This Halloween, forget store-bought decorations. Instead, get crafty with the kids and make seasonally inspired artwork featuring fall’s favorite gourd. From smiling jack-o-lantern sun catchers to pumpkin crafts for toddlers, these pumpkin crafts for kids are the perfect way to get your home ready for All Hallows Eve.
Puzzled Pumpkin
Put all those puzzles with missing pieces to good use. This pumpkin shaped decoration is easy enough for crafters of any age to assemble. Check out the how-to over at Bargain Briana.
Bibbity, Bobbity, Beads!
Pipe cleaners and pony beads are all you’ll need to create this autumn craft. Great for exercising fine motor skills, check out the step-by-step instructions over at Glue Sticks & Gum Drops.
Pumpkin in the Sun
There’s no need to wait until nightfall to watch this jack-o-lantern glow. Made to look like stained glass, you’ll find the how-to at Crafts on Sea.
Oodles of Noodles Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas added food coloring to pasta pinwheels and macaroni elbows, transforming the classic crafting medium in the materials her girls needed to make pasta pumpkins. Find out how to color your own pasta here.
Squash Stamps
Using apples, another favorite fall produce, this easy art project from Frugal Mom Eh! definitely gets our stamp of approval. Perfect for making classic pumpkins, you can add faces to create jack-o-lanterns!
Classic Plate Pumpkin
No scissors or glue means minimal cleanup for this super easy pumpkin project from The Simple Parent. Great for crafters of all ages, find all the materials you’ll need here.
Stick It to ‘Em
This festive magnet doubles as festive refrigerator decor. Easy to make, the kids will love using it display all their fall artwork. Part of a set that includes a wickedly cute witch and adorable scarecrow, check out the how-to at This Girl’s Life Blog.
Green Pumpkins
This great upcycled craft from Buggy and Buddy puts empty toilet paper rolls to good use. Filled with stickers or sweet treats, they also double as seasonal table decor.
Glittery Gourds
We love how Life is a Lullaby transformed tiny mason jars into whimsical, shimmering jack-o-lanterns that double as candy holders and decor. The kids will love crafting their own too\thy grins. Find the how-to and materials here.
Marvelous Magnets
Emily at The Benson Street knows that the refrigerator isn’t the only place to display magnets. These adorable pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns add a festive flair to any magnetic service. Check out the how-to here.
Which craft will you and your little pumpkins make this year? Share with us in the comments.
We love this slime project. Not only is it cool—in more ways than one—to touch and feel, it’s also a blast to make snowmen and watch as they melt into a soft puddle. We’re also betting any tiny Frozen toys your kids have stashed around the house would make an excellent addition to this activity. For a complete run-down on how to make this oozing goo, skedaddle over to Little Bins for Little Hands.
Got a pair of white socks? If so, get started making these adorable snowmen that require just a handful of supplies. Darkroom & Dearly blog has the full tutorial here.
Deck out your mantel with an easy snowman garland that's easy enough for your two-year-old to make. The blog Pure Heart has all of the directions here.
Build and melt a snowman faster than you can say Olaf. With just a few household items, whip up a batch of foaming dough, courtesy of Fun at Home with Kids. Snow-dough pro Asia Citro explains why it’s important to have waterproof tidbits for snowman parts, and why a squeeze bottle full of vinegar is the easiest way to create massive amounts of foam.
An assembly line never looked so good. Not only will little hands get a workout while molding snowmen, your kids will get a chance to use their fine-motor skills when they get busy adding all the extra parts. We love this easy (afternoon time-filler!) activity from Buggy and Buddy. Get the scoop over at Buggy and Buddy.
Fall is in the air. Celebrate the season with these fun at-home arts and crafts projects for kids, all courtesy of our favorite LA Instagrammers. Read on for all the DIY details.
Start getting in the Thanksgiving spirit with these beautiful corn creations from Arielle Goddard of Art Camp LA. You'll need black construction paper and Crayola Model Magic to get started. Goddard says its "an air dry clay that feels like light, fluffy marshmallows." Get the full DIY here.
This oh-so simple project is a fall favorite. Collect leaves with kids (Meri Cherry of Meri Cherry Art Studio says avocado leaves work great!). "The bigger the better," she adds in her post. Paint the back of leaves and let little ones bet creative.
