Who needs new-fangled ideas when your kids will love these retro crafts that have stood the test of time for suppling hours of entertainment and offer apple opportunity for creativity! And they are perfect indoor activities for tweens when they complain of boredom! Your children may think what they really want to do is play...
Retro Crafts for Kids That Are Still Super Cool
Game of the Month: My First Rush Hour
ThinkFun's Rush Hour brand now has a new version of their popular logic and problem solving game made especially for preschoolers and I am totally here for it! My First Rush Hour, designed for ages 3 and up, gives young kids the same brain-boosting, playful experience as the original but in a new, age-appropriate format....
Old-Fashioned Games Modern Kids Love
Let's all get nostalgic for a moment and remember all those old-fashioned games we used to play as kids. Those games stood the test of time long before we played them and now it's our children's turn to enjoy some good old retro fun and games! You can find lots of traditional, centuries-old DIY games...
Movies Based on Books You Can Watch with Teens
Bonding with your teen can sometimes be challenging, but for taciturn teens one way to connect is by watching films together. This list of movies based on books to watch with teens offers you some great flicks to choose from. Plus, everyone loves a good movie and the right film can provide talking points, a...
Movies Based on Children's Books for Families with Tweens
While this website primarily exists to offer screen-free ideas for kids and families, we believe family movie night can be as rewarding as family game night! While we love to watch silent film comedies (click here for our favorite classics from Keaton, Chaplin and Lloyd), another one of our beloved film categories is movies based...
Leprechaun Coloring Page
St. Patrick's Day is a huge holiday in the Emerald Isle, but also in the United States where so many people of Irish descent raise their families. Why not celebrate with this delightful leprechaun coloring page created exclusively for us by children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg! Even if you don't celebrate St....
Middle Grade Books that Address Addiction and Alcoholism
Some parents and educators may assert that addiction and alcoholism are inappropriate topics for children's books. I strongly disagree. Books are an excellent way for kids to encounter tough subjects like addiction, mental illness and divorce. This list of middle grade books about addiction and its effect on the the lives of individuals and communities...
Tsoro Yematatu: 3-in-a-Row Game from Zimbabwe
Three in a row games are great fun. Who doesn't love a quick game of tic-tac-toe when you're bored? But sometimes you need to switch it up and that's where Tsoro Yematatu, a 3-in-a-row game from Zimbabwe comes in. Add Tsoro Yematatu to our growing collection of traditional 3-in-a-row abstract strategy games from around the...
Picture Book Biographies of Women in Sports
It's hard to believe there was once a time when women and girls were discouraged from playing sports or getting involved in athletic pursuits. As you know from my list of picture books about women in history, there are some admirable women trailblazers in the world of sports. In choosing these biographies, I really wanted...
Picture Book Biographies of Women Writers
Writers put pen to paper to speak to the world, whether it be fiction, journalism, poetry or letters. These picture book biographies of women writers tell the tales of women who harnessed their writing talent to tell important stories. Poets MORE: Looking for ways to celebrate the contributions of women with poetry? Check out our...
Picture Book Biographies of Women Musicians
These intriguing picture book biographies about women musicians, songwriters and singers will take your kids on a journey through different musical styles like classical, jazz, folk and salsa. Books about Women Musicians MORE: 48 Picture Book Biographies of Women Who Changed History Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten by Laura Veirs Find it:...
Poems for Women's History Month
Although March is Women's History Month, it goes without saying that anytime is a good time to read about some of the amazing contributions of women throughout history to the present day. One way to mix things up is to read great poems for Women's History Month! After all, it's also a great way to...
Fun and Simple Multiplication Dice Game
Want an easy multiplication dice game that kids can play at home or in the classroom? This fun math practice game requires neither specialty dice, nor complicated game boards and printable worksheets. All you need is one die and a pen and paper to keep score! I do have a free printable score card if...
Picture Books about Women in History
Want to read some good picture book biographies of women in history? You've come to the right place. This book list of books about famous women (and some not-famous-but-should be) are the perfect way to inspire your children: both girls and boys! All of these biographies include informational back matter like timelines, author and illustrator...
