ML Interest Tag: sing

Family Halloween Costumes That Are a Freakin’ Delight

by Lauren Hill

Wait until you see the “Peter Pan” family costume!

If you start now, it’s easy to coordinate an awesome family Halloween costume that will earn you tons of compliments from fellow trick-or-treaters. From Scooby-Do-themed get-ups to Star Wars family costumes, there are plenty of great ways to dress up your brood this year. For parents who prefer to be a bit more behind-the-scenes, we’ve also got the most popular Halloween costumes for kids in 2022, baby Halloween costumes you can DIY with a onesie, and cardboard box Halloween costumes (because what else were you going to do with those Amazon boxes?)

Click here and save all these family costumes to Pinterest.

Movie Theater Snack Costume

If there’s anything we can agree on, it’s that going to the movies hits differently when snacks are involved. This fun family costume takes everyone’s favorite movie theater snacks to the next level.

Mary Poppins Family Halloween Costume

This fun family costume idea could go so many ways. You could have chimney sweeps, more penguins, the Banks children, and more!

Scooby Do Family Costume

How adorable is this family costume idea? Be sure to save your big Amazon box to make your own Mystery Machine.

Cruella Family Halloween Costume

While we wait for the sequel, how about this fabulous take on one of Disney’s most iconic villains?

Related: 7 Costume Ideas That Are Based on Book Characters 

Hocus Pocus Family Halloween Costume

With the sequel coming out at the end of Sept., we have a feeling there’ll be a lot of Sanderson Sister action this year.

Greek Gods and Goddesses Costume

We are blinded by the fabulousness of this costume idea from Tell Love and Party.

Pot of Gold Costume

Good as gold! We give the green light to the striped stockings and big green hats that make these lucky little ones ready for trick-or-treating. Create a rainbow and add gold coins to a shirt, and you’ve got an adorable leprechaun family Halloween costume idea.

’80s-Themed Costume

When it comes to Halloween when in doubt, go all ’80s.

Star Wars Family Halloween Costume

The trick to this Star Wars-themed family costume is Queen Amidala‘s makeup. The rest is easily found on Amazon, like this Princess Leia, this Luke Skywalker, and this Darth Vader costume.

Related: 17 Incredibly Clever Cardboard Box Costumes 

Harry Potter Family Costume

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba8OFJTFdvH/?hidecaption=true

If you have a little muggle in the house, then a family Harry Potter costume theme makes for the perfect fit!

Baby Shark Family Halloween Costume

We love DIY costumes and give a wave of approval for this adorable shark family. You and your herd of fish will be sure to see grins on fellow trick-or-treaters.

Big Bad Wolf and the 3 Little Pigs Costume

Are any of you parents of multiples? This fabulous take on the classic children’s story is a genius idea for Halloween.

Where’s Waldo Family Costume

Where's Waldo family Halloween costume
Say Yes

The search is over! We spotted this ultra-coordinated family costume over at Say Yes. It's easy to pull together from items likely already in your closet.

Peter Pan and the Lost Boys Costume

Peter Pan family Halloween costume
A Beautiful Mess

We're clapping our hands for these whimsical costumes featuring Peter Pan and his Lost Boys. Grab a little pixie dust and fly over to A Beautiful Mess for a closer look at the costumes. It's easy to re-create if you just believe! You can even make your pixie dust by clicking here.

Family Weather Costume

Studio DIY

We love the idea of your kid being the rainbow in between the sunshine and rain! Find out how to make your own version over at Studio DIY. 

Wreck-It-Ralph Family Costume

Wreck-it-Ralph Family halloween costume
See Vanessa Craft

How cute is this Wreck-It-Ralph group costume idea? We love how a lot of these costumes might be laying around your house. Head over to See Vanessa Craft for the tutorials for each costume. 

Labyrinth Family Costume

Brit Co

Fulfill all your Goblin King dreams with this awesome family costume. Sarah, Jareth, and baby Toby complete this perfect trio of a costume. Find out how it's done over at Brit + Co. 

Monster Family Halloween Costume

Tell Love and Party

Few things say Halloween more than Creatures of the Night. You'll find all the how-tos and close-ups of the spooktacular makeup at Tell Love and Party featuring Frankenstein, his bride, a mini mummy, and a baby bat.

The Sandlot Family Costume

Chris Loves Julia

The family behind Chris Loves Julia took this awesome film-themed photo for the invitation to their annual costume bash. A flashback to a favorite childhood movie, the kids may not be familiar with The Sandlot, but they'll love the fun summery costumes.

 

A League of Their Own Group Costume

A League of Their Own Family Halloween Costume
Pretty Plain Janes

Complete with a ballpark candy vendor, the family behind Pretty Plain Janes hit a home run with this movie-themed group costume.  

 

 

 

 

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What To Watch with Your Family This Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month

by Priscilla Blossom

These movies and TV shows are a great way to support Latinx and Hispanic entertainers

Growing up, I rarely saw movie or TV stars who looked (or spoke or acted) like the people in my family. For a young child of Nicaraguan-Mexican immigrants like myself, living in a predominantly Latinx community, attending a school where most of the kids and their families were from Latin America and the Caribbean, there was no such thing as representation. Even now as an adult, I still don’t see enough of it. As of 2022, despite accounting for at least 19% of the US population, Latinxs only made up 3.1% of lead actors on TV shows and 5.2% of leads in film.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, consider watching and supporting some of the Latinx representation on screen. It’s a great way to not only support Latinx showrunners, directors, and actors, but also help keep these shows going (and helps remind producers that people do, in fact, care about diverse, positive, and accurate representation). See below for some of my recommendations of great Latinx/Hispanic shows and films you can watch with your families this month and every month!

TV Shows and Movies to Watch with Younger Kids During Hispanic Heritage Month

Dora the Explorer

Dora the Explorer is a good tv show for Hispanic Heritage month
Nick Jr.

For over 20 years, Dora has been enchanting young children, Latinx and otherwise, reminding them to stay curious and adventurous while also helping reinforce bilingualism (Dora often injects Spanish vocabulary into the show).

Episodes are available to watch on Nick Jr. and Paramount Plus.

Rosie’s Rules

Rosie's Rules is a TV show on PBS Kids good for Hispanic heritage month
PBS Kids

The toddler and preschool set will love this charming show about five-year-old Rosie Fuentes, a Mexican-American girl growing up in Texas with a bilingual, multicultural family. Watch Rosie approach the world with curiosity as she also teaches your kiddos Spanish words in each episode.

Check out our full review of the show here and watch full episodes on PBS Kids.

Movies and TV Shows Perfect for Tweens to Watch for Hispanic Heritage Month

One Day At A Time

One Day at a Time
Netflix

This delightful remake of the 1970s show of the same name centers on a Cuban-American family and their ups and downs while always making you laugh. Tackling topics like mental health, single parenthood, LGBTQIA identity, relationships, education, and Latinx culture, the show stars Justina Machado, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz, and Puerto Rican powerhouse Rita Moreno.

