Making the change from baby to toddler room is easier than you think
Oh, the toddler years. With so much to learn and explore, these rising big kids exhibit an ever-escalating independent streak one minute and crave a cuddle the next. And their rooms should strike just that combination of stimulation and comfort, too. We rounded up toddler room ideas galore, whether you want ways to repurpose old baby gear, simple nursery upgrades or chic toddler room décor ideas just to change things up.
Even if your wall art doesn’t scream “baby,” rotating it is a fun way to refresh a space and inspire your rising big kid. Cue up Etsy and scroll through its gamut of printables (We love the ones spotted at NorseKids), many for as little as a few bucks, to commemorate family history or a recent vacation. If you have a little Frida or Picasso on your hands, frame homemade art, or, freeze this time of transition with a large canvas print of your big kid in action.
Does anything so starkly solidify the transition from baby to toddler quite like the conversion of the crib to a toddler bed or the upgrade to a big kid bed? Whenever the swap does occur, it’s a fun way to add decorative flair, whether it’s taking your tall toddler to pick out new sheets for a twin bed or going with bunk beds for siblings who share a room. Or, take things down a level with a CouchBed, which is exactly what it sounds like: a comfy cool-gel couch that easily converts into a bed. Without sharp corners or a high distance to fall as well as grey, blue, or tan covers that are washable and interchangeable, this bed will also withstand all kinds of spills—talk about a toddler perk.
It may be time to donate, or at least rotate, baby’s first books to make room for titles that will engage a toddler’s budding brain. Swap out those basic board books or whatever your babe has grown a little weary of (If you can’t bear to part with them, save them for a rainy day and your toddler will no doubt have renewed interest.). Restock the shelves with titles that serve developmental milestones on the horizon (like potty training and empathy building), as well as a few books to grow on. To inspire you, we have 100+ books every kid should read before they turn 12.
How many hours have you logged in that rocker? Whether you were feeding, cuddling or singing a baby back to sleep, these large chairs anchor many a nursery—and take up a lot of space. While a rocking chair is a darling way to organize a stuffed animal collection, you can also put that corner of the room to more regular use. Consider selling the glider or moving a rocking chair to a guest room to make room for little thrones, be it a beanbag or a mini armchair. If you want more of an art and activity station, check out our curated picks of kids' tables and chairs that fit every style.
While blackout curtains can be the cat’s pajamas for ensuring successful naps for babes, they can limit a lasting design. These whimsical new ones from Best Home Fashion will hang around long after your tot has stopped napping. Available in pink, mint, as well as a dark or light gray, the star cut-outs and sheer tulle overlay are the stuff that dreams are made of.
Get a Grownup Dresser
Ryan Pardini
Do you still have a changing pad taking up most of (if not all) of the dresser’s surface area? Ditch it! The toddler years are for potty training and learning to dress independently, which is a lot easier and safer to do down on the floor. Now you can finally adorn the dresser with new photos, an oversized stuffie, and toddler trinkets. If a detachable changing tray came with your dresser, they are often sturdy and already compartmentalized for diapers and wipes, so here’s a hack—put it at the bottom of a standard closet. It’s a great way to organize and slide out shoes, toys, or that bin of clothes waiting to be grown into. You can even get really streamlined and try out a clothing capsule for kids, which encourages independence.
Transitions like these are also in the details. Go through closets and shelving and purge bonafide baby items: the stack of burp cloths, the NoseFrida, half-empty tubes of creams and things, diapers that never got used, etc. It can be hard to part—we grow sentimental and may feel a little guilty, but fortunately, we found clever ways to upcycle that old baby gear. So, while you’re purging, think about turning muslin baby swaddles into toddler fashions, old diaper boxes into toy bins, or painted baby food jars into color-coordinated crayon containers.
Add an Epic Fort
iStock
With many a game of hide-and-seek or imagined dragons and castles on the horizon, build a fort, pitch a tent or erect a teepee. Those tummy time blankets can now be used to build an absolutely epic hideaway.
Floor time is still important for toddlers, so consider a chic mat you don’t have to hide when guests arrive. These Toki Mats add a stylish touch to any room all on their own, are made of 100% natural materials, and their cotton covers are machine washable (to get you well beyond the spit-up years). Cushioned, too, tots can practice summersaults and you can feel more comfortable down on the floor. And if you plan to have another baby (or already have one) and want a safe place for your toddler and newborn to play together, this is a great solution.
LA has some of the best museums and botanical gardens in the world but here’s a little secret that most people don’t know—with a little planning, most of these world-class culture centers are accessible to us for free. Yep, you read that right—free to you and me, not just those under three. Check out the full list below and get ready to plan a year-full of free art, exhibits, exploration, and more.
Travel Town Museum: Open every day except Wed. (and Christmas Day), this always free-to-visit, outdoor train museum is a must for even non-rail fans. Fair warning: It does cost $3-$3.50 to ride the 16″ gauge miniature train (well worth it) so keep that in mind when your trainspotter sees kids chugging along the tracks, enjoying the ride. PS: Here are the best places to take your train-loving kid in LA.
Parking: Free.
FIDM Museum & Galleries: Founded in 1969, this always free museum collects, preserves, and interprets fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit. Recently closed due to the pandemic, FIDM is re-opening its doors Mar. 15—No advance tickets or reservations required. Open Tue.-Sun.
Parking: Parking is available for $5 (cash) in the lot located underneath the FIDM building; entrance is on 9th Street just before Grand Ave.
The Wende Museum: An art museum, historical archive of the Cold War, and center for creative community engagement that explores and inspires change, this gem is located in Culver City and is open Fri., Sat. and Sun.
Parking: Free parking is available in the city lots adjacent to the museum.
Fowler Museum at UCLA: Also known locally as just "The Fowler" this museum explores global arts and cultures with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Indigenous Americas—from both the past and present. Open Wed.-Sun.
Parking: Pay-by-Plate parking is available near the museum, one-hour is $3, 1.5 hours is $4, and two hours is $6 with a maximum of $14 for the whole day.
The Broad Museum of Contemporary Art: Giant teacups, massive balloon animals, Alice in Wonderland-esque splashes of color and the Infinity Room will convince any kiddo that contemporary art is where it’s at.
Tickets:Advanced online reservations are required. Tickets are released on the last Wed. of each month at 10 a.m. for admission the following month.
Parking: Parking is available under the museum and cost $17 for 3 hours with museum validation, $5 for each additional 15 minutes, with a $27 daily maximum. There is a $17 flat rate after 5 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends. Bike parking is free and located on the P1 level.
California Science Center: Explore over 150 interactive exhibits including Ecosystems–a free permanent gallery featuring live animals, seven immersive exhibits, and a 188,000 gallon kelp tank. There is no room for boredom when you visit this California institution.
Tickets:Advanced, online reservations can be made but come with a $3, per person, service fee. Day of reservations can also be made on-site at the box office with no service fee, but availability and your preferred entry time are not guaranteed for in-person reservations.
Parking: Parking is available in Exposition Park and cost: $15. You can also take the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC Station.
Cayton Children's Museum: Located in Downtown Santa Monica just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, the Cayton Children’s Museum offers 21,000 square feet of discovery-based exhibits and immersive play.
Parking: Parking is available in Structures 7 and 8, owned and operated by the City of Santa Monica, which are immediately adjacent to Santa Monica Place. The first 90 minutes are free, with a fee after that.
The Getty Center: The J. Paul Getty Trust is the world's largest cultural and philanthropic organization dedicated to the visual arts, you can discover art from ancient Greece and Italy, Europe from the Middle Ages to the early 1900s, and global photography from its invention to now. Closed Mon., it is by far one of our favorite places to hang in LA, both inside with artwork or outside in the garden.
Parking: Parking is $20 per car but the good news is, you can get same-day parking at both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa Museum (also free admission) for one fee. To do so, make reservations for both sites on the same date. (Please note that driving between the Center and the Villa usually takes 20–45 minutes, depending on traffic.) At the first site you visit, go to the Museum Information Desk and ask for a coupon for same-day parking at the other site. After staff verify your reservation, you will receive a coupon. Not valid on Mon. & Tue.
Museum of Modern Art (MOCA): Established in 1979, this artist-founded museum in Los Angeles with two distinct venues—MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA—is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. Housing one of the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising roughly 7000 objects, MOCA is continually showcases ground-breaking, historically-significant exhibitions.
