Free NASA Pumpkin Stencils: A No-Carve Halloween Activity for Kids

 

Give your Halloween pumpkin a space theme with free printable stencils from NASA Space Place. The designs offer a creative activity for families who want to add a little science to their fall decorating.

Choose from a galaxy, the Sun, a volcano, Saturn, or a spacecraft. NASA also offers a PDF with the instructions and patterns.

NASA’s method uses markers and paint to decorate the pumpkin’s surface. That makes this a useful option for families looking for a no-carve pumpkin project.

The downloads are free. You will supply your own pumpkin, printing paper, tape, black marker, black paint, and a small paintbrush. Check what you already have at home before shopping for supplies.

To make your pumpkin, follow NASA’s illustrated directions:

1. Print the stencil you want to use.

2. Tape the paper onto your pumpkin, adjusting it around the curved surface.

3. Follow NASA’s tracing instructions to transfer the design.

4. Remove the paper, strengthen the outline, and fill the shape with marker or paint.

Covering the table before you begin and giving each child a separate workspace can help keep the activity organized. Let everyone choose a design before printing, especially if you are trying to save paper.

You can also turn the project into a short homeschool lesson or family learning activity. Ask each child to choose one question connected to the design: What would they like to learn about Saturn? Where would they send a spacecraft? What do they notice about the shape of a galaxy?

After decorating, have the kids make small labels for their pumpkins and share something they learned. A few pumpkins lined up together could become your own front-porch space display.

For a simpler activity, try using the printed patterns as drawing prompts on paper. Children can add backgrounds, invent a mission, or write a short story about their design.

Download the free templates and instructions from NASA Space Place.

Free Online Storybooks for Kids Read by Famous Actors

Looking for free online stories to enjoy with your kids? Storyline Online features actors reading children's books, with illustrations accompanying the storytelling. Families can choose from more than 100 videos, making it an easy place to find a story for a quiet afternoon or bedtime.

The program comes from the nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation, and its readers include familiar names such as Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Garner, and Meryl Streep. You can watch the stories for free.

What You Get for Free

Storyline Online offers complete video readings of featured children's books. Each book also includes educational material developed by an elementary educator, giving parents and teachers a way to continue the conversation after the video ends.

That makes it a useful resource for families looking for an activity to pair with reading, including homeschool lessons. You might watch a story together, talk about a character's choices, and then invite your child to draw a favorite scene.

Two Stories to Try First

Harry the Dirty Dog, written by Gene Zion and illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham, is read by Betty White. This five-minute video follows a dog who would rather avoid bath time. The suggested grade range is kindergarten through second grade.

A Bad Case of Stripes, written and illustrated by David Shannon, is read by Sean Astin. The 12-minute story follows Camilla Cream, who worries about what other children think of her. The suggested grade range is second through third grade.

Those suggestions can help you choose a starting point, but let your child's interests guide your next selection.

How to Get Started

Visit StorylineOnline.net.

Browse All Books or search for a title or reader.

Open a book's page and play the video.

Look for the accompanying guide if you want an additional activity.

For a simple follow-up, ask your child to retell the story in their own words or imagine a different ending. A few minutes of conversation can turn a video into something you share together.

What Parents Should Know

Storyline Online describes its service as free and ad-free, with donations helping fund the program. There is no paid subscription required to watch. Internet access is needed because the videos cannot be downloaded for offline viewing.

If the YouTube player gives you trouble, look for the Classroom Player option on the book's page. It provides another way to watch through the website.

Choose your first free story at Storyline Online and let your child pick the next one.

Free Halloween Movies and Cartoons for Family Movie Night in 2026

 Cooler evenings, cozy blankets, and a little Halloween fun make a great combination for family movie night. If you’re looking for free Halloween movies and cartoons to watch together in 2026, Tubi has some monster-themed options worth exploring.

Tubi is a free streaming service supported by advertising, so you can watch without a paid Tubi subscription. Expect commercial breaks during your viewing. 