The first four seasons are available on Netflix.

Flamin’ Hot

Flamin' Hot is a good Hispanic Heritage Month movie
Searchlight Pictures

This newer film by Mexican-American actor-turned-director Eva Longoria tells the real-life story of Richard Montañez, who went from being a janitor at a Frito-Lay factory to becoming an executive at the company after helping create Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. It’s an uplifting, positive story for any child of immigrants or Latinx person to enjoy.

Watch it now on Hulu.

In The Heights

In the Heights
Max

Quiara Alegría Hudes’ and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway smash musical about the interwoven lives of the residents of the predominantly Dominican NYC neighborhood of Washington Heights is just as phenomenal as a film. Sing along with the cast, featuring Latinx talent Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Stephanie Beatriz, Leslie Grace, Jimmy Smits, Dascha Polanco, and many others.

Available for viewing on Max.

Related: 18 Latinx & Hispanic Heroes Your Kids Should Know

Movies and TV Shows Teens Might Enjoy

John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons

Latin History for Morons is a good Hispanic Hertiage Month movie
Netflix

Older teens can enjoy this hilarious and informative one-man show by comedian and actor John Leguizamo. Tired of hearing about the lack of Latin American history his son was being taught in schools, Leguizamo takes matters into his own hands and creates his own curriculum to offer a brief history of various parts of Latin America, with visuals, jokes, and more to make sure the students (aka the audience) stay engaged.

Watch it on Netflix.

Selena

Selena
Warner Bros.

This biopic of 90s Tejana music star Selena is perfect for a movie night with older teens who might share a love of the Bidi-Bidi-Bom-Bom singer. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Guadalupe Ontiveros, and Jon Seda, the film gives viewers a closer look at Selena’s brief but impactful life.

Streaming now on Max.

Real Women Have Curves

Real Women Have Curves
HBO Films

America Ferrera stars in this film about a young, first-generation Mexican-American teen navigating her desire to go to college and have a life of her own with her sense of duty to stay in her hometown and help provide for her family. Directed by Colombian-American Patricia Cardoso and based on the play written by Josefina López, it’s a great coming-of-age film to watch with older teens.

Watch it on Max.

Movies and TV Shows That Are Fun For The Whole Family

Encanto

Hispanic Heritage Month Movies : Encanto
Walt Disney Studios

By now, just about everyone has talked about Bruno and then some, and that’s a good thing! This story of an enchanted Colombian family who each learn to work with the gifts they are given stars a wide array of Latinx talent, including Stephanie Beatriz, Diane Guerrero, John Leguizamo, Maluma, and others. The Disney film also features several incredibly catchy tunes, with original songs by Lin Manuel-Miranda and score pieces by famed Latina composer Germaine Franco.

Watch on Disney Plus.

Coco

Hispanic Heritage Month movies : coco
Walt Disney Studios

This heartwarming tale of a young boy’s desire to become a musician and his connection to his Abuela Coco offers a delightful window into Mexican culture. Celebrating everything from mariachi music to Dia de los Muertos to the importance of la familia, the film is a must-watch for all families. Among the Latinx talent voicing the characters are Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Renée Victor, Jamie Camil, Alanna Ubach, and Edward James Olmos.

Available to watch on Disney Plus.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold

Hispanic Heritage Month movies : Dora and the Lost City of gold
Paramount Pictures

While Dora in the cartoon version is simply Latina (not rooted in any specific nationality), this movie highlights Peruvian culture, sending Dora and her pals on an epic adventure to Peru, exploring Incan sites and artifacts, with Dora speaking lines in Quechua. The fun-filled flick stars Isabela Merced as a teenaged Dora along with Michael Peña, Eugenio Derbez, and Eva Longoria, with Danny Trejo lending his voice for the role of Boots.

The film is available to rent or buy on Amazon.

Related: The Best Kids’ Books Featuring Awesome Latinx & Hispanic Characters

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All the New Kids’ Shows & Movies on Netflix in October

by Gabby Cullen

These new Netflix kids’ shows and movies coming in October are perfect for when the kids need downtime

Fall is officially here, which means chillier days and many excuses to relax on the sofa. Netflix’s October lineup is jam-packed with new releases and family favorites. No matter what you like to watch, there are plenty of new Netflix kids’ shows and movies this month. Family favorite Kung Fu Panda is back and there are a few new additions for Halloween, too. All that’s left is to decide what they want to watch first.

New Netflix Kids’ Shows and Movies Coming in October

Oct. 1

The Adventures of Tintin

This animated film is based on the comics of the same name. When young journalist TinTin buys a miniature version of a legendary pirate ship, he is unknowingly thrust into an adventure that involves traveling the world, looking for sunken treasure, and avoiding some nasty pirates. And he does it all with the help of his trusty sidekick Snowy.

The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 

While the Andrew Garfield version of New York’s favorite superhero might not be the favorite of the comic book film adaptations, these movies are still action-packed fun for the whole family.

Casper 

This modern take on a classic cartoon character spins the story of an afterlife therapist and his daughter becoming friends with a friendly spirit after they move into a crumbling mansion.

Drake & Josh: Season 1-3 

In this classic Nickelodeon series, two stepbrothers learn to live together and navigate high school even though they’re very different people.

Kung Fu Panda 

Go back to where it all began for Po and his ninja master friends. Enjoy the discovery of the dragon warrior all over again with this animated classic.

The Little Rascals 

Based on the classic “Our Gang” movie shorts from the ’20s and ’30s, Little Rascals follows the adventures of Alfalfa, Darla, Stymie, Spanky, Waldo, and more.

Megamind

This hilarious animated film about an overly smart reformed super-villain alien is back on Netflix. Starring the voice talents of Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, and many more, this is a perfect choice for family movie night.

Oct. 2

Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry Bog

In an all-new special, the Berry Scary Fright Night Carnival has arrived in Big Apple City and Strawberry Shortcake must solve the mystery of who is trying to spoil the fun.

Oct. 10

Blippi’s Big Dino Adventure

If you didn’t catch Blippi’s feature film debut this summer, here’s your chance. In this 60-minute length film, Blippi and Meekah set out on their biggest and best dinosaur adventure yet. They’ll meet up with friends like Park Ranger Asher and help to find some missing dino eggs before they hatch.

Oct. 12

LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising: Season 1: Part 2

The key to stopping the MergeQuakes from reaching their tipping point lies in the Dragon Cores. Can the Ninja find all three before it’s too late?

Oct. 13

Spy Kids, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, Spy Kids 3: Game Over

Now that you’ve seen the remake, how about going back to the beginning with the original trilogy? Follow Juni and Carmen as they follow in their super spy parents’ footsteps and help save the world with the help of some super cool spy gear.

Oct. 16

Oggy Oggy: Season 3 

Kind and curious kitty Oggy Oggy wants to spread joy to all his friends and neighbors. But sometimes, he gets into playful mischief instead. Miaow!

