Even if you can’t jet off to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you can still celebrate by bringing vibrant Cajun and Creole flavors right to your kitchen. From red beans and rice to king cake, there’s plenty of delicious food to be discovered. Click through the slideshow below to get ready for your feast.
Will you be making any of these recipes for Mardi Gras? Share with us in a comment below!
—Susie Foresman
If a trip to the Big Easy for Mardi Gras isn’t on your list of weekend must-dos, we’ve found the next best thing with a collection of jazz albums for kids. From the traditional NOLA jazzy flare to soothing lullabies, these latests and greatest collections will leave your kiddos wanting more…music! Click through the gallery to discover some of our favorites.
What’s your favorite jazz for kids? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
—Amber Guetebier
all photos courtesy the artists or Amazon
Today Is Mardi Gras
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A carnival of fun. |
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You don’t need a ticket to the Big Easy to celebrate the splendor. Here are 6 simple ways to party with the kids, ‘Orleans style. |
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For the celebrations, you’ll need a mask. Use this step-by-step guide to make your own zero-waste masquerade masterpiece. |
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Let them eat King Cake, the traditional baked good with a lucky coin or token inside. Get the recipe here. |
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{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Beads }
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Living in a city that’s home to the MET, the Guggenheim and MoMA, there’s plenty to inspire your kiddo’s creativity. Even better, when he’s ready to create his own masterpiece, you don’t need an apartment stocked with art supplies. Drop-in art classes abound for little Picasso’s and Warhol’s of all ages. Read on to learn about NYC’s most inventive and imaginative classes where your kid can create something cool on the fly.
photo: CMA
1. Help Get them Started at CMA
Children’s Museum of the Arts is not only a great place to bring your little ones to admire and learn about art, but it can also be a wonderful place for them to make their own. Get there before it opens to take their WEE drop-in classes taught by the Museum’s professional teaching artists. The class, recommended for kiddos under age 5, features a variety of workshops where your little artists can experiment with modeling dough, collage, and flubber, just to name a few. There’s a Music and Story Time to end the class, and if you still don’t want to head home, you can stay and explore the Museum. This is a great way to get your kiddos comfortable and excited about art. Maybe you will even see some of their work in the Museum one day!
When: Mon.-Fri., 10:45 am – 12 p.m. (no advanced sign-up required)
Cost: $25 per family (up to 5 people), $20 for CMA members
Where: Children’s Museum of the Arts
103 Charlton St.
Tribeca
212-274-0986
Online: cmany.org
2. Find Friday Night Fun at Brooklyn Art Hive
Brooklyn Art Hive, which opened last year, encourages your kiddos to approach art-making in a fun and playful way to help foster their confidence, creativity and imagination. They use natural materials and real tools (not the children’s versions) to make the experience an authentic one for your budding artist. While there’s a Friday morning music and art combination class available for drop-ins (for 18 months – 4 years), what we love about Brooklyn Art Hive is their Friday Late Nights. These are one-night only studio sessions designed for an older crowd (usually K-5th grade) where your kids can spend their night hanging out with friends, creating art, and even eating pizza. Each session focuses on a different theme – the next one is about Terrariums where kids can build a home for a miniature gnome, fairy, or anything else they might come up with. These classes are limited, so make sure to reserve ahead.
When: Check here for schedule
Cost: $45-$55 for 2.5 hours, with pizza and drinks included
Where: 1201 Dean St. (Garden Level Apartment)
Crown Heights
646-729-3941
Online: brooklyarthive.com
3. Experiment with New Materials at City Treehouse
More than just a fabulous indoor playspace, City Treehouse also offers awesome drop-in classes from time to time. Little artists of all ages can enjoy studio time to work on fun and easy projects on the second Saturday of every month. Each session begins with playing at the space’s popular water table, and then it’s time to go downstairs to work on a project that changes each month. Your little ones can mess around with a variety of different materials, such as paint, glitter, clay and recycled materials to help them become comfortable with making art.
