Family Resources
We know firsthand how challenging it is to nurture your child’s curiosity, empathy and creativity. That’s why we’ve shared some of our favorite resources for parents.
Helpful Resources
Make sure your child is wearing their backpack correctly with these tips from the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Homeschooling Help
Curriculum to use game Dimension to teach Common Core standards and critical-thinking skills
At Home Activity Guide from Zero to Three
Free Activities
Free print & play expansion for Kingdomino
Download these free activity books from Dover for some fun at home!
Activity Book 1, Activity Book 2, Activity Book 3, Stone Painting
Explore! Sandbox is a curated, digital hub for free online activities and resources from museums, science centers, botanical gardens, performing arts organizations, libraries and more, for children ages 0-10 and their families.
Art Demos
Toned paper art demo, by Kate
DIY Miniature House by Hands Craft -- Follow along as we build one of the miniature house kits.
Game Tutorials
Learn how to play Abandon All Artichokes, by Gamewright
Learn how to play Trash Pandas, by Gamewright
Learn about some of the benefits of board games here.
Child Development Resources
Early Stages provides free child development services for all DC residents. Check out some of their online resources.
FAQ About Early Stages Resources
Child Developmental Milestones
Social-Emotional Developmental Milestones
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a wide variety of developmental resources under the campaign Act Early aimed at early childhood educators, families, healthcare providers and other community organizations, including:
- Free Child Development Materials
- Tools to Track Child Development
- Training for Early Childhood Educators
Check out the Online Learning College's Child development guide from birth to 12 years
To learn more, check out the infographic below created by Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program.
Take a look at this infographic about What Every Parent Should Know About Language Acquisition Milestones and Speech Disorders from Maryville University, a nationally recognized private institution.
Articles & Books
"What’s Going on In Your Child’s Brain When You Read Them a Story," Mind/Shift, KQED, May 24, 2018
“The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds,” American Academy of Pediatrics, Jan. 2007
"How 'Dungeons & Dragons' Primes Students for Interdisciplinary Learning, Including STEM," by Paul Darvasi, Mind/Shift, KQED, Oct 18, 2018
"What Every Parent Should Know About Language Acquisition Milestones and Speech Disorders" Maryville University, Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
"What is a toy diet? Experts share how it helps children 'develop different skills'" Davis Smith, J. (2022, November 21).
Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World, by Tony Wagner
Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, by Peter Gray
The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives, by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children, by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
Classes
PEP Classes – Award-winning parenting classes right here in the D.C. area
KID Museum – Hands-on classes for kids that develop STEAM skills
Rhizome DC – A community art space with classes for kids, concerts and art installations
Ancestral Knowledge – Learn native living skills, like foraging, traditional bow building and camping – all in the great outdoors
DC Treasures You Might Not Know About
Fab Lab at the DC Library – Check out tools, use a 3D printer, learn to sew and more – all for free and all at the library
imagiNATIONS at the National Museum of the American Indian – Amazing kid space with interactive stations to learn about native cultures
Spark!Lab at the National Museum of American History – Children ages 6-12 become inventors with thoughtful experiments
Birthday Parties
It’s a lot of work to plan an awesome party. These experts make your job easier.
Fabulous Face Painting by Natasha – A preschool teacher and an amazing face painter – what more does your party need?
Fancy Cakes by Leslie – Beautifully decorated cakes
Red Velvet Cupcakery – The best cupcakes in town, including vegan and gluten free
*Child's Play is not affiliated with any of these organizations and makes no guarantees about their services or products.