You might find yourself ordering from your local restaurants a lot during these uncertain times. It’s essential to find a balance and make sure your family is also eating healthy foods as much as possible. Building up your family’s immune system will help decrease the chance of someone getting a common illness and needing to go to the doctor during this crazy time.

We looked for foods that have a natural ability to help the immune system function to the best of its ability. Many of the following foods are rich in vitamins and minerals. They also have the ability to help gut health, which is essential for the immune system to fight off harmful bacteria that might enter the body. It could be hard to find some of the foods on this list due to shortages in grocery stores, so incorporate these whenever you can.

Healthy immune systems need regular nourishment, exercise, and sleep to function well. We can’t help your family with the other two, but this list of 10 foods have been proven to help improve the immune system and allow it to fight off common sickness.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric is a fantastic spice that you should add to your family’s diet during the cold and flu season. It can boost the immune system and help prevent your kids from getting sick. Turmeric  helps the body fight off bacteria that may enter the body. 

It might seem intimidating to cook with turmeric, but you can add a pinch of it in a breakfast scramble or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables with dinner. You can also add it to soup to a depth or add it to a smoothie that the kids have in the morning with breakfast.

9. Green Tea

Green tea is full of antioxidants that are great for protecting against viruses, infections, and sickness. Green tea supports the creation of white blood cells, which help the body fight infection. 

You could make a pot of green tea before the family goes to bed to help relax the mind and release stress. You can also add it to a green shake that your kids drink in the morning or make green tea cupcakes for a semi-healthy dessert.

8. Broccoli

You can pass on the “eat your green vegetables” tradition to your children by adding broccoli to their diet. Broccoli is full of antioxidants and vitamins that are known to boost the immune system. Feeding your body, the right amount of B vitamins will help the immune system run smoothly and protect against common illness. Broccoli is also a good source of vitamin C, which is also very good for boosting the immune system. 

You might think that it will be hard to get your kids to eat broccoli, but you can hide it in a tasty green smoothie, chop it up finely and add it to a stir fry with some of your kid’s other favorite foods like chicken and rice you can even hide it in a veggie pizza.  

7. Spinach

Spinach is not something that your kids are asking you to make for dinner, but adding it to their diet would be very beneficial for boosting their immune system. It’s full of antioxidants and beta carotene, which help the immune system protect the body from infections. 

Spinich might not be your childrens first choice but you can find ways to get them to eat it. Add it to a smoothie, they won’t even be able to taste it if you mix in their favorite berries. You could also try something new and make a breakfast pizza with a little spinach on top. It’s important to remember that spinach loses some of its nutrients the longer it’s cooked so its best to serve it raw as much as possible.

6. Red Bell Pepper

Red peppers are a good source of vitamin A and E and contain more than three times the amount of vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C helps fight off common illness by boosting the immune system’s ability to function. 

Throw some red peppers in a stir fry, make a burrito bowl with sautéed peppers for taco Tuesday or make a breakfast scramble with vegetables to add a little more nutrients to their meal.  

5. Sweet Potato

Sweet Potatoes do more for the body than you might realize. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also help maintain gut health by getting rid of bad bacteria that may cause your kids to get sick. Sweet potato is a good source of beta-carotene which the body converts into vitamin A. A healthy immune system needs vitamin A to prevent inflammation in the gut, which could stop the immune system from doing its job. 

Make a batch of sweet potato chips for snack time, make a sweet potato mash for dinner instead of having regular mashed potatoes, or create a sweet potato crumb cake for dessert.

4. Almonds

If you’re looking for a new healthy snack to give your children, try introducing them to almonds. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals which work together to boost the immune system. Pickier kids might have a hard time getting the right amount of iron and protein they need in their diet, cooking with almonds will help them get the recommended amount to help their immune system function properly. One of the biggest benefits of eating almonds is the ability to increase white blood cell production. The body uses white blood cells to get rid of infections and illnesses. 

You can give your kids a handful of almonds on top of their yogurt in the morning so that they will have the energy to help them make it through their day. Add them to yogurt for a healthy breakfast or on top of a salad for dinner to add an extra crunch.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt is full of probiotics that fight off bad bacteria in the body, which helps boost the immune system. Fighting off the bacteria allows the immune system to perform its main function, which is to make sure that bacteria do not get into the bloodstream. In addition to promoting gut health, yogurt also is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. Another benefit is that yogurt can be added to so many different things, and the flavors are virtually endless.

 Make delicious frozen treats for your kids to enjoy on hot summer days or add it to a breakfast smoothie, make a parfait for dessert, or throw some into a sauce to eat with dinner.  

2. Citrus

Your body can’t store vitamin C, so consuming some form of citrus regularly will be beneficial for your kid’s health. We need vitamin C to help increase the function of white blood cells which protect the body from harmful bacteria and infection. Oranges, tangerines, lemon, lime, and grapefruit are some forms of citrus that you can add to your kid’s diet. Lemon is believed to have antiviral and antibacterial properties that help fight off common illness and infections. 

You can give your kids natural orange juice in the morning with breakfast or add a fresh squeeze of lemon on fish with dinner to give your family that extra touch of vitamin C for the day.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfood that doesn’t “taste healthy.” They are sweet, delicious, and full of antioxidants, which boost the immune system by protecting the body from free radicals that damage cells. In addition to boosting the immune system, blueberries also promote heart health, brain function and lower blood pressure, and many other things. 

Throw blueberries in healthy oatmeal pancakes. Let your kids make their own fruit parfait for breakfast with blue berries, their favorite yogurt and granola. Blueberries are also very good on their own and make an easy healthy snack for older kids. 

Keeping kids entertained indoors can spark the best kind of imagination, leading to moments filled with laughter, discovery, and joy. In a world often filled with screens and scheduled routines, the magic of playtime at home invites families to slow down and explore the simple joy of creativity together.

Whether it’s transforming the living room into an art studio, building an epic pillow fort, or creating a mini-science lab on the kitchen counter, indoor activities have the power to turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure.