Oct. 17

I Woke Up A Vampire 

On her 13th birthday, Carmie discovers that she’s half vampire—and she must learn to navigate middle school while learning to control mythical powers like strength, super speed, and power blast. A fun new TV show for tweens.

Oct. 23

Princess Power: Season 2 

When there’s trouble in the Fruitdoms, these princess pals join forces to help each other—because sometimes problems are too big for just one princess!

Oct. 24

Minions

Gru’s sidekicks get their own feature-length film with this spin-off of the Despicable Me franchise. Find out where the minions came from and why they are obsessed with bananas.

Oct. 25

Life on Our Planet

Life as we know it has fought an epic battle to conquer and survive on Planet Earth. There are 20 million species on our planet in 2023, but that number is just a snapshot in time—99% of Earth’s inhabitants are lost to our deep past. The story of what happened to these dynasties—their rise and their fall–is truly remarkable.

Related: New, Original Family Movies You’ll Only Find on Netflix, Disney+ & Apple TV in 2023

Kids’ Titles Leaving Netflix in October

A League of Their Own

Jumanji

Nanny McPhee

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie

 

 

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20 Full-Length Free Movies on YouTube for Kids

by Melissa Heckscher

Free kids’ movies like March of the Dinosaurs and Quest for Camelot will be instant pleasers

If your Netflix queue is looking a little stale, you might want to think about the treasure trove of free kids’ movies on YouTube. (we also happen to love these YouTube channels just for kids). You don’t need a subscription to watch, and even though you’ll have to sit through a few commercials before your movie, don’t let the ads turn you off. These free movies on YouTube are well worth your time. If you’re on the hunt for even more classics, scan through the best movies every kid should see before they grow up—and don’t forget some creative movie night snacks!

1. Thunder and the House of Magic

When Thunder, an adorable orange cat, is abandoned, he wanders the unfamiliar neighborhood looking for shelter. When chased by a big Dobermann, he finds himself in the local "haunted house," the home of an old magician named Mr. Lawrence. Thunder meets a terrified mouse named Maggie and her friend, Jack the Rabbit. When Mr. Lawrence is injured and his sly nephew tries to sell the home from under him, Thunder must join forces with Maggie and Jack to save the day. 

Best for ages: 5 and up.

Watch it here. 

2. Snow Queen

Before there was Frozen, there was Snow Queen. A more direct take on Hans Cristian Andersen's iconic tale, a young girl named Greta must battle the evil queen and rescue her friend in this free movie for kids on YouTube.

Best for ages: 6 and up.

Watch it here. 

3. Arthur and the Minimoys

Follow 10-year-old Arthur as he tries to find a way to save his grandmother's house from being destroyed. He enters into a world of tiny creatures, who live in harmony with nature in search of treasure and, along the way, makes many discoveries.

Best for ages: 7 and up. 

Watch it here. 

4. Pixies

Thanks to a Pixie's curse, Joe Beck has lost the love of his life, and now he needs to right a wrong from many years ago to end the curse.

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here. 

5. Thomas & the Magic Railroad

Train lovers will love this live-action version of the iconic engine and friends. Mr. Conductor's (Alec Baldwin) supply of gold dust is critically low, and he needs the help of Lily, the granddaughter of a caretaker in charge of a magical steam engine, and Thomas the Train. They leave the imaginary island of Sodor and head to the real world to find more and meet the trouble-making Deisel Engine 10 along the way.  

Best for ages: 4 and up. 

Watch it here. 

Related: 15 Free Full-Length Kids’ TV Shows on YouTube

free movies on Youtube for kids
You Tube

6. The Reef 

In this sweet free kids' movie on YouTube, a young fish named Pi loses everything and heads to the Reef and his family. There he meets a beautiful fish trying to ward off the affections of a bully shark. Will Pi save the day? 

Best for ages: 4 and up. 

Watch it here. 

7. White Lion

Older kids will appreciate this gorgeous film about a young African boy who befriends a white lion cub before embarking on an epic adventure. The film uses beautiful real-life nature footage to tell its story. Consequently, expect sad scenes depicting the cruelty that the infamous "circle of life" imparts. 

Best for ages: 10 and up. 

Watch it here. 

8. Ribbit

This free movie for kids on YouTube is about a frog who doesn't enjoy water or jumping and wishes he could be like other animals in the rainforest. So, he sets off with his best friend, a flying squirrel, to discover his true self. 

Best for ages: 6 and up. 

Watch it here. 

9. March of the Dinosaurs

Calling all budding paleontologists! This animated docu/drama is set in North America during the Cretaceous Period and follows a young Edmontosaurus named Scar as he and his herd migrate south for the winter, as well as a Trodon, who stays put in the frigid North. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love the action, although young kids might be scared when mega meat eaters Gorgosaurus and Albertosaurus make their entrance. 

Best for ages: 7 and up. 

Watch it here.

10. Quest for Camelot

What do you get when an adventurous girl, a blind hermit, and a silly two-headed dragon team up to find the sword Excalibur in hopes of saving King Arthur and Camelot? A journey through the Enchanted Forest filled with danger, bravery, and laughs. Will they get the sword to King Arthur in time to foil evil Sir Ruber's plan? 

Best for ages: 6 and up. 

Watch it here. 

free movies on Youtube for kids

11. Khumba

This South African-made film is about a zebra prince born without all of his stripes who is cast out from the herd. Khumba isn't quite The Lion King, but there are a few similarities, namely the trio of goofy animal outcasts (here it's a wildebeest and an ostrich) that team up with the misfit zebra and help him learn to love himself—half-stripes and all—before returning to the herd.

Best for ages: 6 and up.

Watch it here. 

12. A Monster in Paris

Raoul and Emile release a monster from a scientist's greenhouse by accident and begin to track it down. As they do so, they realize it may not be as scary as they once thought. 

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here. 

13. Halo Legends

Based on the popular video game, this free movie on YouTube for teens expands into the Halo universe with seven origin stories.

Best for ages: 13 and up. 

Watch it here. 

14. Bunyan and Babe

While on a visit to their grandparents, two young kids, Travis and Whitney, discover a greedy land developer's sinister plot for a Minnesota town. When Travis falls through a magic portal, he meets the mythical Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe. The unlikely team faces minor peril, and has plenty of unforgettable adventures, but will they be able to save the town in time? 

Best for ages: 7 and up. 

Watch it here. 

15. Sailor Moon Super S: The Movie

Anime fans will love watching this feature-length free kids' movie on YouTube! Based on the Sailor Moon manga series by Naoko Takeuchi, kids all over the world are being hypnotized by fairies and taken to a dark energy field called the Black Dream Hole. Why is this happening? Queen Badiane wants them to stay asleep permanently in Dream Coffins, where she'll be able to harness the energy from their dreams and eventually absorb Earth. Sailor Moon, Perle, and the Sailor Guardians must hurry to save the children before they go to sleep forever. 

