When my son, George, returned home from preschool that first day in December, he couldn’t wait to tell me about their new class elf, Snowflake. “She made a snow angel on our teacher’s desk!” he said, giggling.
Each day, he came home with new stories about Snowflake: she built a fort out of peppermints, she played in a ball pit of M&Ms, she got herself stuck on the ceiling fan. I laughed at each report, thankful for the creativity and care his teachers invested in curating this magical, new tradition.
About a week into the festivities, though, George arrived home with a question: “why don’t we have an elf at home?” I gulped and shrugged my shoulders as I unloaded the dishwasher.
“I guess, well, because Mommy doesn’t want one,” I replied.
“Why wouldn’t you want one? They’re so fun.”
“They seem like a lot of work to me,” I said after a short pause.
I actually couldn’t imagine taking on more responsibilities. Between work and motherhood, I could hardly keep the house plants alive. I felt myself falling short in every area of my life. And I had the perpetual sense that someone was watching me, evaluating my performance, taking note of each time I served chicken nuggets for two meals in a row or bribed my kids with candy to take their baths.
I had a list of unwritten rules about what was required to be a good mother. Each day we did not work toward our goal of 1,000 hours outside or 30 minutes of read-aloud time, I sensed that I was receiving a demerit. That someone, somewhere, was going to place me on the naughty list.
The idea of adding an elf—a figure I had to move, arrange, and play pretend with, all after tucking my kids into bed—to my already full load felt like an unwelcome burden.
Still, George wanted an elf. He was enamored… and persistent. So I conceded to his wishes and placed an order for our own house elf. When it appeared on our doorstep, my son was ecstatic. He nodded at me as I lifted the elf from his package. In it, there was a book: one that detailed a narrative about the elf. There, we were also introduced to a list of rules.
According to the Elf on the Shelf book that accompanies the figure, kids are told that 1) they can’t touch the elf without it losing its magic, and 2) the elf leaves each evening after bedtime to visit the North Pole and returns in the morning. After reading the book aloud, I said to my son, “but that’s not how the elf is going to live here.”
I proceeded to invite my son to take charge of the elf. I told him that he got to touch him and move him—that he was responsible for creating the magic. At first, he resisted: “that’s not what they let us do at school,” he replied. But then I told him, “not all elves have to live the same way.”
He accepted my logic. And it ended up being such a success! While I cooked dinner, my son made the elf a wardrobe out of construction paper. As I tidied the house at night, he built the elf a palace out of Magna-Tiles. On more than one occasion, I overheard him singing the elf a lullaby before they both went to sleep, together, in the same bed.
These new rules, where my son was in charge, fostered pretend play and imagination. It didn’t have to go this way, of course. There is no textbook for these sorts of things. The magic was in the freedom. By refusing to follow a formula, I gave myself a holiday—one where I could bear witness to just how good, how perfect, my son is without my micromanagement.
I found, too, that I could have an actual vacation whenever I resisted some of my internalized beliefs about good motherhood. I purchased grocery store brownies for a potluck rather than dirtying the kitchen to make homemade. I counted Christmas movies not as screen time but as memories. I prioritized my own joy rather than some projection of perfection—and my whole family had a happier holiday because of it.
These indoor games for kids include things to do to play with friends and family, perfect for both solo and group play
Is the weather keeping you inside? No problem. The good news is that we’ve got a ton of indoor activities for kids that go beyond your normal play routine. From crafting your own robots to writing stories, here are more than 100 activities and inside games for kids that’ll keep everyone busy.
68. Before there were smartphones, there were maps. Pass the paper reading map skills down a generation by showing your kids how to read a map, old-school style.
105. Finally, for the mom and dad who have crafted, created, entertained, and danced, you deserve a pat on the back ... and maybe even a glass of wine. Make things interesting with our wine bingo printable you can download. Cheers!
From the LEGO Duplo Dream Town Playground to the Gobbler 3-Wheel Scooter, these holiday gifts for 2-year-olds are perfect for busy little ones
Toddlers, specifically 2-year-olds, are developing at a rapid pace and they’re known to bounce from one activity to the next at warp speed. Finding gifts that keep them engaged, nurture their curiosity, and spark excitement is like striking holiday gold. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of unique gifts for 2-year-olds that are up for the task. From games that get kids counting to toys that teach how to communicate emotions to a racetrack that offers hours of fun—here are the best gifts for 2-year-olds this season. Got kids of other ages? Check out our top picks for gifts for 18-24 month-olds, teens and tweens, and babies!
LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven
LeapFrog
This oven does it all. Counting and cooking, serving and sharing; this is preschool prep for little chefs. Complete with 16 fun ingredients and easy take-and-go play—everything fits right inside.
VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Spiral Construction Tower™
VTech
Get ready for some construction fun with this giant construction tower set. Over 4’ wide and over 2’ tall, this set has a giant spiral ramp, a bridge, a crane, a conveyer belt, elevator, and more! Cruise over each Smartoint® on the playset to hear revved up responses that drive learning!