The three titles below were listed on Tubi when checked on October 13, 2026. Availability can change and may vary by location, so check the links before settling in for movie night.

Igor: A Monster-Making Animated Comedy

Year: 2008
Rating: PG
Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes

In this animated comedy, a mad scientist’s assistant wants to prove what he can do by building a creation of his own. He makes a female Franken-monster, and his experiment leads to some unexpected chaos.

The mix of animation, comedy, and a monster-making premise gives families a Halloween-themed option to consider. 

Make it a family activity: After the movie, invite everyone to draw an imaginary monster. Give each creation a name, a favorite snack, and a funny talent.

Watch Igor on Tubi

Monster Family: When Halloween Costumes Become Real

Year: 2017
Rating: PG
Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

A Halloween costume party takes an unexpected turn when an evil witch curses Emma Wishbone and her family, transforming them into actual monsters.

That premise makes this animated comedy a seasonal choice for a family Halloween movie night. Tubi

Make it a family activity: Let everyone wear a costume or a homemade Halloween accessory while watching. Afterward, ask which creature each family member would choose to become for one day.

Watch Monster Family on Tubi

Casper & Wendy: Classic Cartoon Halloween Fun

Year listed by Tubi: 1962
Rating: TV-G
Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

For families interested in classic animation, Tubi’s Casper & Wendy listing offers another option. Its description follows Casper the Friendly Ghost as he spends Halloween looking for a living friend while other spooky characters are busy frightening people.

The TV-G rating identifies it as general-audience programming, giving parents a different rating option from the two PG films above. 

Make it a family activity: Draw a friendly ghost together and talk about ways to help someone feel included.

Watch Casper & Wendy on Tubi

Make Your Halloween Movie Night Special

A few simple touches can turn watching a movie into a family fall tradition:

• Bring out blankets and pillows for a cozy viewing spot.
• Serve a snack you already have at home.
• Let everyone vote on which title to watch.
• Wear costumes or add decorations you’ve already made.
• Finish with a drawing activity or a conversation about favorite characters.

PG means parental guidance is suggested, while TV-G indicates general-audience programming. The ratings are a useful starting point; previewing a title can help you decide whether its humor and spooky elements suit your children. 

Pick a movie, gather the family, and enjoy a little Halloween fun together.

FREE Family Fun: Play Halloween Games Online With PBS KIDS!

 Looking for a fun, free, and family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween? PBS KIDS has a collection of Halloween-themed games featuring some of your children's favorite characters, and the best part is that they won't cost you a penny!

With Halloween just a few weeks away, families everywhere are getting into the spooky spirit. Between costumes, decorations, candy, and fall activities, this time of year can get expensive quickly.

But celebrating Halloween doesn't always have to mean spending money!

PBS KIDS offers a variety of online games that combine Halloween fun with educational activities, giving children an opportunity to enjoy the season while practicing important skills.

Halloween Adventures With Familiar Friends

One of the best things about PBS KIDS is that children can interact with characters they already know and love.

Their Halloween game collection features familiar faces from popular PBS KIDS programs, including Arthur and Alma's Way.

Instead of simply watching their favorite characters on television, kids can join them in interactive adventures filled with seasonal surprises.

Depending on the game, children may explore Halloween-themed settings, complete challenges, make choices, or solve problems.

These activities are designed to be entertaining while encouraging children to think, explore, and use their imaginations.

Learning While Having Fun

As parents, we all know that children love playing games on computers and tablets.

The challenge is finding activities that are both entertaining and worthwhile.

That's one reason PBS KIDS can be such a helpful resource for families.

Its games often incorporate educational concepts such as problem-solving, creativity, observation, and decision-making.

Children get to enjoy the excitement of Halloween while developing skills they can use in everyday life.

And because many PBS KIDS activities are designed with younger audiences in mind, they're a great option for families looking for age-appropriate seasonal entertainment.

Perfect for a Rainy Fall Afternoon

Fall weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes outdoor plans get canceled because of rain or chilly temperatures.

That's when having a few free indoor activities ready can make a big difference!

