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Printable Gingerbread House Kit (DIY Template for Kids)
Create a festive gingerbread house with this printable DIY kit for kids and families. Includes templates and instructions. Instant download.
Guessing dimensions without a Printable Gingerbread House Kit
Creating a gingerbread house is one of the most magical holiday traditions—but baking, cutting, and assembling can feel overwhelming, especially with kids. This printable gingerbread house kit makes it simple to enjoy the fun without the stress.
Designed for families, classrooms, and holiday parties, this DIY kit gives you everything you need to build a festive gingerbread house using easy-to-follow templates and instructions.
👉 Get the Printable Gingerbread House Kit
Instant digital download – perfect for kids and families
What Is a Printable Gingerbread House Kit?
A printable gingerbread house kit is a digital download that includes pre-sized templates and instructions you can print at home. Instead of guessing measurements or struggling with fragile baked pieces, you’ll have a clear plan that makes assembling a gingerbread house much easier—especially with kids helping.
This kit works whether you:
Bake your own gingerbread
Use graham crackers
Want a practice run before making an edible version
What’s Included in the Gingerbread House Kit
✔ Printable gingerbread house templates (PDF)
✔ Step-by-step building instructions
✔ Decorating ideas that work for kids
✔ Tips to help prevent cracking and collapsing
✔ Instant digital download (no waiting!)
Why Families Love This Gingerbread House Kit
Why Families Love This Gingerbread House Kit
Kid-friendly: Simple shapes and clear instructions
Low stress: No guesswork or complicated measuring
Reusable: Print and use year after year
Flexible: Works with gingerbread, graham crackers, or cardboard
This makes it a great option for:
Christmas Eve traditions
Holiday baking with kids
Classroom or homeschool activities
Family holiday parties
How to Use the Printable Gingerbread House Kit
Download and print the templates on standard 8.5×11 paper
Cut out the template pieces
Roll dough and using your template pieces, cut around dough creating panels (roof, side, front, and back)
Bake your house panels
Decorate with your favorite sprinkles or treats
Assemble using royal icing or buttercream frosting
Display and enjoy!
The instructions are written so kids can follow along with adult help.
Gingerbread House vs. Sugar Cookie House
If you love decorating but want an easier edible option, you might also enjoy making a sugar cookie house instead of a gingerbread house.
👉 See our Sugar Cookie House Tutorial for Kids
(Perfect if you want softer cookies and less breakage)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a physical gingerbread house kit?
No. This is a digital download that you print at home. Ingredients and candy are not included.
Is this gingerbread house kit good for kids?
Yes! It’s designed to be kid-friendly and works best with adult supervision.
What paper size should I use?
Standard US Letter (8.5×11). No special printer needed.
Can I reuse this kit every year?
Yes. Once purchased, you can print and reuse it for personal use.
Make Gingerbread Houses a Holiday Tradition
Creating a gingerbread house doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. With this printable gingerbread house kit, you can skip the stress and focus on what matters most—making memories, laughing through the decorating mess, and starting a holiday tradition your family will look forward to year after year. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a classroom activity, or planning a cozy Christmas afternoon at home, this easy DIY kit helps turn a simple idea into a meaningful experience.
This printable gingerbread house kit takes the pressure out of holiday baking and lets you focus on what matters—making memories together.
👉 Get the Printable Gingerbread House Kit – Instant Download
More Baking Posts:
Sugar Cookie House Guide (Easy, No Gingerbread Required!)
This sugar cookie house guide covers recipe for dough, assembly, decorating ideas, frosting tips, and a free template for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and creative kid builds.
Valentine Sugar Cookie House
How to Make a Sugar Cookie House without Gingerbread- Easy and Kid-Friendly
If you love making gingerbread houses like I do, but don’t love gingerbread, this sugar cookie house guide is for you! A sugar cookie house is a fun, festive alternative that works for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and beyond—with soft cookies, easy dough, and decorations your whole family will actually enjoy eating.
Whether you’re building a classic holiday house or a pink-and-pastel Valentine’s Day version, this guide walks you through everything you need to know, with links to step-by-step seasonal tutorials.
Sugar Cookie House with Trucks Design
Why Make a Sugar Cookie House Instead of Gingerbread?
Sugar cookie houses are easier, tastier, and more kid-friendly than traditional gingerbread houses.
And look — there is absolutely nothing wrong with classic gingerbread. It smells festive and looks beautiful. I’m just not the biggest fan of eating it!
Over the years, I started experimenting with a sugar cookie house as a gingerbread alternative — and I honestly haven’t looked back.
If you’ve ever searched for:
gingerbread house alternative
easy gingerbread house ideas
best gingerbread house glue
no eggs gingerbread house
You might actually be looking for something simpler.
That’s where sugar cookies shine.
Why families love a sugar cookie house:
✔️ Softer cookies that are actually edible (YUM 😋)
✔️ No molasses or heavy spices required — just pantry staples
✔️ Easier dough to roll and bake evenly
✔️ Sturdier structure with buttercream “glue”
✔️ Works for multiple holidays — not just Christmas
If you’ve ever struggled with rock-hard gingerbread, broken walls, or icing that won’t hold, sugar cookies are a total game changer.
I use the same simple template and base dough for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and beyond. Once you learn the method, you can decorate it any way you want.
It’s less stress.
More creativity.
And way more fun to eat..
Shop my list - These are the tools I use when building my sugar cookie houses.
These are the baking tools I use every time I make a sugar cookie house—from mixing the dough to piping the final details.
What Is a Sugar Cookie House?
A sugar cookie house is built using sturdy sugar cookie panels instead of gingerbread. The cookies are baked slightly thicker to hold their shape, then assembled with frosting and decorated based on the season.
You can customize:
Roof style
Door and window shapes
Icing colors
Holiday-specific candy decorations
Check out my favorite Sugar Cookie Houses Pinterest board for design ideas!
Sugar Cookie Dough with Sprinkles
Sugar Cookie House Dough Basics
A good sugar cookie house dough should be:
Firm but not dry
Rolled evenly
Baked until set (not browned)
💡 Tip: Chill the dough before cutting shapes to prevent spreading.
You’ll find exact measurements and baking times inside each seasonal tutorial below.
How to Assemble a Sugar Cookie House - Step by Step! Use containers to support the cookie walls while assembling
How to Assemble a Sugar Cookie House
Assembly is the same no matter the holiday.