Tickets: Advance ticket reservations are required. Tickets are released every two weeks on Tues. at noon.
Parking: Parking rates vary by location, both locations are accessible via the Metro.
LA Museums with Free Admission Days
Skirball Cultural Center: There are so many innovative exhibitions on display throughout the center, the kids; however, will no doubt gravitate toward Noah's Ark, a completely unique and award-winning installment featuring a floor-to-ceiling wooden ark where little dreamers can imagine themselves inside the pages of a storybook. Taking up an 8,000 square foot gallery, this exhibit is filled with art, puppets and whimsical animals encouraging kids to play, climb and build.
Parking: During normal business hours, parking is free and open to Skirball visitors only. At this time, visitors must park in the Skirball’s North Parking garage, located underground on the north end of the Skirball's main driveway.
Kidspace Children's Museum: As one of the crown jewels in the hearts and minds of many little locals, this favorite spot in Pasadena inspires little ones to channel their inner scientist by exploring the Galvin Physics Forest, climb to new heights in the Arroyo Adventure, watch caterpillar chrysalises take shape at the Nature Exchange, and create to their heart's content in the Imagination Workshop. Be still our beating butterfly wings!
Free Museum Days: Admission is free on the first Fri. of every month. Advance reservations are required and are released two weeks prior to the date of visit.
Parking: Free parking is available in Rose Bowl Lot I near the Jackie Robinson Baseball Field and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center.
Natural History Museum: Antarctic dinosaurs? Rare and priceless gemstones? More mammals on display than you can shake a tail at? Yes please! Kids (and parents for that matter) will beg to visit to the Natural History Museum. From Dinosaur Hall and the hands-on Discovery Center to the African Mammal Dioramas and Nature Gardens outside, this museum is sure to peak your bitty botanists interest and then some. If all this interactive learning has your brood a little hangry, stop by the NHMLA Grill which offers plenty of kid-friendly dishes to please even the pickiest palette.
Free Museum Days: L.A. County residents receive free Museum Admission 3-5 p.m. Mon. through Fri. Closed the first Tues. of every month (plus Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Additional tickets must be purchased to see special exhibitions, Butterfly and Spider Pavilion, 3D Theater, and other special ticketed experiences.
Parking: $15 flat rate in the NHM Car Park, located on Bill Robertson Lane, just south of Exposition Blvd. You can also take the LA Metro Expo Line to visit—the closest stations to NHM are the Expo/USC and Expo/Vermont stations.
La Brea Tar Pits Museum: Make no bones about it, the La Brea Tar Pits Museum is one of the most unique and exciting places to visit for paleontologists of all ages! There’s so much for elementary excavators to see and explore. Kiddos can check out over one million ice age fossils from 650 different species and they’ll really dig the Fossil Lab where they get to watch real live paleontologists clean, study and prep fossils for exhibit. After your visit, the grounds around the Tar Pits outside are a perfect place to picnic (and maybe even roll down the giant hill once or twice).
Free Museum Days: L.A. County residents receive free Museum Admission 3-5 p.m. Mon. through Fri. Additional tickets must be purchased for the 3D Theater.
Parking: For $15, you can park in the museum's parking lot, located at the corner of Curson Ave. and 6th St., directly behind the museum. Enter from the western side of Curson Avenue.
The Autry Museum of the American West: Saddle up your lil cowpokes for a free taste of the American West at the Autry Museum on the second Tues. of every month. During your visit, youngins will learn about everything from Native American history and culture to the California gold rush and westward expansion. For the more hands-on buckaroos, they can create their own Western shows with props and costumes, pose for precious photo ops on a pretend horse, take part in themed scavenger hunts and wander through the expansive outdoor garden. Got a hungry pack? Round up your posse for some vittles at the Crossroads West Café where the kids menu will surely satisfy!
Descanso Gardens: Free admission on the third Tues. of each month and are released, online, the first day of each month (unless it falls on a weekend, then they'll be released that following Mon.). Check out our guide on what to do and see at Descanso Gardens.
LA Aboretum: Free tickets are available for the third Tue. of each month. Limited and timed, tickets must be reserved in advance online and are released on the first of each month unless the first falls on a weekend, in this case, tickets are released on the first Mon. of the month at 9:00 a.m.. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is free.
South Coast Botanic Garden: The third Tues. of each month is free to all visitors. Tickets are required and can be reserved online.
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden: This always free-to-enter 33-acres garden in Thousand Oaks has sweeping vistas, fifteen unique, hillside specialty gardens and hiking trails.
Looking for fun and easy-to-do preschool games? Whether you have an active learner, a bundle of energy or a creative artist, we’ve rounded up 12 games that are simple and playful that you can do on the fly. From free preschool games to learning preschool games are you ready to start? Scroll down and let the fun begin!
Hop to it! Toddlers love spelling their names and jumping around. Why not make a game of it? Our friends at Fantastic Fun and Learning put the two together with this Name Hop game. All you need are paper plates (or paper will do!), a pen and tape. First, practice their name with them, then let them play on their own.
Where's Spot? Grab your little one's favorite plush toy and play a game of hide-and-seek. Sunny Day Family adds a few twists to this idea using their favorite stuffed doggie and giving learning word hints like under the table or over the couch. Take turns first you hide Spot, then let your little lamb hide the toy too! Simple and tons of fun.
Who needs a fancy game anyway? You can quickly make a DIY board game as Hands On As We Grow did! Whether simple with a squiggly line from point A to B or a more complex game of dragons and marbles, either way, it's a blast. Grab your cardboard, pen and plastic figures and have an afternoon (or morning!) of imagination, counting and gameplay.
Ready, set, pick your corner! Check out this creative and energy-bursting game put together with learning colors and Math by The Many Little Joys. All that's needed is colored paper and a pen. Then, it's time for you to close your eyes while your little half-pints pick a corner. Your little learner will work those gross motor muscles, practice colors and counting.
Let it roll! Preschoolers are keen on rolling dice, counting and sorting. What better way to develop those math and fine motor skills than this simple dice and counting game rolled out by Little Bins for Little Hands. If one dice is too easy, then try two. Roll the dice, count the items and put them into a muffin tin. What's more, around the holidays you can do a color-themed setup. As far as learning preschool games go this one gets an A+!
Spray it out! Preschoolers love to use household cleaning items, and a spray bottle tops the list. Let the squirt bottle do the talking with this fun sidewalk word game from Kids Play Smarter. Whether they squirt letters to spell simple words or tackle the whole words with one spray, they're sure to have a good time, learn and get a little wet.
Days of the Week Song Game
iStock
Sing-a-song game! If your little songbird likes to sing out loud, then this free and easy preschool game is for you. Let your little music lover learn what they do each day of the week with this catchy song created by Sara Mullet over at Let's Play Music. First, teach them the song, then add in what they do each day of the week!
Your budding athlete can work it out with this Grab and Move Counting Game courtesy of Toddler Approved. Kids practice counting, reading and gross motor skills in this preschool learning game. Change up this game to include chores (kids love playing house!): wash two glasses, put away three toys. Provide a cool snack for a job well done!
What's missing? No Time for Flashcards put a low-key twist on hide-and-seek with this missing ninja game. Your little player will delight in inspecting what's on the tray, closing her eyes and opening them to find a color missing. Can she remember? What's more, you can use different colored toys or objects instead of a ninja. We give a thumbs-up to this preschooler game that's a big kid version of peek-a-boo.
Patterns, shapes and geometry—the folks over at Save the Children want your wee one to be an ace in math with this shape preschooler learning game you can practice anytime (and the best part is it's free!). Make an 'I Spy' game out of finding shapes in nature, at home or anywhere. First, have your preschooler spot shapes like a triangle in a leaf or a square around a window. Have a short talk about the number of sides there are. Then, have him draw the shape with his hands in the air. You'll be amazed at what he spots!
Heads Talk Tails Walk
Think Fun
Roar like a dinosaur, walk like a chicken! In this delightfully silly game, players try to match hidden animal head tiles to the correct body tails. If you don’t make a match, you will have to walk and talk like your mismatched tile!
Score big with the littles with balloon tennis a free preschooler game. Learn With Play at Home shows how pairing balloons with items around the house such as paper plates, rulers and sticky tape make for kid fun. They'll get practice with their hand-eye coordination and blow off steam. Further, add a twist and let your little jumpers use their hands as racquets and try to keep the balloon afloat as long as possible.