Best for ages: ages 13 and up.

Watch it here. 

16. Another Cinderella Story

Starring Selena Gomez, this is a sequel to A Cinderella Story. Mary lives with her adopted mom and sisters, and she's the one stuck doing all the chores. When pop star Joey Parker returns to school for his senior year and hopes to reconnect with his love of dance. During the school's masquerade ball, Mary and Joey wow the crowd with their moves, but when Mary notices the time, she leaves quickly, leaving behind her iPod-like device. With catchy tunes and a heartwarming modern plot, this is a fun free kids' movie on YouTube for tweens. 

Best for ages: 8 and up. 

Watch it here. 

Related: 40 YouTube Channels Just for Kids

free movies on Youtube for kids
Youtube

17. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

Fairy tale-loving tots will want to sing along with this 1965 version of the classic story. With minimalist sets and tons of musical numbers, this Cinderella feels more like watching a stage show than a movie—so don't go in expecting special effects. But anyone who loves the story of the cinder girl who finds her prince will be all in.

Best for ages: 5 and up.

Watch it here.

18. Mee-Shee the Water Giant

When some important machinery belonging to an oil company is lost in Canada, a man and his son have to cancel their trip to Disney to find the missing machinery. But they find an adventure they couldn't have expected when they discover a legendary sea creature.

Best for ages: 7 and up.

Watch it here.

19. The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue

In the sequel to the classic '80s film about intelligent rats living on a farm, this is the story of Timmy, the young son of Mrs. Frisbee. After growing into a strong rodent, Timmy sets out on a journey that will challenge him.

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here.

20. Akeelah and the Bee

A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here.

 

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7 Million Baby Shark Bath Toys Recalled Due to ‘Risk of Impalement’

by Christina Marfice

More than 7 million Baby Shark bath toys have been recalled due to risk of puncture wounds and impalement. Here’s what parents need to know

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling more than 7 million Baby Shark bath toys. Zuru, the company that makes the toys, is participating in the recall and offering full refunds for affected toys: Robo Alive Junior Baby Shark Sing & Swim Bath Toys (full-size) and Robo Alive Junior Mini Baby Shark Swimming Bath Toys (mini-size).

“When using the recalled bath toys, particularly in a bathtub or wading pool, a child can slip and fall or sit onto the hard plastic top fin of the shark, posing risks of impalement, lacerations and punctures,” CPSC said in a press release. The agency added that there have been at least 12 reported incidents of kids “falling or sitting onto the recalled full-size Baby Shark bath toy, resulting in impalement injuries, lacerations and puncture wounds, including to children’s genital, anorectal and facial areas. Nine of the incidents required stitches or medical attention.”

The recalled full-size toys have three grooves on one side of the hard plastic top fin

The toys, which are based on the popular kids’ song “Baby Shark,” come in yellow, pink, and blue, and were sold individually and in packs of two or three, from May 2019 through March 2023. They cost between $13 and $15 for the full-sized toys, and between $6 and $20 for the mini toys.

Recalled Robo Alive Junior Baby Shark Sing & Swim Bath Toy in blue
Recalled Robo Alive Junior Mini Baby Shark Swimming Toy 2-pack

CPSC says anyone with these toys should stop using them immediately. You can also contact Zuru for a refund of the purchase price by following these steps:

  • Disable the tail fin (by cutting it on the full-size bath toy or by bending it on the mini-size bath toy).
  • Mark the body of the shark bath toy with the word ‘recalled’ and the unique code provided during registration for the recall.
  • Upload a photo of the product, showing it is disabled and marked, to https://www.recallrtr.com/bathshark

Upon receipt of the photo, Zuru will issue your refund in the form of a prepaid virtual Mastercard.

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38 YouTube Channels You Can Feel Good About the Kids Watching

by Melissa Heckscher

From drawing lessons to DIY science experiments, the popular streaming platform is filled with amazing (and appropriate) content

Sometimes YouTube gets a bad rap. Sure, there are countless videos of kids unboxing toys and grown men narrating Minecraft—but there’s also tons of educational content to keep your kids entertained and learning. From step-by-step drawing lessons to DIY science experiments, YouTube is teeming with amazing content you’ll feel good about sharing with your littles. Here are our recommendations for the best YouTube channels for kids.*

*If you feel safer putting your kid on the more kid-filtered YouTube Kids, you can find select episodes of much of the below content via the YouTube Kids search bar. 

Science & Nature YouTube Channels for Kids

Smithsonian - While the Smithsonian does have a paid portion of its channel, there is still a plethora of free videos to peruse on its Youtube Channel—everything from documentary-style videos with real, historic footage of big events throughout history to a series on orangutan conservation that will make your little a full-on expert on apes. 

National Geographic - You'll find a sprawling library of Nat Geo videos, from Brain Games to Planet Earth. Parents will need to sleuth the channel to find the videos most appropriate for their kids' needs, but there are so many quality choices Mom and Dad may want to come back and browse for themselves. 

Bill Nye The Science Guy - The quirky scientist has a myriad of easy-to-understand segments on a variety of complex scientific concepts including static electricity, chemical reactions, and evolution. Kids will love Nye's goofy demeanor; parents will love that he explains things just right for young scientists. 

Cincinnati Zoo - This zoo recently made it its mission to offer "Home Safaris" for homeschooled kids. The 45-minute virtual field trips give viewers an inside look at the zoo's various residents with the help of a keeper, who teaches a full-on lesson (Psst: Our favorite is this one-on-one with the hippos.). 

San Diego Zoo - Watch a giant tortoise munch down a watermelon; see a baby gorilla's tiny face up close; watch polar bears play in the snow. There's a reason the San Diego Zoo is known worldwide—and its Youtube channel gives viewers an inside peek into the action.  

Sick Science - Steve Spangler hosts this fun channel that gives kids great ideas for DIY experiments. Kids can make a "sugar kaleidoscope," make geodes inside an eggshell, and make an instrument out of a straw. 

Mystery Doug - Big concepts, small concepts—it's all here. Mystery Doug puts sciences into words and visuals that kids can understand. Each video is about five minutes long, and Doug (a former school teacher) makes it easy for kids to grasp questions like, "How do germs get inside our bodies?" or "Why do we get goosebumps?" To subscribe, go to his website (it's free!). Some videos also have easy-to-do activities or experiments that go with them. 

Doctor Mad Science - This channel is full of easy-to-understand videos of simple-to-perform science experiments. Got milk, Q-tips, and soap? You've got one experiment covered! A grape and a microwave? You won't believe what happens (and make sure you supervise!). The channel is hosted by a young autistic boy, who narrates and does all the experiments himself. 