There’s something truly heartwarming about watching children discover the world in their own way, whether they’re stirring up excitement as little chefs in the kitchen or digging deep into a pile of art supplies with unbridled curiosity.

For parents, these moments are precious—reminders of the thrill of learning and the pure, unfiltered joy of childhood. A cozy reading nook in the corner, a family dance party to everyone’s favorite songs, or an indoor treasure hunt crafted from everyday items can bring giggles and spark memories that last a lifetime.

We’ve gathered a collection of indoor activities that not only keep little minds active but also foster those connections that often get missed in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Whether it’s a chance to work on a shared project or an opportunity to watch them proudly explore solo, these ideas offer a blend of fun and togetherness. Dive in, let curiosity lead the way, and make each moment special with these simple, delightful ways to bring out the wonder of childhood right at home.

 

35. Play Board Games 

Board games allow the whole family to forget about what’s happening in the world and laugh and play together for a few hours. There are so many different kinds of games that create hours of fun. For a longer game that brings the family together, Monopoly is an instant classic. For a shorter game that levels the playing field, Sorry and Parcheesi are a great option. For a game that is bound to bring out the competitive side try Trivial Pursuit to put that random knowledge to the test. 

 

34. Make Origami 

Who doesn’t love the magic transformation of turning a piece of construction paper into a work of art? Origami is fun to make, and it requires your kids to focus on directions to get the result they want. It strengthens their hand-eye coordination as well as their ability to listen and follow instructions. There are so many different tutorials on YouTube that will help your children create anything they can imagine. 

 

33. Spa Day 

Get out the bath bombs and face masks and treat the family to a spa day. Put on relaxing music and drink a nice cup of tea. Hand and feet massages will also be helpful during this stressful time. Complete the day with a fresh manicure and pedicure. Moms, dads, daughters, and sons can all benefit from these activities, and it’s an excellent way to teach your kids that they need to take time to pamper themselves when they get older.  

 

32. Sing Karaoke 

Music has a way of making dark times a little easier. There is nothing more freeing than belting out your favorite song with people that you love. Make a playlist of your family’s favorite songs and gather everyone in the living room for a karaoke session. Music has a way of helping people express their emotions, which is essential during this scary time. 

 

31. Read A Book     

Reading has a fantastic way of helping you forget what’s going on and transport you to a new world. You can let your kids cuddle up with a good book and relax for a few hours if they need some time to relax. Creating a virtual book club for your children and their friends could also be an excellent way for them to interact with friends while they are away from school. 

 

30. Jigsaw Puzzles  

Puzzles can keep your kids occupied for hours. They can give your family a chance to sit around the table and talk. Puzzles also help kids work on their fine motor skills and shape recognition as well as their ability to concentrate on a task until they see the result. Puzzles can be put together multiple times, which is valuable when you don’t know how long you will be stuck inside. 

 

29. Dance Party 

Get your family up off the couch and have a dance party. Your kids can learn the dance moves to one of their favorite music videos or create their routine to their favorite song. Dancing allows your kids to express themselves beautifully. 

 

28. Make a Sock Monkey 

Everyone has a pair of socks in their drawer that have seen better days. Instead of throwing them out, turn them into a sock monkey. They don’t take long to make, and you can use this project as a way to teach your kids how to sew. 

 

27. Coloring  

Coloring is an excellent activity for your kids when you need a little quiet time, or you want to work on something else. It’s relaxing, relatively mess-free, it doesn’t require a bunch of supplies, and it lets them use them to be creative. If you don’t have any coloring books on hand, go online and print out some of their favorite things, and then you will have a custom coloring book that will keep your kids entertained for hours. 

 

26. Organize 

I know that organizing doesn’t sound like fun, but this is the perfect time to have your kids organize their room. You can turn organizing into a game and teach them the value of responsibility and organization!

 

25. Play Simon Says 

Simon Says allows the kids to call the shots for a few hours. Take turns giving out orders, and you will be surprised how long they will be entertained. It gets them up and moving around the house, and it helps them work on their listening skills. 

 

24. Make Tik Tok 

Tik Tok is a social media platform where people post short videos. The videos are usually a dance, or a clip of them saying their favorite quote from a movie, the possibilities are endless. Help your kids think of a silly idea and spend the day filming them. Everyone could use a laugh right now, so send your tik toks to family and friends. 

 

23. Play Dough 

Squeezing and building with playdough has a calming effect on kids, which can be therapeutic during these difficult and confusing times. Fresh play dough has a soft texture which kids love to hold in their hands. It gives them the freedom to create anything their heart desires and lets them explore their creativity. It also helps improve fine motor skills, and it teaches them that actions have consequences when they smash it and manipulate it in different ways. If you can overlook the mess and their tendency to mix every color, it is an enjoyable activity. 

 

22. Write A Letter 

Right now is the perfect time to have your kids write letters to family and friends. Of course, you can still call and text people, but writing a message has a special personal touch, and it will make someone smile during this intense time. 

 

21. Make Slime 

Kids are obsessed with slime these days. It’s pretty inexpensive to make, and I’m sure you have most of the ingredients already, so whip up a batch of a new slime recipe or make an old favorite. Slime is perfect for kids and their sensory needs. Playing with slime helps keep them calm and release so of their bottled-up stress. 

 

20. Activity Books 

Some schools aren’t making kids do work during this extended break. Take this time to help them learn from home. Practicing topics, they were learning in school will help them transition back to school a little less stressful because it will keep things fresh in their mind. Activity books are full of fun games that make learning more fun and hands-on for kids that like to learn at their own pace. 

 

19. Yoga

Yoga is a calming activity that will help release some of the stress that your kids have during these crazy times. You can pick out a yoga video on YouTube and slow things down in your house for a few minutes. Yoga can improve your kid’s flexibility, coordination, and strength. 