If you ask a kid who has the hardest job on the planet, they might say something like, “Fireman, Wonder Woman, and the president.” Touché. Being the president isn’t for the faint of heart; only those with superhero qualities need apply. The fun facts below prove that presiding over the Oval Office takes a special (and sometimes quirky) kind of person. Read on to check them out!
iStock
1. Barack Obama: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream? Who doesn't love a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day? Our 44th president, that's who. He worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop as a teenager and now can't stand ice cream.
2. Bill Clinton: You've Got Mail While sending and receiving email is now a run-of-the-mill thing in most households, Bill Clinton was the first person ever to send an email from the White House.
3. Gerald Ford: Paging Frank Underwood? Seemingly out of a Hollywood (or NetFlix) script, Gerald Ford was the first person to be both vice president and president without ever being elected by the public. How? He was appointed vice president when Spiro Agnew resigned from his post, and then he succeeded to the presidency when Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal.
4. Martin Van Buren: Born in the USA While it is currently a law that you have to be born in the U.S. (or a US Territory) to become the President, Martin Van Buren was the first President who was actually a US Citizen. All previous presidents were born British subjects.
5. James Garfield: America's Got Talent Most people only speak or write one or two languages at a time. James Garfield could write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other hand simultaneously. #coolpartytrick
6. George Washington: Party of 1? George Washington was the only president that wasn't affiliated with a political party? Washington was neither a Republican nor a Democrat.
7. Thomas Jefferson: Lights, Camera... Today, the president is on television or making a speech almost daily, but did you know that Thomas Jefferson had such stage fright that he only gave two speeches during his entire presidency?
8. John Tyler: Big Poppa John Tyler was the father of 15 (!!!) kids, more than any other president.
9. Teddy Roosevelt: That's Going to Sting a Little in the Morning An excellent hunter and athlete, Roosevelt was notorious for having a tough guy image. Once, while giving a speech, he was shot in the chest during an assassination attempt. He continued AND FINISHED the speech with the bullet still lodged in his chest.
10. James Madison: Hey, Down Here! For some reason, presidents are characteristically tall figures. James Madison was definitely an exception. He only stood 5 feet 4 inches and never weighed more than 100 pounds.
11. Abraham Lincoln: Try, Try, and Try Again Lincoln lost five separate elections before he became President of the U.S. (Never, ever, ever give up!)
12. Herbert Hoover: Hide and Seek Champion Herbert Hoover gave all the White House servers strict instructions to hide from him whenever he passed by. Those who failed to do so were fired. Yikes.
13. Chester Arthur: Night Owl We all know that being the president means you probably have a lot on your mind. Arthur always went for late-night walks and rarely was in the bed before 2 a.m.
14. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Pancakes, Dave? One of the most important positions in the White House now is being the official White House chef. However, Eisenhower was a skilled chef himself and was known for cooking delicious vegetable soup, steaks and cornmeal pancakes.
15. Harry S. Truman: Is it Sean? Stillman? Harry S. Truman's name is very distinguished. Mainly because of the 'S.' that is included with his name. Did you know Truman doesn't actually have a middle name? It's just the letter 'S'.
Between the overcast skies and Omicron, things are pretty hygge around Seattle. So grab your coziest blanket, stoke the logs in the fireplace and settle in to read with your little bookworms. With everything from hot-off-the-presses titles by local authors to classic books you must read, our lit picks should get your family through these hunkered-down times without a hitch.
Books for Sports Fans
The Heart of the Storm
Little Bigfoot
We can’t wait for this picture book bio about everyone’s favorite Storm player—Sue Bird—to drop on March 1. It tells the origin story of this basketball superstar, from her early days in New York to the present, where she dominates in the WNBA. We always cheer for more Sue!
A Ticket to the Pennant: A Tale of Baseball in Seattle
Before the Mariners played in T-Moblie Park… or Safeco Field… or the Kingdome, they were the Seattle Rainiers and they played at Sicks Stadium. In this story, young Huey retraces his steps around Sicks Stadium in search of his lost ticket to the Rainier’s pennant game. And oldie but a goodie, it’s a captivating walk through Seattle’s past.
She's an Olympic gold medalist, has a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame and scouts players for the Kraken. Now Cammi Granato can add "children's book author" to her impressive resume. Any time is a great time to read this story about young Mimi who wants to play ice hockey. But that's not something girls from her town do. Based on Granato's own inspiring life, this one's a winner.
Even city kids will appreciate this hot-off-the-presses whimsical story of an elderly man and his young neighbor who join forces to find an elusive snowy owl that lives in their neighborhood. Their friendship spans the generations, and the story is told with the keen eye (and goofy humor) that only dads seem to possess (the author is a father of two). Psst… this book pairs well with another of our favorites, Look at That Bird!
1-2-3 Salish Sea: A Pacific Northwest Counting Book
courtesy Sasquatch Books
This book by Olympia-based paper artist, Nikki McClure, hit bookshelves around this time last year. Perfect for tots, it counts sea creatures as friends every PNW kid will recognize. From one stubby squid exploring below to twenty clams that make a great octopus feast, kids won't just learn how to count with this book, they'll also learn about the local marine life that bring magic to our area.
Maybe you’ve read this story at a local PopUp StoryWalk or heard author Katherine Pryor at a reading. It’s the story of a young girl, Bea, and her inspiring quest to save her neighborhood bees who have disappeared. Filled with fun bee facts and actionable ways kids can help bolster the bee population, this is a great read any time of year.
Galloping Gertie: The True Story of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse
If you’ve ever skipped the ferry and driven to the Olympic Peninsula instead, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Before your next road trip, sit down with the kids to read this new book that’s packed with scientific and historical facts about Gertie’s infamous collapse in 1940 (the same year she was built). Psst... you can see video of Gertie's collapse at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor.
The Spirit of Springer: The Real-Life Rescue of an Orphaned Orca
This book by author Amanda Abler and illustrator Levi Hastings details the real-life rescue of Springer, a northern resident orca found swimming alone in Puget Sound in 2002. The book immerses kids in the thrilling details of the heroic rescue and even follows up with Springer in the present. The extras about Springer’s orca family tree and the state of our resident orcas found in the bonus pages are… well, a true bonus.
Whether you buy them as a pair or choose one over the other, we love these new board books by Seattle mom, Sinae Ishida. Kids learn about sumo culture alongside primer basics like counting and opposites. And the illustrations are beyond cute.
Find Sumo Counting on amazon, $9 Find Sumo Opposites on amazon, $10
You Might Be Special
If you’ve got a special kid—and we know you do—they’ll love taking this quiz that doubles as a book. Written by local mom, Kerri Kokias, it includes mostly silly and a few serious questions that help kids answer the essential question. Hint: In doing so, they’ll figure out that while we’re all different, each of us is special in our own way.
This middle grade book by local brother/sister writing duo, Keith and Chenoa Egawa, is a must-read for any kiddo who is concerned about the health of our planet. It's the story of Shiny, a whale child who agrees to be turned into a human boy so he can warn people about the way carelessness and waste are endangering the Earth's oceans. Along the way, he meets Alex, a Coast Salish girl, who joins him and helps spread his message of hope and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Every Seattle kid knows the red light atop the Space Needle is the Wheedle’s blinking nose. If they don’t they, it’s time to sit down with this original Seattle children’s book. Whether you read the book that started it all or the sequel that features a friend for the Wheedle, these books will build your kid’s city smarts.
Written by local singer/songwriter, Eric Ode, we’re big fans on the Larry books. If Larry’s adventures around Seattle or his undersea escapades aren’t on your bookshelf, they should be. Both are written with Seattle kids in mind, as they’re full of city favorites discussing everything from the monorail and Pike Street Market to the ferries and Puget Sound creatures kids spy during low tide.
This is an oldie but a goodie, and for toddlers who love exploring the Emerald City, it doesn’t get more “real” than this book. It features all the family-friendly spots kids love, like the Woodland Park Zoo, the Museum of Flight and the Seattle Aquarium. Is your copy as worn out as ours?
Playing board games is just as popular as ever, whether it’s during an after-school play date or for your Friday family game night. Add something new to the mix by picking your favorite from our carefully curated list of the best new board and card games to be released in 2021. From Monopoly getting an ‘80s makeover to an indoor scavenger hunt game that even one kiddo can play, keep reading to see them all.
What Next?