 

YouTube Channels for Kids Who Love Art

Art for Kids Hub via YouTube

Art For Kids Hub - We love watching artist Rob—and his adorable family—making art together. Rob gives easy, step-by-step instructions that will have even the smallest kiddos making art in just minutes. With popular kid subjects like Pokemon, Star Wars, Frozen, and Fortnite (as well as a slew of other things that are just plain cute), the videos make drawing super-easy and fun. 

Disney Parks Drawing Tutorials - Learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters (Note: The link takes you to the Disney Parks channel, and you have to scroll to find the characters you want to draw.). 

EasyPicturesToDraw - For more reluctant artists, these step-by-step tutorials make it super-easy to draw simple characters. 

Red Ted Art - Easy-to-do art projects that are suitable even for young (3+) children. Kids and parents can create everything from cardboard roll projects to pop-up cards and bath bombs. 

Babble Dabble Do - Part art, part science, this channel teaches kids how to make a variety of things, from paper lanterns and rubber eggs to wizard's brew, rubber eggs, and DIY toys (we love this super-easy instructional on how to make a "rubber" egg). Some of these are a bit complicated, so most require parental supervision to keep kids on track. 

KidsActivitiesBlog - You'll find simple art projects using household items. There's a slew of toilet paper roll projects, as well as things like paper plate crowns, sidewalk chalk paint, and gak bubbles. 

Inner Child Fun - Kids can learn how to make a duct tape wallet, a paper fortune teller, tissue paper flowers, a foolproof paper airplane, and more. 

Muffalo Potato - Kids learn to draw using the shapes of numbers and letters. 

Art with Mati & Dada - Animated shorts (each is around eight minutes long) that make it easy for kids to learn about specific artists, from Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci to Jackson Pollock and Kandinsky.

 

Related: YouTube Channels You’ll Feel Good about Letting Toddlers Watch

YouTube Channels That Promote Creative Thinking

Smart Girls - Saturday Night Live's Amy Poehler co-founded Smart Girls to help young people "cultivate their authentic selves"—and its YouTube channel highlights a variety of topics, from "Making Math Fun" to profiles of famous women in history. It's best for tweens to teens. 

TED-Ed - Short videos on interesting topics, from "A Day in the Life" videos about various people in history ("A day in the life of an ancient Egyptian doctor," for instance) to brainy riddles for kids to solve.  

TinkerLab - An online maker space where kids can learn how to create a variety of things from basic and repurposed materials—from cloud dough and paperclip bracelets to chain reaction ideas and stop-motion animation instruction. 

Soul Pancake - Older kids and tweens can explore the world—and learn how to change it—via these inspiring videos. 

It's OK to Be Smart - Joe Hanson, Ph.D. helps answer fun questions like, "Humans are smart. Why are babies so unsmart?" and "How to drink coffee in space." 

YouTube Channels Perfect for Kids Who Like to Cook

youtube channels for kids who like to cook
Rossana Pansino via Youtube

Nerdy Nummies Cooking - Kids will learn how to make a variety of cakes, cupcakes, and sandwiches—often shaped or themed on pop culture favorites (make Star Wars' blue milk or Harley Quinn's famous cheese sandwich.).

The Bow Girls - Two adorable sisters teach kids how to make fun things like ice cream cupcakes, blueberry muffins in a mug, and green eggs and ham. 

Miniature Space - Want to see giant on-screen hands making a hamburger fit for a mouse? Kids aren't necessarily going to recreate these edible items at home, but watching these tiny foods being made is fascinating for all! Even the plates and frying pans are dollhouse-sized... and yet it all works and cooks like real (human-sized) things. 

Related: 15 Full-Length Free Movies on YouTube for Kids

YouTube Channels to Get Kids Moving

Cosmic Kids Yoga - A yoga and mindfulness program designed for kids 3 and up, yogi Jaime makes yoga poses fun for kids by turning them into stories and using some of the kids' favorite pop culture themes to grab their attention (there's a Minecraft yoga story, for instance, that asks kids to use various poses to "survive" the Minecraft world). 

Go Noodle  - Short videos (they're all under five minutes) to get kids moving, these videos make perfect "brain breaks" during the day. Kids can hop on and learn Fortnite dances, pop bubbles on screen, or hop and jump with Sonic the Hedgehog. 

Just Dance Kids - You don't need a video game console to let your kids follow the Just Dance moves. Just type "Just Dance Kids" into the YouTube search menu, and you'll get a plethora of videos that'll make kids feel like they're playing the game (and younger kiddos don't even know the difference). 

YouTube Channels for Toddlers/Preschoolers

The Snack Town All-Stars - Join in on the fun with Banana, Apple, Orange, and, Grape. These animated healthy snacks sing fun songs about eating good foods and there are even soothing lullabies for naptime. 

Songs for Littles - Ms. Rachel is sacred to a toddler or preschool parent. If you haven't heard of her yet, we recommend you get on it. 

Super Simple Songs - Toddlers will be mesmerized watching these colorful videos featuring simple songs like "Twinkle Twinkle" and "Five Little Ducks." Need a few minutes to decompress? Plop your tot in front of this for a bit, and you'll both be happy. 

KidsTV123 - Toddlers and preschoolers can learn basics like letters, shapes, and colors with these short musical videos.

Sesame Street - Kids can dance, sing and learn with all their favorite Sesame Street friends. 

Pinkfong - It's the YouTube channel that hatched the infamous Baby Shark—and tons of other cute song videos your toddler will love.

WordWorld - Full episodes of the popular PBS show that helps kids learn how to build and recognize letters and words. 

Check out our complete list here.

 

Related: What to Do If Your Kid Wants to Create Their Own YouTube Channel

YouTube Channels for Kids That Are Just for Fun

OK GO - This LA-based rock band makes music videos that look more like YouTube stunts than songs. The band does all kinds of cool stunts set to their music, from singing and dancing in zero gravity to a dance routine done on treadmills. Kids will be too enthralled to dance, but that's OK—so will you. 

Dude Perfect - What started as four friends recording trick shots in their backyard basketball court has become a multimillion operation—and one of the most popular sports channels on YouTube (they have 50 million subscribers!). The friends do all kinds of fun record-breaking stunts, including "the world's longest basketball shot made with your head," and "the world's highest basketball shot (which was thrown from the top of a skyscraper). 

Storyline Online - Celebrities read aloud from their favorite storybooks, which are then given some simple animation to bring the stories to life. 

 

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Indoor Birthday Party Spots for When the Chicago Weather Won’t Cooperate

by Maria Chambers

From glam parties to ninja warrior parties to indoor skydiving, these Chicago spots really deliver the fun

Let’s face it unless your child’s birthday is in July or August, you might not want to plan an outdoor party. Even if it is warm enough, you’ll need a backup plan in case of rain. You also need to think about sun exposure and providing shade to beat the heat. A temperature-controlled venue sure makes things easier.

If you need to plan a kid’s party, whether it be during a chilly month, or you just want to avoid all the contingency plans that come with an outdoor party, we are here to help. There are tons of creative indoor options in Chicagoland for kids who like to play music, bake, jump around, and everything in between. There are even parties that bring the festivities to you! Read on to get some great ideas for an indoor birthday party.

Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for Active Kids

Altitude
Chicago’s first trampoline play space and activity center features state-of-the-art trampoline entertainment as well as a variety of activities such as Wipe-Out, Basketball, Dodgeball, Rock Wall, Foam Pit, Trapeze, Kids Court for toddlers, and a parent lounge for adults.

Locations in West Loop & Skokie
Online: altitudechicago.com

Brooklyn Boulders
This place will make your wall-climbing kids straight-up giddy. They offer several indoor rock climbing terrains for your guests to conquer and knowledgeable instructors are there every step on the way up, up, up. 

West Loop
Online: brooklynboulders.com

CircEsteem
Walk a tightwire, learn to juggle, or teeter-totter on a gym wheel. Whether your birthday kid aspires to join Cirque du Soleil or just wants to learn a new trick or two, these fetes give kids a chance to experience circus arts in a fun and safe environment.

Evanston
Online: circesteem.org

Goldfish Swim School
Party-goers enjoy exclusive use of the facility, while staff guide your guests through games, races, and water fun, or simply lifeguard as they monkey around in the 90-degree pool. After you’ve all dried off, enjoy pizza, cupcakes, and drinks in the decorated party area.

13 locations throughout Chicagoland
Online: goldfishswimschool.com

iFly
Following training with an instructor, your little birthday birds will enter a vertical wind tunnel and experience the freedom of flight. Back at home, your child can see their flight session on the DVD included with the birthday package.

Lincoln Park, Naperville, & Rosemont
Online: iflyworld.com

Ultimate Ninjas
Windy City Ninjas and Ultimate Ninjas have merged and will continue to offer some of the best birthday parties in town. This birthday party spot is pretty exciting, with parties led by pro Ninjas from NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, so kids get to celebrate with their favorite stars climbing walls, taking on obstacles, and dominating at dodgeball.

Northcenter
Online: ultimateninjas.com

Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for the Sports Lovers

Hi-Five Sports Club
Pick your favorite sport from soccer, baseball, football, kickball, dodgeball, hockey, lacrosse, or capture the flag, and Hi-Five will plan and staff the fun for up to 25 of your closest pals, either at one of their locations or wherever you choose.

Several locations throughout Chicagoland
Online: hifivesportsclubs.com

Naperville Yard and Westmont Yard
Two words make this venue unique. Nerf Wars. While nerf mischief between siblings happens on the regular, take the battle, (and wartime cleanup), out of your house. A party includes access to a play structure, inflatables, field games, invitations, goodie bags, and more!

Naperville
Online: napervilleyard.com

Westmont
Online: westmontyard.com

POW! Kids
For kids who harbor fantasies of being a superhero, ninja warrior, or any other leaping, jumping, or swinging creature, Pow! Kids offers fantastic options. The base party gets kids moving with relays, obstacle courses, and agility exercises, with optional add-on themes like ninja, nerf skills, martial arts, or superhero.

West Loop
Online: powgymchicago.com

TOCA Players Indoor Sports Center
Tailor a birthday party package to different age groups so little ones aren’t overwhelmed and big kids escape boredom. Young kids stick to kickball and t-ball, while big kids play more competitive games like flag football or soccer.

Naperville
Online: playersindoor.com

Wicked Ball Bubble Soccer Arena
You won’t run out of things to do with packages that include bubble soccer, nerf wars, meltdown, zombie wars, archery, inflatable boxing, and so much more. They can also bring the party to you.

Lombard
Online: wickedballchicago.com

Windy City Fieldhouse
The choice is yours at this mega-complex where sports rule. Pick from scavenger hunts, basketball, soccer, kickball, capture the flag, batting cages, and more. Everything is customizable and you can hop from one sporting pursuit to the other. They also offer virtual scavenger hunts parties so friends and family from afar can participate.

Logan Square
Online: windycityfieldhouse.com

Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for the Music Makers

Merry Music Makers
This very popular music studio hosts parties too! Kids participate in a musical activity or craft before being led in a 30-minute customized sing-along by one of the many talented teachers. Afterward, it’s time for presents, food, and cake.

Lakeview
Online: merrymusicmakers.com

The Music Playhouse of Chicago
Children will be engaged in 45 minutes of musical fun. Perfect for kids ages 1-5, with singing, dancing, and instrument play. The Sing and Play Interactive Party comes to your home or another venue of choice.

Lakeview
Online: themusicplayhouseofchicago.com

Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for the Future Chefs

Nick’s Pizza and Pub
Nick’s Pizza and Pub offers the coziness of hosting at home, with none of the clean-up. Party guests get to visit the kitchen to make their own pizza and while that cooks, take a fun behind-the-scenes tour of the restaurant. Not only that, but their menu offers built-in fun with a scavenger hunt and we highly recommend the signature colossal cookie dessert.

Crystal Lake & Elgin
Online: nickspizzapub.com

Oui Chef
First up? Apron decorating! Once they’re properly dressed, birthday guests will make cupcakes, an entree of the guest of honor’s choice, lemonade, fresh fruit spritzer, and fruit salad. And, finally, they indulge in their creations!

Lincoln Park
Online: ouichefchicago.com

Schoolhouse Kitchen & Studio
Choose from among a donut shop party, a soft pretzel party, pasta & cupcake party, and more, or customize your own menu. More elaborate menus for adults & families are available at the Portage Park location. It’s delicious, hands-on fun, and the best part is. . . you get to sit back and enjoy!

Portage Park, River Forest, & Wicker Park (coming soon)
Online: iloveschoolhouse.com

Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for Gamers

Ignite Gaming
You can take the kid off the video game, but you may never get the video game out of the kid. Celebrate their day and their skills with all their friends. Over 150 multiplayer games available on reserved gaming stations, pizza and drinks, and a personal party host make this venue a no-brainer.

Skokie
Online: ignitegaming.com

Lucky Strike
Eat, Play, Bowl. Choose between reserved bowling lanes, arcade time, or a combination of both. Lots of games to choose from for all ages.

Lakeview & Streeterville
Online: luckystrikeent.com

Play and Spin
It would be hard not to have a good time here. In addition to the arcade, there is laser tag, VR games, go-karts, a rock wall, and inflatable obstacle courses.

Niles
Online: playandspin.com

Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for Something a Little Different

Archery Custom Shop
Learn a new skill and make like Robin Hood at an archery-themed party. Kids learn how to shoot the target safely in a one-hour workshop, followed by cake and birthday festivities. Everyone has a blast popping balloon targets.

Forest Park
Online: archerycustomshop.com

Aqua Mermaid
How often do you get to swim with mermaids? Party guests slip into mermaid/merman tails and learn how to swim like a mermaid while playing games and completing challenges. A truly magical birthday experience either in their pool or yours.

