With Easter just around the corner, chances are you’ll soon have some extra egg cartons on your hands. Put them to good use with these simple egg carton crafts for kids of all ages that extend far beyond Easter. From flowers to colorful chicks, these crafts that use egg cartons are a must this spring.
How cute is this egg carton craft from Red Ted Art? Not only are they easy to create, but they make great decorations for the kids’ Easter dinner table too.
This adorable idea from Jumbletree is so fresh and fun, and kids will love using it to play with their bunny pals. Making the burrow is simple, and making rabbits requires a few supplies you probably already have. Get the tutorial to make the rabbits here.
Create whimsical jellyfish puppets when you use this adorable design from The Art Kit. Egg cartons, paint, yarn, and googly eyes are pretty much all you need to create these under the sea creatures!
This craft uses a different part of the egg carton—the pointy part that touches the lid. All you have to do is cut out that piece, fill it with soil, and then top it with an adorable and tiny succulent. Attach string and hang for your very own hanging planter. You can find all the details at Journey Into Creativity.
Let your little Picasso get creative by making egg carton flower prints! This craft from Meaningful Mama is simply fun and perfect for some Spring crafting. Put these works of art in a frame, or get the kids to make some cards for grandparents—you can't go wrong!
A perfect craft for big kids, these Dancing Fish from Brainy Beginnings Network involve painting and a little sewing. Once assembled, make these gorgeous fish dance or hang them up as a super cute decoration.
Turn your old egg cartons into adorable ladybugs with this tutorial from One Little Project. Gather pipe cleaners, pom poms, and googly eyes, and get crafting.
Crafty kids will love making this flower bouquet canvas from Mod Podge Rocks. With brightly colored paint, a little glue, and a layer of sparkly Mod Podge, it’ll come together in an afternoon.
These cute chicks from Typically Simple can double as an Easter project—and they’re a super fun way to make use of egg cartons. They’re also easy to make with items you probably have on hand.
Thanks to Let's Do Something Crafty, your kids can snap the perfect pretend photo. Though this egg carton craft may need a bit more grown-up involvement, the kids can help out with painting, braiding the camera strap, or arranging the different elements of the "camera."
Create an entire underwater world with just four supplies. You’ve got the egg cartons; find out what else you’ll need at Fantastic Fun and Learning. One down, three to go!
Using egg cartons as building blocks? Pure genius. Once you’ve cut up your stash, have the kids paint it all in bright hues. After that, the possibilities are endless. Take a peek at the great tutorial for this craft that uses egg cartons at The Pinterested Parent.
These little guys are more cute than creepy and use up plenty of egg cartons. Parents, you'll probably have to handle the task of arranging the pipe cleaner legs just right. Get the how-to over at Pink Stripey Socks.
It’s a project that requires help, but your kiddo will be the queen or king of spring if you decide to tackle this cool flower crown. You can handle the glue gun, they can design their flowers. Find out how to make this egg carton craft over at Hello Wonderful.
Who-who-who's up for transforming an egg carton into a feathered friend? This clever craft from Art and Soul Preschool is super easy. If you have a decently stocked craft drawer you likely have the googly eyes, feathers and paint ready to go.
This egg carton mask craft from Teaching Every Day is great fun for a masquerade dress-up bash. You only need a few supplies, and it's easy enough that younger crafters can handle most of the steps. Customize with the kids' favorite colors or add feathers for additional panache.
How cute are these penguins from Green Owl Art? They're just the right size for little hands and don't require a lot of materials or time. Couple the activity with a viewing of Happy Feet, and you've got one eggcellent afternoon.
Here's a smile, crocodile! This green grinner from My Kid Craft is a lot of toothy fun. Best part? It requires three egg cartons—ideal for using up a big supply.
These adorable little robins are made from recycled egg cartons, and as a bonus, they have a little treat inside! Not only are they filled with your favorite candy, but they're also super easy to make. Check out the step-by-step tutorial from Almost Unschoolers here.
Let your kids learn their imagination is as deep as the ocean with this fun egg carton ocean craft. Use the container as a vignette, where little ones can paint with colors of the sea, then fill it with ocean creatures and plants. Get the details from The Imagination Tree.
—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Karly Wood
The Easter Bunny is getting ready to hop up to your house—and we have just the thing to add a little magical fun to your Easter celebration. Check out these creative Easter ideas for Easter Bunny fun, like making a bunny trail and the Easter Bunny tracker. Once you know how he’s going to make his arrival, be prepared with Easter games for kids and hilarious Easter jokes.
Easter Bunny Tracker
iStock
Track the Easter bunny on your smartphone! Compatible with both Apple and Android phones, download the app and then, on Easter Eve 2024, March 30 at 5 a.m. you'll be able to follow the Easter Bunny as he delivers treats to kids around the world.
We know there will be some eye-rolls over this idea for Easter Bunny fun, but how cute would a pastel-themed Easter tree be? It’s also a fun place to have the furry guy drop Easter baskets filled with goodies. Go for an all-white tree like this one, and go wild with Easter decorations. This is also a perfect place to leave a plate of carrots the night before!
The Easter Bunny can drop a winding trail of jelly beans to the kitchen—with this delicious bunny fairy bread serving as the treat at the end of the trail. Skip over to Hello Wonderful to find out how to set up this easy idea for Easter Bunny fun. Pair it with pastel-colored milk made with a few drops of food coloring in your little one's morning glass of milk for a festive breakfast. Note: if you have animal friends who'd gobble up a jelly bean trail, the Easter Bunny can leave a trail of inedible white cotton balls through your house instead.