This new cooperative game means you all win or lose together. The object? To reach the end of your adventure AND keep your Tower of Peril in tact. With 60 challenge and options to even play single player, this fun game is great for any family game night and players looking for a challenge.
Big Mario fan in the house? They'll love this new take on Labyrinth! Super clear instructions make this moving maze game fun as you interact with your fave characters like Donkey Kong, Princess Peach, Luigi, Toad, Yoshi, Bowser and more.
Go head to head with Spin Master's ultimate family night game: Beat the Parents! In this kids vs. parents game, set a bet on who what the losers have to do if they won't win, then battle it out with unique trivia cards that will keep everyone on their toes.
Now's your chance to play Quidditch and finally catch the Golden Snitch! Perfect for the Potterhead in your life, this fast-paced strategy game has no turns, is bound to get messy but is big on magical fun.
In honor of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary comes a fun new game featuring Mickey and his crew. In a fast-paced dice game, players roll and toss food to the other players’ trays. Be the first one to empty your tray to win!
Another classic family game got an ‘80s makeover! Instead of properties, you’ll explore Care-a-Lot, buy Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins, and pick up Sharing and Caring cards to help you win the game or set you back on your mission to spread care across the board.
It’s like Connect Four with an edge—literally. Drop your tokens into the different sides of the tower, using the corners to trick other players. The first one to create a line of four wins!
This cooperative game for toddlers is really like three games in one! Kids will practice their fine motor skills, and improve both their number and memory skills as they build higher and higher and help Rhino Hero Junior make it to the top.
This classic family board game has a new theme, Super Mario Brothers! Find your way to all your character cards while trying to block your opponent's path. If you do it first, you win the game.
With 50 game cards that feature scavenger hunt prompts, this game from Skillmatics can be played by one kiddo or more! It’s perfect for cold days, it’s awesome for even a few rounds and it’s a good way for kids to boost their observation skills.
This double-sided game is perfect for cat lovers! Adorable illustrations abound in this game that helps you plan a fun weekend. Pick which side of the board you want to play on (Pusheen’s house or the park), collect friends and items, then take snapshots of your weekend fun. When you get 10 stars, you win! It's the purrfect family fun night game.
This easy-to-transport game is great for quick two-player fun. The box doubles as the game board, where a cat (who is also a taco) is on the line in a match of strategy and instinct. Everyone is in for some fun when playing with the silly illustrated palindrome cards and tiles!
It's a game of hide-and-seek in Kumandra for Tuk Tuk, Sisu, Boun, Tong, Little Noi and Ongi. Simple instructions and a colorful game board make this adventure of collecting game cards fun for young kiddos, but still entertaining for adults, too.
Great for families with older kids, A Little Wordy is a fun unscrambling game. The goal? To guess your opponent's secret word through a series of hints and questions. Enjoy beautifully illustrated cards, and expand your vocab at the same time!
This introductory to Ascension game play is perfect for older kids looking for a two-play sesh. Designed as a deck-building game, spend Runes to snag more powerful cards for their deck. Players will add to the deck by purchasing from a central deck, where strategy and complex tactics are key!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
It’s time to refresh the stack of bedtime stories on your bedside table with a few choices from our ultimate list of 90 of the best bedtime stories of all time. From 60-year-old classics to sleepy lullabies and laugh-out-loud favorites, we’ve got something for everyone—the kids may start begging you to put them to bed. Scroll down for the list.
Settle in for sweet slumber with Il Sung Na's debut children's book, The Book of Sleep. The sweet story follows an oil as he flies over the forest as fellow animals prepare for a night of rest. Told with "soothing" text and gorgeous depictions of a starry night, your littles will be sawing logs in no time.
You know you're in for a real treat when the fun of the book begins before even opening the first page. In this board book by Hans Wilhelm with illustrations by Erica Salcedo, kiddos open the "blanket" flaps of the book to discover three cozy pigs. As they turn the pages of Pigs in a Blanket, readers are greeted with fun rhymes as the three piggies start their day, embark on an adventure and eventually go to sleep. With colorful illustrations, this book will help reinforce daily rituals like getting dressed for the day, playtime, brushing teeth and winding down back to bed.
The greatest bedtime book of all time is still as quirky and delightful as it was in 1947. Reading the familiar text together night after night is deeply satisfying, as is looking for the little mouse on each page and watching the light “in the great green room” grow darker and darker.
It’s time for bed, little sheep, little sheep / The whole wide world is going to sleep.
What’s better for bedtime than cozy scenes of baby animals and their mothers, paired with musical, fun-to-read, couplets? The book concludes, appropriately, with a human mother and child.
A cumulative story that one by one, sleepy people and animals climb onto Granny’s big bed to slumber, until the very last, smallest one wakes everyone up. The restful blue palette lightens as the book progresses and day approaches.
The Little Critter books may not be fresh, original, or trendy but there’s something about those scraggly, overall-clad characters that kids just adore. In this installment, our hero is cranky about having to go to bed and trots out one creative, hopeful scenario after another to delay the inevitable. Patient Dad has a comeback for each one.
Soft illustrations of cuddly baby animals and a sing-songy rhyme on every page make for a sweet and simple bedtime book. Animals range from the expected—mice, birds—to the more exotic—penguins, whales, and kangaroos.
Soft illustrations of cuddly baby animals and a sing-songy rhyme on every page make for a sweet and simple bedtime book. Animals range from the expected—mice, birds—to the more exotic—penguins, whales, and kangaroos.
You may recognize the illustrations of author Rosemary Wells (of Max & Ruby fame) in this lovely bedtime book for little ones. Inside this bunny's cozy house, the family is going to the timeless tradition of bedtime. Follow along at each step, which will help your own child learn a routine of his own: eating dinner, cleaning up the toys, taking a bath, listening to a story. A charming addition to your bookshelf.
Kids who love musician Laurie Berkner will enjoy snuggling down with a literary version of her song Pillowland. With magical, lush art by French artist Camille Garoche, Pillowland carries readers away to a feather-fluffed dream world where bedtime is always a grand adventure.
From the tired toucan to the sleepy sloth, kids are encouraged to say goodnight to all the jungle animals as the moon rises. Set in sweet, rhyming prose, this new edition to the Night Night series from author Amy Parker will be enjoyed by your littlest readers.
This is a lovely recitation of the quiet things in life: “coloring in the lines quiet,” “right before you yell, ‘SURPRISE!’ quiet,” “bedtime kiss quiet.” The tone and gentle illustrations (featuring porcupines and teddy bears and other humorous animals) make it just right for settling down before sleep.
Kitten mistakes the moon for a large bowl of milk and tries, in vain, to reach it. Although not strictly a bedtime book, the theme of the beautiful moon that hangs over each page oozes cozy, cuddly sleepytime feelings.
The unique look of this book, with its black-and-yellow scratchboard illustrations, is what will draw you to it first. The text, a cumulative poem beginning, “Here is the key to the house,” is simple and elegant and matches the pictures to a tee.
If you cringe at your child's adoration of all-things princess, check out this modern fairy tale that puts a fresh, empowering spin on the classic Sleeping Beauty. Lex, a book-loving space princess, sets off on an adventure to break her own curse with the help of her adorable side-kick pup. It's the perfect story for crown-wearing bibliophiles (and want-to-be space explorers).
Extreme silliness, Sandra Boynton-style, and fun and short enough to be read every night, for years. The animal passengers of a large ocean liner brush their teeth, change into their pajamas and, of course, exercise, before winding down to “rock and rock and rock to sleep.”
As the zoo closes, clever Gorilla escapes from his cage and follows the zookeeper around, letting all the other animals out, too; hilariously, all of them end up following the zookeeper home to bed—unbeknownst to him. Because all the text in the book consists of goodnight greetings, parents will need to narrate the story in their own words.
Marla Frazee’s detailed, humanistic illustrations bring new life—and humor—to the familiar folk song. There’s a lot more going on here than usual, starting with a big sister who wakes up the baby in the cradle, much to the exhausted parents’ chagrin.
The Llama Llama series was an instant hit, owing to the meter and rhyme that don’t miss a beat, making them easy and fun to read aloud. Here, little Llama lies awake in bed, scared, listening to Mama washing dishes and talking on the phone in the kitchen. Will he ever be able to fall asleep?
Jerry Pinkney has become deservedly famous for his many illustrated picture books, including The Lion and the Mouse, which won the 2010 Caldecott Medal. Twinkle Twinkle sets the classic lullaby to rich, gorgeous paintings of an idealized nighttime world. Set sail for dreamland!