How chic is this play kitchen? A play phone, chalkboard, and towel rack add to the realism (but we do have to warn you—please don't try to put it together the night before).
Create colorful roads anywhere—tables, cardboard boxes, floors, and more. (This is one of those things that definitely requires parental help to set up.)
Your 2 year old can practice sorting and color recognition by organizing each car into their own garage and opening and closing them with their coordinating colored key.
KiwiCo's Sensory Play Lightbox is museum-inspired to light up each shape to let them mix and match, see how each shape fits together, and shows them how different colors blend to create new hues.
A classic baby doll with realistic features, soft-to-the-touch materials, and easy-care cleaning. This one is definitely a doll they'll love for years.
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Little ones can be tricky to buy for. Well, unless you have our guide to gifts for toddlers
They’re not babies, and they’re not quite little kids. Our 18-24 month littles are at a special age where they’re exploring everything, eager to learn, and ready for anything. So, if you’re having trouble coming up with presents for them, you’re not alone. We’ve rounded up some of the best gifts for toddlers this season to make your job as Santa much easier.
There are puzzles, sweet stuffies, and even enchanted silk scarves. Of course, there are also the classics like a play barn, a soft baby doll, their first tea set, and Mickey even makes an appearance. Combining well-known characters and some new friends, we made sure there’s something for every kiddo on our list. We’re pretty sure you won’t have to look further than this list to create a magical holiday. Read on for our picks for gifts for toddlers.
LeapFrog Build-a-Waffle Learning Set
LeapFrog
Their favorite breakfast will easily become their new favorite toy that teaches them colors, numbers, and following directions.
Their favorite friends are all cozying up to their bedtime stories on these absolutely darling pajamas. They're created with Little Sleepies' famous Lunaluxe Bamboo.
It's a stroller and a trolley. Made of handwoven rattan, little ones just need to flip the lid and they can go from strolling their stuffed animals around to doing the shopping.
Stapelstein Stepping Stones are the original play 'stones'. They're soft, stackable, sturdy, and can be used in a ton of imaginary ways to get your little one's creativity flowing (plus, they're really convenient to use as seats, stools, or steps). Available in Original Rainbow or Pastel.
This starter DUPLO set pulls off a holiday gifting hat trick: It's a building toy, a vehicle (and we all know how much toddlers love pushing around anything on wheels), and it helps introduce them to numbers.
Sarah's Silks is all about open-ended play. Tactile toddlers will love the lightweight, floaty fabrication that lets them create and play for hours. These Mini Playsilks grow with them, long after they're done playing.
The best thing about silicone toys? They're dishwasher-safe and quiet! We love a great kitchen set for open-ended imaginative play, especially when you're trying to get stuff done in the kitchen and your mini-me wants to join in.
The Play-Doh Ride-On Activity School Bus includes 3 cans of Play-Doh, 10 numbers stamps, 6 shape cutters, and 1 roller. Just lift up the ride-on seat to reveal the play set.
This baby koala is so precious. Made from natural Peruvian cotton yarn, not only is it soft and collectible; it's heirloom-quality, so they'll have something to treasure for years.
Your little one will love this cute vintage-style music player, complete with rainbow light show, music, and color call-outs (not to mention headphones).
Remember those old-school bright cardboard bricks? They got an update with Bricklettes. They fit into your home's decor and the starter set of 10 is great for kiddos who have just started stacking.
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These toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 include must-have items like the Bitzee Digital Pet and a Roblox gift card
It’s gift guide season, and today we’re tackling the elementary-age crowd (for younger kiddos, check out our preschoolers’ gift list and for the older crew our tween guide is a must-read). The 6-9 age group is so fun because they’re old enough to appreciate a thoughtful gift, yet still young enough to be wowed by the magic of it all. From the never-go-out-of-style gifts like LEGO sets to one of the hottest holiday toys of 2023, we’ve got a covetable selection of toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 at a variety of budgets.
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint
Zip, zoom, and drive this race car on any smooth surface, including the walls and ceiling.
The LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Telescope features up to 110x magnification and lets kids zoom in on the moon at night or nature during the day. Capture and save what you see, and explore out-of-this-world discoveries and more through 100+ NASA videos and images on the 2.4” screen.
If your grade school kiddo hasn’t been swept up in Minverse madness yet, here’s the perfect introduction. The kitchen comes with the UV-light oven needed to ‘make’ their treats, and two bonus recipes and oven mitts are also included.
The paper fortune cookie tellers of our youth are back and better than ever. This book is filled with tear-out pages to fill in and fold up (in gender-inclusive designs!).
Two toys for the price of one? We're there. This super durable set both light up and make sounds (but not overly annoying ones, we swear), plus they're collector's items. Hurry, though. They will sell out; they do every year.)
woom Bikes are designed specifically for kids and their needs. The woom OFF 4 Bike is a 20" bike that provides off-road capacity in a kid-friendly lightweight frame. Also available in black.
One of the coolest new toys we’ve seen in 2023, kids can pet, feed, and play with up to 15 3-D digital pets. The more they play, the faster they level up!