Make a paper doll chain of trees for a fairy tale forest, inspired by this post from LA art teacher and paper cut artist Shelley Friedman. For the rest of the scene, Friedman (who teaches at Purple Twig) gave students textured paper that they painted themselves using handmade nature brushes.
For a project you can stretch out over a few days, introduce kids to mixed media paintings like these ones from LA kids art studio Purple Twig. Start with colorful bubble wrap prints on day one, and then layer on leaf prints in gold and black ink on day two. See the final results here.
Another one from the process art pros at Purple Twig, this project teaches kids how to create depth in their painting. Start with trees painted on using diluted sumi ink, then follow with black sumi ink trees on top.
Even if you haven’t put any thought into holiday shopping, chances are your kids are already formulating their wish lists. Online retailer Zulily just announced its first ever Top Toy List for 2020. This collection curated for kids of all ages will inspire parents as they get ready to check off items on their shopping list.
Preparing for holiday shopping is more important than ever. According to a new survey from Zulily and OnePoll, 7 in 10 moms feel pressure to make this holiday season great for their child due to the pandemic.
The inaugural list features the top 29 toys for families who want kids to…
Connect: The family that plays together, stays together. Eighty-six percent of moms say it’s important to them that families play together. With puzzles, easy crafts for kids, rock painting kits, books and STEAM playsets, the whole family can bond, build empathy and learn.
Move: With 63 percent of moms concerned their kids won’t get enough physical activity this winter, it’s time to bring on the energy burners! Get jumping and moving with these great finds that can work both indoors and out.
Imagine: Sixty-eight percent of respondents feel toys with screens have reduced how often children play using their imagination. By choosing toys that encourage free-form play, spark your little one’s creativity!
“Zulily is moms’ best kept secret for playtime essentials at great value; after all, since our first sale in 2010, we’ve sold tens of millions of toys – think about all of those memories made since then!” said Lindsay Reynolds, Zulily’s resident toy expert. “The holidays are all about connecting as a family – and, in light of the pandemic’s impacts on children and playtime, parents are searching for toys this year that get the family moving, imagining and bonding across generations. At Zulily we truly believe you can create special moments without spending a lot – that’s why I’m so excited to unveil our first-ever Top Toy List, all available in Santa’s Workshop, our dedicated shopping destination for all things holiday. And since our assortment changes every single day, moms can find inspiration and deals on toys, décor, and gifts throughout the holiday season!”
Zulily’s top toys will be just one part of the online retailer’s thousands of new products launched every day, all up to 70 percent off. But once a deal is gone, it’s gone, so shoppers need to tune in to see when their fun favorites are available again. For parents hoping to fill up a stocking with a specific brand, they can go to that brand’s page on Zulily.com and simply “heart” it to get notified when it will be back!
Some of the top toys for the season include:
Barbie Dream Closet & Doll by Barbie
The Barbie Dream Closet inspires kids to create endless looks and stories to go with them! The closet playset comes with five complete outfits, including accessories, for any occasion: two trendy day outfits, an evening look, a pediatrician outfit and a sporty scuba suit with mask and fins to invite kids to dream, pretend and play dress up. Suitable for ages 3 to 7 years.
Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower by Hot Wheels
Brand new from one of the top brands every holiday season, the new Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower allows kids to boost their vehicles up and up to the sky for a super-cool jump and the most epic mid-air crashes ever! With multiple track loops and a motorized booster, this tower offers hours of entertainment while promoting imagination and hands-on play. Suitable for ages 5 – 10.
LEGO Harry Potter Set – Hogwarts Astronomy Tower by The LEGO Group
For Harry Potter fans both big and small, this thrill-packed build and play set encourages kids to build and create, unlocking all their magical potential in the tallest tower at Hogwarts. Suitable for kids 9+.
The Child 11″ Plush by Mattel
Inspired by the Lucasfilm live-action series The Mandalorian, this sweet Star Wars plush toy gives kids a way to snuggle up with their favorite character – reminding them that the Force is always with them.
Looking for a few easy crafts for kids? Whether you have an ocean lover or a sea-maid enthusiast, these mermaid crafts pretty much guarantee an afternoon of fun. From DIY mermaid tails to fluffy ocean slime, plenty of creativity awaits.