“Here’s a little baby, 1-2-3” begins each scene of this wonderful rhyming concept book from a beloved British author-illustrator. Marveling at the delightfully Anglo home scenes, follow the baby through his day until his mother places him, sleeping, into his crib. The cutout on each page will keep younger readers engaged.
If your kids need to get their sillies out before snuggling down, look no further! No one does goofy, expressive animals and infectious, top-tapping rhyme like Sandra Boynton. Here, she gives pajamas the silly treatment: Pajammy to the left. Pajammy to the right. Everybody’s wearing them for dancing tonight.
In board-book format, a little girl settles down for bed, saying goodnight to each of her favorite playthings (picking out one body part for each—“Goodnight fingers” for the doll, “Goodnight lips” for the fish). The soft illustrations have a lovely vintage vibe.
Bonnie and Ben got the good babysitter tonight, and he entertains them with one silly Mother Goose rhyme after another. The simple refrain is addictive and you will find yourself chanting it as you go about your day.
Little Red and Hazel are the best of friends, but winter means on one of them will be lonely. A perfect allegory for preparing for bedtime, the sweet illustrations and prose share the message that they'll be there for each other when they awake.
Don’t even bother checking this out if you’re worried about your kids learning bad bedtime manners from the masters! Children will laugh with vicarious glee to see young dinosaurs (with, oddly, human parents) behaving very badly, then coming around and doing it right.
It may not be flashy or funny, but there’s a reason this one is still a favorite since it was published in 1994. The combination of the elegant pen-and-ink pictures (reminiscent of Winnie-the-Pooh), gentle brown and green palette and the loving, ultra-simple storyline is exquisite.
Little Tiger is nervous about going to sleep, but his mother soothes his concerns with wisdom, whimsy, and reassurance. The vibrant paintings with bright swaths of primary colors will please young eyes as the loving text lulls them to sleep.
Fanciful and whimsical pictures complement the musical text of a mother singing a child to sleep. Especially adorable is the scene of the snoozing trains and tractor covered by quilts.
In this debut picture book by author Grant Snider, readers explore the shapes and colors of nighttime from an entirely new—and delightful—perspective. A comforting bedtime story, the narrator takes children on a friendly exploration of the colors of the night, from a glowing moon to the bright lights of a big city.
Bear’s friends arrive in his cave, one by one, until there’s a party going on—but Bear won’t wake up! A catchy rhyme and endearing illustrations make this a favorite for bedtime and story time alike (If your kids are fans, you’ll want to check out all the follow-ups in the series.).
Follow Amani as she plays a game of hide-and-seek at night with the friends in her apartment complex and calls to the moon to light her way as she finds each "hider." A celebration of friendship and empowerment, loving who you are, and the beauty of the night sky, this sweet tale is accompanied by lovely illustrations and told in rhyming prose that's perfect for a bedtime story.
Lemony Snickett's take on a bedtime story of sorts is illustrated by famed children's book artist Jon Klassen in this delightfully different way of looking at darkness. In this book, The Dark becomes its own thing, not something scary but something with its own personality. Winner of the Blue Ribbon Picture Book Award.
This classic from beloved Strega Nona author Tomie dePaola was first published in 1968 and tells the story of Ronald, who knows in order to stay up past bedtime, you've got to fight the night.
Chubby, cuddly Sam and his big, shaggy mama make a comforting, engaging pair in a bedtime book that reinforces the importance of routine. The contrast of the wild storm outside and the cozy interior will make bedtime seem a happy and safe place for toddlers and preschoolers. A great choice for kids who have the nighttime jitters.
Dinosaur has never lost a fight—but bedtime will be his biggest challenge ever. Loud, fast and funny, this is one you’ll want to start, not end, with (It’s also a fantastic read-aloud for a classroom visit.).
Your own kids might not get along this well—but we can all dream! When little Willa can’t sleep, her big brother Willoughby steps in, gently pointing out all the happy things around her, to help bring on the Sandman. Adorable Willa, with her floppy ears and stuffed animal look, will captivate listeners.
In perhaps the most unusual of our bedtime book suggestions, Mickey dreams a crazy dream in which he helps out the breakfast cake bakers in a most spectacular way. This fun bedtime story is another blast from the past that has held up nicely.
In a twist on a familiar bedtime story, instead of the child saying goodnight to his surroundings, here we have all the things around the child saying goodnight to him: And the stars said, ‘We will twinkle and sprinkle sweet dreams to you. And a car driving by said, ‘Beep beep, sleep, sleep.’ The illustrations, wonderful sketches with a watercolor rinse, are by a well-known editorial cartoonist, and look it.
Poor beleaguered Bear. First Mouse shows up unexpectedly on his doorstep (Bear was sure his visit was scheduled for another night). Then Mouse can’t seem to keep quiet, and Bear can only go to sleep in absolute silence. But then Bear hears another sound, and suddenly he’s glad Mouse is there to help.
Every page here has just one word (or phrase): streetlight, headlight, lantern light, firelight, candlelight, etc.—each one a different kind of light. Combined with the illustrations, they tell the story of a child’s special day, from biking home with mom to blowing out the birthday candles and finally, going to sleep under the moonlight. Magical.
Any book starring porcupines is a contender right from the start! This one has also got a simple story about a child who doesn’t want Mama to finish the bedtime book (because that means bed), and a special twist at the end.
Mercer Mayer is known mostly for his Little Critter books (and one of those is on this list, too), but this picture book is special, funny and tender. It belongs in every child’s library.
It’s hard to pinpoint the best feature of this eternal classic: Is it the beautiful prose, the repetition of key phrases or the poignant moment when naughty Max suddenly ”was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all?” Regardless, indulge in nostalgia and make it part of your bedtime routine.
Princess Alice has lost her blankie and when she finds it in the arms of a dragon, she sets out to find him his own lovey. Told in rhythmic style, this beautifully illustrated book is not only the perfect bedtime story, but is also one of kindness and friendship.
In this interactive bedtime book, children are invited to participate in the closing of the day. They press a firefly, blow a breeze, pat a deer, blink their eyes to fill the sky with stars and trace the Big Dipper on the page. It’s a lovely way for parents and children to welcome the night.
“The sun has set, the work is done; / It’s time for trucks to end their fun.” Take a tour of a bustling building site as Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer and Excavator finish up their jobs and go to bed. Truck enthusiasts will ask for this one every night—and day, too.
Frances and her bedtime delay tactics are as utterly funny and enchanting as they were 55 years ago, and the minimalist illustrations by Garth Williams (of The Little House books fame) are perfect enough to frame.
Like all Berenstain Bears books, this one is on the long side, is filled with dialogue, complex situations and offers a message. When you need something a bit meaty to lull little people to sleep, this is just the ticket (and the don’t-be-afraid-of-the-dark theme doesn’t hurt).
Author John Sullivan's Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning story is based on his real-life watchman experience, with his stray sidekick cat, Bebee. But what happens when the watchman’s new friend goes missing? A feel-good, good-night read.
Beautifully written and illustrated by Babylit books illustrator Alison Oliver, Moon is all about getting into the woods to find your inner (gentle) beast. Head into the fantastical forest with Moon this summer and encourage kids to connect with their wild side.
Wind down from your busy day with something a little different: The Big Book of Super Hero Bedtime Stories gives kiddos a glimpse into the night time routines of their favorite super heroes: does the Green Lantern act as his own night? Does Batman sleep upside down? Because after a day of fighting crime or working their day jobs, just like kids, even super heroes need a good night's sleep.
A fun, graphic novel-style book (multiple boxes per page, speech bubbles, sound effects) gives new life to a familiar story of a bear who just wants to sleep. The festive snowy outdoor scenes will put kids in a holiday mood, so save this one for winter.
From award-winning lettering artist Jessica Hische comes her debut children's book, Tomorrow I'll Be Brave. Inspired after the birth of her own daughter, Hische wanted to give kids an opportunity to reflect on their day, to understand that tomorrow is a new beginning and that self-forgiveness is the best gift you can give yourself. Filled with strong words like Brave, Confident, Creative, Smart and Curious and complemented by gorgeous illustrations, Hische's first foray into children's literature is a success.