Fun Pen and Paper Games to Cure Boredom
Everyone should know how to play pen and paper games! They make great icebreakers, waiting games, quick boredom busters, and fun activities for gatherings with friends or family. And best of all? All your need is a pen or pencil and paper to play! Fun pen and paper games come in several types. There are...
Children's Books about Divorce and Separation
Nobody looks forward to talking about divorce with their children, but divorce is a fact of life. These children's books about divorce and separation are useful conversation starters, and not just for kids who have divorced parents, but to teach empathy and understanding to all children. Reading books about divorce can help kids find the...
13 Bilingual Children's Books: English-Spanish
It is never to early or too late to expose your kids to a second (or third!) language. Books with both English and Spanish text will help them get started on the road to fluency. This list of bilingual picture books includes books that have English and Spanish text side by side as well as...
Spring Coloring Pages
Celebrate the end of winter with some adorable spring coloring pages! These free, printable coloring sheets are convenient to have around during those inevitable spring showers when the rain is coming down a bit too hard to get outdoors and play in the mud or pick flowers! Plus, these spring-themed coloring pages provide a meditative,...
The Absolute Best Picture Books about Friendship
As you know, good, long-lasting friendships are hard work. Kids learn early that their actions and attitudes can affect their friendships. They also learn that having a true friend is one of the most rewarding aspects of being human! This list of my favorite picture books about friendships look at what it takes to be...
Game of the Month: Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle
Minecraft! Does your kid love to spend hours building worlds in the popular sandbox video game? Would you like them to peel their eyes off the screen once in a while but can't figure out how without whining and tears? This Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle is the ultimate solution and will entertain your kids without...
Make a Friend Day Coloring Page: Celebrate Friendship!
Did you know that February 11th is Make a Friend Day? This coloring page featuring neighbors making new friends is just the activity you need to celebrate, aside from bringing your neighbors cookies, of course! Children's book author and illustrator Melanie Hope Greenberg created this Make a Friend Day coloring page exclusively for you, my...
Growing Up: Middle Grade Fiction about Puberty
Adolescence is not the easiest stage of life, but these middle grade novels about puberty and the accompanying roller coaster of emotions will make things–if not easier–at least more entertaining. This book list is full of fiction books about puberty and the changes that come with adolescence, both emotional and physical. Adolescents of all gender...
Mexico Dice Game: Strategy & Luck for Families!
I don't know what this dice game has to do with Mexico, but "Mexico" is what it's called! I've seen it called "Mexican Dice Game" and referred to as either a gambling or a drinking game, often played in bars. But hey, there's no reason to steer clear of our family-friendly version of the Mexico...
Children's Books for 9-13 Year Olds that Address Mental Illness
Mental illness, although slowly becoming a more acceptable topic, is still stigmatized. In the United States almost 1 in 5 people live with some form of mental illness (source) so you can imagine how many children either struggle themselves, or have a parent suffering from mental illness. That's why this list of middle grade novels...
Favorite Robin Hood Retellings & Book Adaptations
Do your kids love historic tales of heroes and daring outlaws fighting against tyranny? This list of Robin Hood books will fuel their passion for stories of heroism and the rise of the common man in the face of injustice. A great companion to my list of King Arthur books, this collection of stories features...
Picaria: 3-in-a-Row Game from the American Southwest
You can find numerous examples of traditional 3-in-a-row games in different cultures around the world. Modern children in the west will be most familiar with tic-tac-toe but PICARIA is an entertaining version of a 3-in-a-row game that originated in indigenous communities living in the geographical area known as the American Southwest. As with similar 3-in-a-row...
Joyful Children Musicians Coloring Page
How about we start the year off with a joyful musician coloring page! Melanie Hope Greenberg's newest contribution to our monthly coloring page series will put a huge smile on your face. Under a rainbow, children dance and play instruments, clearly relishing the experience. This coloring page featuring musicians playing drums, the fiddle, a trumpet...