The clever Easter Bunny doesn't leave baskets out in the open: he hides them at the end of a tricky scavenger hunt. Happiness is Homemade put together a free printable packed full of treasure hunt clues, with each one leading to the next. You'll be able to drink your morning coffee while your kids decipher the clues.
We love this extra-sweet tradition for Easter bunny fun! Simply gather a handful of jelly beans and, with your little one, plant them outside. While your bunnies sleep, you can swap out the beans for lollipops. Voila! Your kids will wake up to a magical lollipop garden on Easter morning. If you're worried about your dog gobbling up the jelly beans outside, or if it's too chilly for an outdoor planting session, you can bring the magic jelly bean fun inside with this easy lollipop garden craft.
What will the Easter Bunny be sure to leave as he hops through your house? Paw prints! You can create a bunny trail that leads through your house with a template and white flour. It's an affordable way to sprinkle a little egg-stra magic on Easter morning. Find all the DIY tips here. If your bunny's in a hurry, simply pick up a pack of oversized pink-and-white paw print decals and spread them out on the floor. Get them here.
The Easter Bunny's surprises don't have to end with candy-packed baskets. Bake a hidden bunny chocolate and vanilla funfetti cake for a sweet Easter brunch finale. It's easier to make than it looks! The Itsy-Bitsy Kitchen has step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process for this fun Easter idea for kids.
Make your own Easter Bunny fun hideaway with these super fun steps from Allison Murray from Dream a Little Bigger. You can simplify with some paint and stencils for a quick DIY project.
The bunny may bring chocolate and marshmallow goodies, but what about when the hunt is over and you’ve got a free afternoon ahead? Try a few fun Easter games for kids. From eggcellent educational ideas to bunny-based movement activities, hop to it and add these Easter games for kids to your holiday activity list!
This fun Easter game for kids requires a little prep work, but worth the effort. Save your empty eggshells and bake them in the oven to get rid of bacteria. Then let your kids color them, or just leave them as is, give them a tub, a wooden hammer, and a colored die. Then, whatever color they roll is the color they can smash to their heart’s content!
Minute to Win It games are always fun, and these Easter-themed versions are perfect for a family gathering or Easter party! Watch the video above to learn to see the Cotton Ball Scoop, Peep Knock Down, Jelly Bean Transfer, and of course, the Egg Toss.
Toddlers and preschoolers will love this easy-to-DIY number-matching puzzle activity. It makes a fun activity for kids to practice counting and number recognition this Easter! You may want to keep this one around all spring.
Test your bowling skills by rolling your hard-boiled Easter eggs. You can devise different play methods and use stuffed bunnies and carrots to knock down. However you roll it, kids and adults will love this game. Get more details from Kid-Friendly Things to Do.
Easter-Themed Bunny Bean Bag Toss
Bring the fun to your backyard bash with this Easter-themed bunny bean bag toss game from Amazon ($10). The Easter game comes with a 30” x 54” gamepad and four carrot-shaped bean bags.
Get in motor fun with this hoppy activity from Fantastic Fun and Learning. Not only can your kids hop like a bunny, but they can also build early literacy skills.
Turn follow the leader into bunny fun with rabbit feet. Place these cardboard bunny footprints from Amazon ($6) in your backyard, on a walkway, or even in your playroom. The kids can jump from footprint to footprint or follow the rabbit around your home.
Potato Sack Race
Your little bunnies can get hopping with this potato sack race game from Amazon ($19). Each set comes with six bunny-print potato sacks and bunny ear headbands.
Egg-extravagant Easter Egg Hunt
Are you looking for Easter games with eggs? Even though you could go with the same old Easter egg hunt your kids do every year, you also could kick things up a notch with a color-coded game, treasure map hunt, or one of these other amped-up options.
With some paper and paint, you can turn a classic Easter game into a fresh new tradition. We love what Jaime Reimer came up with, and it's a safe bet you will, too. Check out everything you need to know, including what supplies you'll need, by heading over to Hands On As We Grow.
This brilliant idea from Squirrelly Minds hits all the marks for a fun easter gamer. Each day in the week leading up to Easter, crack open an egg to a colorful explosion of confetti and an easter activity to do for the day. Check out the full tutorial at Squirrelly Minds.
Easter Bingo
This Easter bingo game for kids ($9) is perfect for your family’s holiday party or just an afternoon of at-home play. Get your own set of cards and markers on Amazon.
Felt Egg Puzzles
This Easter, your kids can craft their own puzzle—with felt. Cut colorful craft felt into egg-shaped ovals. Use the felt scraps to make stripes, polka dots, and other pieces. Scatter the felt on a desk or the kitchen table. Your child can puzzle the pieces together to create a design. Unlike paper, the fuzzy felt will stick together. Add an extra layer to the game and ask your child to match colors or shapes on each egg.
Bunny Ear Ring Toss
Need a fun family game or event for your Easter party this year? Inflate this bunny ear-ring toss game, and let the fun begin. The $9 game from Amazon includes two sets of purple bunny ears and 12 bright color toss rings.
Pin the Tail on the Bunny
A perfect indoor Easter Day game! Pin the Tail on the Bunny is just like the classic Pin the Tail on the Donkey, except you’ll use cotton balls with tape on them rather than a donkey tail.
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Presidents Day was originally created to recognize George Washington’s birthday, but in addition, in 1971, it was moved to the third Monday of February in order to give the nation’s workers an additional 3-day weekend! We’ll take it, especially because Presidents Day is the perfect time for our favorite brands to launch some fabulous sales. It’s likely your inbox is pretty stuffed with offers, but we organized all that for you and found the best Presidents Day 2024 sales around!