This craft is not only fun, but eco-friendly, too! Grab those broken crayons and a fun, mermaid-shaped silicone mold, then watch the magic happen as you heat them up and form a brand new, mermagical crayon. Find all the instructions at Nerdy Mamma.
Great for little or big kids, these under-the-sea mermaids are the perfect afternoon craft! You likely have many of the supplies on hand, that include markers, felt and glue. This mini mermaids can be used for a sweet puppet show, book mark or as a fun gift between friends. Get the full instructions at Views From a Stepstool.
Who wants to be a mermaid? This paper craft is all about using what you have around the house, and lets the littles fully express themselves as they transform into magical creatures. Great for indoor or outdoor crafting, you'll want to head to Mom Trends fro all the instructions.
A mermaid must be perfectly outfitted for the sea! While this isn't an expensive pearl necklace, this adorable shell craft quickly provides your mini maid with a gem-worthy accessory that uses glitter and glue and an afternoon of fun. Check out Mama Papa Bubba for all the instructions.
Move over regular slime, fluffy ocean slime is here for summer! The uber soft recipe is perfect for sensory activities, and made even better when you color in sea-worthy colors. Find the full tutorial at Little Bins for Little Hands.
Sure, Christmas may be months away, but you can prep in mer-style with this adorable craft. Clear ornaments are decked out with ocean-themed colors and cute scales for a perfectly personalized craft or gift. Find the steps over at Clumsy Crafter.
Let your little artists shine with this adorable collage project that takes inspo from the sea. Pieces of wood are decorated with treasures like shells, then painted with gorgeous watercolors that make this the perfect piece of artwork to hang on the walls or give to grandparents. Find all the details at Art Bar.
What's summer without a little slime? This mertastic craft combines color and sparkling glitter to make it perfect for slime-loving kiddos. Get the full tutorial at A Sparkle of Genius.
Looking for a way to harness the wind? From upcycled plastic lids and egg cartons to tin cans and seashells, check out these 12 unique wind chimes you can make at home. Not only will it give your kids something to do, but it also makes for sweet backyard decor. Scroll down, our how to make wind chimes crafts will blow you away!
Recycle! Parents can help out on this wind chime project. Recycling plastic lids and pretty beads (or anything you can put on a string) makes for this colorful wind chime. We love the tutorial over at Crafts by Amanda, so head over for the deets. Then it’s time to get crafty.
The sky’s the limit when your little artist reuses egg cartons to make these pretty pastel wind chimes. This project is a breeze to put together with a few supplies: egg cartons, watercolor paint, beads, bells and yarn. Get instructions for this eggs-ellent idea from Barbara over at ArtBar.
Shell we make some wind chimes today? Grab shells, glitter, glue gun and string, then follow Jessica Amey’s simple directions at Let’s Do Something Crafty, and you’ve got new backyard décor. When you're done, tie it up and let the wind do its thing.
From colorful paper mâché and glitter paint, your little crafter will enjoy this DIY wind chime project. The best part is the tinkering sound the lids make when done. For a complete how-to head over to Amy Latte Creations and get started today!
It's heart to resist this sweet wind chime made with care over at No Time for Flashcards. Little hands will need a little help (it's worth the effort!) melting these pretty red and white hearts. You’ll need pony beads, string, a piece of wood and silicone holders. You can get the 4-1-1 from Allison over at No Time for Flashcards.
If your little crafter is keen on making friendship bracelets, then these DIY macrame wind chimes are perfect. For what to get and how to make these wind chimes head over to Crafts Unleased. When done, hand them up and listen to the music in the wind.
Paperclips? Check. Plastic cup? Check. Add string, googly eyes and bells, and you’ve got the makings of a wind chime inspired by Chelsey over at Buggy and Buddy. Go here for the step-by-step. When done, sit back and hear the bells.
Wood-n’t you like to make this colorful chime? There are a few more steps to this project, but the result is worth it. Props to Jackie at Happy Hooligans, who came up with this cool craft that starts with a nature walk. Find the how-to here.
Who doesn’t love to believe in fairy tales? These cute little wind chimes make a sweet tinkering sound that your own fabulous fairy will love. There are quite a few (but do-able) steps: you'll need beads, small jingle bells, wire and miniature flower pots. Lori over at Beneath the Rowan Tree gives us detailed steps.