When: Second Saturday of each month (unless noted on their Events Page)
Cost: Free with paid play visit area, check here for pricing
Where: 129A W. 20th St.
Chelsea
212-255-2050
Online: www.citytreehouse.com
photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art
4. Work Among the Classics at the MET
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is famous throughout the world for their amazing art collection, and aren’t your kids lucky to grow up so close to it! It’s even luckier that they offer drop-in classes where you get to create your own art right next to the masterpieces during their Sunday Studios. You and your kiddos can try your hands at family-friendly activities led by an artist on Sunday afternoons in the museum galleries, with all the art supplies provided for you. Each session focuses on a different art form and exhibit (Collage and Remixing held in conjunction with their Cubism exhibit for example). They’ve even started giving family tours after the art class is finished if you’re looking for more inspiration.
When: First and third Sunday of each month (second and fifth Sunday in March), 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission, $25/adults, free for children under 12
Where: 1000 5th Ave.
Upper East Side
212-535-7710
Online: www.metmuseum.org
5. Create while Reflecting at the Noguchi Museum
The Noguchi Museum was designed by the artist to be a quiet, reflective place to admire and discover art. This is a perfect atmosphere for you and your kiddos to create as well. The Museum offers Family Programs on weekends in which museum educators guide you through the galleries and also through hands-on art experiences. Their Art for Tots program is for families with 2 to 4 year olds in which you can learn strategies to engage your little ones in museum visits as well as work on different types of projects such as clay sculptures and Painting in Japanese. The Art for Families, which is for 5 to 11 year olds, step it up a bit by engaging in conversations about the artwork in the galleries before creating free from clay or installation projects, depending on the day. They also offer select programs in Japanese! These programs fill up, so definitely call ahead and reserve a spot. There is also an Open Studio offered the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. that does not require a reservation.
When: Select Saturdays and Sundays, click here for schedule
Cost: $10 for up to 4 members of your family
Where: 9-01 33rd Rd.
Long Island City
718-204-7088
Online: www.noguchi.org
photo: Barking Cat Studio
6. Art-Making for All Ages at Barking Cat Studio
Barking Cat Studio has drop-in classes for little artists ages 18 months and older. For the littler ones, there are toddler classes to begin exploring and pre-k afternoon sessions that encourage more independence and the use of new materials. For the older ones, Barking Cat offers after-school classes for 4 to 6 year olds where the projects vary from week to week with everything from painting to 3D sculpture building, and an art immersion class for 7 to 12 year olds who want to take it to the next step. The art outpost even hosts Craft-tastic Saturdays for ages 4 and up with different art projects to create each week, such as glass painting, Mardi Gras masks, and “Stained Glass” Flowers. Make sure to call ahead for availability as classes tend to book up.
When: Check here for schedule
Cost: $25-$50, depending on class
Where: 219 Greenwood Ave.
Windsor Terrace
718-686-1132
Online: www.barkingcatstudio.net
7. Enjoy Art with a Side of Music at ArtsCetera
ArtsCetera understands that music can play an incredibly important role in the artistic process. That’s why they offer musical play in their art class, Alfie’s Art and Play, which is designed for little artists 20 months to 4 years old. Musical activities, books and movement will help your little one will feel inspired to create some amazing art. There are collaborative group projects to let your kiddos learn how to work with others, as well as “take home” solo projects, in each class. You can even get a CD if you want to continue this musical inspiration for art projects at home. You must schedule a drop-in at least one day in advance to ensure there’s enough space.
When: Wed., 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $25
Where: 205 Columbia St.
Carroll Gardens
Online: artscetera.com
photo: Abrakadoodle of Queens
8. Learn through Process at Abrakadoodle
Abrakadoodle works around the world to bring creativity to kiddos of all ages through art classes, school visits, camps and much more. There’s now one open in Queens that brings this opportunity to future artists 7 to 12 years old. This studio believes in “process art” and encourage as much exploration as possible. During this class, they experiment with different techniques and materials, like bamboo brushes and molding compounds, and explore a variety of art forms such as sculpture, mosaic and anime. They also learn about both classic and contemporary artists to help inspire their own work. One of the main focuses is building your kiddo’s confidence to help them become the artists that they are meant to be. Drop-ins are always welcome, so stop by whenever inspiration hits.