We’ve stayed on top of the best deals and steals coming up for this long weekend so you don’t have to. There’s a huge range of discounts below that you won’t want to miss from apparel to housewares, health and beauty, and more, so you’re sure to find exactly what you’re searching for. We’re talking saving money and discovering some new brands, too. These are the best Presidents Day 2024 sales! Keep an eye on this space—we’ll be updating it all week long!
Jump to: Apparel Sales (Athleta, J.Crew, Third Love, and more) Baby & Kids Sales (KiwiCo, Melissa & Doug, Pottery Barn Kids, and more) Home Sales (Anthropologie Home, Brümate, Williams Sonoma, and more) Health & Beauty Sales (PMD Beauty, Nécessaire, Beauty Pie, and more) Accessories Sales (Citizen, Gorjana, DSW, and more) Outdoor Sales (REI, Sunny Sports, Tractor Supply, and more) Food Sales (Murray’s Cheese, Harry & David, Thrive Market, and more)
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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Hotels schmotels. If you want to make your vacay extra-extraordinary—you’ve got to make your overnight accommodations as much a destination as any place else. So whether you want to spend the night on a battleship, sleep on a big cat refuge, or hunker down on your own private island, there are oddities galore when it comes to Airbnb vacation rentals. You’re going to have a hard time deciding which one to book next, trust us!
If you're planning a trip to a galaxy far, far away, Airbnb has the perfect place for you to stay in Orlando, Florida. Twelve Parsecs is a 9-bedroom house located just 15 minutes away from Disney World, making it the perfect place for a family of Jedi warriors to rest their heads while visiting Galaxy's Edge. The home includes a heated pool and resort amenities at the Champions Gate Oasis resort that include a water park, two golf courses, a splash pad, a game room, a theater, and more. The hosts have also left behind 16 Star Wars Easter eggs for guests to find. Read more here.
This house is gorgeous, more of an art sculpture than your normal box-shaped residence. You'll get plenty of room for your whole family and views of the gorgeous canyon.
This ark is such a welcoming space and we know you're going to enjoy visiting. It sits on over 50 acres of land that includes a pond for fishing and a year-round creek.
Live out your Flintstones dreams at this hydroelectric homestead and working farm. You'll have an entire west wing to yourself and a shared kitchen and common rooms. Climb to the top of the cave to see the expansive stars and enjoy your morning coffee up there. The area has numerous options for hiking, mountain biking and exploring.
Your little ones will go nuts for this too-cute vacation rental in Texas that looks like an acorn! Sit on the porch and listen to the creek flowing nearby before you head inside to the circular sitting area and lofted bedroom.
Drive about an hour north of LA and you'll discover this secluded treehouse in an orchard of orange and avocado trees. It's located on a working farm with chickens, goats, ducks, and more—which makes it an ideal spot for a parent-kid getaway (only two guests are allowed). The recently built treehouse boasts a comfy queen bed, a cute kitchenette, and a full-size shower. Watch the sunset from the large deck, complete with a fire pit to satisfy your s'mores fix. After dark, you and your little one can enjoy some stargazing far from the city lights.
Wake up to this gorgeous view in your green caboose. The caboose is located behind an original Train Depot built in 1906 which used to be located in Enterprise, Oregon. It was moved in 1980 to its present location, one mile north of the town of Joseph, to serve as a residence. The caboose is completely self-contained with a small fridge, electric stove top burners, table and stools, a shower with rainfall shower head, linens and towels, cooking utensils, and an RV-style toilet room. There is one main bedroom with a full-size bed with a memory foam mattress. Two twin bunk beds are separated from the main bedroom with drapery.
How cool is this Airbnb? This 1966 UNIMOG was used as a movie prop in the Hunger Games and the Walking Dead. Two people can sleep in the UNIMOG and there are spots for additional people to sleep on the open-air sleeping loft. You are totally off the grid at this spot as you'll drop your car at the farm's goat pen and throw your belongings in the back of the UTV. Staff will drive you what will seem like a hundred miles away from society onto the 105-acre sanctuary. You will hike beautiful scenery, play in the river and chill in your lounge chair on an observation deck that lets you truly escape the world below.
Sleeps: 4 but more can be accommodated. Dogs allowed. Cost: $102/night Online: airbnb.com
If you REALLY want to get away from society, this is the Airbnb for you. Your cabin is on its own private island which you access by private pontoon ride from the mainland. Spend your days fishing, boating, and swimming while you enjoy this fully off-grid adventure. Island concierge service is available if you need to have any supplies restocked during your stay. Unwind by the campfire, watch the sunset, and listen to the loons as they settle in for the night.
For a true New England vacation with a killer view, you can have this entire historic lighthouse and its adjacent home all to yourself. Located at the tip of Wings Neck Point along the western coast of Cape Cod, the lighthouse was built in 1849 and completely renovated in 2003. Formerly a U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse, the light tower still stands next to the original three-bedroom keeper's home. Kids will love climbing the whirling stairs and subsequent ladder to reach the glass top of the lighthouse, where they'll get a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean and the adjacent rocky shores. And, when just looking at the water isn't enough, there is a private sandy beach nearby where kids can swim in the gentle waves of the bay.
Lord of the Rings fans will geek out at the opportunity to stay a night in a hobbit house. These underground pods—located on a crop farm near Nashville, Tennessee—look like little hills from afar; but get closer and see the wooden walls and the giant round doorways. There are two pods for sleeping (for up to four guests each), with separate pods for the kitchen and dining rooms. Communal barbecue and sitting areas are located around the eco-farm to bring people together. Kids will love exploring the trails and looking for waterfalls (there are two of them) across the farm's 15 acres. There's also a chicken coop where you are free to collect fresh eggs for breakfast. A unique vacation rental you won't soon forget!