 

18. Home Movie Theater 

You can’t take the family out to see a movie theater right now, so make some popcorn and bring the movie theater to your living room. The benefit of watching movies at home is you can be cozy with extra pillows and blankets. There are so many different streaming services, so your family can pick something new to watch. 

 

17. Build a Race Track 

Children that are obsessed with cars will love creating a huge racetrack in the living room. You can cut up old boxes and wrapping paper tubes and build an epic track that your kids can decorate and create any way they want. The sky’s the limit with this project. 

 

16. Obstacle Course

Move the furniture around the living room and create an obstacle course for your kids to do. There are no rules for building, and you can use things that you already have to create a challenging course. If you want to add a competitive edge to the course, get out the timer and see who can complete the course in the shortest amount of time. 

 

15. Have a Fashion Show 

Come up with a theme for the fashion show and have your kids go through their closets and see what looks they can come up with. The theme can be as creative and silly as you want. Decorate and area of your house as the runway to make the show feel more real. The final step is to create a playlist of music for them to walk the runway too and then sit back and watch the fashion show come to life. 

 

14. Puppet Show 

Turn some old socks into different puppets. You can use odds and ends lying around the house to give each character a personality. Your family can take turns coming up with silly stories and put on a show for everyone to enjoy.  

 

13. Make a Vision Board

Creating a vision board is a good way for your kids to plan what they want to do when the quarantine is over. Visualization is a powerful tool because it inspires us to reach our goals. Help them pick pictures and other items from around the house that inspire them to put on their vision board. 

 

12. Play Charades 

Charades is such a fun game to play with the family. Each member of the family can write a few ideas down on strips of paper and fold them up and put them in a bowl. Everyone will take turns, acting out the silly ideas. 

 

11. Play indoor Basketball 

Get out the mini hoop or a laundry basket and let your kids see who can make the most baskets. It’s not going to be the same as playing outside, but it’s still fun to see who can make the most baskets. 

 

10. Make Jewelry 

This is the perfect time to use up some of those random beads you’ve been saving. Your kids can make bracelets to give their friends the next time they see them. There are no rules when it comes to making jewelry, so your kids will be able to make them any way they want. It’s a relaxing activity that will produce a beautiful gift for someone else. 

 

9. Build a Fort  

Let the kids gather up all the pillows and blankets in the house and build a fort. Things are always more fun in a fort. It will keep them entertained for hours, and it’s the perfect place to relax or play games with those you love. 

 

8. Bake A Dessert 

Baking is such a fun treat for the sweet tooth in the family. Get the kids involved and let them help you mix everything up. It’s more fun when you make something that they can decorate, like sugar cookies or any flavor of cake. Every sweet treat is better when it’s baked with love in the comfort of your own home. 

 

7. Indoor Picnic 

Change things up and spread out a blanket on the living room floor and let the kids have a picnic inside. Invite the stuffed animals for a fun afternoon full of delicious finger foods and a lot of laughter. 

 

6. Write in Journal 

Writing is an excellent outlet for your kids to let out their feelings and write about things that are bothering them. Give them a journal that they can decorate and make their own. This will be a very good thing for them to look back on when they get older. 

 

5. Create a Play 

Kids are very creative, so let them create their script for a play. You can help them design the costumes and then sit back and enjoy the show. This will be a great memory to record so they can look back on it when they are older. 

 

4. Cook Dinner

Food has the power to bring the family together. Inviting the kids into the kitchen to help might spark a new passion for them. Learning how to cook from someone they love will make the whole experience even more special. 

 

3. Make A Scrapbook 

Scrapbooking is a relaxing activity that the whole family can enjoy together. Your kids can gather clippings from magazines and their favorite pictures to create  

There are absolutely no rules when it comes to scrapbooking, so their imaginations will be able to run wild. Scrapbooks are the perfect gift for family, or they can keep it to look back on when they get older. 

 

2. Scavenger Hunt 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a scavenger hunt. Come up with a theme that your kids would love and make a list of things for them to find around the house. You don’t have to buy anything extra to have fun and that’s what’s important during this quarantine period. 

 

1. Virtual Museum Tours 

More than 2000 museums are offering virtual tours that give your kids the chance to learn about culture right from the couch. There all kinds of art and history museums that have created a virtual experience that gives your kids the chance to explore the topics they are interested in. Your family can travel the world in a matter of hours to explore all of the fantastic museums that each have their unique exhibits. You can visit the British Museum in London and then check out the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul.

You might find yourself having a sous chef when you’re in the kitchen. If one of your kids shows interest in cooking, you can encourage them to learn more by picking up one of these cookbooks. You will learn a lot about their taste in food and see what kinds of foods they like. It will also encourage them to be more adventurous with eating because they had the freedom to pick whatever they wanted.

Cooking is a skill that your children will use for the rest of their life and starting them out young will be very beneficial to them. These cookbooks will teach them about the techniques that chefs use, as well as the terminology they use. These cookbooks were created with kids in mind so most so the recipes are simple, and the flavors will appeal to them.

Think back to your childhood. Some of your best memories might involve cooking with a loved one or eating a good meal with your family. Help your kids make the same memories by picking up one of these 10 amazing cookbooks.

10. Kid Chef: The Foodie Kids Cookbook

It can be hard to get your kids to eat healthy foods, but this book is full of recipes that even the pickiest eaters will like.  There are pictures of each meal, so your children will easily be able to flip through and see what they want to make. There are tips sprinkled throughout the book as well, so your young chefs will learn while they cook. Overall this is a great book, and there are over 100 recipes for your kids to explore.

9. The Complete Cookbook Young Chefs

This is the first kid’s cookbook created by America’s Test Kitchen. They are known for experimenting with food and helping people feel confident in the kitchen, and now they want to do that for kids as well. This cookbook is unique because each recipe was tested by kids to make sure that they could follow the directions with little to no experience in the kitchen. There are pictures to go along with each step to help give your children confidence as they go along. There is a perfect cookbook for kids that like to think outside of the box and try new things.