When: Tues., 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $18
Where: 27-14 23rd Ave.
Astoria
929-500-4012
Online: www.abrakadoodle.com/ny-queens
9. Create at Your Apartment
Can’t make it to any of these classes? No need to worry! The Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers Artworks @ Home, a step-by-step guide to doing crafts with your little one right in the comfort of your own apartment. They feature a craft, provide you with a list of necessary materials, and clearly write out the procedure so you and your little artists can create a masterpiece. They even provide links to literacy extensions if you want to add in some reading.
Online: www.brooklynkids.org
Where does your kid like to get creative?
–Katie Johnson
photo credit: smoovey via flickr
The calendar date of Mardi Gras may appear on Fat Tuesday (Feb. 8 this year) but the festivities take place for nearly two weeks prior. Marked by parades, lavish costumes, masquerade balls and more you don’t have to take trip to the Big Easy to celebrate Carnival. Just try these tips for partying with the kids:
1. Dress up dolls, stuffed animals or even monster trucks with a few ribbons and throw a parade down the hall.
2. Have the kids shout “Throw me something, mister!” Then toss coins, beads and candy at them.
3. Make a mask.
4. Make a colorful, pasta version of Mardi Gras beads. Get the how-to here.
5. Don a DIY crown.
6. Eat a lot of cake. Like, too much cake. With frosting.
Got any fun Mardi Gras traditions in your family? Share them with us in the comments below!
—Amber Guetebier
When jet setting to Miami for the winter isn’t an option, a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do. From rockin’ the best cold weather gear to planning an adventure by bus to making the most of a grocery run, this survival guide has 25 ideas to help you conquer the winter blues. (Spoiler: Watching Frozen is not one of them.)
Photo courtesy of Dan Nyugen via Flickr
1. Master winter weather gear – If you want to survive strolling in freezing temps, get the necessities like footmuffs that create a cocoon for your infant or toddler inside the car seat or stroller and handmuffs that keep your hands toasty while pushing your beast of a stroller. Available locally at Giggle (120 Wooster St. between Prince & Spring, 1033 Lexington Ave. at 74th St., and 352 Amsterdam Ave. between 76th & 77th St.) or BuyBuyBaby (410 East 61st St. and 1st Ave. or 270 Seventh Ave. at 26th St.).
2. Make a craft emergency kit – Fill it with stickers, pipe cleaners, play dough, crayons, notecards, clothes pins, pom poms and other goodies found at your local craft store. Break it out when winter boredom strikes. The mother-load of craft stores, Michael’s carries every crafty material you can imagine and also offers drop-in crafting sessions for kids ages 3 and up. Make a Mardi Gras mask or frame for your Valentine. (675 Avenue of the Americas or 808 Columbus Ave.)
3. Plan mommy (and daddy) happy hour – Who says you can’t bring a baby to a bar? Bring the kiddos to these indoor beer gardens that welcome kids. They’re spacious enough for the kids to stretch their legs while you throw back a couple cold ones. Not to mention, the kids will love the German soft pretzels, popcorn, and other snacks. Check out Spiritzenhause in Greenpoint, Die StammKneipe in Fort Greene or Pony Bar on the Upper East Side.
4. Give and you shall receive – We all know indoor play space memberships can cost a pretty penny. So share the wealth. Offer a guest pass to a friend and hope for one in return. After all, NYC has the best indoor playgrounds to help the kiddos (and you) overcome cabin fever like Playgarden, AppleSeeds or Kidville. And don’t forget to say thank you!
5. Seek out the sun – On a clear winter day the sun peaks between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Soak up some warm rays before the sun sets at 4 p.m. Check out Manhattan playgrounds that have the least amount of shade like the ones Washington Square Park or Madison Square Park.