The Phoenix Earthship (which is located near Taos, NM, not Phoenix, AZ) is a work of art and guaranteed to make a unique family vacation the kids will never forget. The greenhouse makes a lush environment in the high mountain desert, with banana trees, grapevines, birds, turtles, and a fish pond. The entire property is off-grid, sustainable and unique. There is also a food garden, chickens, and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Part of a massive 630-acre Earthship subdivision, the only official off-grid subdivision in the world, you'll find stars for days. It's also within driving distance of artsy Taos.
Got a whole crew in tow? Check out this amazing dome for a group vacation in the Catskill Mountains, located in New York. There’s a communal outdoor kitchen, an outdoor shower and bath, a fire pit, a pizza oven, and a bathroom available. Kids will love swimming in the pond and adults will enjoy watching from the wood-fired cedar hot tub. The property, perfect for multi-generational families, also has bunnies, sheep and goats.
For your little knights and princesses, this newly restored 1920s castle is straight out of a storybook. Original details like stone turrets, gothic arches, and exposed beams abound. It's a splurge, but so worth it. The grounds are completely enclosed by stone walls and offer a private courtyard off the master, a built-in fire pit, and a spacious pool to play in. Sleeps: 6 Cost: $1,004/night Online: airbnb.com
Located near Waco, Texas, and about 20 miles from the downtown area, this expansive farm stay includes an incredibly unique converted grain silo with all the amenities, including a sleeping loft, full bathroom, kitchen, and a fishing pond on site. Visit with the sheep and llamas and relax in the peace and quiet.
Have you ever thought about how cool it would be to stay in a Navajo hut, with an earthen floor and a wood-burning stove? This rustic Native American-owned traditional Navajo hut near Page, Arizona accommodates four family members and has a fully-stocked bathroom nearby and an outside fire pit where you’ll cook your dinner under the moonlight. The best part: you’ll wake up to a traditional Navajo breakfast complete with blue corn porridge, fresh fruit, and ranch coffee or tea sourced from the land. Keep a look out for roaming sheep, sheepdogs, and horses before you set off for a visit to the nearby Grand Canyon. This unique vacation rental is a kid favorite!
You'll love this delightful float house on the John Day River, minutes from charming Astoria. This home offers a perfect place to enjoy river recreation and relaxation. Originally a floating store, guests now enjoy all the modern conveniences mixed with old-world charm. Sitting adjacent to 16 acres of farmland, enjoy the peace and serenity of country life or use it as a jumping-off point for your adventure on the coast.
Come to Santa Rosa for the exotic animals and stay for the one-of-a-kind overnight glamping experience at the Safari West wildlife preserve. The heavy canvas tents—imported from Africa—have hardwood floors (albeit polished), and the sounds of wildlife give the feel of camping, while heaters and ceiling fans provide home comforts. While the luxurious bedding is nice, the highlight of the experience for all ages is the more than 800 animals that roam these acres. (Note that the tents are separated from the wildlife for safety reasons.) Take a 3-hour tour of the property on an open-air safari Jeep (must be age 4 or older for this). The on-site Savanna Grill offers indoor and outdoor dining and wines from area vines, as well as Africa.
This 15-bedroom mansion devoted to games will wow grown-ups as much as it does their little gamers. Built by the same couple who made The Sweet Escape, this bastion to all things playable lets guests walk inside their favorite board and video games. It's a gamer's paradise: There's a LEGO room covered in foam blocks; a Ms. Pac-Man room that'll make you feel like it's 1985 (it comes with a multi-cade arcade machine and an Atari 2600); and a CLUE room that also works as an escape room. There's also a huge pool with a lazy river and waterslide; a human whack-a-mole game that's just begging for social media likes; a human bowling game that puts people inside Zorb balls to knock down giant bowling pins; and a giant dartboard that uses Velcro soccer balls instead of darts.
Rates start at $1,595 a night (sleeps up to 54 people).
Ahoy, sailors! Grab your sleeping bag and pillow and spend the night aboard the U.S.S. Lexington, a retired aircraft carrier that has been docked in the Corpus Christi harbor since 1991 as a living history museum. Overnights on the battleship mean a unique first-person lesson in history: Not only will you get to bunk in the crew's original quarters; you'll also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship and hear stories from its past (the ship was heavily used during World War 2). Overnighters are also treated to a nighttime scavenger hunt, a movie in the 3D MEGA Theater, a few good old-fashioned ghost stories, a flag ceremony and two trips through the chow line.
Hint: The ship is large and there are stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.
Rate: $75 per person (for one night). Kids must be five and up to attend the sleepover.
If you're going to stay in a hotel, you may as well make it a haunted one! In downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming, you’ll find the beautiful Historic Plains Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, built in 1911. This hotel is full of local Wyoming art, and stained glass, and several websites claim paranormal activity at the hotel—including Trip Advisor reviews. Visitors to Cheyenne can embark on a Cheyenne Trolley Ghost Tour to learn more about the Historic Plains Hotel ghost activity and the cowboys and Indians of the wild west. Jill Pope, who has worked for Visit Cheyenne and the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, has written two books on haunted Cheyenne and she leads tours and lectures that include the Historic Plains Hotel. Whether you believe in ghosts or just love hearing folklore, a night at the Historic Plains Hotel will be a night to remember.