Basic steps:
Bake and cool cookie panels completely
Decorate all pieces and refrigerate for 15 mins at least to let the frosting set
Pipe thick frosting along edges
Assemble walls first and let set
Add roof panels
You can use buttercream frosting (yes, really!) or royal icing depending on your preference.
See our Valentine’s Day post for more info about Buttercream Frosting do’s and don’t’s.
See the full sugar cookie house come together in this quick timelapse before we turn it into a leprechaun trap.
A quick timelapse of assembling the sugar cookie house before decorating it as a St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun trap.
Free Sugar Cookie House Template (Printable)
To make building a sugar cookie house even easier, we created a free printable sugar cookie house template you can use to cut consistent wall and roof pieces every time. This template works perfectly for sugar cookie dough and can be reused for different holidays and designs.
👉 Download the free sugar cookie house template here:
https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/shop/gingerbread-house
This template works for Christmas sugar cookie houses, Valentine’s Day houses, and any themed sugar cookie build.
Sugar Cookie House Design Ideas - Side walls and back
Sugar Cookie House Design Ideas and Gingerbread Accessories
One of the best things about a sugar cookie house is how easy it is to customize for different holidays, themes, and skill levels. Whether you’re decorating with toddlers or creating a show-stopping centerpiece, these ideas work beautifully with sugar cookie dough.
Popular sugar cookie house designs and Gingerbread accessories include:
Classic house with piped frosting and sprinkles
Minimalist house with simple lines and powdered sugar
Candy-covered house for kids who love decorating
Pastel or themed houses for holidays like Valentine’s Day or Easter
💖 Lace-Inspired (Perfect for Valentine’s Day)
Uses piped icing to mimic lace patterns
Great for Valentine’s, weddings, baby showers
Elegant look without extra baking steps
👉 For step-by-step decorating and recipes, explore our seasonal sugar cookie house tutorials below.
Save these sugar cookie house design ideas on Pinterest so you can come back when it’s time to bake.
How to Make a Sugar Cookie House for Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, or St. Patrick’s Day
Making a sugar cookie house for Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day is simple when you use the same base template and decorate it for the season.
Christmas Sugar Cookie House Design - Cat in window
🎄 Christmas Sugar Cookie House
A Christmas sugar cookie house is perfect for family traditions and holiday parties. Think snowy roofs, festive sprinkles, and classic Christmas candy. And maybe a cat in a window? Why not?!
👉 Read the full tutorial here: Christmas Sugar Cookie House (Easy & Kid-Friendly)
Popular Christmas decorations:
Mini gumdrops
Peppermints
White frosting “snow”
Holiday sprinkles
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House with Lace Icing Details for Sugar Cookie Houses
💕 Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House
A Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a sweet winter activity that doesn’t feel like Christmas leftovers. Pink frosting, heart cookies, and pastel candy make this a fun February tradition. When you think there’s too much pink just add more! Never enough pink in my book.
👉 Read the full tutorial here:
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House (No Gingerbread Required)
Valentine decorating ideas:
Conversation hearts
Pink and red icing
Heart-shaped cookies
Sprinkles and sanding sugar
💖 Lace-Inspired (Perfect for Valentine’s Day)
Uses piped icing to mimic lace patterns
Great for Valentine’s, weddings, baby showers
Elegant look without extra baking steps
St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Trap Sugar Cookie House
🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Trap
Turn your cookie house into an edible leprechaun trap!
Decorating ideas:
Rainbow path
“Free Gold” door
Gold coin bait.
See the full St. Patrick’s Day tutorial here.
🐰 Easter Sugar Cookie House Ideas
Spring is the perfect time to build a sugar cookie house. Instead of traditional gingerbread, decorate your cottage with:
Piped buttercream grass
Jelly bean eggs
Pastel icing details
A simple bunny silhouette
Tiny candy “tulips”
The same base template works beautifully for Easter — just swap the decorations for soft spring colors and playful details.
👉 See the full Easter Sugar Cookie House tutorial here.
Best Frosting for Sugar Cookie Houses
You have two great options:
Buttercream Frosting
Tastes better
Easy to make
Great for decorating with kids
No raw eggs
Royal Icing
Dries hard
Best for advanced builders
Less forgiving (and less tasty)
👉 Tip: For family builds, buttercream works surprisingly well when cookies are fully cooled.
My Favorite gingerbread house icing without eggs can be found on our Sugar Cookie Recipe Post
Kids Sugar Cookie Houses
Making Sugar Cookie Houses with Kids
Sugar cookie houses are much more forgiving for toddlers and young kids.
Kid-friendly tips:
Pre-bake all pieces
Let adults assemble the structure
Kids decorate once stable
Use squeeze bottles or zip-top bags for frosting
This makes it a fun, low-stress activity instead of a meltdown waiting to happen.
Snoopy Dog House Design - Sugar Cookie House
Snoopy Dog house Sugar Cookie House
Fun Themed Sugar Cookie Houses for Kids
If your kids love themed projects, a cartoon-inspired dog house sugar cookie house is a huge hit. We made a black-and-white dog house design that kids immediately recognized and loved decorating. It’s a great alternative to a traditional house and perfect for little hands that just want to frost, sprinkle, and have fun.
👉 This is a fun example of how sugar cookie houses don’t have to look like houses at all.
Sugar Cookie House and Truck - no gingerbread
Creative Sugar Cookie Builds for Kids
Sugar cookie houses don’t have to look like houses at all. One of our favorite kid-friendly builds was a sugar cookie truck, which was just as fun to decorate and even easier for little hands to work on. Flat shapes, bold outlines, and simple details make vehicle-style cookie builds a great option for younger kids who want to jump straight into decorating.
👉 This is a great example of how sugar cookie dough can be used for creative, kid-approved designs beyond traditional houses.
Also, add The Trucks that Saved Christmas to your collection!
Sugar Cookie Prep Station
Can You Make Sugar Cookie Houses Ahead of Time?
Yes, in fact I HIGHLY recommend making the dough ahead of time.
Cookies: Bake 2–3 days ahead
Frosting: Make 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate
Assembly: Same day is best
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
More Sugar Cookie House Ideas Coming Soon!
Chocolate gold coins placed outside a sugar cookie house leprechaun trap for St. Patrick’s Day.