We try to set a good example for our kids by picking up trash from the environment. Well, Natalie over at Handmade Charlotte took this task up a notch when she made these whimsical wind chimes. You’ll need a plastic lid, ice cream spoons, bells, feathers and several other items. Get the full scoop, here.
When kids are done playing “kick the can” they can paint them to make this bright and bold can craft. A nod to Kim who came up with this cool idea that’s easy for kiddos to do. All you need is an old lampshade wire (or something similar), cans, paint, string, hammer (adult supervision, please) and nails. Grab the directions here.
Earth Day is Apr. 22 so naturally we’ve rounded up a bunch of crafts that honor this great planet we live on. From recycled crafts for kids that include pressed flower bookmarks to leaf art and a bird bath, these EarthDay crafts are some majorly inspirational ways to reuse, repurpose, and really have fun this April.
What happens when you combine milk and vinegar? Earth-friendly plastic! This simple to execute kitchen science experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands uses natural products and results in a fun craft when you shape and color to look like the earth.
While not every parent is in love with this ooey, gooey trend, this Earth Day Slime from A Sparkle of Genius is a fun way to celebrate. Water, borax, glue and lots of fun glitter come together to make this festive craft come to life.
Gather up some flowers and leaves and preserve them forever! This easy craft can be done using a laminator or contact paper and celebrates the great Earth's beauty. You can find an easy tutorial over at Buggy & Buddy.
Celebrate the beauty of our wonderful planet by creating art! Use natural ingredients like grass, leaves and sticks pairs with a little paint like this cute craft from Fireflies & Mudpies.
This bright and cheery craft from The Chirping Moms welcomes little birdies to the neighborhood. Basic terra-cotta pots are painted and assembled before adding water. Let the bird-watching begin!
Settle in for some therapeutic painting with this wood slice craft from Homegrown Friends. Kiddos will enjoy using a new art medium and learning about the different textures found on each slice of wood.
Commune with nature and use materials you have on find to make your own tin can salon. This fun craft from Toddler Approved uses recyclable materials and some fun crafting supplies to make the cutest grass people you'll ever see.
This easy peasy craft from Royal Baloo just requires wax paper, paint, brushes and a little black paper. Kiddos can express themselves creatively, then trim into an earth shape and hang in a window for a gorgeous stained glass effect.
Turn your creativity into fashion with an eco bead bracelet like this one from In the Playroom. You can purchase a fun kit like this one from Amazon that turns strips of paper into works of art in a flash.
Spend some time celebrating the bounty of our great planet Earth with a fun DIY craft like these Garden Stakes from Mod Podge Rocks. Upcycle those mason jar lids and either print out a cute label or let the kiddos make a sweet drawing to mark each of your home grown veggies.
The best way to celebrate Earth Day? With a newspaper garland, of course! Kitchen Counter Chronicle has the lowdown on how to top off your festivities with perfect paper planets.
If you’re looking for an easy-peasy, earth-pleasing garden decoration, try this idea from Sweet Thing Designs. The kids will love finding sticks and then jazzing them up!
This craft from Hands on As We Grow is music to our ears! All you need to make your own wonderful windchime is a few cans from your recycling bin. Let your little artists decorate before assembly for that extra special touch.
Travel to a galaxy far, far away with the help of an upcycled egg carton and The Weisse Guys. Not only does this idea give new life to an item you’d normally toss, it also makes playtime worthy of a Wookiee.
Here’s a simple craft idea that won’t require any crazy supplies. I Heart Crafty Things explains how to make a pretty earth using a coffee filter, markers, and a bit of water.
This craft from Frugal Upstate is a little more time consuming, but easy enough for little hands to master. Plus, it’s the perfect way to spend a rainy spring day.
Make a cool collage for Earth Day! It's easy to repurpose old magazines to make a brand new piece of earth-inspired art. Hop over to I Heart Crafty Things to get the full instructions.
It doesn’t get much simpler than this cute craft idea from Let the Children Play. Just gather a few leaves and let the kiddos decorate them with markers or paint, then string them together to make a swanky necklace.
Let the whole neighborhood know that your psyched for Earth Day! Thanks to Make and Takes, you can turn cardboard into a magical earth mosaic for your window, .