These Halloween games can be a fun option for an afternoon at home, a quiet weekend, or a little entertainment while waiting for trick-or-treating night.

Parents can even join in the fun by sitting with their children, helping them solve challenges, and talking about what happens during the games.

You could turn it into a special Halloween family activity by making popcorn, putting on your favorite Halloween pajamas, and enjoying a little screen time together.

Make It a Family Halloween Game Night!

Want to make the experience even more special?

Try organizing a Halloween-themed family game night!

Let each child choose a PBS KIDS game to play, then take turns helping one another complete the challenges.

You can add to the fun with a few simple ideas:

• Wear Halloween costumes while playing.

• Make homemade Halloween decorations for your game area.

• Prepare a bowl of popcorn or another favorite snack.

• Let everyone choose their favorite game of the evening.

• Finish the night with a Halloween story or family-friendly movie.

You don't need expensive supplies or elaborate plans to create a memorable evening together.

Sometimes the simplest activities are the ones children enjoy most.

How to Find the Free Halloween Games

Getting started is easy!

PBS KIDS Parents has put together a helpful collection of Halloween games for children and families.

Simply visit the link below to explore the available activities and choose the ones that interest your kids.

Play Free Halloween Games With PBS KIDS:

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/halloween-games-to-play-from-pbs-kids

The featured games are free to access, although an internet connection and a compatible device are needed. Game availability may vary.

Making Magical Family Memories Without Spending Money

Here at MagicLife, we love sharing activities that help families spend quality time together without breaking the bank.

With busy schedules and rising everyday expenses, it's nice to find entertainment that doesn't require buying tickets, traveling somewhere, or purchasing additional supplies.

PBS KIDS provides a fun way to bring a little Halloween excitement into your home while giving children opportunities to learn and explore.

Whether your family spends 15 minutes playing a game together or turns it into an entire Halloween-themed evening, the important part is enjoying time with one another.

So grab the kids, pick a game, and enjoy some FREE Halloween fun!

And remember, you don't have to spend a fortune to make magical family memories.

Happy Halloween from the Iseli family!

Your Fourth Grader Can Get the Entire Family Into National Parks for Free

 

Did you know that having a fourth grader in your family could help you visit national parks and other public lands for free?

Through the federal Every Kid Outdoors program, eligible fourth-grade students can receive a free pass that provides admission to more than 2,000 participating federal parks, forests, wildlife refuges, historic sites and recreation areas.

That means one child’s pass could help your entire family enjoy unforgettable adventures without paying the usual entrance fees!

What Is the Every Kid Outdoors Program?

Every Kid Outdoors is a federal program created to help children and their families experience America’s public lands.

The pass is available to students currently enrolled in fourth grade, including children completing the fourth-grade equivalent through homeschooling or other free-choice learning programs.

For the 2025–2026 school year, the current pass remains valid through August 31, 2026. A new program year begins September 1.

Who Is Eligible?

The free pass is available to:

• Students attending fourth grade in the United States
• Fourth graders attending a U.S. military school
• Homeschooled children completing the fourth-grade equivalent
• Eligible students participating through qualified educational and youth organizations

The pass belongs to the fourth grader and cannot be transferred to another child or family.

Who Gets in Free?

The number of people covered depends on how the participating location charges admission.

At a location that charges by vehicle, the pass generally covers:

• The fourth grader
• Every child under age 16
• All adults traveling together in one private passenger vehicle

At a location that charges admission per person, it covers:

• The fourth grader
• All accompanying children under age 16
• Up to three accompanying adults

Commercial vehicles are not covered.

How to Get Your Free Pass

Getting the Every Kid Outdoors pass is surprisingly easy.

1. Visit the official Every Kid Outdoors website.
2. Select Get Your Pass.
3. Choose the option for fourth graders.
4. Have your child complete the short online adventure activity.
5. Print the personalized paper pass.
6. Bring the pass when visiting a participating location.

You must bring the physical paper pass. A photograph or electronic copy of the paper pass may not be accepted.