Dave Eggers is at it again with his newest release for kiddos ages 3-5, Tomorrow Most Likely. Publishing this month from Chronicle Books, this new read illustrated by Lane Smith reinvents the classic bedtime book. Instead of focusing on what happened that day, the little boy protagonist focuses on the future and imagines all the fun, dreamy and whimsical things that might happen tomorrow.
Little Bear is afraid of the dark, even when Big Bear keeps getting him bigger and bigger night lights. So Big Bear brings him to see the biggest light there is—the moon. As cozy and comforting as a cup of cocoa after dinner.
Every kid loves to hear stories about themselves, and Max and Ruby are no exceptions. Here, Grandma recalls their adventures in making a restaurant, swimming at the lake, and refusing to go to school. Rosemary Wells’s signature brightly colored illustrations are as pleasing to the eye as ever.
Alice, bouncing on her bed way past bedtime, wants blue, only blue. But as her mother brings her one special sleep-inducing gift after another (flowers, tea, an extra quilt, a wind chime), her room becomes beautifully suffused with all different colors. Finally, as she nods off to sleep, the moon comes in and makes everything blue.
The mystery-loving fox from Apples for Little Fox is back in this book by Ekaterina Trukhan. Follow along as Fox dreams the moon is missing, and he and his friends go on a quest to return it to the sky.
Even knights have to go to bed; the only difference is, it’s way more grand and exciting when you’re a knight! A little boy demonstrates some magical thinking as he brushes his teeth, puts away his things, and says goodnight to his pet (a dragon), all in a fantastical medieval setting.
Snuggle up under the light of the moon with this sweet bedtime book. Bright and bold colors tell the tale of a little frog singing alone in a swamp. As his pals join in, nothing sounds quite right until every voice is included––even a tiny firefly. A story of the power of little voices, By the Light of the Moon will take a permanent place in your heart and your bedtime rotation.
This sweet entry, perfect for right before the lights go off, shines with vintage-style illustrations that seem to step right out of a Little Golden Book. Gentle verse imagines a series of sleepy children, each holding a stuffed animal, on a special voyage with their stuffie come to life.
Written by Kenyan-born actress Lupita Nyong'O, this is as much her personal story as it the story of young Sulwe, a girl whose skin is the color of midnight. The stunningly gorgeous illustrations by Vashti Harrison are reason enough alone to want this book in your library, but the story itself is beautifully told; it's about differences, acceptance of oneself no matter how we think others see us, it's about wanting to fit in and yet being unique. A vital message for every kid out there, regardless of race or gender. Read it today with your kids.
From saving the city to trying to avoid being slimed, being a superhero is a hard job! That's why it's important to have a good routine once the day is done. From dinner to bath to reading a book, even superheroes need to recharge their batteries. This adorable picture book from YA author Katherine Locke is sure to be a new bedtime favorite.
Another loud and jolly entry (it may not soothe kids to sleep, but it’s sure to make bedtime fun), this one stars an overeager chicken who just can’t keep from interrupting dad as he tries to read bedtime stories. Guess who ends up falling asleep first?
Little Snow gets a big bed, but he can't seem to resist jumping on it. Every time he jumps, feathers fall out...this beautiful story from Caldecott Honor winner Grace Lin pairs the natural mischief of a sweet young child with the magic of winter for a story you'll want to read every cozy night or snowy day.
This adorable book by Benjamin Scheuer will soothe any anxious child with its rhythmic words that we’re betting you won’t be able to help but sing to your little one. And the illustrations by Jemima Williams are just as comforting. For anyone who has ever felt a little scared or lost or shy (and we can all relate to that) this book reminds us all that we can hibernate together, where it’s cozy and safe.
Monsters Are Afraid of Babies
$23
Everybody knows ... monsters are afraid of babies! From the way babies howl to how sticky and stinky they are, monsters have a great fear of these crawling little creatures. Adorable, funny, rhyming prose will delight your kids as you reassure them not to fear (babies OR monsters). Written by Nicholas Tana and illustrated by Elise Leutwyler and Jessica Abbott.
The Charlie and Lola books are wildly popular with kids of all ages—and with adults, too, because the stand-out voice and witty dialogue are truly a pleasure to read. Here, stubborn Lola refuses to go to bed, and her fabulously sympathetic big brother Charlie steps in to help.
We love our kids' wild imaginations but when those imaginations conjure up images of monsters under the bed and prevent your little from falling asleep at night, it's time to bring in reinforcements. Turn to this magical book by Jordan Chouteau with illustrations by Anat Even Or, to help your kiddo conquer her fears. With goofy monster illustrations and even a real no-more-monsters patch your child can wear to bed, this book is sure to drive away those monsters in no time.
How far will one mother shrew go just to help her sick son? She'll go to the moon, and back. This beautifully illustrated book by amazingly self-taught author/illustrator Kenneth Kraegel is as touching and moving as it is visually pleasing.
Written by Newbery Medal winner Susan Cooper and illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Carson Ellis, this magnificent book based on Cooper's "The Shortest Day" a poem written for John Langstaff's Christmas Revels. It is the story of the shortest day, of the Solstice, and how our Yuletide traditions have evolved from the desire to burn against the impending darkness of winter. Absolutely gorgeous.
The Reader is an ode to joy for young bookworms, celebrating the thrill of diving into a good book—especially when you really should be asleep. It is the story of a gender-neutral reader who chooses adventure over naptime, and you get to go along for the ride as the reader swims with whales, chases jaguars, and climbs dinosaurs as big as mountains.
Ira’s sleeping over at his friend’s house for the first time ever. But should he bring his teddy bear? Or will Reggie make fun of him? A winning, chatty voice, wonderfully sketchy illustrations (circa 1972), and a surprise ending make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
A humorous take on the perils of sleeping near a snoring parent, My Daddy Snores will give the entire fam a chuckle. When daddy snores, the walls shake and no one seems to get any rest, not even the family pets.
Bear is so tired, he feels he could sleep for months. His neighbor Duck, on the other hand, has never felt so awake. Maybe he’ll just go see what Bear is up to. A hilarious all-dialogue story, great fun to read aloud and reminiscent of Elephant and Piggie.
Annie’s career day at school prompts her family to guess all of the things Annie wants to be when she grows up—and her family puts their own hopes and dreams into her. She’ll tell the world her story like her reporter grandfather, soar high like her basketball star mom, bake brave like her grandma. But Annie’s dream of being an astronaut takes all those things and more. Bonus info about famous female astronauts and facts about the moon, make this the perfect book for any aspiring astro-lover of any age or gender.
Read your little rebel to sleep with these bedtime stories and she’ll dream the impossible. This “most funded book in crowd funding history” features short, page-long bios on 100 seriously smart, driven women from around the world, so your little dreamer can learn what it takes to reach the same heights as Freda Kahlo, Jane Goodall and the Williams’ sisters, to name a few. Dream big, kiddos!
Don’t let the title fool you: this recent sequel to the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls collection is appropriate for boys and girls, anytime, day or night. Beautifully illustrated, the book contains 100 outstanding women from Beyoncé to Nefertiti. We promise you'll learn something, too! And with 100 different women, the book will last you all summer long (unless you devour it, like we did, in one sitting). A great book to keep on hand for future essays!
Breathtaking illustrations take center stage in The Night Gardener. Overnight a wise owl has been sculpted into the tree outside William's window, the first of many to come that will bring color and beauty to his drab town. But who is this mysterious gardener who only works at night?
The classic story of Harold and his artistic adventures has been entertaining kids for over six decades. Follow along as our pajama-clad hero has an expedition of colorful proportions. From drawing landmarks to creating his own purple picnic to finding his way back to bed, this lovely tale should be on every bookshelf.
We're not sure what we love the most about this charming bedtime story: the gorgeous illustrations, the sweet storyline that follows the world as it turns in for the evening, or the guided meditation at the end that helps your little wiggle worms settle down for the evening.
Sleeping in the dark can be scary. From monsters under the bed to things that go bump in the night, kids have all sorts of spooky bedtime fears. But never fear, the Night Knights also show up at night, charged with the valiant challenge of protecting kids as they make their way through dreamland. A new release from author Gideon Sterer with beautiful illustrations drawn by Cory Godbey.
Bedtime can test any parent’s patience—even Darth Vader. This instant classic by Jeffrey Brown examines how the Sith Lord gets his wild ones in bed. The answer? With a bedtime story full of droids, Yoda, robots, rebels, and furry critters, of course.
