiences, you can relive the film’s spotlight love affair with Twilight Saga: Bella’s Journey. The adventurous types can jump onto the back of a virtual motorcycle with Jacob Black on the Twilight Saga: Midnight Ride.

International travelers can visit Lionsgate Entertainment World on Hengqin Island in Zhuhai, China starting in July.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: AP News 

 

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With Halloween just around the corner, there’s about to be a steady stream of frightfully fun TV shows and movies just about everywhere. A British CBBC fave arrives stateside this October, adding to your Halloween horrors. So what is this new-to-Netflix show? It’s Creeped Out on Netflix and it’s basically this generation’s Are You Afraid of the Dark?. 

Creeped Out is a a horror anthology series—think of it as a modern Twilight Zone-ish option for a younger audience. While your pre-k kiddo will probably get pretty “creeped out” by this show, your tween is likely to become an instant fan. Netflix recommends the show for kids ages 8 and up.

Photo: CBBC via YouTube

Even though the series isn’t exactly a rainbows, puppies and unicorns type of show, it’s not all doom, gloom and darkness. Co-creator Bede Blake told website Den of Geek!, “Some of the episodes have a happy ending.” Bede also added, “…but some don’t. They have ambiguous or twist endings, or endings you don’t expect.”

Before you brush off this show as TV for kids, the co-creators envisioned it as something that parents would want to watch just as much as their children, saying, “We had this idea that if a child is watching it and a parent walks past then they would be hooked into it too.” Check out the series preview below for all the creepy highlights.

When can you watch Creeped Out? Even though the first 13-episode season has already aired in the United Kingdom, those of us in the United States can start binge-watching the show on Netflix beginning Oct. 4.

—Erica Loop

 

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Have you ever felt like you’ve entered another time and dimension? No, that time you didn’t sleep for a week because your baby was cutting molars doesn’t count. We’re talking about The Twilight Zone. Though your little sci-fi lovers are too young to remember the series, they will definitely geek out over celebrating Twilight Zone Day on May 11th by visiting some of these out-of-this-world LA spots that will make you feel like you’ve entered a parallel universe.

Suss Out Solstice Canyon

Your junior odd squad (and the LOST fanatic in you) will love the eerie juxtaposition of discovering the ruins of buildings in the middle of a nature trail. Check out the bare bones of the old stone Keller House and some other relics as you go on a stroller-friendly hike on the trail.

3455 Solstice Canyon Road
Malibu
Online: nps.gov/samo/

photo: Fiona F. via Yelp

Which of LA’s alternate dimensions have you explored with your little time travelers? Share your favorite oddities in the comments?

—Shahrzad Warkentin