Families may also obtain a digital version through Recreation.gov. At certain participating federal sites, the paper pass can be exchanged for a more durable plastic pass.

If you lose the pass, your child can return to the website, complete the activity again and print another one.

What Does the Pass Cover?

The pass covers standard entrance or day-use admission at participating federally managed lands and waters.

Depending on the destination, your family might be able to:

• Visit a national park
• Explore a national forest
• Tour a historic battlefield
• Visit a national wildlife refuge
• Hike to a waterfall
• Explore ancient dwellings
• Spend the day at a federal recreation area
• Visit a marine sanctuary
• Enjoy a family picnic
• Participate in a Junior Ranger program

The National Park Service says families can use the program at more than 2,000 federal lands and waters across the country.

What Isn’t Included?

The pass does not normally cover additional expenses such as:

• Camping fees
• Parking fees charged separately
• Boat rides
• Guided tours
• Special programs
• Reservation fees
• Equipment rentals
• Concessions
• Privately operated attractions

State, county and local parks are not automatically included, although individual locations may choose to accept the pass.

Always contact the park or check its official website before traveling to confirm that the pass is accepted and determine whether reservations or additional fees are required.

Family Trip Ideas

You don’t have to plan an expensive cross-country vacation to use the pass. The Every Kid Outdoors website says most families live within approximately two hours of a participating location.

Here are some affordable trip ideas:

Plan a National Park Day Trip

Pack sandwiches, snacks and refillable water bottles from home. Choose a short family-friendly trail, visit the welcome center and ask whether your children can complete a Junior Ranger activity.

Explore American History

Use the pass to visit participating historic sites, monuments, battlefields and preserved homes. Let your fourth grader research the destination before your visit and act as the family tour guide.

Create a Wildlife Challenge

Visit a wildlife refuge or public recreation area and see how many animals, birds, plants and insects your family can identify. Bring notebooks so the children can record or draw what they find.

Begin a Family Park Passport

Create a homemade passport with one page for every location you visit. Add photographs, drawings, ticket stubs and notes about everyone’s favorite part of the trip.

Let Your Fourth Grader Choose

Give your child several participating destinations and allow them to select the family adventure. After all, they are the reason everyone gets to enter for free!

Don’t Let This Free Opportunity Expire

Children are only eligible during their fourth-grade year, so families have a limited amount of time to enjoy this special benefit.

If you currently have a fourth grader, visit the official Every Kid Outdoors website and print the pass today. A few minutes online could open the door to an entire year of affordable family adventures.

America’s parks, forests, historic places and natural wonders are waiting—and your fourth grader may already have the family’s free ticket!

Tourist in Your Own Town: A Free Family Adventure You Can Do This Weekend

 

When most people think about family adventures, they imagine expensive vacations, theme parks, or road trips. But what if one of the best family outings is right in your own backyard?

This week, our family decided to try a simple challenge: Pretend you've never visited your hometown before.

That's it!

We packed up the kids, grabbed our phones for pictures, and spent the day exploring local landmarks as if we were tourists visiting for the very first time.

The Challenge

The rules were simple:

✅ Visit local landmarks

✅ Take family selfies at each stop

✅ Rate every attraction from 1–10

✅ Spend as little money as possible

It's amazing how often we drive past interesting places without ever stopping to appreciate them. When you switch into "tourist mode," everything suddenly becomes more interesting.

What We Discovered

We found ourselves asking questions we normally wouldn't think about.

• Who built this building?
• Why is this monument here?
• How long has this park been around?
• Have we ever actually stopped and looked at this view?

The kids loved being the judges. Each attraction received a score from 1–10, and believe it or not, their ratings were very different from ours!

One stop might get a perfect 10 from the twins because it had ducks, while Mom and Dad were more impressed by the history behind another location.

Family Selfie Mission

One of the most fun parts of the day was taking family selfies at each stop.

Not every picture was perfect.

Some featured silly faces.

Some included photobombers.

Some had kids looking in completely different directions.

