Little House on the Prairie Lifestyle

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s stories are particularly resonant today with their themes of enjoying simple, home-made pleasures, respecting the natural world, and cultivating community bonds. This Lifestyle section brings you recipes, DIYs, crafts, and more inspired by Little House on the Prairie. Browse the articles below or click here for a complete index.

Keeping Backyard Chickens for Fresh Eggs

“Caroline, just one more thing. Just remember, the eggs are for selling, not for throwing.” Charles Ingalls, Season 1, Episode 9 – School Mom Who could forget how often Ma was able to add a bit of extra spending money by selling eggs from her chickens to the general store? The truth is, keeping backyard…

DIY Little House on the Prairie-Themed Summer Camp

It’s been a difficult year, and more families are choosing to spend “summer vacation” at home. With no set schedule, it’s easy to fall into a rut that involves a LOT of screen time. To introduce a fun new routine, help your family plan your own Little House on the Prairie pioneer-themed summer camp! We’ve…

Heart-Shaped Cakes Inspired by Little House on the Prairie

“The stockings weren’t empty yet. Mary and Laura pulled out two small packages. They unwrapped them, and each found a little heart-shaped cake. Over their delicate brown tops was sprinkled white sugar. The sparkling grains lay like tiny drifts of snow. The cakes were too pretty to eat. Mary and Laura just looked at them….

DIY Paper Heart and Star Garlands

“Ma brought out two long strips of brown wrapping-paper that she had saved. She folded them, and she showed Mary and Laura how to cut tiny bits out of the folded paper with the scissors. When each unfolded her paper, there was a row of stars. Ma spread the paper on the shelves behind the…

Baked Beans Recipe Inspired by Little House on the Prairie

“‘I’m glad I put beans to soak last night,’ said Ma. She lifted the lid of the bubbling kettle and quickly popped in a spoonful of soda. The boiling beans roared, foaming up, but did not quite run over. ‘There’s a little bit of salt pork to put in them too,’ Ma said. Now and…

Making Homemade Butter With Kids

“At first the splashes of cream showed thick and smooth….After a long time, they began to look grainy. Then Ma churned more slowly, and on the dash there began to appear tiny grains of yellow butter.” Little House in the Big Woods In Little House in the Big Woods, Laura recalls how she and Mary…