Create Like Frida Self-Portrait Mirror Painting Kit
Creative kids will be inspired by the world’s most famous self-portrait artist with their own art set that includes three pre-printed and one blank decal.
One of the hottest gift ideas for kids in 2023, little scientists can combine all the ingredients they need to create their very own beast. The sounds, lights, and mist actions give this kit an authentic lab vibe.
This brand-new game isn’t just fun for Barbie lovers! Design gurus will enjoy picking wallpaper and decor to create the ultimate home for the iconic doll and her friends.
Indiana Jones doesn’t have anything on your curious kid. There are six molds that look like iconic historical items like the pyramids, a Viking helmet, and the Great Wall of China. Using excavating tools, kids will dig for treasures in each one.
We love how Pair offers magnetic frames to customize your base frames, and we know kiddos will, too. Keep their sensitive eyes protected with a ton of color and lens options, so they can enjoy the sun in style.
Speedsters can create their own course with over nine feet of starter track, and you can incorporate materials you find around the house to create obstacles, tunnels, and more.
All of the fun of a pet without the cleanup! This interactive pup is ready for love and care and even comes with six games, like Fortune Teller and Ultimate Nose Boop.
Get your elementary school kids talking with three different sets of questions: Would You Rather? Family Edition, Would You Rather? Made You Think!, and Would You Rather? Christmas Edition.
In the latest installment of Dav Pilkey’s popular elementary school series, Piggy is back! Who will stop him from attempting to put his diabolical plan into action?
The ‘90s called, but we’re not giving these back! As fun as ever, kids can design their own line of clothing with this kit that now includes a set of cool stickers.
Put those leaves, acorns, and fall colors to perfect use
After months of sweltering temps, we wouldn’t be shocked to hear you’re looking forward to fall. Celebrate the season of pumpkin spice, snuggly sweaters, and golden leaves by making a cornucopia of fun fall crafts with your kids. We’ve rounded up a huge list of autumn-appropriate arts and crafts that’ll keep you going all season long. Happy crafting!
If your pint-sized Picasso was obsessed with the negative space leaf print, give this one from Mini Monets and Mommies a try too. It starts with the same idea (using the leaves to make negative space paintings) but adds an overlapping, abstract art aspect to it. Try it using fall colors or use a rainbow of hues. It’s totally your child’s choice.
Have you ever had a delish corn feast and then been left with a bunch of husks? You’re in luck because with this clever idea from Pink Stripey Socks you can whip up some DIY brushes and paint the day away.
Let the kids lend a hand (or two) to create these adorable arachnids from Fun at Home with Kids. Make a new one every year to document growth! Crawl over to the blog for materials and instructions.
Art time can be as easy as a duck taking to the water. Farm feathers paired with paint, paper, tray, and tape let your little birds find their inner Picasso. Find out more from Allison over at No Time For Flashcards.
Roll with a little messiness on this colorful creation from Things to Share and Remember. Pluck field corn, add orange, brown, and yellow paint, and let your little farmhand get to it!
Let them play with their veggies (maybe they’ll eat more too!). Grab green paint, chop a flat surface on celery, brussels sprouts (or other pulled up crops), then stamp and stomp until the cows come home. Artful inspiration from Chelsey over at Buggy and Buddy.
Who needs a paintbrush anyways? Paint, an apple, and oh-so-much fun! This is one that you might remember from way back when you were a tot, too. Head over to Simple Fun for Kids for … well, some simple fun for kids. Literally.
If your kiddos are looking for pretend play awesomeness, this craft from The Best Ideas for Kids is pretty rad. Now we're just going to need some real apple pie to go along with it.
So you say you’ve got a cork or two sitting around? Put them to use, and try out this perfect-for-preschoolers fall apple art activity from The Gingerbread House. This easy art activity lets kids explore printmaking without having to take a college class in some sort of complicated medium. No screens, pricey tools, or expert knowledge are required.
Sometimes you just can’t grow your own apple tree. In case your mini Johnny Appleseed is interested in trees, this activity from Crafts on Sea lets them explore in a creative, crafty way.
A little sparkle is always welcome. Seriously. If your kiddo is obsessed with everything that shines, you know all about how inviting materials such as sequins or glitter can be. This art activity brings the sparkle—in spades. Get the steps to creating a crafty, and super-shiny apple from What Can We Do with Paper and Glue.
Kids can get artsy with negative space. And, of course, fall leaves. Okay, so you’re not really making art out of leaves. Your child is actually making art out of the absence of the leaves. Of course, if your creative kid wants to keep the leaves she’ll remove from her negative space painting, she can always collage them onto another piece of paper or hang them together with yarn to make a garland. Get the full instructions from Mini Monets and Mommies.
Turn fall leaves into adorable little autumn friends with this cute craft. Inspire hours of pretend play (or at least an afternoon of it) with these puppet-like people who are made out of leaves. Get the complete how-to from Thimble & Twig.