Gather some pinecones from your backyard or local park and make a few feathered friends very happy with these bird feeders. Head to Tinkerlab to get the instructions.
Encourage the kiddos to get their hands dirty with this cute idea from No Time for Flashcards. Mix up some puffy paint using shaving cream, white glue, and green paint, and then give your little Picasso free rein.
Turn a toilet paper roll into a cute animal—from bunnies to butterflies, the sky’s the limit. Find a few different tutorials over at Untrained Housewife.
Make use of the scrap paper that’s hanging around the house by making your own recycled paper. Check out the (surprisingly simple!) directions at No Time for Flashcards.
With April’s arrival we have tons of spring festivals, parades and celebrations coming to a neighborhood near you. Celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossoms, try out your next two-wheeled ride and see some brand-new farm babies at these April and May events. Scroll down to find your weekend plans!
April
Coastal Wildflowers and Earth Day Festival—Half Moon Bay
Kate Loweth
Celebrate the return of spring wildflowers and the start of California Native Plant Week. Learn about native plants, how you can grow them in your garden and take part in projects to restore the coast. The event includes games and crafts for kids.
Dates: April 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Free, $10 parking Location: Francis State Beach, 95 Kelly Ave., Half Moon Bay, CA Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Tinkerfest—Oakland
Build, create and innovate with the whole family at the Chabot Space & Science Center's Tinkerfest. The event showcases the work of makers, artists and tinkerers of all ages. Visitors can challenge each other in a giant game of Pac-Man, play with their food at the Tinker Kitchen, create a large-scale collaborative chain reaction machine and even dismantle an entire car and plane with the help of trained mechanics. The possibilities for DIY fun are endless.
Dates: April 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Free with admission Location: Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland, CA Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Butter & Egg Days—Petaluma
Butter & Egg Days, Steven Restivo Event Services
Petaluma's annual Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival has become a beloved community tradition that draws tens of thousands of people. This year's theme, "It's always punny in Petaluma," promises to bring humor to this event. Petaluma's charming Historic Downtown District will be transformed into an open-air marketplace, with arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, kids' activities and more. Don't miss the Cutest Chick contest featuring dozens of tots bedecked in fluffy yellow feathers. The kids' parade starts at 11:30 a.m. and the main parade starts at noon.
Date: April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Free Location: Historic Downtown, Petaluma, CA Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show—Half Moon Bay
Miramar Events
A car show, air show, motorcycle show, tractor show, maker fair, music festival, food festival and living history festival all rolled into one. The kids will be enthralled by the skydiving performances and monster truck rides.
Date: April 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $25/adults, $15/kids 11-17, kids 10 and under are free Location: Half Moon Bay Airport, 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway , Half Moon Bay, CA Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Parents Place Family Fun Day—Palo Alto
Parents Place
Bounce around in the toddler fun zone, rock out to live music and sample delicious treats from food vendors. Meet the Parents Place team of parenting experts, engage in games and activities provided by community partners and drop in to one of the mini-workshops on everything from mindfulness to tantrums while the kids enjoy the playroom.
Date: April 28, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cost: Free Location: Koret Family Resource Center, 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto, CA Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
May
98th Annual May Fete Parade—Palo Alto
May Fete Parade
Parade features marching bands, decorated floats, thousands of happy kids with costumes, pets or bicycles marching down University Avenue. The parade ends at Heritage Park for the Annual May Fete Fair.
Date: May 4, 10 a.m. Cost: Free Location: Downtown Palo Alto, University Avenue and Emerson Street. Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
72nd Annual Los Altos Kiwanis Pet Parade—Los Altos
nathanmac87 via flickr
Hundreds of kids and their pets—dogs, cats, birds, chickens, turtles and even worms—participate in this annual parade. There are also youth groups, marching bands and dignitaries in vintage cars.
Date: May 18, 10 a.m. Cost: Free Location: Downtown Los Altos Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Silicon Valley Bikes! Festival and Bicycle Show—San Jose
Silicon Valley Bikes Festival
Celebrate National Bike Month at this festival that includes food trucks, craft beer for the parents, a Kids’ Space, thrilling BMX stunt riding shows, music, historical exhibitions, free valet bicycle parking and a spectacular bicycle show that attracts custom, vintage, cruiser and lowrider builders and collectors.