Final Thoughts: The Best Sugar Cookie House for Any Season
A sugar cookie house is a fun, flexible tradition that doesn’t have to be limited to Christmas. With simple ingredients and endless decorating options, it’s an activity your family can enjoy all year long.
Start with one season—or build them all.
More baking posts:
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House (Easy, No Gingerbread Required)
This Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house skips gingerbread and uses sturdy sugar cookies and buttercream frosting. A fun, kid-friendly Valentine baking activity. Perfect for kids, parties, and classroom treats.
Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and heart candies
How to Make a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Without Gingerbread
This Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a fun, festive twist if you love making a gingerbread house at Christmas, you’re going to love this Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house with no Gingerbread required. It’s a fun, festive twist on a classic holiday activity—made with soft sugar cookies instead of gingerbread, pastel icing, and Valentine-themed decorations that kids (and adults) can’t get enough of. Oh and pink… lots of pink! 💗
This sugar cookie house is perfect for Valentine’s Day baking with kids, classroom parties, or a cozy weekend activity at home. There’s no waiting for stiff gingerbread to cool, no rock-hard pieces to wrestle with—just an easy sugar cookie dough that bakes up sturdy enough to build, but delicious enough to eat.
Looking for more sugar cookie house ideas beyond Valentine’s Day?
See our complete Sugar Cookie House Guide for easy builds, kid-friendly designs, and creative ideas for every season.
What Is a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House?
A Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a festive cookie house made from sturdy rolled sugar cookies instead of gingerbread. The cookies are baked flat, assembled with thick icing or buttercream, and decorated with Valentine-themed candies, sprinkles, and frosting. It’s easier to build, better tasting, and perfect for kids.
Why You’ll Love This Valentine Cookie House
No gingerbread required – softer, tastier sugar cookies
Kid-friendly – easy shapes, simple assembly
Customizable – pink, red, hearts, sprinkles, candies
Perfect Valentine activity – baking + decorating in one
Whether you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s Day tradition or just want a creative alternative to cupcakes and candy, this cookie house is guaranteed to be a hit.
What Is a Sugar Cookie House?
A sugar cookie house is built just like a traditional gingerbread house—but instead of gingerbread, you use rolled sugar cookie dough cut into house panels. Once baked and cooled, the pieces are assembled with icing and decorated with Valentine-themed candies, frosting, and sprinkles.
It’s easier for beginners, more forgiving for kids, and honestly… much better tasting. I love gingerbread houses- minus the gingerbread!
Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and heart candies
Valentine Sugar Cookie House Shopping List
These tools make building a Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house easier—especially with kids. Shop our Amazon Favorite Baking List!
Baking Essentials
Rolling pin (use adjustable thickness rolling guides if you have one)
Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for cutting house panels)
Baking sheets
Decorating Tools
Piping bags (reusable or disposable)
Round piping tips (or cut the tip off the bag)
Small offset spatula or butter knife
Reusable squeeze bottles (great for little hands)
Valentine Decorations
Valentine sprinkles (pink, red, white)
Conversation hearts
Mini marshmallows
Heart-shaped candies or chocolates
Optional (But Helpful)
Gel food coloring (pink, red, white)
Small bowls for sorting candy
Plastic knives or spoons for kids
Apron or parchment for easy cleanup
💡 Tip: If you already make sugar cookies at Christmas, you likely already have most of these on hand—this project just uses them in a new, festive way. I’m using red M&M’s from a leftover bag of red and green Christmas M&M’s!
Ingredients for a Sugar Cookie House
Ingredients for a Sugar Cookie House
This Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house uses the same sturdy sugar cookie dough I rely on for our Christmas cookie houses. It’s specifically designed to hold its shape while baking, making it perfect for building—without sacrificing flavor.
Sugar Cookie Dough
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Milk
Sprinkles
💡 This is not a soft drop-cookie dough. It’s a rolled sugar cookie dough that bakes flat and sturdy enough to support walls and a roof. It tastes similar to shortbread cookies.
Buttercream Icing (for Assembly & Decorating)
Instead of royal icing, I use a simple buttercream frosting to assemble and decorate my sugar cookie houses—and I’ve never had an issue with them falling apart. It’s easier to make, tastes better, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Buttercream Ingredients
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk or cream (as needed)
That’s it. No specialty ingredients, no meringue powder.
Valentine Decorations (Optional but Fun!)
Valentine sprinkles
Pink, red, and white candies
Conversation hearts
Mini marshmallows
Heart-shaped candies or chocolates
Sugar Cookie House Template
Sugar Cookie Dough Tips (Important!)
These tips are key to making sure your Valentine cookie house actually stands up:
✔ Use the Same Recipe + Method
I use the exact same sugar cookie dough and steps from my Christmas sugar cookie house—no changes needed. The dough is intentionally:
Firm
Easy to roll
Resistant to spreading
If you’ve made my gingerbread-style sugar cookie house before, you’ll feel right at home here.
✔ Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough before cutting helps:
Keep edges sharp
Prevent spreading
Ensure straight walls and roof pieces
If the dough becomes soft while working, pop it back in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
✔ Roll Dough Evenly
Roll the dough to an even thickness (about ¼ inch). Uneven dough can cause warped pieces, which makes assembly harder.
✔ Bake Until Just Set
You want the cookies:
Fully baked
Lightly golden on the edges
Firm once cooled
Underbaked cookies will bend; overbaked cookies can crack.
✔ Cool Completely Before Building
Let all cookie pieces cool completely before assembling. Warm cookies are fragile and more likely to break when handled.
Free Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Template
If you want perfectly sized walls and roofs without guesswork, we created a free printable sugar cookie house template that makes Valentine’s Day cookie houses even easier. The template works beautifully with sugar cookie dough and helps keep every piece uniform so assembly is simple and stress-free.
This printable is perfect for:
Valentine’s Day sugar cookie houses
Heart-themed or pastel designs
Decorating with kids
👉 Download the free sugar cookie house template here:
https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/shop/gingerbread-house
Tip: The same template can be reused for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and any themed sugar cookie house you want to create.
Buttercream Frosting Design for Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House
Buttercream Tips for Structure
To make sure your cookie house stays sturdy:
Make the buttercream very thick — it should hold stiff peaks
Use it generously where pieces connect
Let assembled sections sit for a few minutes before adding the roof
Decorate once the structure feels stable
If your frosting feels too soft, add more powdered sugar until it’s firm enough to act as glue.
Buttercream vs. Royal Icing for Cookie Houses (FAQ)
Can you really build a cookie house with buttercream?