Henry brings home a new puppy, and his first challenge will be figuring out how to get Charley to sleep in a strange, lonely house. His parents said no dog in his room, but that’s the only place Charley wants to sleep. It’s told in lyrical prose and complemented by light, enchanting watercolors.
Follow the adventures of little Sandy, in whose bedroom tiny stars appear every night. She turns them into magical creatures who stay with her until she falls asleep, and in the morning, she brings them back to life with magical illustrations. It's when a little girl named Morfie shows up at school, and she knows all about the pictures, that things get really interesting. There are a few scary aspects to this beautifully illustrated graphic novel, so we recommend this for your very oldest kids.
C.S. Lewis' classic tale is a must for pre-bedtime reading. Enjoy a chapter a night as you follow Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy through a magical wardrobe and into Narnia where they battle trials of good and evil. This gateway book is the perfect introduction to the entire series, The Chronicles of Narnia.
Told much in the same humor and whit as the classic film, The Princess Bride is an adventure beyond compare. Pirates, princesses, miracles and of course true love abound in this action-packed novel that is bound to make your kiddos excited for bedtime reading.
The 1948 classic, My Father's Dragon, has been a family fave for decades. Follow Elmer Elevator as he strikes out to rescue a baby dragon from Wild Island, where he is selfishly enslaved. Armed with lollipops, rubber bands and chewing gum, Elmer and his adventure will charm your kiddos like he has done for over 50 years.
—Emma Bland Smith with Gabby Cullen, Karly Wood and Amber Guetebier
This is a literary town, and not just for adults. NYC is home to not only many amazing children’s book authors and illustrators, but also spirited independent bookstores that sell — and support — their work. Read on to see some of the new fall releases for kids from local writers and illustrators we’re excited about. And don’t forget!: The Brooklyn Book Festival returns as a hybrid event with in-person and online programming from September 26 to October 4. Children’s Day is October 2, and is packed with events at which kids can meet authors and artists for kids of all ages—even some of the people below!
Major Makes History: From the Shelter to the White House
Harper Collins
From the mind that brought you New York Times best-selling bunny Marlon Bundo (and other animals advocating things like kindness and equity) comes the tale of President Biden’s friendship with his German shepherd, Major, the first shelter dog in the White House. Written by Jill Twiss and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, the book is told in Major's voice, and is filled with Twiss’ signature humor and heart. Bonus: this picture book for ages four to eight also includes back matter about past presidential pets and information on adopting shelter animals.
Queens-based author Traci N. Todd and renowned illustrator Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street) have collaborated on the first-ever American picture book biography of legend Nina Simone. This vibrant and illuminating book tells the story of little Eunice who grew up to become the acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy.
The latest in the New York Times best-selling series from Karina Yan Glaser, this book for kids ages eight to 12 follows a Harlem family as they try to find the perfect 40th birthday present for dad. Along the way, they learn a lot more about their mysterious grandparents. The fun and funny tale all goes down in Harlem, the NYC neighborhood Glaser calls home.
Writer Matthew Burgess and illustrator Kara Kramer (both Brooklyn residents) tell the story of artist, nun, educator and activist Corita Kent in this biography for ages six to 12. Made in close collaboration with the Corita Art Center, it includes reproductions of her colorful works, a chronology, and author and illustrator notes.
Brian Selznick (author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck and more) is back with Kaleidoscope, a story of two people bound to each other through time and space, memory and dreams. At the center of their relationship is a mystery about the nature of grief and love which will look different to each reader. Selznick brings his masterful storytelling ability to the book, illuminating how even the wildest tales can help us in the hardest times. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
On a Saturday morning, baby Dracula visits the zoo with his family, where baby Penguin lives with hers. But these intrepid young adventurers are not content with staying in their proper places. Baby Dracula slips into the Penguin House to spend the day eating, swimming, and hanging around, while baby Penguin waddles into the stroller to explore the rest of the zoo. Dracula’s family doesn’t even notice the switch—will they bring the right baby home?
Author of the smash hit Wonder R. J. Palacio's latest is Pony, a coming-of-age adventure that explores what it means to be courageous. After a harrowing night, a boy sets out on a quest to rescue his father, with only a ghost as his companion and a mysterious pony as his guide.
Set in the summer of 1987, this coming-of-age story is the debut middle-grade novel from best-selling author Gayle Forman. Bug's looking for someone to hang out with, but mom's busy and her brother is down on the boardwalk with his friends. The only one around is her neighbor's nephew Frankie, and she's less than thrilled. Over the course of the season, two become friends, helping each other learn about family, friendship, allyship, and finding your way in a complicated world. (P.S. the audio book is narrated by Stockard Channing!)
For the kids who spend a lot of time at the dojo (or watching Cobra Kai), check out this story of imagination and determination from Dan-ah Kim. A picture book featuring a young, female black belt, The Grandmaster’s Daughter is a celebration of teamwork and friendship for fans of The Three Ninja Pigs and Hello, Ninja.
The narrator wants to play hide and seek with Gordon and the reader, but kooky Gordon just wants to stand out. This madcap, fourth-wall–breaking picture book from writer Adam Jay Epstein and illustrator Ruth Chan is packed with humor and full, zany spreads with details kids will love to point out time and again. Recommended for kids ages four to eight.
Note: Chan will be participating in the Brooklyn Book Festival's popular illustrator draw-off event, which is always a good time!
Do you believe in jumbies? Naya does, and she sets out to go find one. In this picture book for kids ages four to eight, New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste takes readers on a fun, creepy romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore. Amber Ren provides illustrations.
Family reunions are on everyone’s mind so when you combine great destinations with great stays, you’ll have a memory-making vacation that is worth repeating year after year. The beauty of living in LA is that you have the mountains, the desert and the beaches all within a reasonable driving distance (and honestly, who doesn’t want to vacation here?). Check out our favorite Airbnbs that can accommodate family reunions and large groups no matter the size of your brood.
Voted one of the top homes in Idyllwild, this newly remodeled property has all the amenities you’ll ever need to have lots of fun times with your group. Designed with plenty of indoor space to have multiple, distinct units within the layout of the house for privacy, your crew will also enjoy hosting game nights in the spacious communal areas. There are endless possibilities for group tournaments with the pool table, ping pong table, pickle ball court, dart board, corn hole and your favorite board games. The expansive deck on the acre of forest land will give you the most magical natural scenery so you can bask in the creek view.
This spacious and cozy cabin features cathedral ceilings, log walls and a charming fireplace surrounded by the enchanting Big Bear mountains. There are plenty of places both indoor and outdoor to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa while kids frolic around the cabin. The fun continues in the secluded property with a pool table, table tennis, foosball, air hockey and a hot tub. You'll discover the sunrises and sunsets among the crisp air are breathtaking.Added bonus for families traveling with young children is the cabin provides a pack ‘n play and high chair upon request.
Nestled within the forest at an elevation of 6200 feet, this Alpine-style home features a large wrap-around porch where you can spend your day appreciating the panoramic San Jacinto Mountain ridges. The breathtaking views in this chalet offer serene hikes throughout the mountain retreat while having the Idyllwild restaurants and shops just minutes away. The signature feature of this home is the relaxing Yoga studio perfect for your crew to feel a Zen-vibe on your vacation.
All the conveniences of modern luxe living are part of this gorgeous property among the breathtaking lake views as seen on its two decks. Designed with families and large groups in mind, your little ones will explore the many features of the game room and discover there are loads of board games to play, foosball challenges to partake in and plenty of songs to sing on the karaoke machine. Hiking trails and the Village are just moments away to soak in Lake Arrowhead’s natural beauty. Bonus for those traveling with young children is there are plenty of high chairs and pack and plays which make this home truly family-friendly.
Nestled within the pine trees lies this woodsy palace among one-a-half acres of luscious land. The beauty of this log home is its spacious and cozy accommodations that include a gourmet kitchen perfect for preparing large meals, multiple game rooms to diversify the family bonding time and a mesmerizing deck area complete with a hot tub and BBQ for some outdoor chill time. If you visit during snow season, bring your sleds because there’s plenty of room for sledding adventures on the property!
If you’re looking for a modern take on vacationing surrounded by nature, this exquisite home is just for you. It has all the amenities you would need for large groups to enjoy both privacy, featuring 3 levels of indoor space, as well as plenty of communal areas for memorable family game time both day and night. Families and friends can partake in some competitive play within the two game rooms containing your favorite board games, table tennis and family-friendly books. And if you want to feel the fresh air, venture outdoors in one of the 2 decks to view the lake under the festive lighting while making s’mores over the fire pit with your whole crew.