And honestly, those ended up being our favorites.

Years from now, we probably won't remember every detail about the landmarks, but we'll remember spending time together.

Why We Loved It

The best part?

This adventure cost almost nothing.

No hotel.

No admission tickets.

No complicated planning.

Just a family spending time together and seeing familiar places through new eyes.

As entertainers, we travel all over the country for shows. We visit cities, attractions, and landmarks in places far from home. Sometimes we forget there are interesting things to discover right where we live.

Try It Yourself

This weekend, challenge your family to become tourists in your own town.

Visit a local landmark.

Explore a park you've never stopped at.

Take family selfies.

Rate every stop.

You might be surprised by what you discover.

And if you're anything like us, you'll end the day realizing that some of the best family adventures don't require a plane ticket—just a little curiosity.

Have you ever played tourist in your own town? What local attraction would earn a perfect 10 from your family? Let us know in the comments!

25 Rainy Day Activities That Don't Involve Screens

 

When the rain starts falling, it's easy for kids to reach for a tablet, phone, or television. But some of the best childhood memories happen when families get creative and find ways to have fun without screens.

Whether you're trying to limit screen time or simply looking for something different to do, here are 25 rainy day activities that can keep kids entertained for hours.

1. Build a Blanket Fort

Transform your living room into a secret hideout using blankets, pillows, and chairs.

2. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items for kids to find around the house.

3. Read Together

Take turns reading chapters from a favorite book or start a new family read-aloud.

4. Have a Family Talent Show

Sing, dance, tell jokes, perform magic tricks, or show off a special skill.

5. Create an Obstacle Course

Use pillows, tape, chairs, and stuffed animals to build a challenge course.

6. Do a Puzzle

Work together to complete a jigsaw puzzle.

7. Make Homemade Play Dough

A few simple kitchen ingredients can provide hours of creative fun.

8. Learn a Magic Trick

Kids love amazing friends and family with simple tricks they can learn in minutes.

9. Write a Story

Let kids create their own adventure, comic book, or fairy tale.

10. Put on a Puppet Show

Use socks, paper bags, or stuffed animals as characters.

11. Bake Something Together

Cookies, muffins, or homemade pizza can turn a rainy afternoon into a family event.

12. Create a Treasure Map

Hide a prize somewhere in the house and draw a map leading to it.

13. Make Paper Airplanes

Hold contests for distance, accuracy, or longest flight.

14. Have an Indoor Picnic

Spread a blanket on the floor and enjoy lunch somewhere different.

15. Build with LEGO or Blocks

Challenge kids to build the tallest tower, coolest vehicle, or dream house.

16. Learn Origami

Turn ordinary paper into animals, flowers, and other creations.

17. Start a Journal

Encourage kids to write about their day, dreams, or future goals.

18. Play Card Games

Classic games like Go Fish, War, and Crazy Eights never go out of style.

19. Make a Time Capsule

Fill a box with current photos, drawings, and notes to open years later.

20. Create a Mini Art Gallery

Have kids make artwork and display it around the house.

21. Do Simple Science Experiments

Try baking soda volcanoes, floating eggs, or homemade rockets.

22. Host a Dance Party

Turn on some music and burn off energy with a family dance-off.

23. Create a Family Recipe Book

Write down favorite recipes and decorate the pages.

24. Practice a New Skill

Juggling, drawing, balloon animals, knitting, and card tricks are all great options.

25. Play "Would You Rather?"

This simple game can lead to lots of laughs and interesting conversations.

Rainy Days Can Be Some of the Best Days

A rainy day doesn't have to mean boredom. With a little creativity, families can turn a gloomy afternoon into a day filled with laughter, learning, and memories that last much longer than any screen time.

What are your favorite screen-free rainy day activities? Let us know in the comments!

Homeschool Gym Class for 5 year olds

 

During the winter months, my twin 5-year-old boys start showing signs of cabin fever fast! One of our favorite indoor activities is doing a follow-along workout video that gets their energy out without needing any equipment.

The best part? It’s totally free!