Metafiction in Children's Books
I love children's books that surprise and challenge readers. Books that make their readers think about the very act of reading with the art of metafiction may indeed may be my very favorite. A metafictional text is one that subverts traditional, straightforward storytelling. The more you look, the more you will find great examples of...
Unplug with Picture Books about Screen-Free Play
It's virtually impossible to be totally screen-free these days, although parents can take steps to keep screen use under control. I've yet to meet a parent who says, "I wish Junior spent more time playing Fortnite than he spends outdoors!" Ha! One way to share the joys of putting down the iPad is by reading...
Awesome Art Projects that Use a Big Roll of Paper
My top recommended supply for your art cabinet is a big roll of paper, sometimes referred to as "butcher paper" or "kraft paper." Your kids can make some truly awesome art projects with a big roll of paper! You will be amazed at how stocking this one item will change up your at-home art game,...
Children's Books about New Beginnings
New beginnings come in all shapes and sizes. They can be exciting or scary. Or both. What better way to share the excitement or ease the fear that with children's books about new beginnings of all kinds! With this list featuring picture books about making a leap, taking that first step and starting afresh–however you...
New Year's Poems for Your Family Celebration!
Looking for a way to make your New Year's celebration extra special? Include poetry in your festivities! Obviously! When I shared a few Christmas poems for your family, I mentioned how inserting a poem or two into your celebrations doesn't take much time or effort. And yet, the rewards of poetry are numerous. I scoured...
Good Books to Read Aloud to 11-Year-Olds
As kids move into middle school and social pressures increase, time spent with a trusted adult while listening to a great book becomes even more important. It's my hope that this list of good books to read aloud to 11-year-olds will inspire you to sit down and have some special one-on-one time with your older...
Indoor Activities for 5-10 Year Olds (with Cheat Sheet!)
What are some good indoor activities for 5-10 year olds when they are stuck inside, you ask? Unlike toddlers and preschoolers, 5-10 year olds will be able to keep themselves busy with their own interests, but let's not pretend we don't hear the old, "I'm bored," excuse almost everyday. Side-note: Incidentally, if you have kids...
Clock Solitaire Card Game: Keeps Kids Busy!
Single player games are one of the best way to keep kids busy and their brains engaged! After your kids are exhausted playing traditional card solitaire, teach them how to play Clock Solitaire, sometimes known as Clock Patience. Clock Solitaire is a simple one person card game in which the cards are arranged in the...
Christmas Carolers Coloring Page
Get in the seasonal spirit with this adorable coloring page featuring a kind neighbor passing cookies through a window to a pair of delightful carolers. I love the indoor-outdoor theme of Melanie Hope Greenberg's latest Christmas coloring page! Both sides of the window represent all that is cozy about the season. On one side of...
Chicago Dice Game: Perfect for Large Gatherings
The perfect dice game for large gatherings has a few qualities: it's fast-paced, super simple to learn and relies on chance instead of skill so everyone has an equal shot at winning. With those requirements, Chicago, sometimes known as Rotation, is the perfect easy dice game for your large group get together. But just so...
Comic Strip Books: Cartoons Your Kids Will Love
Kids love comic strip books for the same reason grown-ups love them. Because they provide immediate satisfaction: comic strips are short, easy to read and funny. A collection of comic strips bundled all together is reading material perfection! Comic strip books are great to put in the hands of any child, whether they be reluctant...
Swedish Christmas and Holiday Picture Books
Growing up the grandchild of Swedish immigrants, Swedish illustrated picture books, and especially Swedish Christmas books, were a steady part of my reading diet. They remain some of my all time favorite holiday books. (Note: this post uses affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.) This list contains books for kids about Christmas, St. Lucia...
Game of the Month: Farkle Flip
Ready to press your luck in a fun family card game? Our game of the month is going to make you do just that. Farkle Flip is a "The Card-Flipping, Risk-Taking Card Game" from PlayMonster. Farkle Flip is the perfect size to stuff in a stocking on a certain Eve, easy to learn, quick to...
