DIY Activities

We all have them lying around the house - animal figures of every color, shape and size. More recently, we expanded our imaginations and uncovered 10 fun and inventive ways to use the animal figures you likely already have to continue encourage creative (and even educational) play.

Take a break from the cardboard craft ideas and start using your old egg cartons for the morning’s activities with your little ones. There are some seriously cute DIY craft ideas out there. For starters, we gathered up our 10 favorites, one of which is these adorable monster cups. But trust us, this is only the beginning! 

With an after-school snack in place when my kids get home, my kids actually sit down for a few moments together afterschool, munch away, and talk. Suddenly we’re taking turns talking (because they have a snack while they wait). Suddenly my cabinets stay closed and my kitchen is empty. Suddenly, I’m relaxed again. If you’re looking to get control of the after-school chaos, here are 10 easy snacks to get you started for the week.

Summer always starts out with such promise. That is, until the temperatures rise. Pair this with the sudden pressure of back-to-school preparations, and things really start to heat up at home. Check out some of our fun & easy activities for little ones to beat the summer heat.

Having recently relived the process of setting up, prepping, and selling lemonade with my 10-year old, I was reminded of how much work goes into the otherwise simple idea of having a lemonade stand. My hands ached from “helping” squeeze the lemons, and my floors still stick from spilled lemon juice and simple syrup. But my son had a blast, he made some money, and I’d like to think he learned a thing or two in the process as well. Here are some tips that I’ll keep in mind when the time comes for my next child to suggest a lemonade stand on a summer’s day.

Selling lemonade on a hot summer day in front of your house — it's a rite of passage for children. If and when you get this question (and you will!), here’s our favorite recipe for homemade, fresh-squeezed lemonade.

The buzz of a busy family oftentimes overpowers the inner call for peace. But there are occasions where my family stops and just exists together, and that is when we are camping. But camping with kids can be daunting. So here are some ways to slowly enter the camping world and try it before you “camp” it. 

We’re all thankful that, after a year of uncertainty, activities are starting to reopen, just in time for summer. But just a few weeks ago, when summer camp registration deadlines hit, things were still uncertain and many parents, including me, didn’t jump at the chance to sign up. And now here we are, in the height of summer, with bored kids and parents who are … well, we’re over it, aren't we? Here’s a few simple, go-to activities this summer that all the kids can enjoy.

We’re parents, too, and we know that every day can’t be filled with summer camps, swim lessons and beach days, and we also know that having a plan in order helps. So, grab your calendars; here’s our ultimate summer activity guide for parents looking for a little inspiration (or a little help!) in the weeks ahead.