Put your left (and right) foot in to create this adorable party decor from Mama.Papa.Bubba. From ghosts to cats, candy corn and more, let the kids decorate each footprint as their favorite Halloween characters. Take a stroll over to the blog for the how-to.
Lois Ehlert’s beloved children’s book Leaf Man is the autumn-y inspiration behind this these creative little creatures. Your little artist can use fall leaves to create almost any type of fall friend that she can imagine. Get the deets at Powerful Mothering.
Your child can create furry woodland friends—using leaves! This fab fall craft is ideal for kids who are into learning about animals, or for any child who just loves to create. Learn how your crafty kid can make these adorable creations at Handmade Charlotte.
If you’re looking for a way to use up all those popsicle sticks you bought that one time for that one thing, this fall craft for kids is perfect. You don’t need too many extra supplies, and the results are super cute. Get the tutorial over at Crafty Morning.
How pretty is this wreath from Happiness Is Homemade? Your kids will be amazed when you help them transform their watercolors into a gorgeous fall decor piece.
These happy nocturnal creatures are the perfect Halloween decor for your bat cave. You might even have everything you need lying around the house, too! Fly over to the tutorial at Buggy and Buddy.
Are your kids up for a little bird watching? Well, you need to attract the local flying wildlife to your yard. The kids can use fresh fruit to make a feeder that the birds will totally enjoy. Visit Mothering with Mindfulness to learn how to create your own.
This rockin’ craft from This Heart of Mine is perfect for hanging your little monster's artwork on the fridge. Check out the how-to and make a set of your favorite creatures.
This Mummy Pumpkin from The Everyday Home is hauntingly cute. Perfect for trick-or-treating or outdoor decor, have your mini-mummies create their own faces for a fun pre-candy collecting project.
Let the light shine in! Even though it’s fall, that doesn’t mean the sun is suddenly hiding behind a storm of clouds. Hey, it’s still there. And it’s streaming through your windows. Take advantage of the bright light and try this suncatcher leaf craft from Sloely.
It’s time for princess or prince pretend play. Your child can magically transform into autumn royalty with this maple leaf crown craft. Learn about this imaginative autumn art activity at Twig and Toadstool.
Magically transform a mason jar into a light-up lantern. This oh-so-cute craft is the perfect way to dress up your dining room table or illuminate a family fall party. Get the how-to steps from Chasing Supermom.
Screen time is inevitable, but these apps help make it a learning experience
All parents need a break sometimes, and there’s no shame in throwing a screen at the problem (aka a toddler who’s bouncing off the walls). But no one said it has to be mindless. With the right apps, your toddler’s screen time can be an excellent tool for learning everything from letters and numbers to social-emotional skills. Keep reading to discover the best toddler apps and how they can help grow young minds.
PBS Kids Games by PBS Kids
PBS KIDS Games
With over 250 games featuring your kiddo’s favorite PBS characters, this is one of the best toddler apps with so much to do and learn. Play educational games with the Wild Kratts, Daniel Tiger, Elmo, and more, all ad-free and offline.
Another classic educational app that grows along with kids. The games cover everything from math and reading to science, music, and art. With over 10,000 activities to complete, your kids will be learning new things well into elementary school.
You can’t go wrong with the myriad of unique educational games Toca Boca offers. The colorful characters and settings are designed to make pretend play even more creative and fun. Some of the best apps for toddlers include Toca Doctor, which helps prepare kids for a check-up, and Toca Life: Town, which invites players to explore daily life activities like grocery shopping, cooking, visiting the park, and more.
Follow along with Kodi Bear and her pals on an adventure through learning. Easily one of the best toddler apps you can get for free, it encompasses everything from academic basics to social-emotional learning through games and activities. It even teaches kids the importance and fun of exercise with dance breaks and yoga videos.
This excellent staple has been around for a long time and remains a staple as one of the best toddler apps. Through colorful graphics and games, young tots can begin learning and recognizing letters and their sounds. This awesome educational app grows with your kids, expanding letters into words and sentences as their reading skills progress.
There’s nothing more fun than learning through play. Toddlers can pick up social skills like empathy and sharing through engaging games and activities, like playing dress-up or having a snack. This is also one of the best apps to play together with your little ones. If your little can’t get enough of these adorable characters, Sago offers a whole suite of interactive games perfect for toddlers.
There’s a good reason this is the number-one preschool app in the Apple App Store—this monkey’s lunchbox is full of fun and kids get to pick a new “sticker” every time they complete a few activities. Its colorful design and playful sounds engage kids as they learn about shapes, colors, counting, and comparison through various games and challenges.
Pretend play is a fantastic way to help kids learn to engage with the world around them. This app offers six different settings to explore, including going to the doctor, getting ready for bed, and using the potty. One of the best parts is the Feel the Music game, which teaches kids how to express their emotions with music.
Toddlers and emotions go together like PB & J, and discovering their emotions is a big part of your kiddo’s daily life. This Sesame Street-themed app is the perfect tool to help tots learn more about their feelings and how to react and self-regulate in different situations. Kids learn calming techniques and ways to express their emotions in a healthy way. Even parents can get a good lesson out of this app.