8. Cooking Class

This cookbook is full of creative meals that will get your kids excited about cooking. This cookbook is not like the others on this list because each recipe has a creative spin on food that kids might not want to try. They have taken things like boiled eggs and turned them into egg mice instead. Your children will have the opportunity to be creative while also cooking a delicious after school snack. There are recipes for snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and more. They will learn techniques through being hands-on and completing activities that can be found throughout the book. This book is geared towards kids ages 6 to 12, so if you have children that age, this is a great choice.

7. Super Foods for Super Kids Cookbook

It might sound like an impossible task to get your children to eat healthy foods. This book was created to teach kids that eating healthy can actually taste good. There are 50 different healthy recipes separated into five different categories, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert. The directions are simple, and your children will learn that it is essential to eat healthy foods if they want to grow big and strong and live an active lifestyle. Picking up this book will get your kids on the right path early on in life so that they can maintain it as they get older.

6. Kid Chef Junior: My First Kids Cookbook

This book was created to give your kids the confidence they need to make good food. It was designed to help your kids gain skills as they progress through the book. The first recipes are simple and easy to make, and the later recipes are a little more complicated and rewarding to make. This cookbook is the perfect gift for kids that have shown interest in cooking but do not have much experience in the kitchen.

5. Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cook Book

You can’t go wrong with this new version of an old classic. The Better Homes and Garden cookbook has been a staple in millions of households for many generations, and now you can pass it down to your kids. This is the newest edition of this book, and it has been fully updated with easy to follow instructions and all the latest techniques that chefs use to cook amazing meals. You can find a list of ingredients as well as what tools will be needed at the top of each recipe to make the whole cooking process a lot easier. The goal of this cookbook is to instill healthy eating habits in your kids from a young age. This cookbook will turn even the pickiest of eaters into master chefs in no time.

4. The International Cookbook for Kids

If you want to introduce your children to different cultures or go on an international trip, this cookbook is a must. There are over 60 kid-friendly recipes from Italy, France, China, and Mexico. Each recipe is made up of easy to follow steps, and there are pictures, so you can see what the finished product will look like. There are recipes for appetizers and desserts and everything in between. This cookbook even offers tips on ingredients, nutrition, and technique for using tools safely in the kitchen.

3. The Everything Kids: Cookbook 2^ndEdition

This cookbook will give your kids exactly what they want…chicken tenders, fries, cookies, and so much more. Your kids will really enjoy looking through this book because, in addition to all of the amazing recipes, there are also puzzles and other fun activities for them to do. You can encourage your kids to have an interest in cooking by letting them pick out a different recipe to try each month. This is an excellent first cookbook to buy your kids because it will allow them to use their creativity and also teach them how to be safe in the kitchen.

2. MasterChef Junior Cookbook

The MasterChef Junior cookbook will show your kids that it is possible to cook like a chef even from a young age. This collection of 100 recipes was created by the young kids that appeared on the popular tv show MasterChef Junior during the first five seasons. Some recipes will be easier and call for ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets. Others will be a little more complicated. With a little practice and this cookbook will have your children cooking like a MasterChef in no time.

1. Kid Chef Every Day: The Easy Cookbook for Foodie Kids

This cookbook was made for the little foodie in your life. There are more than 65 recipes that consist of five ingredients or less. Your kids will gain a lot of skills and techniques from the cooking lessons scattered throughout the book. They will learn how to slice and dice things as well as more complex skills like sautéing and grilling different kinds of food. The goal is to improve your child’s technique in the kitchen so that they feel confident enough to make meals on their own. This is an excellent first cookbook that will build a strong foundation for your kids to be successful in the kitchen.

Are you tired of making the same old gingerbread house every year? We’ve got you covered. These are 10 creative ideas that will help you think outside the box and complete the dessert table at the family party. Some of these house ideas can be found in a kit and the rest can be made from scratch.

10. Miniature Gingerbread House

It can be really hard for little hands to build a regular size gingerbread house, so this mini option will be a perfect choice. Each of your children could design their own house to make a little gingerbread village. Each house has a unique design so you can let your children pick the one they want to make. These houses will add so much color and personality to your holiday decorations. 

Buy the kit here 

9. Modern Gingerbread House

This house is a modern take on the classic gingerbread house. This is very simple to build because of the flat roof and square design. Add candy for pops of color. Use white frosting for the main design. This will go perfectly with modern holiday decorations. 

Get the tutorial here 

8. Polar Express Train Kit

Okay so this one is technically not a house, but it will be perfect for any Polar Express obsessed kids. Decorate this simple design with frosting and candy to complete the perfect train. This kit is made out of chocolate cookie instead of gingerbread so chocolate lovers will enjoy eating this one.

Buy the kit here 

7. Gingerbread Fairy House

If your children are obsessed with little fairy houses they are going to love this idea. This whimsical house can be decorated with pastel colors and dusted with edible glitter to make it even more magical. 

Get the tutorial here 

6. Pretzel Cabin

You will start with a normal gingerbread house but then your children will use stick pretzels to make it look like a log cabin. Add trees to complete the perfect winter cabin vibe. Add nuts to the roof and vanilla wafer cookies for the doors and windows. Make a chimney out of chocolate wafer cookies. Add frosting on the ground for snow. Add candy for extra details.

Get the tutorial here 

5. Gingerbread House Cake

If your family isn’t that big on eating gingerbread you could make this delicious cake and decorate it with the façade of houses that your children have decorated. You still get the fun of decorating a house with the added benefit of eating cake.

Get the tutorial here 

4. Retro Camper 

This is a fun gingerbread idea for families that love to travel together or for people that just love the look of these old campers. The design will bring life and brighten up any dessert table. There are only four pieces, so it will be easy to make. You can add this to a gingerbread village or simply just make this depending on the look you are going for. 

