play time

Kids with Special Needs

A peek into a military child's heart through play

I love talking with my son. Through the entire age of 5, having conversations with him has been absolutely amazing to me, and a...

Activities for Kids

5 Fun (and educational) rainy day play ideas

It’s said that into every life a little rain must fall... but some months (that’s you, April) seem to dole out more than their fair...

Family Activities

Outdoor activities with an indoor twist

From windowsill gardening to makeshift mud pies, unique outdoor activities you can take indoors to entertain your kids and keep...

Activities for Kids

Creative ways to play with your child

A mom can only run toy cars around in circles so many times before she goes a little crazy, and there are other ways to play with...

Child Development & Health

4 Ways to foster imaginative play

If you want your children to learn how to conquer fears, build self-confidence, master social skills and hone their trouble-shooting...

Toys and Play

Make Halloween work for you all year

Why spend money on an outfit your child will only wear once? This year, choose a costume she can use all year long. Better yet, raid...

Preschoolers

Simple ways to find more playtime

School, homework and chores are important, but don't forget to make time for your kids to enjoy plenty of playtime, too!

Preschoolers

Making playtime educational

Playtime is vital to the mental, emotional and creative development of toddlers. It's when they exercise their imaginations, learn...

Preschoolers

Bridging the sibling age gap during playtime

Need ideas to encourage siblings with an age gap to play nicely together? Patience and praise help bridge the gap.

Preschoolers

The importance of play

Want a smart, creative and healthy child? Playtime activities are vital to mental and physical development, so encourage more play...

Preschoolers

Toddler boredom busters

Playtime takes up a huge amount of your child's time. But endless tea parties and block stacking may get old for both you and your...

Child Development & Health

Help your kids play independently

Does your child beg you to play with her all day long? As much as you love spending time with your kids, every child needs to learn...

Crafts

DIY collapsible cardboard playhouse

This cardboard playhouse was created, especially with small spaces in mind, because when the kids tire of it, the house collapses...

Parenting Advice & Columns

What I'm loving this week: 5 Things to do in the dirt

Can dirt be fun? Here are five things I'm loving this week that you can do with dirt (yes, you read that correctly).

Kids Activity Center

Helping kids play together

Friendships are an important part of childhood, and play is a great way to get those friendships started.

More Printables & Activities

5 Uses for a cardboard box

Sometimes the simplest things can keep your kids engaged. We often throw out (or recycle) cardboard boxes without giving them a...

Kids Activity Center

Tips for keeping playtime fun and engaging

You don't have to buy new toys all the time to keep playtime engaging for your children. With a little creativity, you can keep your...

Toys and Play

Creative everyday play ideas for kids

Do you feel like your everyday playtime activities have become stale or boring for your child — and yourself? Make playtime more...

Mother's Day

Magical playtime tips for babies

Make playtime magical for your baby by choosing the right toys and games. Follow these tips and tricks to enjoy fun (and...

Activities for Kids

Fun twists on classic playtime activities

Those classic playtime activities from your childhood are still golden. Break them out with your family to liven up a day at home....

Preschoolers

Helping older siblings include preschoolers in their playtime

If there's more than just a year or two age difference between siblings, the disparity in interests and developmental skills may...