Photo courtesy of Kris Arnold via Flickr
6. When the strolling gets tough, the tough ride the bus – It may take longer to reach your destination but the ride is half the fun. Make it an adventure. You can even play I spy or create a scavenger hunt as you go. Take the M11 bus up 10th Ave. and hop off near the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Take the M1 bus up Madison Ave. to the Museum of the City of New York and take part in their family programs. Ride the M1 bus down Fifth Ave. to the Children’s Center at the New York Public Library. Hop the M20 bus down 7th Ave. to Battery Park where you can taste the new food vendors at Hudson Eats at Brookfield Place. Then, stop by the skating rink or movie theater next door.
7. Make a play date …and another …and another – It takes a village, remember? Rely on the company of friends to make it through cold winter days. Let the kiddos play at a friend’s house, while the moms sip on coffee or wine. Make it fun for moms too by adding a theme. Bring desserts one day and comfort food the next and exchange recipes. Even better, meet in free community play rooms in condo buildings. Some are pretty cool like the ones designed by Citibabes. So make friends with someone who lives in one of these buildings or petition to create a Citibabes playroom to your own building. No space in your apartment for a big group? Plan a meet-up at one of NYC’s best indoor spots that welcomes moms and playgroups.
8. Grab the popcorn – Get off your sofa and head to one of these kid-friendly theaters showing a mix of new and old, age-appropriate movies for tots to tweens. Pass the time at Sunshine Cinemas (143 East Houston St., between 1st and 2nd Ave.), the IFC Center (323 Sixth Ave. at 3rd St.), or Sony Wonder Technology Lab (56th St. and Madison Ave.).
9. Celebrate! – Do you truly need an excuse to party? Get your friends together and celebrate Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day and even Earth Day! Check our events calendar to find local drop-in celebrations. Or keep it simple and celebrate with your kiddos at home with themed crafts, games, and homemade cards for grandma.
10. Get a tune up – Strollers take a beating in the winter. The sludge and salt wear on the tires and your coffee drips all over the sunshade. When you need a tune-up, don’t hesitate to call the folks at Baby Bubbles. They offer free pick up and delivery service and top to bottom stroller cleaning.
11. No sleep ’til Brooklyn – If you’re looking for all day entertainment, you can’t do any better than the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. With a water play area, art studio, building zone and even special play spaces dedicated to tots and babies, they’ll will be worn out in no time. Then, check out these other Brooklyn play spaces – no membership required.
Photo courtesy of WCS
12.Grin and bear it – Brave the cold to see the two new grizzly bears at the Central Park Zoo. Betty and Veronica will be glad you did. You can also see the indoor penguin and puffin exhibit, steamy rainforest exhibit, and 4 D theater. Plus, check out the family fun days for all ages including costume parades, live theater performances, and animal encounters. If you need to warm up after your wild afternoon, grab a bite at the nearby Plaza Food Hall on the lower level of the hotel. And if you still have time to spend (and you’re feeling desperate), you’re right next to FAO Schwarz.
13. Go to the mall – Did you know NYC even had a mall? Channel your inner suburban mom and stroll through Manhattan Mall in Herald Square or Atlantic Terminal Mall in Brooklyn. Your kids can pass a few hours playing games with a giant mouse at the Chuck E. Cheese’s at Atlantic Terminal Mall or playing with toys you won’t buy at the Toys “R” Us in Manhattan Mall – just have an exit strategy planned in advance. Cheddar bunnies in the stroller, perhaps?
14. Explore Grand Central Station – Kids love trains – you get it. But did you know about Grand Central Terminal’s other kid-friendly entertainment? Discover the whispering gallery, the zodiac on the terminal ceiling, the holiday train show (through Feb. 22), tasty treats from Magnolia Bakery and Shake Shack, plus over 68 shops for you.