Yes! A thick buttercream frosting works very well for sugar cookie houses. I’ve used buttercream for multiple cookie houses without any issues with them falling apart. As long as your cookies are fully cooled and your frosting is thick enough, buttercream provides plenty of structure.
Why do most recipes recommend royal icing?
Royal icing is often recommended because it dries rock-hard, which makes it ideal for gingerbread houses that need maximum stability or are meant to be displayed for long periods. However, it’s not the only option—especially for sugar cookie houses that are meant to be enjoyed and eaten.
Does buttercream taste better than royal icing?
In my opinion, yes. Buttercream has a richer, creamier flavor and is much more enjoyable to eat than royal icing, which can be very hard and dry once set. For cookie houses that double as dessert, buttercream is a big win.
Will buttercream hold up if kids are helping?
Absolutely. Buttercream is more forgiving than royal icing, which can crack or harden too quickly. It’s easier for kids to pipe, spread, and decorate with—making it ideal for family baking or classroom-style projects.
When is royal icing the better choice?
Royal icing may be a better option if:
You want a house to sit out for many days
You’re building a large or very tall structure
The house is mostly decorative and not meant to be eaten
For most home bakers and kid-friendly projects, buttercream works beautifully.
Can I use buttercream for both assembly and decorating?
Yes! Buttercream works for both building and decorating your cookie house. You can tint it pink, red, or white for Valentine’s Day and use it to attach pieces, pipe details, and secure decorations all in one step.
Why Buttercream Frosting Works for Cookie Houses
While royal icing dries rock-hard, a thick buttercream icing works surprisingly well for sugar cookie houses when used correctly.
Here’s why I prefer it:
Better flavor – everyone actually wants to eat it
Easier to work with – no precise mixing ratios
Pantry-friendly – no special ingredients required
More forgiving – great for baking with kids
As long as the frosting is thick and your cookies are fully cooled, buttercream holds the house together just fine.
Lace-Inspired Cookie Details (Valentine’s Day Touch)
Lace-style baking details are trending right now, and they’re a beautiful way to give your Valentine’s sugar cookie house a soft, romantic look. You don’t need special tools — simple royal icing techniques can create a lace-inspired effect that feels elegant without being fussy.
Ideas that work especially well on cookie houses:
Piped “lace” trim along roof edges
Heart-shaped windows with lace-style icing borders
Delicate icing patterns on doors or balconies
Light dusting of edible pearls or sanding sugar for texture
💡 Tip: Keep lace details minimal so the house still feels fun and kid-friendly.
Frosting and decorating ideas for Valentine’s Sugar Cookie House
Kid-Friendly Valentine Cookie House Decorating Ideas
Decorating is the best part—and this Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is meant to be fun, low-pressure, and kid-friendly. With soft sugar cookies and easy buttercream frosting, kids can help decorate without worrying about pieces breaking or icing hardening too fast.
Set Up a Decorating Station
Before you start, lay everything out so kids can decorate their Valentine Cookie House independently:
Bowls of Valentine sprinkles
Pink, red, and white buttercream
Small candies and heart-shaped decorations
Plastic knives or spoons for spreading frosting
This keeps things organized and lets kids focus on creativity instead of waiting for help.
Let Kids Decorate Flat Pieces First
For younger kids, it helps to:
Decorate the cookie panels before assembling the house
Keep designs simple—dots, hearts, stripes, and swirls
Avoid heavy candy on roof pieces
Once the pieces are decorated, you can assemble the house for them or let older kids help. I always decorate the pieces before assembling!
Easy Decorating Ideas Kids Love
These simple ideas are perfect for little hands:
Heart windows using conversation hearts
Sprinkle roofs pressed gently into buttercream
Polka dots made with candy melts or mini candies
Frosting swirls piped along edges and seams
See my Pinterest board for decoration inspiration
There’s no “right” way—every cookie house turns out different, and that’s part of the fun.
Decorating Tips for Success
Use thick buttercream so decorations stay put
Work slowly and take breaks if kids get overwhelmed
If something falls off, just add more frosting and try again
Remember: this is about fun, not perfection.
Make It a Valentine Tradition
Turn decorating into a yearly tradition by:
Letting kids choose the candy colors
Writing names or hearts on the house with frosting
Taking photos before it gets eaten
These cookie houses make sweet Valentine memories—and a dessert everyone actually wants to eat.
Sugar Cookie House Template
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Recipe (Easy & Kid-Friendly)
Making a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House, requires a little homework and preparation! I made my own template - Gingerbread House blueprint template.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours
Yield: 1 Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house
Ingredients
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I love Vanillas of the World)
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
1 – 2 cup buttercream icing (see recipe in next section below)
Directions - Sugar Cookie Dough That Holds Its Shape
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 325F.
Step 2 - In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in 2 tablespoons milk and 2 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. At first it may look dry but after adding the liquids it comes together. With a wooden spoon (or cute spatula), stir in sprinkles and any remaining flour.
Step 3 - Divide dough in half. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle (or 15-20 mins in the freezer if you run out of time). You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days. On large sheets of parchment paper roll out dough portions to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Lightly flour the top of the dough (put cling wrap between) as necessary to keep it from sticking to the rolling pin. Pro Tip: I lined my cookie sheet with parchment paper so I could cut the excess dough and throw them in the oven!
Step 4 - Using my gingerbread house template, set pattern pieces on the dough; use a sharp knife (or roll a pizza cutter) to cut around each pattern piece. Remove excess dough. Remove pattern pieces; set aside.
Step 5 - Transfer cookie dough cutouts on parchment paper to a large cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on pan. Remove to wire racks and cool completely. Use a knife (or pizza slicer) to cut edges evenly, if necessary. Use excess to make different heart shapes, if desired.
NOTE: Some of my pieces were pretty thick, so when I put them in the oven, I baked more on the 15-20 min side. It might have been too long because the edges were dry and would kinda crumble when I went to cut them evenly.
Step 6 - Decorate as desired with buttercream icing (see recipe below), candies, and decorative sprinkles. Refrigerate for 20 mins. Assemble cookie house, using buttercream icing as glue. Let stand until firm.
Back of Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and sprinkles
Best Frosting or Icing for Valentine’s Day House
The best frosting for Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House construction is buttercream frosting. Most use Royal icing but Buttercream frosting also works and tastes much better.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted if possible
1-2 tablespoons milk
Divide and add food coloring
Directions
Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar cup by cup until fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract.