University of Illinois
Online: aquamermaid.com

Dad’s Slot Cars
This retro-cool spot has an old-fashioned soda counter where kids can sing Happy Birthday over decadent ice cream delights after they customize and race model cars on an 8-lane track.

Des Plaines
Online: facebook.com/Dadsslotcars/

Medieval Times
Give your little prince or princess a birthday that’ll make them feel like the star of the castle by adding a side of jousting. Celebrate the big day while watching 6 knights battle it out fast and furious on real horses and enjoy a feast fit for royalty.

Schaumburg
Online: medievaltimes.com

Snapology of Chicago

What kid doesn’t love Legos? Snapology parties include LEGO® themed birthday party builds, an activity surrounding the build, and a party facilitator who will set-up, conduct activities, and clean up all materials, whether the party is at your place or theirs.

Lakeview
Online: snapology.com

Spotlight on 3
Pamper your princess, fashion diva, or budding rockstar for their special day. They will be treated like royalty as they adorn luxurious robes and receive facials, mani/pedis, hand/shoulder massages, or funky hairdos. Customize your package to include karaoke, runway training, or a dance party.

Lakeview
Online: spotlighton3.com

Best Parties in Chicago that Come to You

GameTruck Chicago
Bring the arcade to you. State-of-the-art technology, 60+ games, and a total party atmosphere ensure a hassle-free celebration. Serving the Chicago area, including Chicago, Naperville, Wilmette, and Bloomingdale.

Online: gametruckparty.com

The Great Scott
Even parents will get a good chuckle when this magician begins his show by engaging the audience with hilarious jokes that are so great, you’ll wish you could trick him into staying longer. Virtual shows, that put the magic in your own hands, are also available.

Online: thegreatscott.com

Mad Science
Science is fun and these party people prove it. Making slippery slime, silly putty, and super balls are just some of experiments that guests can do—and take home. They offer add-ons like an awesome rocket launch, goody bags with science-themed toys, or the tastiest science project of all, cotton candy making.

Online: chicagowest.madscience.org

Miss Jamie
If your birthday star just can’t stop the music, a completely customizable party with Miss Jamie from the Farm is a must! She’s well-known for her original barnyard tunes and magical puppet friends that share the stage during her interactive sing-along, dance-along performance.

Online: miss-jamie.com

Smarty Pants
You’ll wish you were young enough to star in The Big Balloon Show hosted by Smarty Pants and his wife, Miss Dena. This ultimate performance art ends with a larger-than-life balloon creation made on the spot for the birthday star. We’re talking a giant airplane that stays inflated for an entire week.

Online: smartypantsworld.com

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10 Family Travel Tips You’ll Thank Us For

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

The days you’ve spent dreaming of taking a family vacation are here—and the time to do it is now. While you may have put off a getaway with your entire clan, there’s no better moment than the present to enjoy one-on-one time with those who matter most.

Traveling with children of any age can be challenging, but there are tricks to get the job done and keep everyone happy throughout the journey. To help rid yourself of worry and lessen the number of hiccups along the way, we’ve compiled Marriott Bonvoy’s go-to tricks that’ll help moms and dads go on any trip with ease.

1. Find a destination that will keep the entire family happy

What constitutes a vacation means something different for everyone. Some prefer to sit back and relax on the beach, while others thrive off outdoorsy adventures that challenge them. Once you add children to the mix, these preferences change even more.

To help you decide which destination is right for your family, ask yourself what your goal is on this getaway. Are you looking to wind down? South Florida may be calling your name. Do you want to explore historical monuments and cultural experiences with your kiddos? A trip to Washington D.C. may be on your horizon. Perhaps you’re looking to tackle a new activity, like hiking in a state park, where Minneapolis may be the name of your game.

2. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your trip

Once you’ve made up your mind of where your family will be vacationing, it’s time to start coordinating your flight, especially if you plan to travel out of the state and want to avoid a road trip at all costs. Travel booking app Hopper recommends booking domestic flights one two months in advance and to avoid waiting until three to four weeks before your departure, as airfares typically spike by then. For holiday travel, a good rule of thumb is to snag your seat three to four months out.

As for lodging, most hotels, such as Marriott Bonvoy, allow almost a years’ worth of lead time to reserve a room. Fortunately, you don’t need that much time, at least according to Hopper. The sweet spot for guaranteeing your space is three to four months ahead of your trip.

3. Redeem your hotel points for awesome perks

We have good news. If you’re a member of the free Marriott Bonvoy program and have traveled since signing up, you’ve already racked up points. The best part is, you can turn your accrual into paradise—a.k.a. get a free night at any one of Marriott’s nationwide properties, including Chicago, Myrtle Beach, Los Angeles, Atlanta, or Charlotte, to name a few.

Depending on which tier you’ve reached, you can receive even more benefits, from mobile check-ins, late checkouts and free breakfasts to extra rewards points, enhanced free Wi-Fi, and guaranteed room types. Did we mention that your current vacation counts toward future travel plans, earning you points as well?

4. Pack items that’ll keep kids entertained

Whether you’re taking a two-hour flight or have a five-hour road trip mapped out, always have toys, interactive books or a tablet on hand. It’ll keep your children in good spirits and hopefully cut down on the number of times they’ll ask, “Are we there yet?”

To not disturb your peace (and those around you), bring kid-friendly headphones so you can limit the number of times you hear Baby Shark in one sitting.

5. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks

A hangry kiddo is a kiddo to not handle lightly, as they’ll change the tune of your getaway within seconds. Pack a travel bag that’s loaded with low-sugar snacks to keep your little ones’ hunger at bay. We’re talking cheese crackers, granola bars, trail mix, hard pretzel bites, animal crackers, dry cereal, popcorn, fruits, you name it.

Not only are these treats easy to open and (sort of, almost) mess-free, but they’re also convenient when anyone in your group is in need of a pick-me-up.

6. Surprise your little ones with a special gift

For children, nothing beats surprises they can unwrap. Buy them an inexpensive goodie that will keep their attention for hours at hand and keep the feel-good emotions going.

Our favorite travel companion that’s certain to wow your kiddos is an LCD writing tablet. Imaginative minds can sketch as many drawings as they’d like, then once they’re ready to create a new masterpiece, they can erase it and start fresh. Thanks to the tablet’s attached stylus, you can also avoid the need for crayons that’ll end up dropped or lost in no time.

7. Remember to pack light but keep essentials on hand

We know it’s easier said than done, but packing what’s absolutely needed will make for less stress in the end. Also, over-packed suitcases are heavy and inconvenient to lug around, along with your children. Just think about the last time you took a trip and how much of the clothes and shoes you packed you actually used.

Since accidents are almost inevitable with little ones, like spilled juice and a scratched knee, have a list of essentials with you at all times. We advise keeping some items handy, such as a first aid kit, disinfectant wipes, a plastic bag for trash, reusable water bottle, pull-ups and basic, over-the-counter medication for motion sickness, headaches and upset stomachs.