Buy the kit here 

3. Tropical Gingerbread House

If you are dreaming of warmth this holiday season or you already live in a warm climate this is the house for your family.  Decorate with palm trees, succulents, and a pool to complete that tropical look. Pipe on the grass and a cobblestone path for added detail.  

Get the tutorial here 

2. The Grinch Whoville Gingerbread House

Bring Whoville to life with this quirky gingerbread house kit. This kit is inspired by the new animated movie The Grinch.  Decorate with bright colors and just remember the more imperfect the better. Throw on The Grinch in the background while the family puts this kit together for added fun. 

Buy the kit here 

1. Disney Frozen 2 Gingerbread House

Frozen is regaining its popularity with the release of Frozen 2. Your family will have so much fun building their own frozen creations. Decorate with different shades of blues and purples and remember you can’t add too many icicles. Complete the look with the figures that are included.

Buy the kit here 

Are you tired of endless games of Monopoly or Candyland on family game night? We’ve got you covered. These 10 games are simple for children, but adults will have fun playing them too. It’s nice to get away from screens for a few hours and enjoy laughing and talking with family and friends.  

If you are looking for a holiday gift for someone a board game is always a great option. You will be gifting someone something that they will have fun playing and making memories with their family and what could be better than that? 

We picked games that would be simple for children to understand but that would also be fun for the adults to play as well. We picked games that wouldn’t take hours and hours to get through like monopoly. We know that you will be able to find something on this list that your kids will love to play. 

10. Spontuneous

The little music lovers in your family will love playing this game. It covers all genres of music and you don’t have to be the best singer in the world to enjoy playing it. The objective is for one family member to say a word and then everyone else needs to start singing a song with that word in it. The first person to sing a song with the word in it gets to roll the dice and move their piece along the board.  Your family will have a blast singing and laughing together. All ages will enjoy it equally which makes it perfect for the whole family.  (Ages 8 and up)

9. Watch Ya Mouth

This game has grown in popularity over the last few years and for a very good reason. It is really fun to play with family and friends. It’s extremely silly and everyone can’t help but laugh when they play. The objective is to put these cheek restrictors in your mouth and try to read out a bunch of silly words and phrases. There are also family-friendly expansion packs to buy as well so the fun will keep going. (ages 8 and up) 

8. Sequence for Kids

Sequence for Kids is just like the classic game we all know and love, but this version is made just for kids. The recommended age is three and up because there is no reading involved and it is simple to play. The objective is to play a card from your hand and place it on the corresponding character on the board. If you can get four pieces in a row you win. 

7. Guess Who

Guess who is a fun two-player game that is perfect for the little detective in your family. The objective is to see if you can guess the other player’s mystery character by asking questions until there is one-character left. There are 24 different characters to choose from so your children will need to be observant and use their listening skills to win.  

6. Family Feud Trivia Box Card Game

Survey says that your family will have a lot of fun playing this game with your whole family. The objective is to fill in the right answers to different random questions before getting three strikes. One hundred people were surveyed, and the most popular answers will be on the board. There are literally hundreds of questions, so the fun will keep going for a long time. 

5. My First Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a two to four-player game that takes about twenty minutes to play. The objective is to be the first person to place all of your pawns on the board. Players will take turns building Carcassonne one tile at a time and when you close a street with one or more pawns of your color you get to put one of your pawns on the board. It is really simple and fun to play once you get started. It is recommended for children ages four and up but adults will have fun playing too. 

4. Pictionary Air

Pictionary Air is a new take on an old classic game. You will need to download the Pictionary Air app before you play so the game will be able to come to life. Players will point the screen at the person using the pen and the drawings will appear in the air. This is the perfect game for families that love to draw and be creative together. It is recommended for ages eight and up but younger kids could participate with a little help from a parent. 

3. Don’t Step In It Unicorn Edition

This is a silly game that kids will laugh at endlessly. The idea is that a unicorn visited the house during the night. They ended up leaving piles of colorful poop all over the floor mat that is actually the board for the game. Players will take turns spinning the spinner and take steps around the floor mat and try not to step in “it”. The catch is the player will be blindfolded which will make the game a little harder. 

2. Blokus Strategy Family Board Game

This is a very fun strategy game that everyone will enjoy. It looks simple, but you have to think when you are placing your pieces so you don’t run out of room. Each player is given 21 playing tiles that are in similar shapes to that of Tetris. The objective is to place your pieces on the board in a way that only the corners of the blocks are touching each other. The person with the fewest number of pieces left when the board gets filled up wins. 

1. Settlers of Catan Junior

Settlers of Catan junior takes about thirty minutes to get through. Your family will have so much fun exploring the seas of Catan. The objective is to build hideouts and encounter different islands. Each island offers different materials. The first player to capture seven pirate hideouts wins. This game has a lot of replay value because you will get a different outcome every time you play it. 

It’s finally time for the whole family to become fully immersed in the holiday spirit. We have picked 15 of our favorite holiday books that the whole family will love curling up and reading together. They also will make a great gift for young readers ages five and up. 

You will be able to find a book that your children will love whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa.  Each one of these books focus on the different traditions for each of these holidays so you will be able to answer all your children’s biggest questions. 

When selecting these books, we wanted to make sure to include classics like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas as well as some newer books like “The Night Before Hanukkah”. So, what are you waiting for? Get your coziest pajamas on and make reading these books a new holiday tradition. 

15. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

This is a classic book by Dr. Seuss. It is about the Grinch who is a grumpy character that is trying to get rid of the Christmas season by stealing all of the presents and decorations. He thinks that by doing this Christmas won’t happen but much to his surprise he realizes that the Christmas spirit lives inside the hearts of the Who’s. This book will show your children that Christmas is about more than the presents it’s about the joy of giving and being with those that you love. 

 

14. Latke, the Lucky Dog

 This is a cute little book about a family that adopts a dog on the first night of Hanukkah. The dog is the main character, so you get to look at the holiday through his eyes. He feels very lucky to be adopted during the holiday season because he won’t have to spend it alone. He gets in some trouble along the way and interrupts some of the Hanukkah traditions but his family understands that he is new, so they forgive him and enjoy the holiday anyway. The author introduces the traditions in a unique way that your children will be able to understand. Who can resist a story about a cute little dog? 