Pour in milk and beat for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and beat for thirty seconds until smooth or until desired color is reached.
Sugar Cookie House Assembly - use Sprinkle container to help construct
10 Easy Step by Step Instructions of Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Construction
To build and construct a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House, follow these easy step by step instructions:
Make the dough ahead of time - you need it to chill in the refrigerator at least an hour before making (or the freezer for 20 mins).
While you’re waiting, make a plan for the sizing of your pieces. Check out my Gingerbread House blueprint template if you need one!
Preheat your oven to 325F after your chill time is complete.
Roll the dough 1/4” thick, I use these rolling guides for my rolling pin so I know it’s the right size. Pro-tip: I roll on the baking mat so it doesn’t slip. To prevent the dough from sticking to the pin, put extra flour on the top and bottom of the dough and put a layer of cling wrap on top, then roll over the dough! Mess free!
Place your blueprint pieces on top of the dough and cut around them with a knife or pizza cutter!
Transfer dough cutouts to a cookie sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on pan then move to wire racks and cool completely. Use a knife (or pizza slicer) to cut edges evenly, if necessary.
While the cookies are cooling, make your frosting and check Pinterest for design inspiration, like my Valentine’s Day Treats and Baking Ideas board.
Decorate your heart away (pun intended) with buttercream icing (see recipe below), candies, and decorative sprinkles. Refrigerate for 20 mins.
Assemble cookie house using buttercream icing as glue. Start with the front and a side piece of the house, first. Pro-tip: Use a soup can or sprinkle jar to help support the house while the frosting firms up. Then apply the second side and back of the house.
Decorate around the house and take a few pictures before indulging!
For more sugar cookie house ideas and holiday designs, visit our Sugar Cookie House Guide.
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House dough
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House FAQ
Can you make a sugar cookie house without gingerbread?
Yes! A sugar cookie house is built using sturdy rolled sugar cookie dough instead of gingerbread. The cookies bake flat, hold their shape well, and are much easier to work with—making them perfect for Valentine’s Day cookie houses.
Is a sugar cookie house easier than a gingerbread house?
Yes, sugar cookie houses are easier than gingerbread houses. The dough is softer to roll, doesn’t need long cooling times, and is more forgiving during assembly, especially when kids are helping.
What frosting works best for a sugar cookie house?
A thick buttercream frosting works very well for sugar cookie houses. When made stiff, buttercream acts as glue to hold the cookie pieces together while also tasting better than traditional royal icing.
Can you really build a cookie house with buttercream?
Yes, you can build a cookie house using buttercream frosting. As long as the cookies are fully cooled and the frosting is thick enough to hold stiff peaks, buttercream provides plenty of structure for assembling and decorating.
Does buttercream hold up when baking with kids?
Absolutely. Buttercream is easier for kids to pipe, spread, and decorate with compared to royal icing. It’s more forgiving, doesn’t harden too quickly, and allows kids to fix mistakes easily.
Do you need to chill sugar cookie dough for a cookie house?
Yes, chilling the dough is very important. Cold dough holds its shape better during baking, prevents spreading, and helps create straight, sturdy walls and roof pieces for your cookie house.
How thick should sugar cookies be for a cookie house?
Sugar cookies for a cookie house should be rolled to an even thickness of about ¼ inch. This thickness provides enough strength for building while still baking evenly.
Can you decorate a sugar cookie house before assembling it?
Yes! Decorating the cookie pieces before assembling the house is especially helpful when baking with kids. Flat pieces are easier to decorate, and you can assemble the structure once the frosting has set slightly.
How far in advance can you make a Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house?
You can bake the cookie pieces 1–2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. The assembled cookie house is best enjoyed within 1–2 days for freshness.
Is a Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house good for classroom parties?
Yes, Valentine’s Day sugar cookie houses are great for classroom parties. You can pre-bake the pieces, provide buttercream and decorations, and let kids decorate without worrying about hard gingerbread or stiff icing.
Whether you’re starting a new Valentine’s Day tradition or just looking for a fun baking project to do with kids, this Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a sweet way to celebrate. With soft, sturdy sugar cookies, easy buttercream frosting, and endless decorating options, it’s a festive activity that’s just as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Save this recipe for later, pin it for Valentine’s Day inspiration, and come back to it year after year for a cozy, creative holiday treat everyone will love.
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House (Easy + no Gingerbread and no eggs)
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Sugar Cookie House cutouts
Maui With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide 2026
Maui is one of the easiest and most rewarding Hawaiian islands to visit with kids. From calm, swimmable beaches and walkable resort areas to family-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities, this guide shares everything you need to know to plan a smooth, memorable Maui vacation with toddlers and young kids—based on real family experience.
Kids love RUnning on Airplane beach in Maui and in and out of waves
Is Maui Worth It With Kids? A Real Family-Friendly Travel Guide
Yes — Maui is absolutely worth visiting with kids. From calm beaches and stroller-friendly resort areas to kid-loving restaurants and flexible activities, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaiian islands to enjoy as a family — even with toddlers.
Our kids don’t understand how lucky they are for the amount of times they have gone to Hawaii! Maui is our favorite destination for traveling as a family. There is so much to do and the island has so much to offer for everyone. We have made some sweet memories together from having an infant to toddler and kid years.
We have learned to have a successful trip you need the balance of snacks, naps, and fun! therefore, we have recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do to entertain (and hopefully tire out) your tot!
Related Post: Don’t miss our ULTIMATE MAUI GUIDE
Honokōwai Beach Park with a playground in Maui
🌴 Is Maui Safe to Visit Right Now? (Updated March 25, 2026)
If you’re planning a Maui trip with kids and wondering about recent weather updates, I completely understand — it’s something I would be thinking about too! 🤍 See our weather post on Instagram!
We were actually in Hawaii during the recent Kona Low storm, and it was a little scary at times (especially when even locals were saying they hadn’t seen weather like that before). That said, situations like this are temporary, and Maui continues to be a beautiful and welcoming place to visit.
Most family-friendly areas like Wailea and Kaanapali are open and operating as usual. Weather can always impact plans a little, so having a flexible itinerary (especially with kids!) can make everything feel much smoother.