Celebrate this German/Austrian cultural fest with a Maypole, authentic foods and beer, music, folk dancing and children’s games.
Date: May 19, 12-6 p.m. Cost: $20/adults, kids free Location: San Francisco Tourist Club, 30 Ridge Ave., Mill Valley, CA Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Bay Area KidFest—Concord
Looking for a fun way to spend Memorial Day weekend? Head over to Concord where it’s Kid Fest time! Puppets, singers, martial artists and even your favorite TV characters will be there to entertain all weekend. Carnival rides will get you spinning.
Dates: May 23-25, Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $7 per person ages 2 and over ($1 off with donation of canned good) Location: Mount Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord, CA Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Carnaval—San Francisco
Carnaval San Francisco
San Francisco's 41st annual Carnaval celebration is shaping up to be a party like no other. Over 400,000 people are expected to line in the streets to enjoy dancing, drumming, live music, brilliant costumes, delicious food and artistry. Don't miss the Grand Parade, which kicks off on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The parade begins at the corner of 24th and Bryant streets, then proceeds west to Mission Street, heads north on Mission to 17th Street, turns east on 17th Street and concludes at South Van Ness Avenue. The spectacular costumes and floats will take your breath away, and the infectious samba rhythms will have your whole family dancing in the streets.
Dates: May 23-24 Cost: Free Location: Harrison Street between 16th and 24th streets, San Francisco, CA Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
San Ramon Art & Wind Festival—San Ramon
Chicago Botanic Kites
Kites are the main attraction of this event along with artists’ booths and hands-on activities for all ages. See talented musicians and dancers on multiple stages, grab a bite to eat and check out the kids zone with rides and other fun.
Dates: May 24-25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: Free Location: San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, CA Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Civil War Battles and Encampment—Felton
Kate Loweth
Travel back in time to the Civil War where encampments of Union and Confederate soldiers re-make history right before your eyes. Ride an 1880s "iron horse" through an ancient redwood forest and witness skirmishes as the steam train ascends Bear Mountain. Then chow down on a Chuck Wagon Barbecue.
Dates: May 23-25, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: Train rides are $37/adults, $28/kids. Admission to Civil War event is $5. $10 parking. Location: Roaring Camp Railroad, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Looking for a simple apple-inspired craft? We’ve got 11 different ones suitable for all ages and stages
The leaves are changing, and sweater weather is coming—it’s apple time! Sure, your family is totally into eating them—Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Honeycrisp, yum!—but there’s so much more you can do. That’s why we’ve got a mega mix of artsy, fabulously apple crafts for kids and some other activities for kids that are inspired by (and some that even use) fall’s favorite fruit.
1. Stackin’ Apples
Your little learner is about to get schooled in the science of building and get a little math practice, too. Starting with the Dr. Seuss favorite Ten Apples Up On Top!, this activity helps kids explore engineering—but with apples! Check out the full activity at The Educator’s Spin On It.
2. Pretty Prints
Who needs a paintbrush anyway? Paint, an apple, and oh-so-much fun! This is one that you might remember from way back when you were a tot, too. Head over to Simple Fun for Kids for… well, some simple fun for kids. Literally.
3. Not Quite Grandma’s Apple Pie
Okay, okay. So this one doesn’t use real apples. But if your kiddos are looking for some pretend play awesomeness, this craft from The Best Ideas for Kids is pretty rad. We know you’re probably jonesing for a slice of apple pie by now and hey, at least this one is a no-calorie option!
4. Simple Slime with a Twist
Extend your kid’s summertime slime obsession well into the fall with a simple slime recipe. Even though it’s not made with apples, it sure looks like the fall fruit. Visit Schooling a Monkey for the complete details.
5. Feed the Birds
Get back to nature with this apple activity! Even though the air might have a slight crisp chill in it, your furry and feathered friends are still very much out and about. Are your kids up for a little bird watching? Well, you need to attract the local flying wildlife to your yard. The kids can use fresh fruit to make a feeder that the birds will totally enjoy. Visit Mothering with Mindfulness to learn how to create your own.
7. Pop the Cork
So you say you’ve got a cork or two sitting around? Put them to use, and try out this perfect-for-preschoolers fall apple art activity from The Gingerbread House. This easy art activity lets kids explore print making without having to take a college class in some sort of complicated medium. No screens, pricey tools or expert knowledge required.