This interactive e-book invites toddlers to get involved in this Sandra Boyton classic. The board book comes to life with sounds and music. Curious readers can tap on the colorful animals to hear the various sounds they make as the story unfolds. Kids can also tap on individual words to hear them sounded out.
Hungry Caterpillar Play School by StoryToys Entertainment Limited
Hungry Caterpillar Play School
Help your toddler prepare for preschool with Eric Carle’s timeless character, the Hungry Caterpillar. Kids can explore and develop math and reading skills, as well as learn about science and nature, all through Carle’s colorful artwork and designs.
Young kids can discover the fundamentals of music through a variety of games and activities. After a while, your toddler will be able to read and recognize rhythm, music notes, different musical instruments, and more. The music includes popular nursery rhymes and songs, like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Live like Eloise, a pirate, or Aladdin in these themed suites
Who says a hotel has to be just a place to sleep? It’s time to make the hotel the destination by staying in a place that’ll whisk you away the moment you turn the key. Want to sleep in a Jurassic Park Gryosphere? That’s a thing! How about a fairy world suite that’s so authentic you’ll feel like you’ve shrunken down to the size of a mushroom cap? You can do that, too. From theme park suites to kitschy roadside attractions, here’s our list of amazing themed hotel rooms:
Jurassic World Kids’ Suites at Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Orlando, FL
Loews Royal Pacific
These suites have authentic Gyrosphere beds that’ll make your kids feel like they’re going to wheel right out of the room and into the Jurassic section of Universal’s next-door theme park. Kids get their own themed rooms, complete with floors that look like grass, and a Jurassic jungle mural on the wall. Grown-ups will appreciate getting their space, too, with tastefully designed king rooms connected via a door modeled after the dinosaur enclosure.
Live a Fairy’s Life at the Roxbury Motel – Catskills, NY
Roxbury Motel
This two-story cottage is so decked out in magical forest trimmings that will have you thinking you’ve shrunken down and joined Tink and her team in Neverland. The cottage has two bedrooms and a Cedar stairwell bound by branches and greenery that will make you feel like you’re ascending a tree into the canopy above.
Note: If fairies aren’t your thing but a trip to the Catskills is, the Roxbury has several other amazing themed dwellings, including a Medieval Castle-themed cottage that’ll have you feeling like you’ve been whisked into an episode of Game of Thrones, and a Cinderalla-themed cottage that’s got a full-size bathroom nestled inside a giant pumpkin (!).
Step Inside the Adventureland Suite at The Disneyland Hotel – Anaheim, CA
Disneyland Hotel
All we can say is: If you can shell out the few thousand dollars it takes to stay a night at Disneyland’s luxuriously themed suites, we’re jealous. The hotel has five “Signature Suites,” each one more gorgeous than the next. And while it’s hard to narrow down a fave, we’d have to go with the Adventureland suite, a two-bedroom suite decorated with exotic furnishings and one-of-a-kind curios. It looks like a place Indiana Jones would hang with Walt himself.
Step into Agrabah at the Hilton New York Times Square’s Aladdin Palace Suite – NY
Hilton Times Square
Anyone who’s a fan of Aladdin will want to check out this colorful Times Square suite that’s straight out of the fictional land of Agrabah. Furnished with Jasmine-inspired silks, framed prints from the Broadway show, layers of Moroccan rugs, and a genie lamp that was an actual set piece, guests will feel suitably transported (even though the awesome skyscraper view is 100 percent Big Apple).
Guests will also be treated to specialty drinks, complimentary breakfast, and free parking. But the best part? The room comes with up to four premium orchestra seats for the show, located at the New Amsterdam theater right next door.
Slumber In the Jungle at the Madonna Inn – San Luis Obispo, CA
Madonna Inn
This sprawling Victorian mansion just off the 101 Freeway in Central California is a shrine to all things kitsch. It has 110 individually-themed rooms, each one offering its own brand of over-the-top style, from the signature Madonna Suite (think velvet furniture and pink flower prints galore) to the three-bedroom “Harvard Square” with red leather and dark wood touches. But we like the Jungle Rock Room best for its authentic, otherworldly gaudiness, with vines draped across the ceiling and an actual rock waterfall in the shower.
Tiny sophisticates will want to hit NYC in style after spending the night at the Eloise Suite at the infamous Plaza Hotel. Inside the perfectly replicated abode, everything is pink and white with a zebra carpet—just as Eloise likes it. Your little Eloise-in-training will feel right at home, especially considering that the closet is stocked with Eloise’s clothes (try them on!) and the shelves are filled with her favorite books, toys, and dolls.
The room also comes with tea for four at The Palm Court, a special welcome letter from Eloise, welcome sweets and goodies chosen by Eloise, and an Eloise gift bag with a special tote bag, Eloise robe, and other fun Eloise gifts
The submarine door (you have to crank the iron wheel to open it!) is just the beginning of the adventure at these immersive suites that will thrill any fan of Gru and the gang. Kids will love sleeping in their own room, which is outfitted with missile-shaped beds and a Minion mural on the wall, while adults get their own quarters with a king-sized bed and not a minion to be found.