When we travel with our boys, I always like to have a few backup options — whether that’s a relaxed beach day, a pool afternoon, or an easy activity nearby. We hung out in the pool and at the beach a lot because they were near the hotel and we were wet from the rain anyway. Please use caution and check reports, the ocean might not be safe to swim in due to run-offs or strong currents.
I also had books and coloring books for the room, stock up on our favorite: The Trucks that Saved Series for rainy days with kids!
As always, it’s a good idea to check current conditions during your stay and use caution, especially with ocean conditions, which can change quickly.
Maui is such a special place for families, and this guide is here to help you plan a trip that feels fun, easy, and low-stress no matter what!
Honua Kai is a great place to stay with kids - multiple room option configurations, water slides, and a full kitchen, what else do you need?!
Best Places to Stay in Maui for Families
After many hotel and condo stays around Maui, let’s break up the island to compare which areas are best for your family!
🏝️ Best Areas to Stay in Maui With Kids
| Area | Best For | Walkability | Beach Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kā‘anapali | First-timers, toddlers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sandy, swimmable |
| Wailea | Luxury, older kids | ⭐⭐ | Resort beaches |
| Napili / Kapalua | Quiet stays, babies | ⭐ | Calm coves |
These are the best areas to stay in Maui with kids based on walkability, beach conditions, and family-friendly amenities.
Kaanapali vs Wailea vs Kapalua with Kids
Kaanapali is much more kid friendly, as well as budget friendly, than Wailea. Both areas of the island have family friendly hotels but Kaanapali has a long stretch of them! There is a great beach and tons of hotels and shopping along Kaanapali with a long walk way to connect everything together.
Wailea has more high end hotels that are more geared towards adults, such as the Four Seasons or the Andaz. The Grand Wailea has an awesome pool with lots of water slides but you can also get similar pools in Kaanapali.
Napili and Kapalua are further North and rockier than the previous areas discussed. It’s not as walkable as the hotel resorts are more spread out, which makes it less crowded and quieter. Kapalua bay has a great beach that doesn’t have big waves but also has a coral reef that is great for snorkeling! The Kapalua coastal trail is great for strollers or walking with a carrier.
🏨 Condo Resorts vs Hotels
Depending on your length of stay, if it’s more than 5 days, you might be more comfortable trying a condo like Outrigger’s Honua Kai! You can pick your room layout (Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom or Three Bedrooms) so that you have plenty of space especially when babies or toddlers are napping and you need another room to hang out in!
Condo Rental Wins:
Pools are like resort pools! Honua Kai has one of our favorite pools complete with water slides, splash pad, and kiddie pool! You can even get food and drink poolside service from Duke’s restaurant!
My favorite feature is having a full kitchen with the little ones so you can make pancakes or have fresh fruit and milk available in a full sized refrigerator as opposed to a mini fridge.
We book through Maui Resort Rentals and they have cribs/pack n plays so you don’t have to bring a bed!
The Trucks that Saved the Park story book and coloring book are NOW available!
🧳 Planning a Hawaii trip with kids?
I made a free family packing list with carry-on essentials, beach must-haves, snacks, sleep items, and toddler travel favorites.
Taking first steps on a Little Beach bridges in front of Honua Kai
Best resorts for families
Don’t get me wrong, the resort hotels are wonderful too! If you have kids that are 4+, traveling is a bit easier since you don’t have to bring diapers, strollers, pack n play, etc!
Kaanapali has a few great hotel resorts:
Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
The Westin in Kaanapali has an amazing pool area with slides, fountains, and one especially parent-friendly feature: our 3-year-old could climb up to the slide on their own and land in a shallow pool (about 1.5 feet deep). This setup was a huge win for us—it gave our toddler independence while giving us a much-needed break from constant stair climbing.
The Westin also has great restaurants, a Starbucks, and an ARCADE!
Other activities include feeding the flamingos and birds in the morning. Ask the front desk about the times for daily feedings. We were even able to hold the birds too!
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
The pool at the Hyatt Regency Maui is a kid’s tropical playground that feels more like a mini-waterpark than a hotel pool. Between the sandy lagoons, waterslides, swinging rope bridge, hidden grottos tucked behind rushing waterfalls, and the legendary Ululani’s Shave Ice located right on the pool deck, it provides enough adventure to keep children entertained from sunrise to sunset.
The Hyatt Regency Maui resort has a resident colony of African Black-Footed Penguins. Located right in the atrium lobby, these charismatic birds are a must-see, especially during the daily 9:30 AM feedings where children can watch them waddle, swim, and dive for their breakfast while learning about conservation from the wildlife team. It’s essentially a mini-zoo experience without leaving the hotel, featuring not just the penguins but also flamingos, swans, and talking parrots scattered throughout the lush grounds.
Has a game room/arcade area geared toward kids and teens.
African Black-Footed Penguins at the Hyatt Regency Maui
Wailea also has a family friendly hotel:
Grand Wailea
Though there isn’t an arcade, the Grand Wailea offers a kids club and teen lounge including video games and indoor activities— which is more structured and supervised than the Hyatt or Westin Arcades.
The Grand Wailea pool is widely considered the heavyweight champion for kids on Maui. The massive Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a sprawling 25,700-square-foot playground that is actually nine individual pools connected by a network of lazy rivers and whitewater rapids.
Children can choose from five different waterslides, including the three-story Lava Tube for the brave and gentler interconnected slides for the younger ones. Between the Tarzan rope swing, the hidden caves behind waterfalls, and a dedicated Baby Beach with a sandy bottom and zero-entry slope, it essentially functions as a private, world-class waterpark that keeps kids engaged for days on end.
See our full review of The Grand Wailea.
Honokōwai Beach Park
🏝️ Best Beaches in Maui for Kids
The key to the best kid friendly beaches in Maui:
Calm water
Shallow entry
Easy parking
Nearby bathrooms
Here’s what we recommend:
Kaanapali Beach is great for kids who are strong swimmers or like to boogie board. There are a few free lots to park in but they fill up quickly. Otherwise it’s best to park at a resort or the Whalers Village Shopping parking lot. See more but
Airplane Beach just north of Kaanapali has a more shallow entry and calmer waves than Kaanapali. Our toddlers loved running up to the waves crashing on the shower then running from the water before it could catch them. Parking is harder to find or the free lot near the Sheraton is quite a distance and fills up quickly.
Kapalua Bay is also a great play for littles that want to play in the ocean that is more Shallow with softer waves. If you peak on the other side of the bay off the grassy knoll, you’ll find turtles sleeping. There’s a parking lot (fills up quick, get there early) with public bathrooms nearby too.
