Summer Reading Programs for Kids – 2022

What will your kids be doing over summer vacation? One way for parents to keep their children practicing the skills they need for the next school year is to get them into a summer reading program.  Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal Every summer, Barnes & Noble has a summer reading program for kids who will be in grades 1-6 in the next school year. You can download the 2022 version of the reading journal. Here are the rules: Read any eight books this summer and record them in this Summer Reading Journal.  Tell us which part of the book is … Continue reading

Fun Alternatives to Trick-Or-Treating

There are many families who have a tradition of taking the kids trick-or-treating on Halloween. The children wear costumes (and some adults might, too). The whole family goes door to door so the little ones can collect candy. There are also several fun alternatives to trick-or-treating that your family can participate in. Trunk Or Treat This is a relatively new Halloween tradition! Sometimes it is arranged by a local church or school. Adults purchase Halloween candy to give out, as usual. Instead of handing out the candy at your front door, you bring it to a specific location (usually a … Continue reading

Five Free Family Fun Moments

Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive or even cost a thing at all. While taking in a movie and snacks at the theater might cost you $60 or more per family, isn’t it nice to know that there are still some things in life that are free? 1. Family game night. The popularity of family game night might have started as a marketing campaign for Hasbro to get you to buy more games, but the idea is not a bad one. Many of us grew up playing board games and have many fond memories of the hours we spent … Continue reading

Simple and Affordable Seasonal Fun

Summer 2012 officially ends on Friday. However, that doesn’t mean the end of outdoor family fun. Fall marks the start of apple and pumpkin-picking season. Whether you live in the north, south or mid-Atlantic, the nation is teeming with farms that allow visitors of all ages to pick their own produce. These u-pick farms offer fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. What’s more, you will be able to bond with your clan in the great outdoors, which is a priceless experience for most folks. In addition, if you have kids, visiting a farm is a great way to show … Continue reading

Mother Nature’s Free Fun

Viewing this weekend’s Perseid meteor shower may have been one of the most thrilling moments of the summer. And the best part: I didn’t have to fork over a single penny for the opportunity. Rather, my family got to witness a sky set ablaze with so many shooting stars we lost count of them all. Free family fun. It doesn’t get better than that. According to AAA, the price of gas has increased 34 cents since July 1st. It’s no wonder why parents are counting their pennies and looking for affordable ways to entertain their kids. And by affordable, I … Continue reading

Family Reunion Fun

Summer is primetime for family reunions. However, gathering multiple generations in the same place at the same time is only half the battle. Navigating the choppy waters of family dysfunction is where you really have to concentrate your efforts in order to make a summer get-together a raging success. The key to keeping everyone happy, especially when you are dealing with a wide range of ages, is to have as many distractions as possible. Games and entertainment can be the gateway to fun and frivolity at a family reunion. Try to find games that will appeal to the young and … Continue reading

DIY Olympic Fun

The opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics get underway in just a few days. However, you don’t need to travel to London in order to get in on all the athletic fun. Kids, who are inspired by the mega-athletes they view on TV, can replicate the record-breaking moves at home. Here are a few ideas to get your children into the spirit of the 2012 Summer Games: Relay Races: Foot races are one of the oldest and most popular Olympic Games. What’s more, they are also one of the easiest for kids to participate in. Simply collect some small … Continue reading

Summer Fun for Free

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year, not just for the great weather and the easy living but for all of the wonderful free fun that can be had, from free classes to free concerts, free food to free movies. You just have to know where to look. Skip the expense of the summer camp and take advantage of plenty of free fun for the kids instead. Do some research to find free events. Start local and work your way out. Find out if your town or city has a website or cable channel that lists free … Continue reading

Fresh Ideas For Outdoor Play

Even the most outdoorsy kids sometimes need suggestions for new ways to enjoy being outside. The next time boredom strikes when you are playing outside with your toddler, suggest one of these fun activities. You may just discover a new favorite outdoor activity. Sometimes, the best way to mix things up outside is to do things outdoors that you would normally do indoors. If it is lunch time, why not spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Reading is another great indoor activity that can easily be enjoyed outdoors. If your child enjoys having tea parties … Continue reading

Super Cool Birthday Party Ideas for Your 5 Year Old, Part 2

Dress-Up or Makeover Party: Would a pink festival of femininity capture your little fashionista’s heart? Girls can put on their best dress up clothes and head over to hair and make up for a complete transformation. Your hair and make up area can include painting nails, applying lip gloss and simple hair styles. Makeovers do not have to be extravagant. I find keeping it simple is best. You can suggest the girls arrive in their dress up clothes or provide an array of clothing for them. Roll out red bulletin board paper or a red bed sheet if you want … Continue reading