15. Hit the ice – If you’ve watched Frozen more times than you can count, it’s time for some real ice action. Take the kiddos to one of the many ice skating rinks where they can slide around until they turn “Elsa blue”, while you nosh on delicious comfort snacks and (spiked) hot cocoa before calling it a day. If you want to avoid ice burn, some rinks offer lessons including South Street Seaport or LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park or The Standard Hotel Ice Rink.
16. Geek is chic – Geek out at the New York Hall of Science in Queens. With over 450 exhibits, demonstrations and activities that explain science, technology, engineering and math, you can play all day. And you’ll be learning something, too. Attend the special family program for younger kids called Little Makers to do crafts like tie dye, bath crayons and handmade paper.
17. Allow some screen time – Here’s the plan: go to a kid-friendly coffee shop, connect to free wifi, sip a cup of joe, and let the kids play games, watch movies, or read books online. The Queens Library has links to free online children’s books. The good news is you’re out of the house.
18. Visit a library for story time or any time – Let’s face it – it’s free entertainment outside your home all day long. You can read endless books, play with their toys, make arts and crafts and even watch movie screenings. Haven’t discovered your neighborhood library yet? Find the closest branch by checking out the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library or Queens Library.
19. Bring a class to you – Forget leaving your cozy apartment. Bring the fun to you with private classes that come to your home including the teachers, supplies and clean up. Invite your friends over and make music, create art or practice a new language. It’s instant entertainment!
20. Spend the night at the museum – Are your kids begging for a change of scenery? Here’s a big change – The American Museum of Natural History hosts mammoth size sleepovers for ages 6 to 13. How cool is it that your kids can spend a night at the museum, just like the movie.
21. Make groceries fun – Take advantage of all that your neighborhood Whole Foods has to offer. The Tribeca location (270 Greenwich St.) boasts a family seating area upstairs with kids’ toys and a play kitchen, kids’ cooking classes and art classes. Brooklyn’s Third Street location (214 3rd St.) hosts Friday story time in the 2nd floor cafe.
Photo courtesy of Dan Rosenthal via Flickr
22. Let it Snow – Avoid the piles of sludge on the city streets, and take your little eskimos to the best sledding hills in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens. Who said you need your own backyard? Be like Ralphie and pack on the warm layers for an afternoon of wintery bliss.
23. Call in back-up – Whether it’s the girl next door, your favorite UrbanSitter, or Grandma, give yourself a break. Plan a full day where you get out of the house for some much needed me time or couple time, while the little ones enjoy a fresh face. Remember when you used to spend your Saturday at bottomless brunch or shopping in SoHo? Find your happy place.
24. Get out of town – Explore the winter fun that awaits outside the city and check out a nearby winter destination. You’ll find ski mountains, sleigh rides and a wolf sanctuary less than three hours away. Take a day trip or spend the night – either way, you’re filling the winter days with fun.
25. Lastly, run for your life – Pack your bags and run, drive, or fly to warmer weather. It’s amazing what a little Vitamin D can do for your frozen family. Imagine white sandy beaches, blue splashy pools, and refreshing cocktails. Make like Olaf and pretend it’s “SUMMMERRRRR…..”.
How will you make it to April? Share your winter survival secrets in the comments below.
-Ashly Grzyb
It’s okay to just say “no” to chicken nuggets. In fact, some restaurants encourage it! With more and more chefs paying attention to their youngest clientele, you can find kids’ menus that go way beyond the basics. For a place the whole family will love, try one of these local restaurants, where choices for little ones are thoughtfully designed to be approachable and delicious. Who says four-year-olds can’t appreciate burrata?
photo: eyeliam via flickr
Pop a Pot Sticker … at Urbanbelly
Instead of a burger, try the burger dumplings for kids at Chef Bill Kim’s Asian fusion spot. The beef and cheddar pot stickers are familiar flavors to ease kids into eating with chopsticks. The chicken noodle soup with thick udon noodles, crispy chicken and mild broth is another dish both adults and kids will appreciate. Maple-glazed mini donuts and PB&J soft serve are sure hits for dessert. Head there early (right when it opens at 11 a.m. for lunch, and around 5 p.m. for dinner) for the best chance at a table and a relaxed family dinner before things really get bustling.