Additional reporting by Melissa Heckscher & Wendy Altschuler
Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Let’s admit it. There’s no better reason to create a delicious charcuterie board than a holiday. Since there’s a reason to celebrate pretty much all year long, we’ve gathered the very best holiday charcuterie boards for every single special day. Whether you need an idea for Christmas, the 4th of July, or Halloween, we’ve got you covered.
Green is the name of the game when it comes to making a holiday charcuterie board for St. Patrick’s Day! And how cute are those pieces of shamrock cheese?
You can taste the rainbow with this colorful dessert charcuterie board from Jenny Cookies. Sweet circular cookies are paired with coordinating sprinkles and candy for an eye-popping dessert you won't be able to pass up.
Pastel colors play the leading role in this gorgeous Easter snack board. With a mix of salty and sweet eats, this is the perfect starter for your Easter brunch.
Is there anything sweeter than this patriotic 4th of July charcuterie board? We don’t think so! Be sure to use plenty of fresh berries to make this shine!
Anything with queso blanco has our seal of approval, so this board is a winner in our book. You’ll even get a quick tutorial on how to make those adorable salami flowers.
You don't have to make everything from scratch to make an adorable dessert board like this one from SoCal Cutie. This Halloween version uses store-bought marshmallows, madeleine cookies, and brownie bites that are transformed with a little creativity. It's sweet, and not too spooky!
Halloween Sweet Treats Board
Sugar Bowl Bakery
It's officially candy season with this treat board! Whether you're hosting a Halloween bash or staying home in lieu of trick or treating, this cute board from Sugar Bowl Bakery packs in tasty options like Madeleine cookies, popcorn, and candy. Don't forget the cobwebs!
It just got so much easier to get your littles to eat fruit this holiday! Arrange layers of Sugar Bowl Bakery’s Pumpkin Spice and regular Madeleines, Palmiers, Brownie Bites, and fresh fruit to form a turkey. Don’t forget the Nutella for dipping!
There’s something for all your friends on this Friendsgiving board! We especially love the spelling out of this unofficial (but just as important) holiday.
Waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready can be hard! This ultimate snack board from Passion for Savings makes biding the time until the turkey is ready a breeze, with plenty of fruit, crackers, and cheese that look just as pretty as they are tasty.
Can we all just raise a hand for the deliciousness that is a cheese ball? This fabulous fall board by Tidy Mom effortlessly pairs our guilty-pleasure snacks with tasty treats no one can turn down.
Simple meets savory and sweet with this gorgeous fall apple and cheese board by Bless This Mess Please. We love how there's something for even the pickiest of eaters while remaining festive and delicious.
Hello, autumn! Perfect for Thanksgiving, this smorgasbord of fall treats from Healthy Little Vittles brings healthy snacks and a few hidden treats to your family and friends with plenty of eye-popping appeal.
With gatherings happening on a smaller level this year, this fall dessert board is perfect for avoiding full-size sweets. Some demi-desserts, sauces, and fruit are all you need to whip up this choice charcuterie board by Live to Sweet.
There's a little bit of something for everyone with this cheery charcuterie board by Number 2 Pencil. We love that the look embraces the feeling of "harvest" with plenty of fruits, cheese, and nuts.
Is this not the most gorgeous cinnamon roll board you've ever seen? Perfect for kiddos who want to DIY their own Cinnabon, we love how this charcuterie from the Reluctant Entertainer to see all the assembly details. also packs a punch with other breakfast faves for the adults.
Bagels are the perfect breakfast for busy mornings, especially when laid out on a fabulous board. Add a variety of flavors, plenty of schmear, and all the fun extras that will make your breakfast extra festive, just like this board from Sandra's Easy Cooking.
Beautifully simple and elegant, Fashionable Hostess' winter white cheeseboard brings all the feels. The lovely colors and smooth textured foods make us want to dive right in!
This rustic-toned holiday charcuterie board from Twelve on Main is major eye candy! Each item perfectly represents that winter season, and the gorgeous layout makes it the perfect fit for noshing on while everyone opens gifts.
It's time to get your hot cocoa on! Great for post-dinner dessert, this Christmas dessert board by The Wiegands is loaded with chocolatey treats, peppermint, and lovely greenery for the ultimate holiday vibe.
It's peppermint time! This candy cane-shaped board is packed with wintery treats like Hershey's kisses, chocolate, and tasty baked goods from Sugar Bowl Bakery like Madeleines and brownie bites.
One of the best parts about the holidays is the candy! Load up all the goodies you've been gifted this season on this ultimate candy board from An Indigo Day that's just what your sweet tooth ordered.
Who needs a fancy dinner when you can dig into this Valentine's Day Grazing board from Domestikated Life? Packed with salty and sweet treats, the colorful candies tie in the holiday of love perfectly.
Start your family band by crafting some awesome homemade instruments. Most of these are super easy to make, and kids will have a blast banging on a tin can drum, shaking DIY maracas, and making some tunes. Looking for other creative projects for kids? Check out our collection of crafts for toddlers, classic paper crafts for kids, and things kids can make with toilet paper rolls.
Why Are Homemade Instruments Important?
Making and playing homemade instruments allows kids to use not only their artistic creativity but their musical creativity as well. In addition, according to the Ethnomusicology Review, “When fully engaged in musical invention, children can develop their naturally imaginative and participatory approach to learning.”
A rain stick makes the prettiest sound, and it’s very easy to make one at home with a few simple items. We love the tutorial for this found over at Kid Made Modern.
Perfect for toddlers who aren't ready for the real thing, we love this cardboard guitar spotted over at Pink Stripey Socks. You can paint it in any design, too!
Kids can twist and twirl these homemade hand drums to their heart's content! Find the tutorial over at Minted.