Love the idea of camping but don’t want to deal with setting up the tent and sleeping in actual nature? This family suite is the next best thing! Complete with an indoor tent (already set up for you!), faux firepit, picnic tables, and twinkling ceiling stars, you’ll get the perks of the Great Outdoors—without having to actually be, you know…outdoors. And when you wake up, you can explore the actual wildlife, trails, and outdoor activities Lake Tahoe has to offer (the hotel is a five-minute walk to the lake).
While the rooms here are spacious and filled with African art and decor to match the theme, the best part of staying at Disney’s upscale safari-themed lodge is the view: Book a Savannah View room and you’ll be able to spot more than 30 species of Disney’s resident African wildlife—including giraffes, ostriches, and zebras—from your hotel room balcony! It’s better than watching TV (at least, that’s what you’ll tell your kids).
Make Like a Pirate at LEGOLAND’s Pirate Island Hotel – Orlando, FL
LEGOLAND
Say “Arghh” and step inside the colorful pirate suite at LEGOLAND Florida’s newest hotel. The suite comes with a separate kids’ room outfitted with a bunk bed with a pull-out trundle, plus a fully outfitted LEGO play area. Meanwhile, pirate parents can rest easy in their own room while their littles search for treasure (there’s an in-room treasure hunt with real treasure every day!). That, and it’s all just 130 steps from the theme park!
Note: All LEGOLAND Hotels have themed rooms, with choices including LEGO Ninjago Rooms, Adventure Rooms, Kingdom Rooms, and Pirate Rooms. There’s also a “Beach Retreat” hotel with individual Caribbean-style bungalows.
Get in the Game at the Curtis Hotel’s Video Game Room – Denver, CO
The Curtis
Donkey Kong arcade console? Check! Mario-themed color scheme? Yep! Retro candy to fuel your sugar high? You bet! This tastefully designed retro suite (it opts for sophistication over kitsch-ification) is an ode to 80s and 90s gaming. Your kids will be all, “Where’s the Xbox?” But now’s your chance to show them the art of pre-TikTok fun.
Splurge-Worthy Extra: Want to go old-school with a group? The Curtis (which has a slew of other awesome themed rooms, including a “Ghostbusters” room on the 13th Floor!) has a “90s-inspired package” that lets you rent the whole floor and soak up the 90s era nostalgia with your BFFs. The package includes an endless selection of 80s and 90s snacks (think cheese puffs and Razzles); a set of iconic “moon shoes” for every guest room; a 90s-inspired silent disco; retro clothing accessories including chokers, bucket hats, and slap bracelets; and a dedicated floor attendant who is at your service throughout your stay.
The Barbie Ultimate Staycation at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is everything your Barbie self wishes she had, including a toy Barbie Dreamhouse propped in the room for pretend play, plenty of pink/Barbie branding to keep you in the mood, a “Pink Afternoon Tea,” and a fully stocked closet with enough wardrobe changes for your mini to put on the Barbie fashion show of her dreams.
SpongeBob Squarepants Villa in Punta Cana – This two-bedroom, three-bathroom suite looks just like the famous yellow sponge’s undersea pineapple abode—with indoor and outdoor living areas, an infinity pool, and private butlers to cater to your whims.
Harry Potter Room (the Wizard’s Chambers) in London – You’ll walk through a hidden bookcase down a candlelit,portrait-lined hallway just to find this spellbinding Harry Potter-themed room located inside the 172-year-old Georgian House Hotel. Once inside, the room features stained glass windows, stone walls, archways, trunks, cauldrons, four-poster beds hung with velvet curtains, and an assortment of magical extras that Potter-obsessed muggles will love.
I have a video of my two-year-old daughter sitting quietly in the middle of a tornado. Not a real tornado, of course. Just the whirling, noisy storm of her two older brothers literally running in circles around her. In that moment, she is sitting on the floor rocking a baby doll while her brothers bounce around the room like pinballs. While they’re shrieking and giggling, jumping from couch to floor and back again, she is singing a lullaby nobody can hear—as if she and her doll are in a quiet place somewhere far, far away.
I watch it now and say a silent thank you. Because—while it may have taken me three kids to get there—it was in that moment that I knew I had a child who is happy just playing by herself.
And that matters. Experts say solo play or “independent play” not only helps children build confidence in themselves; it also helps inspire creativity, build focus, nurture problem-solving skills, and inspire trust—both in themselves and in their relationship with their parents.
Then of course there’s the (very important) fact that alone time for the child gives parents a little time to themselves, too. “It does give parents a break,” said Bryana Kappadakunnel, a Los Angeles-based LMFT and founder of Conscious Mommy, which offers coaching and workshops for parents of young children. “If a child knows how to play independently and doesn’t require the parent to engage or entertain them, it makes things like preparing dinner much easier.”