Honokōwai Beach Park has a playground AND a great beach that is protected by a rock reef so it’s more like a pool that even infants can sit and play in! There’s also a public bathroom and parking lot too!
Look Closely for the Sleeping Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles in Kapalua Bay
Best Things to Do in Maui With Kids
Some of the best things to do in Maui with kids include beach days in Wailea, snorkeling in calm coves, easy Road to Hana stops, shave ice tastings, scenic hikes, and sunset walks along the coast. Maui makes it easy to mix adventure with relaxation for the whole family.
🌊 Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the best family-friendly activities in Maui. Head to calm beaches like Kapalua Bay, Black Rock, or Ulua Beach in Wailea where the water is typically gentle and clear. Kids love spotting colorful fish right off the shore, and many beaches have lifeguards and easy entry points.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning for the calmest water conditions.
🍧 Shave Ice Tasting
You can’t visit Maui with kids and skip shave ice. It’s practically a family tradition. Try tasting your way through different spots across the island — from classic rainbow flavors to fresh fruit syrups with ice cream at the bottom. It’s the perfect cool-down treat after beach time or a hike.
(We have a full list of our favorite shave ice spots in Maui here!)
🥾 Easy Hikes
ʻIao Valley is great to wander around and has different hiking levels for all ages. There’s also a stream to swim in, which makes it extra fun for kids.
Kapalua’s Coastal Trail is even stroller-friendly with stunning beach views and plenty of spots to stop and explore.
See our full breakdown in our Maui Hiking Trails Post!
🚜 Farm Visits
Kula Ranch is a great place to visit — especially in October! They have a full pumpkin patch as well as animals to look at and pet. Kula is above Wailea, but you’ll need to drive around the island to reach it.
And don’t leave without grabbing pumpkin bread from the little roadside stand!
🚗 Road to Hana Stops
The Road to Hana is one of the best ways to experience how gorgeous Maui truly is — filled with waterfalls, beaches, banana bread stops, and more.
It’s an ALL-day adventure, so plan ahead.
Must-stops:
Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach
Haleakalā National Park (Pipiwai Trail + Bamboo Forest hike)
See our full list of Road to Hana Stops for more!
📸 Professional Maui Family Photos
Maui provides the perfect backdrop for family photos — think Christmas card “Mele Kalikimaka” vibes.
Our favorite local photographer, Tracy Leboe at Baby Hawaii Photography, is incredibly talented. She captures gorgeous maternity and family sessions. Be sure to book ahead of time — sessions fill quickly!
Maui Family Portraits taken by Baby Hawaii Photography
Don’t forget to print our favorite Coloring Pages to take on the plane!
🍽️ Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Maui
Monkeypod is a very toddler friendly restaurant with crayons and free butter noodles for kids 3 and under. It also has great happy hour and my favorite Mai Tai! There are two locations on Maui - Kaaanapali and Wailea!
Barefoot Bar is a fun restaurant where you can eat with your toes in the sand! It is part of Hula Grill but has a separate entrance on the South side of the restaurant. They also have crayons and some good kid food options. Our kid claimed, “it was the best restaurant ever!”
The Ritz’s Burger Shack is a toddler approved restaurant located outside with a big grassy area for kids to run around. It’s also parent approved if you want to hang out and have a boozy milkshake or just watch the waves crash on the shore for a few minutes!
🧃 Easy Snacks for Kids in Maui (That Don’t Melt)
When you’re exploring Maui with kids, having the right snacks on hand can make all the difference. Between beach days, car rides, and long sightseeing stops, you’ll want options that hold up in warm weather and are easy for kids to eat on the go.
These parent-approved snacks travel well around the island and won’t melt or turn messy in your bag:
Gummies
Gummies are lightweight, easy to portion, and a favorite with kids of all ages. They’re ideal for beach bags, stroller pockets, and plane rides since they don’t melt like chocolate snacks.Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks are great for quick snack breaks while sightseeing or driving around the island. Look for resealable packaging so you can spread snacks out throughout the day without waste.Pouches
Fruit and veggie pouches are especially helpful in Maui’s heat. They’re refreshing, mess-free, and easy for kids to eat while walking or riding in the car. Many are shelf-stable, so refrigeration isn’t an issue until they’re opened.
Love this idea but don’t want to pack all of this? I don’t blame you! Good news is that you can get these as soon as you land at the Target or Costco by the Maui OGG Airport!
💡 Parent Tip: Pack snacks in a small insulated pouch or shaded backpack pocket to keep them out of direct sun, especially during beach days or long drives.
We bring our Wagon instea of a Stroller
Traveling to Maui With Toddlers
Nap-friendly days
With toddlers down to one nap, we would try and get out early, because they were up early anyway, and make it back before naptime or time it where we would be in the car so they could nap. See our packing checklist for our sleep setup!
Stroller walks
There were a lot of stroller walks up and down Kaanapali beach when we had infants and toddlers! We would bring our beach wagon and put both toddlers in for a walk!
Pool days vs adventure days
We would typically alternate pool days and adventure days but most days involved a splash in the pool regardless.
We would even use a night swim as an incentive to eat their dinner.
What to skip with toddlers
The Road to Hana is great but is a longggg day for little ones. It’s essentially a 5 hour (or more) drive so you must plan accordingly to be on the road ALL day. You can break it up with stops but getting to the furthest point is a three hour drive straight there. Even the first stop from Kaanapali or Wailea is about a two hour drive. If you’re only in Maui for a few days this might be a good one to skip unless your kids are a bit older. If you’re pregnant and have nausea, don’t attempt it. I speak from experience.
Haleakala sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, but don’t go with toddlers or younger.
Sunset cruises are fun but stressful with younger kids that like to run around.
Walking along the kid and stroller friendly Kapalua Coastal Walk in Maui
5-Day Maui Itinerary with Kids
Day 1 Arrival
12p Arrival into OGG, pick up rental car
1p stop at Target, Costco, then pick up Tin Roof
3p Check into Honua Kai Condo
4p 🛍️ Head to Whalers Village for shopping and dinner at Monkeypod (get extra food for fridge). Must order: Chicken Wings, Kalua Pork Pizza, Free Butter Noodles for kids, pie slices to go to eat in room after kids go to bed. Don’t forget to order the best Mai Tai on the island! All of this is on the Happy Hour menu!