Bongo, Shaker, Güiro All in One
Mama. Papa. Bubba
This fun little instrument is really three in one! Kids will enjoy shaking it or playing it as a drum and it's super easy to make. Get the tutorial over at Mama.Papa.Bubba.
This adorable nature-themed tambourine-like DIY instrument is the perfect addition to a May Day celebration or even just a day outside. Easy to make, you can find the tutorial from Buggy and Buddy.
If you've got a serious hankering for DIY projects, this adorable xylophone kids can play along to "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music fits the bill. From Lovely Indeed, you'll need to make a trek to the home-improvement store for all the materials, but the chic design and good sound quality mean you'll want to keep it out instead of stashing it away somewhere. Be sure to check out all the other adorable projects over at the Sound of Music Crafting Corner.
This super cute and colorful homemade instrument is as much fun to make as it is to play. Get the scoop on how to do it yourself over at And Next Comes L.
Paper Plate Tambourine
Gabby Cullen
This little DIY instrument packs a jingle and it's a great use for paper plates left over from a birthday party. If you have the plain white ones, even better, though because then your little maestro gets to decorate her own. Get the complete step-by-step here.
It's one of the world's oldest instruments, and your kids can make their colorful version in one afternoon. The secret to making it look real? Earth-toned paint colors. You can find the entire tutorial over at KiwiCo.
For an outside-the-box take on a homemade instrument, you’ve got to try this “chicken in a cup” from All for the Boys. It’s super easy to put together using household items, and kids will get a kick out of the squeaky sound it makes.
If you've got a cereal box and a couple of rubber bands lying around, you've got a guitar! Made by Joel has the super simple how-to. Older babies and toddlers can help you decorate the cereal box with stickers or washi tape, then get to strumming. No cereal box? Rubber bands stretched around a loaf pan will produce a similar effect.
Keep it simple (but still super fun) with this sweet DIY instrument idea from Red Ted Art. Kids can paint the “drums” however they want, and then they’ll have a blast discovering the different sounds they can make with kitchen utensils.
Banging on a pot with a wooden spoon is practically a rite of passage in babyhood. Why not take it a step further and construct an outdoor music wall for your kids like this one from PreK + K Sharing? Scour your house for any seldom-used odds and ends that make a fun sound (or hit up your favorite thrift store), then use a hammer and nails to secure a section of fencing.
Easter Egg Maracas
iStock
Shake to the sound of rice with these easy-peasy maracas. All you need is rice, plastic spoons, easter eggs, and tape! Best part? These shakers have been tried and tested by lifestyle blogger and mom of three, Katelyn Fagan of What’s Up Fagans, and they are certified to play at a decent volume without being too annoying.
Explore sound and science with Buggy and Buddy’s homemade kazoo. With simple materials that you’re bound to have at home, this kazoo is perfect for vocal tots who love to spend their days humming and singing. What a fun homemade instrument!
Did you know empty containers hold a secret melody? All you need are some rubber bands, a shoebox, and split pins; then your quick-fingered tot can get their twang on. For the key to perfect, magical sound, check out the tutorial over at Minieco.
With a little more time and effort, your wooden mandolin is set to last much longer than your musician’s first gig. Hello Bee has an awesome tutorial on making a mandolin that’s worthy of being part of a kid-sized Philharmonic.
Strum up a tune with bobby pins. This experiment and discovery project by Pi'ikea Street explores how different sounds can become just by changing one object.
Ring in a merry afternoon with these bell shakers. This tutorial from craft blog Hello Bee requires some drilling, but the modern look and long-lasting build are worth it. Now your littlest can join the family band with just a wriggle of the wrist!
We love these sensory bin shakers because they'll extend sensory play time. It's also easy for your kids to make on their own. Head over to Fun-a-Day to see how to make your own.
with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton, Amber Guetebier, and Gabby Cullen
When it comes to the season of the rabbit, we’ve always got a few good puns up our sleeves. These Easter jokes are ready to make your little bunnies laugh, whether you want a joke-a-day or just a day of jokes, these jokes for kids are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Don’t forget to check out our favorite spring jokes for kids, and riddles for kids!
Easter Bunny Jokes
What kind of bunny can't hop?
A chocolate bunny.
What do you call a bunny with lice?
Bugs Bunny!
Where does the Easter Bunny like to eat out?
IHOP.
How does the Easter Bunny travel all over the world?
Want to find the perfect TV show to keep your toddler engaged? These options hit the mark and may even entertain you, too!
Every parent of a toddler knows just how wiggly they can be. This curious and constantly moving bunch certainly has a limited attention span, so when it comes to entertainment toddlers need to be engaged. To make your life easier, we’ve created a list of toddler TV shows that will keep your wiggle worm on the edge of their seat. Whether it’s a show about talking animals on a rescue mission or a cool character learning similar life lessons, your little adventurer will love these shows. And, if you’re looking for something longer, check out our list of movies for toddlers that aren’t too scary.
Sesame Street
PBS
This classic children’s television show began in 1969 with puppets created by visionary Jim Henson. The show originally premiered on public broadcast television, but in 2015, it also moved to HBO with first-run episodes. It continues to focus on the relationships between the humans and puppets who live on the famous street.
Where it’s streaming: Max
Why it’s great for toddlers: Sesame Street educates using songs and skits that hold the attention of the wiggliest of toddlers, even five decades after its initial air date. Not only will toddlers learn the basics of numbers and letters, but Sesame Street teaches social and emotional skills like acceptance, kindness, and inclusion. Parents will love the human celebrity guest stars, like Samuel L. Jackson and Tina Fey, who appear alongside kids’ favorite puppets.