13. Together for Kwanzaa

Together for Kwanzaa was written by Juwanda G. Ford. This book is about the importance of family during the festive season. The main character, Kayla is worried that her brother won’t make it home in time to celebrate Kwanzaa with the whole family because of a bad snowstorm. The author discusses the traditions that surround the holiday. Your children will learn all about Kwanzaa and also the importance of cherishing the time they get to spend with family.  

 

12. The Polar Express

The Polar Express is a well-loved classic by Chris Van Allsburg. It takes place on Christmas eve when a young boy goes on a magical train ride to the North Pole to meet Santa himself. Santa lets him choose a present which all he wants is a bell off of the reindeer’s harness. On his way home, the little boy notices that he lost the bell and he is a little upset. When he wakes up on Christmas day he opens a package with the bell inside. His parents try to ring the bell and can’t hear it but the little boy can because he believes in the magic of the season. This book is a great reminder of just how magic the holiday season really is.  

 

11. The Night Before Hanukkah

This adorable book was written by Natasha Wing in 2014. It takes place the night before the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah is set to begin. Your children will read about the delicious latkes and other foods that are eaten. They will also discover the lighting of the candles each night and why that all got started. This book truly captures all the joy and love of the Hanukkah season.  

 

10. Seven Spools of Thread

The Seven Spools of Thread takes place in an African village. It follows the lives of seven brothers that fight all the time. The brothers find themselves in an interesting position when their father dies and leaves them a strange task to complete. The brothers have until sundown to make gold out of the seven spools of thread that he left for them or they will live a miserable life. This book shows the importance of getting along around the holidays and how family is the most important thing. 

 

9. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas

This cute little book follows Pete the Cat on another one of his silly adventures. Pete finds out that Santa is sick this year and won’t be able to deliver gifts to every good child around the world. This book is entertaining and fun and your children will love the familiar character Pete the Cat. Will Pete be able to save Christmas or will Christmas not happen this year? 

 

8. The Story of Hanukkah

This book was written by David Adler in 2012. It talks about the most wonderful time of the year which is filled with games, food, family, and fun. It talks about the ancient miracle and the importance of remembering how Hanukkah all got started. He has simplified the story, so your children will be able to understand that the flame lasted eight nights and that’s why the holiday takes place over eight days. He has even included a traditional recipe for latkes so your family will be able to make them at home.  

7. My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa

My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa is about the origins of the holiday. It originated around the time of the American Civil Rights era. This book is full of facts and will inspire your children to learn more about the customs of the holiday and when it all began. This is a brilliant book that will teach your children so much about this beautiful holiday. 

6. Llama Llama Holiday Drama

What would the holiday season be without a little drama? This book is part of the beloved Llama Llama series by Anna Dewdney. Llama is very impatient when it comes to the holiday season. He wants to open his presents early, but Mama carefully reminds him that presents aren’t that important. The real gift of Christmas is the fact that you get to spend it with people you love. Llama understands and is happy to wait a few more days to celebrate the holiday. This book will teach your children what is really important when it comes to the holiday season. 

5. The Sound of Kwanzaa

This book is all about the sounds of Kwanzaa. The author discusses yelling Harambee and dancing to the beat of the drums and how that got started. She also talks about the Umoja and how that brings the whole family together. Then she talks about the songs of the ancestors which is known as Kuumba. Each page is full of upbeat verses and colorful and vivid illustrations that will show your children how beautiful this holiday really is and how lucky they are to listen to such wonderful music that is full of history.

 

4. A Kwanzaa Miracle

This book is about a brother and sister that celebrate Kwanzaa with an elderly neighbor that was feeling lonely around the holiday. Little did they know they were about to have one of the best holidays of their life. Mrs. Jackson makes Kwanzaa a lot livelier than they were expecting. Everything from the food to the music made for a holiday that they would never forget. This book will remind your children to be kind to those who might be feeling lonely during the holiday season. 

3. N is for Navidad

This colorful book was written by Susan Middleton Elya and it describes the 22 nights that surrounds a Hispanic Christmas. It describes the tradition of putting shoes outside on the doorstep for the three wiremen to fill with treats and the angel that is hung above the door of each house. Each page represents a different letter of the alphabet so your children will be able to learn 26 Spanish words that are used to describe this festive time of year. 

2. Eight Winter Nights

This book is full of festive poems that describe the traditions of Hanukkah from the food to the sights and sounds. It follows a little family as they celebrate this holiday with all those they love. It will show your children how important it is to be with those they love around this time of year. 

1. The Seven Days of Kwanzaa

This book was written like the Twelve Days of Christmas song but it goes through the traditions and heritage of Kwanzaa. It describes the promise of unity and the fellowship that surrounds this beautiful holiday. It also talks about the drums that are typically played each night and the traditional colors that are worn to represent the origin of Kwanzaa. Each page rhymes which makes it fun to read through and the artwork is absolutely stunning which is an added bonus.

It’s that time of the year again, the Elf on the shelf is making its exciting return.  We have selected our favorite ideas that will get you all the way to Christmas. 

There is no need to worry because most of these ideas are very simple and can be made with items around the house. 

25. Pin the nose on the Reindeer

These silly elves are playing a game of pin the nose on the reindeer. You can set this scene up under the tree with any of your children’s favorite toys. 

24. The Elf Stole Christmas

It seems that the Elf has taken the Grinch’s side this year and lost his Christmas spirit. You could read the book or watch the movie the night before and then set this up the next morning. 

23. Cookie Elf

This is the perfect time of year to get the family in the kitchen to bake some cookies together. You can make it look like the Elf got the ingredients together, and he needs help pouring them in the bowl and mixing up the ingredients. 