1400 W. Randolph St.
West Loop
773-583-0500
Online: urbanbellychicago.com
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Frog Legs for First-Timers … at Moe Joe’s
It’s Mardi Gras every day at this festive Cajun and Caribbean restaurant that pushes kids to explore new meat options — of the amphibian variety. Frog legs and cheesy mashed potatoes or alligator nuggets expand the palate from plain chicken, although those are available too. A Krabby Patty sandwich is made from a secret recipe straight from the Bayou. Reward members of the clean plate club with Mardi Gras beads. Maybe a family trip to New Orleans is in the cards?
24033 W. Lockport St.
Plainfield
815-230-2790
Online: eatmoejoes.com
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An Intro to Charcuterie … at Bread & Wine
This neighborhood gem welcomes kids with a “nibbles for little ones” menu — and a coloring book and crayons, to boot. Two of the options are named for the owner’s daughters’ favorite foods: Stella’s penne with house-made red sauce and Parmesan, and salad à la Lily with a selection of seasonal veggies and vinaigrette. Kiddies can try charcuterie too, with the pork, garlic and coriander house-made kielbasa, adapted from the adult menu.
3732 W. Irving Park Rd.
Irving Park
773-866-5266
Online: breadandwinechicago.com
photo: Creperie Saint Germain
Ooh, La, Crêpes for Junior … at Crêperie Saint Germain
Kids can build their own organic whole wheat crepes here — both savory and sweet. Pick three ingredients of your choice from a list that includes Nutella, Chantilly cream, bananas, ham, mixed vegetables, shredded cheese, tomato fondue and more. You might want to institute a eat-what-you-order rule if anybody gets the bright idea of mixing ham and whipped cream. This authentic French joint has live music on Saturdays and encourages patrons to show up wearing berets (cute photo opp alert!).
1512 Sherman Ave.
Evanston
847-859-2647
Online: creperiestgermain.com
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Brunch That’s Way Beyond … at Allium
The Four Seasons has always been known for catering to its youngest clientele, and that extends to the food and beverage options. Kids get their own menus along with crayons and a colorful activity book and parents will be thrilled with the nutritious options. There’s steamed edamame and fruit kebabs with yogurt dip along with an epicurean mac and cheese with Wisconsin white cheddar and house-made macaroni. For brunch, kids eat a three-course meal just like grownups, starting with root beer or a kiddie cocktail, crudité and yogurt push-pops, and a selection of entrees including brioche French toast bites and breakfast sliders.
120 E. Delaware Pl.
Gold Coast
312-799-4900
Online: alliumchicago.com
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Salads They’ll Dare to Eat … at Freshii
A kids’ menu just debuted the fast-casual chain with six options for $4.99, including a kung fu brown rice or rice noodle teriyaki bowl with chicken, broccoli, edamame, carrots and crisp wontons. There are also cheesy chicken quesadillas, a strawberry banana smoothie with low-fat frozen yogurt and a super kids salad with broccoli, romaine, spinach, aged cheddar and ranch dressing. With more than 16 locations in the city and suburbs (including Oakbrook and Rosemont), this is a great alternative to fast food when you’re on the go.
Downtown location:
835 N. Michigan Ave.
Gold Coast
312-202-9009
For additional locations, go to freshii.com
photo: Frontera Grill
Not Your Everyday Tacos … at Frontera Grill
Kids can have chips here, but they will be house-made tortilla chips served with guacamole or salsa for dipping. A lighter appetizer might be a little gem lettuce salad with fresh cheese or jicama, pineapple and cucumber with fresh lime. Just like adults, this menu for guests eight years and under encourages children to try multiple courses. Young foodies might not be satisfied with frozen quesadillas and taquitos after tasting the Mexico City-style quesadillas oozing with Chihuahua cheese and crispy taquitos filled with smoked chicken and topped with sour cream and Mexican cheese.