So where do you start? How can you turn your wiggly, codependent toddler into a self-sufficient kid who’s happy to play alone? I asked some experts and am sharing my own experiences to give you some suggestions.
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Start by doing solo time with your child
Sure, we all want to have children who can let us go to the bathroom without knocking incessantly at the door because they need us right now (just saying). But that doesn’t mean we can send our unsuspecting two-year-olds to their rooms and expect the magic to happen.
Start by setting up a space that invites them in: Put some paper and crayons on the kitchen table while you’re cooking dinner; set up a playdough station; put a box of Magna-Tiles on the living room floor. Or, says Amy Carney, author of Parent On Purpose: Raising Thoughtful Children in a Complicated World, set up a “boredom box” with age-appropriate items that spark creative play in your child. For this, Carney recommends small items like art supplies, trinkets, toys from birthday party bags, figurines, slime, or putty.
Want to make your toddlers feel good about playing by themselves? Sit nearby and “narrate.” This means just acknowledging what your child is doing, i.e. “You are building a really high tower!” or “You’re really being caring to your baby doll.” Doing this builds children’s confidence about what they’re doing.
By the same token, avoid correcting your child or trying to make it a teaching moment—don’t quiz them about colors or ask them to count the blocks in their hands. After all, this is play; not school.
And, replace your instinct to correct with curiosity: for example, if your child is using stacking blocks for all-things-NOT stacking (hey, they make fun hats!), say something like, “Hmm you seem to have found a new way to play with that toy.”
Finally: Don’t ask questions, which Kappadakunnel said can be distracting to the child. Just watch and narrate. Imagine that you’re a nature photographer and just observe the child in her “natural habitat.” (They’re interesting creatures, those kiddos!)
Don’t overload the space
Apparently, your child doesn’t need a lot of toys. A 2017 study from the University of Toledo in Ohio suggested that an environment with fewer toys is better for toddlers and that too many toys actually decrease the “quality of play.” It becomes overwhelming for the child. For each play session, just a handful of toys is enough.
Start by putting out a few toys and telling your child that you’re going to watch them play and that they can show you how the toys work. Let your kid get busy, and just be there to watch (if they ask you to play, tell them it is their time to show you or to play on their own—but that you’re there to see all they can do!). Then, once they are used to playing without you as a playmate, you can try putting the toys down and walking to another room (or another part of the room where you can do something else independently of your child).
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The kind of toy matters
They say “the more a toy does, the less your child does.” So choose simple toys that inspire open-ended play. Some good examples are:
Magna-Tiles
Blocks
Pretend play items (a kitchen, tools, etc.)
Baby dolls or a dollhouse
Simple instruments
Sensory play (playdough, clay, slime, etc.)
And don’t tell your child how to use the toy. Let them explore it for themselves. There is no WRONG way to play with a toy (unless it puts the child is in danger, of course).
Note: Avoid toys with screens or sounds—and don’t use toys that are meant to “teach” (like toys that claim to teach ABCs or colors). Toys that teach have their place, experts say, but when it comes to solo play, open-ended toys are best because they inspire creativity and free thought, and allow the child to lead the way.
“If we can take the pressure off of play to be academic and instead see the learning in play associated with how a child learns to regulate their body, how a child learns to interact with others, how a child learns to occupy themselves—play then becomes this rich, wonderful work that is fascinating,” Kappadakunnel said.
If your child is resistant to solo play, ask, “Have I been available?”
Does your child fight you when you try to get them to “go play”? Kappadakunnel said maybe your child just needs more of you, first.
Ask yourself: Have you been available to your child lately? If the answer is no, then figure out how you can change that. It doesn’t have to be much: Even 10 to 15 minutes of scheduled “special time” a day does wonders for kids. Just set a timer and sit down on the floor with your child. It may seem like a blip to you, but those 10 minutes can really make a difference—for both of you.
Remember that screens don’t count as “alone time”
While an older child might prefer to spend every moment of her alone time on an iPad or video game console, kids need to make time for more productive time alone. That means, maybe, instead of turning on cartoons first thing in the morning, put down some novel toys and ask your child to make something of them. It may be a hard shift at first, but beginning the day with play is a good way to start!
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Now is as good a time as any
Whether you’ve got toddlers as clingy as koala bears or older kids who still consider you Playmate No. 1, it’s never too late to start encouraging a little solo time. For toddlers, having “Alone Time” bursts once or twice a week is a good place to start. You can also lead by example, scheduling time for yourself as often as you can and sharing your feelings about it with your kids.
And don’t forget about YOU. We all know you need some of that precious me-time, too. So make yourself a model: If they see how happy you are doing something for yourself, by yourself (arts & crafts, taking a walk, reading quietly), maybe they’ll start to crave those same sorts of experiences, too. Remember: You can lead the way.