8. Sit Under the Apple Tree
Sometimes you just can’t grow your own apple tree. Sure, it’s science-y fun. But it’s not always practical. In case your mini Johnny Appleseed is interested in trees, this activity from Crafts on Sea lets them explore in a creatively, crafty way.
9. Shine Bright
A little sparkle is always welcome. Seriously. If your kiddo is obsessed with everything that shines, you know all about how inviting materials such as sequins or glitter can be. This art activity brings the sparkle—in spades. Get the steps to creating a crafty, and super-shiny apple from What Can We Do with Paper and Glue.
10. Bowling Apples
Are you looking for a way to use apples in a completely different way? Well, here it is. Get the kids up off the couch, away from the screens and outside with this motion-filled apple activity. A little paint, an apple, and so much fun. Get the fabulously messy steps for making a Jackson Pollock-esque bowling apple alley at Mess for Less.
11. Spin a Yarn
Go beyond the paper apple cutouts (of course, you can still make those too) and get crafty with this 3-D apple idea. Learn how to make adorable apples, all with yarn! Hang them up for your own family fall festival or use them to adorn your home as everyday décor. Get the details on how to make these artsy apples at The Best Ideas for Kids.
You’ve got plenty of time at home these days. Transform your crew into a masked menagerie with just a few basic supplies. From fluffy flamingos to woodland creatures, scroll down to find 10 easy ways to let your littles take a walk on the wild side.
1. Masked Menagerie
The classic paper bag mask has gotten a modern makeover with these adorable (and free!) printables from Wee Society. New in 2016, the dinosaur and the unicorn a masked menagerie that includes a gorilla, a fox, a koala, and owl and a lion. Besides that paper bag, you’ll need construction paper and glue. Click here to get the printable kit from Wee Society.
2. Lion Around
We’d be “lion” if we didn’t give major props to this sweet mask from Pink Stripey Socks. Wondering what it’ll take to get your kids to the Serengeti for an afternoon adventure? We can tell you that paper plates play a big role in this project. Find out what else you’ll need over at Pink Stripey Socks.
3. Fabulous Frogs and Flamingos
Turn your little one into a feathery flamingo or a fabulous frog with a few supplies from your local art supply store. We love how the creative folks over at Everyday Dishes use old sunglasses as a starting point. Find out what else you need to make your own version by clicking here.
4. Woodland Wonders
These upcycled woodland creatures are pretty cool. Not only does this project get your littles thinking about the Great Outdoors but it’s something anyone can tackle in an afternoon. Grab a paper bag and find out how crafter Natalie over at Handmade Charlotte gets the mask shape just right.
5. Sensational Sea Creature
It won’t take eight arms to pull together this disguise. Using your own (and maybe a few helper) hands, you can send underwater adventurers to the bottom of the sea in no time. Find out what you’ll need over at Pretty Prudent.
6. Magnificent Mouse
If it’s a game of cat-and-mouse you want, then this tutorial is a perfect solution. Merrliee of Mer Mag has delivered another incredible idea that’s easy to replicate. Get the simple tutorial over at Mer Mag.
photo: Gabby Cullen
7. Beautiful Butterfly
Making a butterfly mask could mean pretty-in-pink or wild insect right out of the Amazon, but either way, your kids will get a kick out of putting this one together. Get the 411 by clicking here.
8. Hare-Raising Fun Some-bunny will love this mask from Momtastic. Whether your kiddo is on Easter Bunny patrol or if Peter Rabbit is the cat’s meow, this easy project will complete the package. Wondering what you’ll need to make it happen? Here’s a tip: eating breakfast cereal helps! Get the low-down over at Momtastic.
9. Feathered Friend
Bring the Bluebird of Happiness home with a bright and cheerful mask like the one we spotted over at Piper’s Art Blog. Using just one paper plate, construction paper, and a little glue, you’ll be singing this project’s praises in no time. Fly on over to Piper’s Art Blog for the tutorial.
photo: Erin Feher
10. A Ridiculously Easy Rhino
Make a rhino mask before playing pachyderm with the kiddos. With just a few supplies you’ll be on a stay-at-home safari in no time. Find out how it’s done here.