445 N. Clark St.
River North
312-661-1434
Online: rickbayless.com
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Graham Cracker Pancakes? Yep … at Max’s Wine Dive
A place with “wine” in the name doesn’t sound like a kid-friendly spot for brunch. But don’t be fooled. Saturdays mean cartoon-themed brunch with items like a s’mores-inspired Scooby stack of graham cracker pancakes and pepperoni pizza bagels. Kids can dress up their orange juice with colorful candy instead of champagne and the whole family can play games like Hungry Hungry Hippos, Connect Four and Rock’em Sock’em Robots.
1482 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Wicker Park
773-661-6581
Online: maxswinedive.com
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Walleye Pike for Wee Ones … at Inovasi
Head to downtown Lake Bluff for gourmet cuisine at an affordable price. The kids’ menu here is divided into little kids and big kids, for smaller and larger appetites. Toddlers can eat wok-fried rice with chicken and soy sauce or walleye pike with whipped potatoes. Older kids can try steak and slow-cooked BBQ pork. To reward good behavior and clean plates, everyone can have warm chocolate chip cookies for dessert. To discourage electronics at the table, the restaurant gives kids plastic Link ‘n’ Locks assembly kits to make cars, planes and other scenes while they wait patiently for their food.
28 E. Center Ave.
Lake Bluff
847-295-1000
Online: inovasi.us
What’s the most adventurous thing your kiddo has ever eaten? Let us know in the Comments!
— Amber Gibson
Imagine your young child at home, red baby-safe paint stretching up her arms like elegant gloves. Dots of blue and yellow are splashed across her face. His old toy car zooms back and forth through a rainbow puddle on your kitchen table. Is this a common scene in your house, or does this sound a little bit frightening? If you answered yes to the latter, you are not alone. Messy art with young children might sound fun, but oftentimes it gets postponed for years, either until preschool or until someone else can do the clean-up.
• A few sheets of large glossy finger paint paper (at least 11”x16”) found at any art
store. If you don’t have finger paint paper, anything that will hold up under gobs
of paint will do
• Masking tape
• Non-toxic, baby-safe paint or tempera paint also found at any art store.
For children under 1 year, try using blended food or sauces as paint. You can even
make your own whipped cream without sugar!
• 2 or 3 small plastic bowls
• 2 or 3 spoons
•Various fun objects that may be lying around the house such as kitchen utensils
(whisk, spatula, etc.), popsicle sticks, straws, plastic toy cars and animals, combs,
sponges, Mardi Gras beads … you get the idea!
Bucket, sink or bathtub
1) Start with taping a piece of paper to the table to keep it from sliding around.
2) Offer your child a small bowl of paint and a spoon to transfer the paint to the
paper. Start with one color and then add one or two more bowls to the table (I
usually use the three primary colors, red, blue, and yellow). You can begin by
scooping out the paint for your child, but eventually, she should be able to do this
step on her own.
3) Let your child first explore the paint on the paper with his fingers. If he is
reluctant to touch the paint, offer him one or two fun objects (see examples
above) to use as a painting tool. Or if you are inclined, set up your own paper and
get your hands messy as well! Your child will most likely follow your lead.
4) Expand on this experience by including new materials like glitter in a salt shaker
or something textural like a cup of sand.
5) When your child is ready to clean up, put a bucket of water on the floor or
a stepstool at the sink and dunk her arms in. If your little artist was really
experimental, you may need to move to the bath!
“Toddler Painting 101” may still sound too messy or exhausting to become a routine
activity in your home, but if you give it a try you might find that it’s well worth the
trouble. Remember, it’s about the creative process … for you and your child.
Megan Schiller is an artist/designer and teaches toddler art classes in Mill Valley.
Her adorable 2 yr old is covered in paint most of the time. For more toddler art ideas, check out her class blog at or e-mail Megan.
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