Read books that celebrate being alone
Books are a good way to teach young children—especially when it means they get some quality time with you. Try reading these books to get your kiddos craving solo play:
Whether your kid has Old MacDonald aspirations or wants a big red barn to call her own, a farm-theme party could be just what the tractor ordered. To get you started, we’ve harvested the very best farm games to enjoy pre- or post-birthday cake. These farm games, crafts, farm activities for preschoolers, and pretend play projects are perfect for a farm birthday party.
This adorable award-winning game is perfect for older siblings or friends at a farm-themed party. The chicken-pig hybrids attempt to reach their goals while maneuvering around hay bales, cows, and more!
Gather 'yer cowpokes for a fun ring toss with a farm-themed angle. Put two or three hula hoops on the ground and line your party guest up behind them. Give the person at the front of the line a cowboy hat and have her attempt to land the hat in each of the hoops. Whoever gets their hat in the most rings wins!
3. Farmer, May I
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Along the same lines as Mother, May I, the farmer will call out big steps, little steps, duck waddles, or bunny hops. Each player then has to ask "Farmer, may I?" in order to move forward. If players forget to ask, they're sent to the starting line. The first player to reach the farmer becomes the new farmer!
4. Bob for Apples
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A classic game that includes fall's favorite orchard fruit, bobbing for apples is something even the tiniest farmer can try. Fill a bucket full of water, drop in the apples and let loose your hungry party people! You can opt to see who gets the apple first for a prize or just let the kids have fun.
5. Duck, Duck, Goose!
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This classic game is perfect for a farm-themed party. Set the kids in a circle, and have one start by placing her hand on top of each player, saying "Duck, duck, duck," and when she's ready, say "Goose!" The person whose head she touched will get up and chase her. If she makes it back to the empty spot, she's safe. If not, she's in the mush pot. Continue on. See our other favorite classic birthday games by clicking here.
6. Snorting Contest
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Gather all your guests and have each one take a turn making their best pig snort. Then, the panel of judges (mom and dad!) can hand out awards in all sorts of different categories: silliest snort, loudest snort, sweetest snort, funniest snort, loudest, least like a pig, and more.
7. Read Farm Books
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There are dozens of fun farm-themed books for kids that you can choose to read to your guest. We love Margaret Wise Brown's classic Big Red Barn and Little Red Hen.
8. Animal Round-Up
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Here's where all those plastic farm animals you're constantly stepping over will come in handy. Spread hay on an old sheet, in a wagon, or even in the yard. Give each party guest a container and tell them the farm stock has gotten out and needs to be "corralled." Then let them sort, search and gather to their heart's content.
You could say this idea from Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams is udderly unique. All you need to teach the littles how to milk a cow is cardboard, some bovine-drawing skills, and a latex glove.
Who knew getting a kid-sized John Deere was as easy as hoarding cardboard? We love the creativity of this idea from The Party Wall—and that you can turn this into a group art project for the whole barnyard gang.
Have cereal boxes and popsicle sticks stashed away somewhere? Good, because Crayon Box Chronicles is ready to tell you how to use them to create a farm world that's just the right size for curious kids. It's the perfect entertainment for sensory and imaginative play.
It's easy to customize the classic ring toss game for a farm-themed affair. Made with soda bottles and felt (which you can opt to glue instead of sewing), this is a great activity for small spaces and younger kids. See more at Adventures in Craftiness.
If you're okay with the party getting messy, consider making a few paint-filled eggs. Just fill up eggshells with paint and let 'em fly, or buy canvases and let the kids create splatter art. Get the full instructions over at Vanessa Crafts.
How cute is this little sheep craft from No Time for Flash Cards? There's no sheering involved with this farm art—just glue, cotton balls, markers, paper, and imagination.
Swap out your donkey for a pig, a horse, a sheep, or any other farm animal to bring a fun twist to this classic birthday game. We especially like the idea of making it a Minecraft-themed game.
The preschooler crowd will have a blast with this DIY farm animal game from Life Over C's. It's educational, customizable, and even comes with a free printable.
It's another clever cardboard idea, this time from ikat bag. If you've ever visited your local farmers market with your family, you've probably talked about where all the delicious food comes from. For a farm party full of imagination, why not build your own market stand and watch the pretend play unfold?
Tractors on your mark, get set, go! When it comes to a farm-themed extravaganza, here's how to add a little something for the little speedster in your life. Just think of it as racing, tractor-style. Head to Life with the Clines for more.
Thanks to The Little Sewing Shop, there's an easy and fun way to let your little farmers use up some energy. The idea is to run around and gather scattered eggs, veggies, and fruit (bonus points if you already have toy food!) and then sort them into baskets.
Set out enough materials so each kid can paint their own pig! It's very easy, and you probably already have everything you need. We love the easy tutorial from Oh Creative Day.
21. Wheelbarrow Races
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Divide your guests into two groups. Then, have one person be the "wheelbarrow" while another teammate "drives" the wheelbarrow across the finish line. The first team to get all their "wheelbarrows" across the finish line wins this fun farm game!
Weaving can be fun for older kids, and we love this simple weaving party kit spotted over at The Creativity Patch. Not only will it keep your guests busy, but they'll be able to take home their work as well!
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