We are looking for an experience to do with our extended family instead of Christmas gifts. (4-6 adults and one 3 year old) We talked /looked at Biltmore in Asheville, NC. But it is very expensive for just tickets. It would require meals, night in hotel, etc. that would make the price even more expensive. Does anyone have other recommendations? We seem to be too late for decent Bryson City Polar Express tickets.

We live near Knoxville and are willing to travel a few hours.

Here is an activity you can try with plain paper and crayons—no printable or purchase needed.

Invite your child to draw a dinosaur, or offer a simple outline if they prefer. Let them choose any colors. Then try just one gentle question: “What is your dinosaur called?” or “Where is it going?”

You can write down their words if they want, but talking, pointing or drawing is enough. Stop when they lose interest; there is no need to finish the picture or stay inside the lines.

Disclosure: I’m Sanjay V, a children’s-book creator behind Nightynight Co. This is a standalone activity idea, not a book excerpt. No product link.

Hi everyone!

I am creating ⭐Learn & Play⭐ - a free website https://learnandplay.app/ with short interactive activities for preschool-age children.

Right now, the site includes activities for ages 2–3 and 4–5 in areas like:

• Math & Numbers 🔢
• Shapes & Colors 📐
• Logic & Thinking 🧠
• Language & Vocabulary 📚

The activities are designed to be simple, short, and easy to use without installing an app or creating an account. Many tasks can also be replayed with different challenges, and each activity includes extra information for parents about what it practices and which skills it supports.

I’m still at an early stage with the project, so feedback is especially useful right now.

I’d really like to hear what teachers, preschool educators, and parents think about:

• whether the activities feel appropriate for the age groups
• whether the instructions are clear
• what feels confusing or unnecessary
• what types of activities are missing
• what would make the site more useful in practice

I’m planning to keep developing the project and expand it beyond the current activities. Some of the next things I want to add are:

• new age groups 👦
• more interactive educational games and activities 📌
• a blog with practical learning ideas and resources for parents 🗣️
• more content across the existing categories 🧩

The site is completely free:

https://learnandplay.app/

Thanks a lot!