6p Back to hotel for bedtime - Read The Trucks that Saved the Park for a sweet bedtime story
Day 2 Pool-time and Burgers
5a Kids wake up, make pancakes (and coffee) in room
7a Adult Breakfast pickup (or dine in) at Duke’s
8a Pool opens!
11a Back to room for lunch
12p Naptime
2:30p Drive to Ritz in Kapalua and have Linner at Burger Shack (it’s a big meal to fill up on). Must order: burger and milkshake
4p Explore Ritz and Kapalua or go to DT Fleming beach
6p Back to Hotel for Bedtime
Pipiwai Trail With Baby in Carrier
Day 3 Road to Hana Adventure
5:30a Kids wake up - make more pancakes for everyone (and another pot of coffee)
6:30a Drive the Road to Hana
8a Stretch legs at Banana Bread Stop
9a Arrive at Kīpahulu Visitor Center which is part of Haleakala National Park where you can explore the Oheo Gulch Pools, Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest), and Waimoku Falls
11a Eat a packed lunch or drive to the Food Trucks in Hana
1p Stop at Wainapanapa Beach (Black Sand Beach) - make a reservation ahead of time.
3p Drive back to hotel
5p Dinner at hotel or pick up something on the way back
6p Bedtime
Day 4 - Pool and Luau
6a Kids wake up
7a Breakfast at Slappy Cakes or The Gazebo
8a Kapalua Bay for beach time, maybe try the coastal walk
11a Back to room for lunch
12p Naptime
2:30p Quick Pool Play
7p Bedtime
Day 5 - Last Swim and Depart
6:30a Kids Wake Up
7:30a Breakfast at Duke’s
8:30a Take turns with your partner packing
10:30a Drive to Airport (and cry the whole way)
Sticker Tape Road and Travel Magnatiles keep them entertained in the hotel room
What to Pack for Maui With Kids
I think giving a list of what not to pack is a shorter list because we bring almost everything! One thing I will advise is there is a Costco and a Target by the airport so make your Target order for pickup before your flight takes off so it’s ready for you when you land. You can always Instacart Costco or just head in for free snacks.
🏖️ Download our FREE Packing Checklist and below is a copy paste of what I packed for my 2 and 4-year-old on our last trip.
➡️ Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list.
✈️ Carry-on List for the Plane
Personal Carry-on:
Toys & some books 📚
iPad
Headphones 🎧
Waterbottles
Wagon - We bring a wagon instead of a stroller these days now that the kids are older. Though we loved our travel stroller for when we had babies!
Snack Bag - Dedicated light weight backpack that folds up into a pouch
Pouches
That’s it bars
Pirate booty
Cereal Bars from Trader Joes
Bear Fruit Snacks
Gummies
Teddy Grahams
Here is the full list of everything else that scatters into checked bags:
Sleep
Inflatable beds
Sheets x 2
Blanket x 2
Small Toddler pillow
PJs
White noise / Hatch
Food Things
Food bag
Bowls 🥣
Baby Spoons 🥄
Bibs
Water cup/bottle
Milk cup
Sippy cup
Safe dish soap 🧼
Sandwich bags
Snack bowl
Travel and Misc
Car seat x 2
Car seat bags x 2
Swaddle
Clothes pins
Outlet covers
Beach bag
Beach blanket mat
Toiletries for Kids
Baby shampoo
Baby body wash
Soft Wash Cloths
Nail clippers
Brush
Kids Tylenol
Kids Sunscreen
Diaper rash cream
Baby Aquaphor/neosporin
Ear drops
Clothes and diapers
Sweatshirt for plane & Mainland airport travel
Socks
Shorts
Shirts
Swimwear
Swim diapers
Size 4 diapers
Pull ups
Overnight Diapers
Wipes
Hat
Multipurpose Sanitation wipes in ziplock bag
Toys and Entertainment - Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list
Bath Toys - Cars 🚗
Books 📚 - Especially The Trucks that Saved the Park book 😘
Sand toys 🏖️
Football 🏈 - Water safe recommended for the pool!
Frisbee
Trucks 🛻
Cars 🚙
Sticker Road Tape
Plane toys - coloring book, sticker book
Cards 🃏
Travel Magnatiles
🛏️ Toddler Travel Sleep Hack (Game-Changer for Maui Trips!)
If you’re traveling to Maui with a toddler, let’s talk about sleep… because it can make or break your trip 😅
One of our absolute must-haves now is a toddler travel bed for hotel rooms, and I can’t recommend this enough.
Instead of trying to figure out where your toddler will sleep (or dealing with rolling out of a big hotel bed 🙃), this creates a cozy, familiar space just for them—no matter where you’re staying.
We’ve used this on our trips, and it makes bedtime SO much easier, especially after long beach days.
This toddler travel bed makes hotel sleep so much easier when traveling with kids.
How to Set Up a Toddler Travel Bed in a Hotel Room
Setting up a toddler travel bed in your hotel room is quick and easy—and makes bedtime so much smoother when traveling with kids.
Here’s how we do it:
• Inflate the toddler travel bed using the included pump (it takes less than a minute!)
• Add a twin bed sheet over the top to make it feel soft and familiar
• Layer with a blanket + their favorite stuffy for comfort
• Pack a toddler pillow — standard hotel pillows are usually too big and can be uncomfortable for little necks
This simple setup helps create a cozy, familiar sleep space—so your toddler can settle in easier, even in a brand new place
👉 You can see the exact one we use here: https://amzn.to/4bHtOv3
Why we love it:
• Perfect size for hotel rooms and condos
• Helps toddlers feel comfortable in a new space
• Easy to set up and pack
• Makes travel routines feel more like home
It’s one of those things you don’t think you need… until you use it once and never travel without it again!
Is Maui Worth It With Kids?
Yes—Maui is absolutely worth it with kids, especially for families traveling with toddlers and young children. The island offers calm, swimmable beaches, family-friendly resorts, walkable areas like Kā‘anapali, and activities that don’t require long drives or packed schedules. With the right balance of pool days, beach time, and nap-friendly outings, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaii islands to enjoy as a family. If you plan intentionally—choosing the right area to stay and skipping overly long excursions—Maui can be both relaxing and unforgettable with kids.
More Maui Posts:
Make an adorable Easter sugar cookie house with jelly bean eggs, piped buttercream grass, and a bunny detail on the back. Easy, kid-friendly spring build!