Octonauts
This children’s television series focuses on different ocean species while promoting conservation. The underwater adventurers, a cat, a penguin, and a bear, take toddlers with them as they explore and hone in on one species per episode. The series got a spinoff in 2021 that focuses on land-based creatures. Octonauts: Above and Beyond is an excellent supplement to the original and is available on Netflix.
Where it’s streaming: Netflix
Why it’s great for toddlers: The show comes from the book series created by Meomi. With its friendly and engaging underwater crew led by Captain Barnacles, toddlers won’t realize how much they are learning because they’re having too much fun. Focusing on one species per episode will not overwhelm toddlers, making it easily digestible for a group with a limited attention span.
Bluey
As far as toddler TV shows go, this one has serious cult classic status because Bluey appeals to parents and their littles, which is no easy feat. Featuring a family of dogs, Australian Heelers to be exact, the series focuses on the games made up by Bluey and her kid sister, Bingo.
Where it’s streaming: Disney+
Why it’s great for toddlers: Bluey focuses on imaginative play, which will hold the attention of play-driven toddlers everywhere. Toddlers will also identify with Bluey’s insatiable curiosity and boundless energy because it may mirror their own. Parents will appreciate the endless Easter Eggs dropped throughout the series.
Mickey Mouse Funhouse
Disney Channel
Mickey and friends have been entertaining children for decades. In this newest iteration, which first aired in 2021, a pleasant talking house named Funny sends Mickey and crew on some incredible and exciting adventures. Funny can also shape-shift based on the surrounding location.
Where it’s streaming: Disney+
Why it’s great for toddlers: Mickey has long-held appeal for young children. Toddlers will be enthralled by colorful animation and the different worlds Mickey and his friends travel to with the help of Funny. At the end of each episode, toddlers are encouraged to move their bodies during a “wiggle giggle” song. Parents may even spot the celebrity voice of John Stamos as Captain Salty Bones in a special guest star role.
Peppa Pig
A charming show with simple animation and characters will be easy for toddlers to understand. It also may result in them speaking in a delightful British accent or using undeniably adorable British terms like ‘telly’ and ‘queue.’ The series follows the adventures of a pig family consisting of four-year-old Peppa, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, and Peppa’s brother, George.
Where it’s streaming: Paramount+
Why it’s great for toddlers: This TV show for toddlers will hold their attention with its charming Britishisms and the exciting and easy-to-follow adventures and friendships of Peppa and her family. Peppa Pig also features multiple animal species living harmoniously in Peppatown.
SuperKitties
Disney+
This Disney Junior show premiered in 2023 and features four superhero cats facing a variety of villains. From the SuperKitty Cavern, their underground headquarters, cats Bitsy, Buddy, Sparks, and Ginny use their superpowers to work together to keep the city of Kittydale safe.
Where it’s streaming: Disney +
Why it’s great for toddlers: Not only will the fantastic cats and their sensational superpowers keep toddlers on the edge of their seats, but the show also features a treasure trove of social and emotional lessons. The cats are kind and use logic and empathy when dealing with the villains instead of fighting.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
PBS Kids
This TV show for toddlers is a spinoff from the legendary childhood series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. With his caring crew from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Daniel explores the typical world of a young child by learning the same lessons they do.
Where it’s streaming: PBS Kids
Why it’s great for toddlers: Toddlers will see their lives reflected in Daniel’s as the young tiger does his best to navigate social and emotional lessons such as sharing, waiting, and regulating difficult emotions. Simple songs will keep toddlers engaged while solidifying these skills and identifying strategies to help them along the way. Parents will appreciate the nod to Fred Rogers with each show, beginning with Daniel tying his shoes and putting on his red sweater as the children’s television pioneer did over his many decades teaching them.
Tumble Leaf
Amazon Prime Studios
Talking blue fox, Fig and his friend Stick, a caterpillar, join the other residents of Tumble Leaf Island in science-based adventures. From his shipwreck home, Fig discovers how things work.
Where it’s streaming: Amazon Prime
Why it’s great for toddlers: Each episode of Tumble Leaf is broken down into two shorter stories, making it easier for attention-span-challenged toddlers to remain engaged. The colorful and exciting animation will also appeal to toddlers. Peppered in with the science lessons are positive social and emotional lessons that parents will love.
Elinor Wonders Why
PBS Kids
Elinor, an adventurous bunny filled with wonder, and her friends, Olive, an elephant, and Ari, a bat, figure out answers to some intriguing science-based questions. Topics explore everything from whether animals get hiccups to the reason behind the changing color of leaves. Elinor and her Animal Town pals take young viewers along on their journey.
Where it’s streaming: PBS Kids
Why it’s great for toddlers: The series fosters curiosity and keeps toddlers engaged by presenting exciting content in a fun and easy-to-understand way. Parents will also enjoy learning about science and nature alongside their kids, making this one of the rare toddler TV shows that is fun for the whole family.
Llama Llama
Netflix
Based on the popular children’s book series by Anna Dewdney, this Netflix TV show for toddlers features Llama and his mama. With the littlest llama learning lessons and meeting friends, the adventures include a talent show, a new neighbor, and a family vacation.
Where it’s streaming: Netflix
Why it’s great for toddlers: Llama will hold the attention of the littlest littles with his relatable stories from episode to episode, like losing a tooth and the fear surrounding a visit to the doctor. Parents will enjoy the social and emotional lessons and exposure to early literacy, such as rhyming. They may also enjoy catching Jennifer Garner’s voice as Mama Llama.
Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes
Disney+
This new show, which premiered in 2023, features Kiya, a young girl from Africa, and her friends. Kiya loves martial arts and dance and uses a crystal headband to access superpowers and keep her community safe.
Where it’s streaming: Disney+
Why it’s great for toddlers: Movement is essential for the tot lot, and Kiya and her friends know how to move. She becomes a dance ninja with the help of her magic headband. Toddlers will love to dance alongside Kiya and her crew. Parents will love the themes of teamwork and persistence and the show’s emphasis on diversity.
Dora the Explorer
Nick Jr.
Young Dora breaks the fourth wall by engaging with viewers as she goes on adventures with her bestie, Boots the Monkey, and with the help of several tools, including a talking backpack and map. She meets many friends along the way, including Tico, Grumpy Old Troll, and Swiper the Fox.
Where it’s streaming: Paramount+
Why it’s great for toddlers: Toddlers will respond to the interactive way Dora includes them in her adventures with questions and facts. They will also learn the recurring cast of characters Dora interacts with on her journeys. Parents will love the positive and diverse role model Dora provides and the multilingual aspect of the series.
Super Why
PBS Kids
Four fairytale superheroes help young kids learn the skills they need to begin their adventures as readers. In Storybook Village, the series allows viewers to enjoy classic stories like The Three Little Pigs, The Ugly Duckling, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Where it’s streaming: PBS Kids
Why it’s great for toddlers: Toddlers will love (and remain engaged) when they are literally pulled into an interactive storybook experience with Whyatt and the Super Readers. They will also love dancing to the catchy theme song, helping them get the wiggles out before settling in to watch the show.
Blue’s Clues
Nick Jr.
This legendary Nickelodeon show premiered in 1996. It followed human host Steve Burns as he and his loveable cartoon dog, Blue, use clues to help figure something out. The toddler TV show has blossomed into a feature film and another modern iteration called Blue’s Clues & You, with human host Josh and Blue, which first aired in 2019.
Where it’s streaming: Paramount+
Why it’s great for toddlers: The show allows toddlers to interact as they help find clues, which keeps the youngest viewers engaged and entertained. While Blue’s Clues will hold toddlers’ attention, it will also educate them with color and shape recognition and number identification. Parents who grew up watching Blue may find a nostalgic return to their childhood days.
Gabby’s Dollhouse
Netflix
Gabby and her feline friend, Pandy Paws, take young viewers on amazing adventures through her dollhouse, which has magical worlds and fun-filled surprises. Every episode opens with a Dollhouse Delivery where real-live 12-year-old Gabby unboxes something from the MeowMeow Mailbox before becoming an animated version of herself and going on a dollhouse adventure.
Where it’s streaming: Netflix
Why it’s great for toddlers: The interactive storytelling in the series will hold your toddler’s attention and allow them to participate in each episode. Gabby also features themes of teamwork and friendship, which will appeal to parents.
Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!
Netflix
This animated TV show for toddlers introduces young viewers to Thomas the Tank Engine and his many friends. Parents may have watched the original show featuring an older version of Thomas, called Thomas & Friends, based on the book series of the same name. Once again, audiences follow the many adventures of Thomas and his crew as they navigate the fictional island of Sodor.
Where it’s streaming: Netflix
Why it’s great for toddlers: Both fun and charming, this series, like the original, is sure to entertain toddlers and hold their attention. The show also teaches teamwork, problem-solving, and other essential life lessons in such an incredible way that toddlers won’t even realize they are learning.
Paw Patrol
Nick Jr.
One of the longer-running toddler TV shows, Paw Patrol features a half dozen dogs as they protect their city with the help of Ryder, a young boy. These rescue pups each take on the role of a helpful resource, like firefighters, police officers, excavators, and ocean rescue teams.
Where it’s streaming: Noggin and Paramount+
Why it’s great for toddlers: Each episode follows a consistent pattern, making it easy for even the youngest viewers to follow. What will keep toddlers watching, though, is the excellent skills, tools, and vehicles the individual rescue pups have.
Viewer beware—you’re in for a scare when a new Goosebumps series comes to Disney+ and Hulu this fall
Spooky season is officially upon us, and if you’re looking for some spine-tingling fun, this new Goosebumps series from A24 should be right your alley. Based on the classic book series by R.L. Stine, the show appears to be full of references to some of our favorite old stories—but with plenty of new characters and terrors to keep things interesting.
The official synopsis for the show, which is set to premiere Oct. 13 on Disney+ and Hulu, reveals that it will follow “a group of five high schoolers [who] unleash supernatural forces upon their town … [and] must work together in order to save it.”
From the trailer, we know that Justin Long stars as the town’s new English teacher, who moves into a creepy old house where someone was murdered decades before—and despite not seeming to believe in anything creepy or crawly, Long’s character promptly gets possessed by something ghostly that appears in his home’s hallowed hallways. Then, it’s up to the teens to figure out how to (maybe) save him. They’re played by Rachael Harris, Tyson Dornn, Ben Cockell, Isa Briones, Rob Huebel, Miles McKenna, Zack Morris, Ana Yi Puig, and Will Price.
That’s about all we know about the plot so far, but dedicated Goosebumps lovers will note that there are plenty of Easter eggs—both in the trailer and the official poster for the new series. The poster features Slappy, the ventriloquist’s dummy who comes to life in several of the scariest Goosebumps books. The trailer heavily features the camera from “Say Cheese and Die!,” and there’s an early jump scare thanks to a familiar face from “The Haunted Mask.” Even the creepy bird from “The Cuckoo Clock of Doom” makes an appearance.
In other words, strap in, because this is going to be one hell of a ride. Get ready to stream (and scream) on Oct. 13.