22. Snowman Elf

This cute little Elf has built snowmen out of some donuts. You can set this up for a quick breakfast treat to start the day. 

21. Potty Elf

 You could do this silly idea could do this on a night that you are making peas for dinner for an added laugh. This play on words is perfect for children that like a good laugh. 

20. Beach Bum

Is your family longing for the beach like this Elf? This is a fun idea to do if you have a pet that uses a heat lamp to keep warm. 

19. Sleepy Elf

 This tired Elf is hiding in a dollhouse. You can give out clues to help them find this Elf hiding in their room. 

18. Game Night

Who doesn’t love a game of Uno? This Elf is ready for the whole family to join in and play. 

17. Spy Elf

This adventurous Elf is climbing up the fridge. Your children could wake up to find this Elf when they are making breakfast in the morning. 

16. Stay Hydrated

These silly elves have found themselves in a tough situation. They could be hiding in the fridge waiting for your children to get a drink. Use a reusable bottle to cut back on plastic. 

15. Movie Night

Your children will love a spontaneous movie night, so have your Elf bring a new DVD and some snacks. 

14. Cereal Elf

How did these elves get themselves stuck in these cereal containers? You could hide them under the cereal to add an added shock factor to breakfast. 

13. Spider Elf

 Your children won’t be expecting spider elf to be hanging from the ceiling. You could hang this in their room during the night, so they find it when they turn the light on in the morning. 

12. Just Hanging Around

This silly Elf could be hanging up in their closet, so they find it when they are getting ready to get dressed for the day. 

11. Cup Cake Elf

It seems that this Elf might have a bit of a sweet tooth. He could stop by after dinner to bring a dessert to the whole family. 

10. Does it have Sugar?

Your children will get a shock when they walk in the kitchen and see the Elf eating Buddy’s famous spaghetti from the movie Elf.  

9. Elf Twister

These two look like they are having so much fun that maybe the kids will want to join in with their own game. 

8. Just Chillin

Your children would not expect to find the Elf lounging in a beach chair inside of the fridge, so this could be a bit of fun. 

7. The Force

The new Starwars film is coming out soon, so this could be a fun way to get your kids excited about that. This poor Elf can’t save himself from Darth Vader, but maybe your children can help.

6. Heavy lifting

This Elf is trying to burn off some of that Thanksgiving meal. You could use these marshmallows for a delicious cup of hot chocolate for a bonus. 

5. Toothpaste mischief

 This would be a fun way for your children to find their pesky Elf in the morning when they go to brush their teeth. 

4. In the dog house

This Elf seems to find himself in a tricky situation. It appears that he might need some help getting out of the treat jar.  

3. Spa Day

This Elf seems to be having a bit of a relaxing spa day. This would be the last thing that your children would expect to find in the bathroom when they are getting ready for the day. 

2. Frozen

 It looks like this poor Elf is on the wrong end of Elsa’s magical powers. This is the perfect time to use this idea with the release of the second film.  

1. Dog Walker

This is a great way to incorporate toys that are already lying around the house. You could have the Elf walking some of your children’s favorite toys so that they will have a more significant reaction when they finally find that pesky Elf.

It can be hard to entertain a house full of kids on Thanksgiving Day. These 10 crafts are very simple to make, and the kids will have so much fun creating them. You will also have things to decorate the house with when they are finished making them so that is an added bonus. 

 

Don’t worry, you won’t have to decorate your house with another boring old turkey made out of a hand print. These crafts are all unique and some of these crafts are even edible which is always a bonus. We guarantee that your family will have fun making the crafts on this list. Enjoy the time you have with the people you love and make memories that will last a lifetime making these adorable crafts. 

 

 

10. Finger-paint Tree 

 

What you need: Drawing or print out of a tree and paint. 

 

For this craft, all you have to do is print out or draw a picture of a tree. You could do this part before everyone gets to your house but if there are a lot of artists in the family they can draw their own. Put out some washable paint and have each child make leaves with their thumbprint. This is a very simple craft and it looks nice framed or hung up on the fridge.

 

Get the tutorial at First Palette 

 

9. Paper plate Turkey

What you need: paper plate, tissue paper, brown construction paper, orange construction paper, glue and googly eyes.

The first thing that you will have to do is cut a paper plate in half. Cut up bits of tissue paper in little squares. You can use whatever colors you have on hand. The more colorful the better. The kids will have fun gluing the little squares all over the paper plate. Glue a circle on the front of the plate for the head. Cut out a gobbler and beak. Glue on googly eyes for the finishing touch.

Get the tutorial at Happy Home Fairy 

8. Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes

What you need: Cake mix (any), icing, candy corn, nutter butter cookies, Oreos, red candy preferably a fruit roll-up, edible eyes and cupcake wrapper.

This is a craft that you can eat. What is better than that? You can make any flavor of cupcakes that you like. This is a fun thing for all of the kids to help with. While they are cooling start making turkeys on the nutter butter cookies. You can use the orange part of candy corn to make the beak. Use little pieces of fruit roll-up or some other ready candy for the gobbler. You can paint on eyes with icing or use edible eyes from a craft store. Stick candy corn inside of an Oreo for the body of the turkey. Assemble the body on top of the iced cupcake and voilà you have a perfect Thanksgiving dessert.

Get the tutorial at Your Cup of Cake

7. Leafy Placemats

What you need: assorted fall leaves, wax paper, an iron and card stock in fall colors.

The first thing you need to do is have all of the kids go out in the yard and pick up some of the leaves that they like. Lay a piece of wax paper down first and then the construction paper. Have the kids arrange the leaves around on the paper in a way that they like. Have them write Happy Thanksgiving and then lay the second piece of wax paper on top of all the project. Take the iron and run it on top of the way paper and it should bond together created the finished placemat.

Get the tutorial at Momtastic 

6. Pinecone Turkey

 

What you need: Pinecone, googly eyes, red, yellow, orange and green paper, glue.