If you’re looking for a desert escape with lots of activities to do with your family and friends without ever having to leave the property, look no further. You can set up teams and enjoy a game of basketball on their very own private court, then have a break by taking a dip in the pool while listening to the meditative sounds of the waterfall. If basketball is not the game of your choice, you can easily convert the courts to be either tennis or badminton, which can add more good times to your desert dream destination. Unlike the homes in Palm Springs, this property does not have a noise ordinance so your little explorers are free to laugh as loud as their hearts’ desire.
Your kids will want to splash all day in the spacious pool while you watch over them in the jacuzzi as you indulge in your favorite beverage under the desert sky. This paradise location is clean, newly furnished and has plenty of space to accommodate for large groups. Your explorers will enjoy the huge backyard with a fire pit, zen garden and hammock. And for added fun, it also has a pool table for some quality time indoors.
Mere minutes from the Joshua Tree National Park, this desert oasis has all the amenities to make a large group feel right at home on five acres in the Highlands. The outdoor patio with its luxurious pool surrounded by the expansive grounds provides the ideal backdrop for a relaxing desert escape. Indoors, it even comes with its own game room containing a pool table, foosball and a barrel arcade. Both adults and kids will appreciate the serene location while partaking in some memory-making quality time.
This oasis offers the perfect combination of desert vibes mixed with the amenities of a modern, luxurious vacation home. Just 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, you and your group can spend your days on the 5-acre property playing Marco Polo in the chic pool followed by a game or two on their horse shoe court. When you fancy a break from the fresh air, bond with your guests in the game room featuring a pool and Ping Pong table. What makes this destination ideal for large groups is that it has three kitchens to suit the needs of your fun group of family and friends.
Create a truly memorable vacation with your family and friends in this refined, modern retreat overlooking Surfrider Beach and Malibu mountains. Light and luxurious-living abound in every nook and cranny of this spacious getaway. The beauty of this villa is that you won’t need to take the kids on a long road trip to feel like you’re indulging in a beachy paradise. The little ones can jump on the trampoline while you grill the meal and lounge on the relaxing sun chairs taking in the LA sunset. Don't forget to check out our family guide to Malibu before you go!
This beach-chic 2-story home is just a few blocks from the Oceanside Beach, downtown and the pier. There is plenty of space both indoors and outdoors for your little ones to play hide-and-seek at this spacious beach-community home. Because San Diego County can still feel like summer during the holidays, you can spend the afternoon on their beautiful deck or in their jacuzzi while your kids splash around the pool and then explore the entertaining play structure. End the night by playing a competitive game of horse shoe! An added bonus to this house is LEGOLAND is just a quick few minutes drive away.
In this beachy paradise, step outside and enjoy the sand on your feet and make cute sand castles with the kids. The property itself gives you that perfect California-chill vibe with all the amenities you would need to host a large group. Something special about this location is from the house your little beach goers can watch the dolphins bounce and play in the ocean waves. The added bonus is that a large variety of recreational equipment is included in the rental including bikes, boogie boards and a double kayak!
Your group will feel relaxed and at home in this large property with plenty of space to cook memorable meals and enjoy eating them in the gorgeous patio overlooking the Saddleback mountains. The house is on a cul-de-sac and, therefore, surrounded by privacy and plenty of greenery. Your children will be entertained by watching the horses pass by along the equestrian trails. You can easily hop on one of the trails to exercise while exploring your surroundings. This property is not within walking distance from the beach, but it is easily accessible by car. Added bonus to this house is it has a fun play set which will inspire plenty of good times for your kids.
Picture yourself cutting the turkey at your Thanksgiving dinner then looking up and basking in the ocean view right outside your window. This comfortable and expansive three-story beach home allows for large groups to have their own levels while also offering several communal spaces throughout the property both inside and under the sun. Having the beach as your backyard is really the only playground your little ones will need the entire trip. While they make sand castles, you can BBQ dinner on the oceanfront patio.
For a complete unique group experience, the entire 5-unit boutique hotel gives guests the ideal combination of privacy and communal living. The convenience of this location provides a few minutes walk to the famous State Street, Paseo Nuevo shopping center, and the iconic Santa Barbara waterfront. You have options with units that have full kitchens and some that have convenient kitchenettes to meet the diverse needs of your group. The children will enjoy eating in the picturesque backyard after you explore the beauty of Santa Barbara throughout your day.
For a somewhat longer road trip, stay at this magical estate that will give you all the comforts and luxuries you need for a large group reunion. The layout of the property lends itself to giving multiple families privacy and serenity among the verdant vineyard in San Luis Obispo. The estate has spacious grounds for the kids to play freely while the adults relax on the patio soaking in the picturesque nature views. Your little farmers will enjoy checking out the chicken coop on the property and will end their adventurous days by listening to stories told around the fire pit in the evening. The gorgeous ranch offers trails where you can bump into any number of animals like wild turkeys and quail!
If you’re willing to splurge a bit, you and your group can spend your holiday vacation within a peaceful estate surrounded by magnificent avocado, citrus and oak trees where you can explore the hiking trails and find yourself in natural hot springs and stunning waterfalls. Ojai has the perfect moderate climate that invites you to spend your days outside grilling on the BBQ on the deck while your children play tag around the expansive property. For an additional fee, you can reserve the adjacent Zen Studio to add more space and amenities if needed by your guests.
When staying in this luxury villa, you can indulge in poolside views of the mountains, valley and nearby golf courses with the option of spending your vacay on the scenic property or visit downtown just a few minutes drive away. Because you most likely will be relaxing outdoors for much of the day in Ojai no matter the time of year, the spacious deck offers several entertainment options including a fire pit and BBQ. Indoors there is a game room with a pool table, foosball and a drum set for your little musicians to add some fun tunes to your holiday.
This gorgeous ranch offers a private, idyllic location beautifully situated among two vineyards offering breathtaking mountain views and plenty of land for the little ones to run freely. Majestic oak trees are nestled among the estate which includes a pond, luscious fields, and its very own farm. What makes this property so captivating is the layout of cottages which allows for families to maintain privacy and have their own mini-ranch space to accommodate their needs.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
With many kids spending more time at home and backyards getting more use these days, adding a climbing dome to your backyard swing set setup just might be the best pandemic purchase of the year. Not only do outdoor climbing domes help kids develop core strength and gross motor skills, but they are lots of fun for kids who are into pretend play—not to mention, they make a great playground alternative for those families who aren’t comfortable going to the local playground just yet. Easy to assemble, you can get one of these set up in your yard just in time for the weekend!
This climbing dome comes in at 10 feet wide and five feet tall with a max weight of 400 pounds. Parents find the set-up to be relatively easy with two people. Throw a sheet over the top and you'll be all set for the next backyard campout!
How cute is this dome that comes with its own slide? Perfect for the toddler to kindergartener set, kids can climb up to the solid wood platform to slide down and start again.
This climbing dome is easy to assemble and sturdy for a weight up to 600 pounds. Multiple kids can climb on it at once and it would be a great option for your next backyard stargazing night.
We love this 2-for-1 climber as it adds on a slide so that kids can go up and down over and over again. Multiple children can easily engage in social play while developing confidence, stronger muscles and greater agility. An awesome addition to your backyard obstacle course!
TP Toys Explorer 2 Climbing Set Jungle Gym with Platform and Tent
Climb up and play on the Explorer 2, the platform and tent climbing set. With its adjustable frame, it can be sized just right for both toddlers and older kids. Kids will love the viewing windows to look out from when they reach the top and roll-up doors to let in allies to their fun new fort.
Perfect for any backyard, this set has a small footprint but lots of play value. The up-and-over climbing ladder with curved rungs and handrails features a hanging den with a durable mesh den door and lookout window. Children will enjoy endless fun and active playtime with the UFO climbing tower! Ideal for climbing and equipped with a cool hideout, this will quickly become a favorite backyard activity for boys or girls ages 3 - 8 years old.
For a little bit of a different shape, this climbing dome adds on a tower to make its max height 47 inches. Lightweight and easy to assemble, you can move this tower around the yard as you wish.
If you are looking for a super-sturdy option, this is a great choice. With a maximum weight capacity of 1000 pounds, you don't have to worry about having too many kids on there at once.
