There’s something about bugs that captures kids’ imaginations. From Madagascar hissing cockroaches and giant centipedes, to darkling beetles and pink toe tarantulas—your budding entomologists or little arachnologists will want to get the buzz on these six places where they can see and touch bugs of all shapes and sizes. Click through the gallery for the creepy crawly deets.
Have you visited these buggy spots? Do you have a favorite? Tell us in the comments below!
— Helen Walker Green
photo: Pasco County Schools via Flickr
Backyard obstacle courses are the perfect pastime for kids who love to run, jump and climb. Add a “Ninja Warrior” title and your kids will be even more devoted to the game. So where do you start? Here’s how to build a Ninja course with what you’ve got — or what to buy if you want to go really, really big — courtesy of Pinterest.
Got an old swing set? Use it as the bones for this awesome Ninja Warrior course that even Mom and Dad will want to try.
Looking for something a little simpler? This course takes some DIY-ing, but if you can get a few pieces of wood and know how to use a drill, it’s not too hard to make.
Want an improvised sort of course? This hodgepodge of kids toys work perfectly.
Or, if you only have one thing for your little ninjas, let it be pool noodles.
For those really hot days, this water obstacle course is fun (and you probably already have all the supplies!)
Oh, and if you’ve got two trees spaced the right distance apart, you’re going to want one of these for your budding ninjas:
If it’s raining, you can always bring the fun inside!
Do you have any suggestions for how to build a little Ninja Warrior-worthy obstacle course? Tell us in the comments below.
Taking your kiddos to the playground is one thing, treating them to a dose of nature’s playground is a next-level experience they’ll want again and again. The following botanical gardens across the country are not only bursting with rare blooms and exotic trees, they’re also centers for learning about everything from saving the bees to fishing to fairies. And as it turns out, there’s plenty of fun for mom and dad, too. Click through the gallery to find out 18 sweet spots for budding botanists.
What’s your favorite garden to visit? Let us know in the comments below!
— Amber Guetebier, Christal Yuen & Gabby Cullen
Kids love construction projects. Well, how about a few completed projects that look like they stepped out of a fairy tale, were crafted out of 20 years worth of junk, or seemed to be swaying to the music? We found some of the coolest (and wackiest) architectural designs out there, so flip through the gallery below and be sure to share your favorites with budding builders!
Which wacky design is your favorite? Share in a comment below!
—Gabby Cullen
Whether she’s dreaming up an umbrella for your pet cat or a car wash for toys, a kidventor’s thirst for innovation needs to be quenched. There are plenty of places where it’s easy for creative juices to flow and we’ve rounded up 10 of the best. From building robots to experiments with wind tables, our favorite spots are fit for LEGO lovers and explorative thinkers alike. Flip through the gallery and let your imagination take it from there.
Where do you take your budding inventor? Share with us in a comment below.
—Meredith Mortensen
| Daily |
| Today Is #NationalDictionaryDay |
| Look it up. |
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Find the best dictionary for your budding bibliophiles among these perfect picks. |
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From pictionary to fictionary, here are 5 games you can play with an actual dictionary. |
| 3 |
| We’ve scoured our own Merriam-Webster’s to find 20 interesting words you and the kids can learn today. |
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{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Words } |
Summer’s in full swing; it’s a great time to get creative. The warm weather and long days make it easy to get outside, and these 11 ideas will inspire your family. From water-shooter tie dye to homemade butterfly wings, we’ve got lots of fun for sunshine days. Scroll down to find your favorite.
Go Float a Boat
Make this the summer of “whatever floats your boat”… literally. Designing and making your own mini sailboat is an easy and fun way to spend a sunny afternoon outdoors. From collecting sticks in the yard to sending their craft on its maiden voyage, this project will keep your sweet sailors busy for hours. Find out how to make your own here.
photo: Amanda Thomsen via The House that Lars Built
Flower Fun
Your little flower children will dig making a summer crown, especially if it’s easy like this one from The House that Lars Built designer Brittany Jepson. The simple requirements of clippers and your kiddo’s favorite floral lets you to add a magical touch to the afternoon. Get the whole scoop over at The House that Lars Built.
photo: The Creative Cubby
For the Birds
We aren’t sure what’s cooler about this eco-friendly bird feeder from The Creative Cubby—the supplies and how-to, or how excited your crafty kids will be to watch their feathered friends stop by for a summer snack. Head over to The Creative Cubby to learn how to make this easy, recycled craft.