You can find pinecones in craft shops, but it could also be fun to go out and find some around where you live. The next thing you need to do is cut out feathers with the construction paper. Then all you have to do is glue the feathers on. Hot glue works best but you can use what you have at home. Cut out wings, a beak, and a gobbler and you are almost done. All that’s left is to glue googly eyes on and you have a cute little turkey.

Get the tutorial at Scholastic 

5. Scarecrow Paper Plate Craft

What you need: Plate, googly eyes, pipe cleaner, construction paper, tan raffia, and glue.

This is a unique craft that is cute for the fall season in general. You will take a paper plate and turn it into a scarecrow that each child will be able to take home and hang up at their own house in the fall next year. You will have the children cut out a hat that will help make the raffia look more like hair. They can decorate the hat anyway they want. Glue some raffia on the top of the plate and then glue the hat. Place the eyes, nose, and mouth and that’s it.

Get the tutorial at Finding Zest 

4. Native American Teepee Templates

What you will need: The teepee template, crayons, and sticks.

This is the perfect way to teach the children in your family about native American culture. These teepees will look great as a decoration on the table. The first thing you need to do is print out the templet. You can have each child color their teepee however they want. Once they are finished with that cut it out and make it into a 3D shape. Add sticks to the top to give it a more accurate look. This craft is very simple and quick to make and they look great.

Get the tutorial at First Palette

3. Bubble Wrap Indian Corn

What you need: Bubble wrap, paint, twine, and card stock.

The first thing that you will need to do is draw a piece of corn on a white piece of card stock. Cut out a piece of bubble wrap the same shape and size of the corn. Then you can have all the kids paint their piece of bubble wrap with yellow, red and orange until it is completely covered. Let that completely dry and then glue it to the card stock cut out. Punch a hole in the top and tie a piece of twine to make it look like the corn husk.

Get the tutorial at Kiwi Co 

 

2. Paper Strip Pumpkin

What you will need: Orange construction paper, green construction paper, glue and a marker.

This is a very simple craft that will make a nice centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table. Cut out a bunch of orange stripes of paper. If you want this to be kind of small cut the stipes when the paper is horizontal. If you want it to be a little bigger do this when the paper is vertical. Form the stripes in the shape of a circle and start to glue them together. Twist a strip of green paper and put it at the top of the sphere so it looks like the stem. You can leave it there or have the kids write things they are thankful for on the orange strips before they make the pumpkin shape to make them more meaningful.

Get the tutorial at A Dab of Glue will do 

1. Pilgrim Hat DIY Cookie Craft

What you need: Vanilla frosting, yellow food coloring, miniature peanut butter cups, fudge stripe cookies, and orange bubblegum.

The first thing you need to do is put the vanilla icing in a bowl. Add some of the yellow food coloring and mix it up. This will be used as the glue that holds the peanut butter cup to the fudge stripe cookie. Flip the fudge stripe cookie so that the chocolate side is facing up. Then put some of the vanilla icing on the center of the cookie and place the peanut butter cup on top. Then place the orange gum in the front for added detail. This is a very simple craft that the kids will love making together.

Get the tutorial at Taste of Home

 

We have the perfect list of DIY Halloween costumes that are simple to make if your kids get invited to any last-minute parties. It can be hard to find a costume that they love in the store, so we have found some easy ideas to make at home with stuff you have lying around. We have provided images to help inspire you to recreate these iconic looks. 

10. Thing 1

This is a classic Halloween costume that is pretty simple to make. All you need is a red t-shirt and a white sheet of paper. You write thing one on the paper and cut it into a circle. You can add a blue wig from a previous costume or even put on a blue hat as a substitute. It doesn’t matter what they wear on the bottom, which is a bonus. This costume is simple and can easily be made for multiple children as a last-minute idea. 

9. Superman/Clark Kent 

 Your kids will look super in no time with this awesome Superman costume. Your child can pop on a superman t-shirt with a white button-up overtop paired with glasses if they are going for the Clark Kent changing into superman look. A superman t-shirt is also an option if they want to look like superman. 

8. Artist

This is a fun idea for any art lover. All you need is an apron. You can splatter paint on it for an added detail. You could also turn this costume into Bob Ross if you have a spare afro wig laying around for a previous costume. You can also make a pallet out of an old cardboard box. 

7. Ladybug

Your children will score all kinds of candy in this lucky ladybug costume. All you need is a piece of red clothing and black paper or felt. Cut out circles and attach them with glue. You can add pipe cleaners to a headband to add antennas. 

6. Kermit the Frog

All you need is a green shirt, and green felt or paper. You can cut out that iconic pattern and glue it to the neck of the shirt. You could add his eyes onto a green headband to add more of that classic Kermit the Frog look. Or you could use a green hoodie and glue the eyes to the top of the hood for the same effect. 

5. Bumble Bee

This cute costume will have your little one buzzing with excitement. If your child has a yellow shirt in their closet, they can put that on, and you can tape or glue black strips of paper on it to make it look like a bee. You can add a stinger in the back for added detail. Add antennas onto a headband using pipe cleaners. 

4. Where’s Waldo

All you need to make this costume is a red and white striped shirt and jeans. If you have an old pair of glasses lying around, your little one can pop those on, but if you don’t, you can always make some out of pipe cleaners. 

3. Skeleton

This is a cool costume that can be made in a few different ways. You can put a black shirt over a white shirt and cut out a skeleton design using a pattern found online. You can also paint the skeleton on a black shirt with white fabric paint. You can also add face paint to add extra spooky detail to this excellent design.  

2. Nerd

This is a classic take on the outdated idea of what a nerd looks like. You can use an old pair of glasses and put tape on the nose piece and dress your little one in a sweater vest or button-up shirt. 

1. Emoji

Emojis are very popular, so why not dress your little one up as their favorite emoji? All you need is a yellow shirt and a marker. You can let them draw their own, or you can help them out with a little paint or a marker. You can also cut out a circle from a box and paint that if they don’t have a yellow shirt that they want to use.