8. Plan travel and events around naps

If you have infants or toddlers, you know all too well the importance of nap time. When traveling, think of it as your secret weapon for a smooth and seamless commute. With an afternoon flight, it’s likely your tots will have started to wind down from all the excitement and are going to want to get some shut-eye.

On the other hand with a road trip, leaving very early in the morning or late at night can help keep them resting peacefully since you’re sticking to their typical, at-home sleep schedule. Similarly, with any activities and events, make sure you book them before or after their nap, so they remain in a good mood and are ready to take on the next adventure.

9. Carve out extra travel time for the unpredictable

Sometimes life just happens and you can’t predict when a random rush hour will hit or when there are flight delays. It’s best to leave yourself wiggle room no matter if you’re commuting on land or in the air.

Allow ample time to get through the airport security, which can feel chaotic with kids in tow, might we add. If you’re bringing breast milk or baby food for the trip, keep in mind that security will stop to test them before you can make your way to your flight gate. On the flip side, map out rest stops along the way when driving long distances. It’s important to give everyone time for restroom breaks and to stretch out their legs.

10. Always create a plan B for your itinerary

While it would be wonderful if we could control Mother Nature every now and then, it’s a possibility that the weather can damper your plans. Have a backup list of indoor activities for rainy days, so you can keep the day moving without any hiccups.

Look to museums, adventure parks, amusement centers and arcades that the whole family will enjoy. Don’t skip over themed restaurants that are kid-friendly and feature fun characters or options that offer both a dinner and a show.

 

With over 7,000 hotels worldwide, Marriott Bonvoy offers a variety of options to meet your family’s needs. Once you reserve your stay, you can focus on the most important part of your getaway: making memories your children will take with them for years to come.

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Spotify Playlists for Babies & Toddlers That Parents Will Actually Enjoy

by Kate Schweitzer

These Spotify playlists for kids and families promise songs everyone can agree on

We’ve all been there: we’ve turned on the radio to the perfect family-friendly song, but before long, we’re overhearing some questionable lyrics faster than we can say, “Alexa, stop!” That’s why savvy parents stick to age-appropriate playlists. No time in your schedule of fussy baby feedings and never-ending toddler nap routines to prep a mix tape? Fear not—the hard work has been done for you. Spotify has countless collections of songs, from nursery rhymes and lullabies to modern classics that even the most Baby Shark-averse adult will enjoy. All you have to do is cue up one of these parent-approved Spotify playlists for kids and enjoy the free concert.

1. Kid Songs That Don’t Suck

Let’s face it—there’s a wide range of kid songs out there, and what constitutes a bop to one parent may sound like nails on a chalkboard to another. Thankfully, this list of 60 songs weeds out the polarizing “hits” and is curated to include more universally appealing classic and contemporary songs alike.

2. Disney Hits

One thing that the Disney vault can’t contain? The catchy soundtracks from its archive of animated movies. This 160+ song playlist has everything from the latest Encanto ear worms to ballads that will take any millennial parent back to their own Disney-movie-watching childhood.

3. Calming Baby Songs

If you’ve ever cried at an Instagram Reel of a newborn baby you don’t actually know, it’s likely because it was set to one of the sweet songs in this calming baby playlist. From Taylor Swift’s “Never Grow Up” to Jack Johnson’s “Better Together,” these simple melodies will warm your heart.

4. Classical Music for Kids

Sure, the “Mozart Effect”—the belief that babies exposed to classical music will have higher IQs—has never been scientifically supported, but it still feels good to switch off the Baby Shark in lieu of some Flight of the Bumblebee now and then, right?

Related: 10 Music Making Apps Your Kids Will Love

5. Family Road Trip

Hitting the road? Get ready to sing your hearts out with these family-friendly road trip classics that will make the miles fly by. Bonus: this mix of 80 songs will get you five hours of driving time before you even have to think about what to play next.

6. Girl Power

Who runs the world? Girls! And if you’ve got such a little one running your house, this empowering playlist—composed of all-female artists, from Oliva Rodrigo to Aretha Franklin and Billie Eilish to Mariah Carey—will serve up plenty of girl pride.

Related: Those Spotify Wrapped Posts Are Especially Hilarious When They Come from Parents

7. The Best of Raffi

Nevermind Madonna, Cher, or Adele. The mononymous singer on rotation in any house with babies and toddlers is Raffi. For millions of fans spanning 40 years, the Armenian singer’s music—”Baby Beluga” or “Down By the Bay,” anyone?—has been the soundtrack of their childhoods.

8. Upbeat Kid Songs

Sometimes waking up after naptime, or doing tummy time, or eating broccoli can feel like such a slog. Why not add some musical motivation to your little one’s routine? This playlist of upbeat tunes is sure to add some pep in their first steps. Seriously. Have you heard the first few seconds of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop This Feeling,” and been able to stop feeling better? Thought not.

Related: 10 Music Games for Kids You Can Easily Play at Home

9. Spring Songs For Kids

Winter weather got you down? Rain in the forecast? Let the lyrics to these springtime songs brighten the most dreary of days. From “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” to a medley of sunshiny hits—there’s “You Are My Sunshine” and “Here Comes the Sun,” to name a few—this playlist will give your family everything but the Vitamin D.

10. Baby Sleep

They say to never wake a sleeping baby, but it takes just one extra-loud song in a seemingly steady playlist of lullabies to startle a newborn out of a REM cycle. This collection of soothing songs, however, promises nine hours’ worth of lyric-free instrumentals to keep your little one conked out.

11. Toybox

Tired of the Top 40? This quirky mix of underrated kid songs will pique parents’ interests just as much as their target demo. From Snoop Dogg rapping examples of positive mantras in “Affirmation Song” to a stream-of-consciousness melody about donkey-shaped piñatas and cupcakes at “Goin’ To a Birthday,” these songs are deep cuts with deeper meanings than the standard nursery rhyme fare.

12. Guitar Lullabies

Guitar lovers, get excited! This playlist features 160 sweet instrumental lullabies that are all performed exclusively on the popular instrument. Trust us, the riffs in ”This Old Man,” “London Bridge,” and “Do Re Mi” just hit differently on the strings of an acoustic guitar.

Related: The Best Toddler TV Shows (That Won’t Drive You Up a Wall)

13. Kids Action Songs

Sometimes, it takes more than a good beat to inspire your kids to get up and dance. If you want to burn some energy, this playlist includes classic sing-alongs like “The Wheels on the Bus” and instructional ditties, like “Reach Up High,” which will have even the youngest of children following along with every line.

14. Raised on Pop

Your little ones might not know the Backstreet Boys or Britney yet, but it’s never too early to give them a proper musical education on all things pop. Curated by Spotify, it’s part of a series of “Raised on . . .” playlists meant for parents and children alike, and it includes lineups dedicated to Rock, Punk, Country, Hip Hop, and Metal, among others.

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