photo: Cindy Hopper via Skip to My Lou
Step on Over
Garden stepping stones are perfect for a long, open afternoon. The hardest part is probably mixing up the cement, but the best part is having a keepsake that will last for years. Bonus: make a few of these garden stones and stash away for holiday gifts! Find out what you’ll need over at Skip to My Lou.
photo: Sally Mahoney via flickr
Chalk it Up
Sidewalk chalk is a must-have supply of summer and challenging your budding artists to create a mandala should be on your bucket list. Beautiful to see, easy to create, and simple to clean up, we think this is a perfect project to tackle while the sun shines. If you want to know how to get the design to line up just right, head over to Art Club Blog for a quick tutorial.
photo: Gail Bartel via That Artist Woman
Fabulous Fish
Whether you are handy with a sewing machine or if you are a master with Elmer’s, That Artist Woman Gail Bartel has a fun project that fits the bill. These Koinobori windsocks are a great addition to summertime fun (go fish, anyone?) and totally worth the time and effort your kids will put in over a day. We especially love the bright colors and fishing poles! Find out how to make your own over at That Artist Woman.
photo: Jackie Curie via Happy Hooligans
Ornaments of Summer
Another project worthy of a sunshine-y day, these twig ornaments we spotted over at Happy Hooligans are a delight. Chic and charming, it’s easy to get little people started by simply having them collect supplies in the yard or a nearby park (can you say nature hunt?). Follow up with bright wrappings and a little paint and you’ve got a perfect present for any loved one. Find out what you’ll need to get started over at Happy Hooligans.
photo: Jamie Reiner via Hands On As We Grow
Catch the Sun
What better way to enjoy the summer sun than with a nature sun catcher? Not only does it get your little explorers outside looking for supplies, but the results hang around for as long as you want. Find out how to create the clear center of this delightful and easy project over at Hands On As We Grow
photo: Shaunna Evans via Fantastic Fun and Learning
Fit to be Tied
Tie dye is practically a required summertime activity, and we’re big fans of this twist involving water shooters from Fantastic Fun and Learning. It’s a kid-pleasing craft if there ever was one—amped-up interactive tie dye. Get the how-to here.
photo: Upcycle That
Brilliant Bubble Blower
Is there anything more fun than bubbles? What about a DIY bubble blower from Upcycle That? You probably have the materials for this recycled craft already (hooray for no-fuss crafts!) and it will definitely add an extra fun touch to summertime outdoor play. Get the how-to here.
photo: Asia Citro via Fun at Home With Kids
Beautiful Butterfly
If you’d like to have a brilliant butterfly visit you this summer, look no further than this simple and sweet tutorial from Fun at Home with Kids. Using basic supplies you’ve probably already got, you and your budding artist can craft a pair that fits perfectly and adds a little something extra to afternoon outdoor play. Find out more over at Fun at Home with Kids.
Which summer craft do you plan to try out with your kiddos? Let us know in the comment section below!
–Gabby Cullen & Abigail Matsumoto
Sir Richard Branson can step aside, because sending your mini-Galileo to the Milky Way has never been easier. From world-renowned institutions to intimate space settings, budding stargazers can reach the outer limits of the galaxy without leaving Planet Earth. Flip through the gallery below for nine spots worthy of your cosmos-crazed kiddo.
Did we miss your favorite planetarium? Share with us in a Comment below!
—Gabby Cullen
Looking to give Goodnight Moon a little extra shelf time (and well deserved break)? Freshen up family story time by adding 12 fantastic new books for ages 3-11. From early readers to chapter books and graphic novels, flip through the album below to discover your budding bookworm’s latest literary fave.
Do you know of new kiddo-captivating reads? Share with us in the Comments!
—Emma Bland Smith
Does your kid go “Vroom, vroom” with anything even remotely resembling a car? Do you find yourself tripping over mountains of Matchbox cars or trying to make room in your home for yet another Hot Wheels track? Well, it’s time you hit the road and take your budding racecar driver someplace where the cars are bigger than boxes and where he can learn the history behind his favorite set of wheels. Inspire your little auto aficionados at one of these car-themed destinations.
Where do you take kids who like to go “Vroom!?” Share with us in a Comment below.
— Melissa Heckscher
