Family-Friendly Activities

Viva La Fiesta! A Cinco de Mayo Meal from the Kids' Kitchen

What kid doesn’t like Mexican food? Tacos, tostadas, tortillas — there’s something for everyone. And a family doesn’t have to pay a high price at a full-service restaurant or settle for the drive-thru pseudo-taco stand. Parents and kids can prepare easy Mexican food at home. And what better time to try it than Cinco de Mayo?

Featuring a brief history of Cinco de Mayo and enrichment activities as well as several kid-friendly recipes, this piece is sure to bring a festive flair to any home. (706 words)

Filed Under: 500-1000 words, All reprints, Cooking with Kids, Family-Friendly Activities, Food, Holidays, Seasonal, Spring

Bloom Where You're Planted! Make Your New City Feel Like Home

What is a parent to do when faced with the dilemma of relocating to a new city? All of life seems in upheaval, and “home” seems non-existent. At just over 1100 words, this article outlines suggestions for families to settle into a new community and make it more “theirs”. It could easily be localized for your area. Let me know if you are interested in running this piece and/or if you would like me to adapt it for your city.

Filed Under: 1000 - 1300 words, All reprints, Family-Friendly Activities, Summer

Make a Big TO DO Out of Summer! Plan to Have Fun!

Pretty soon parents all over will be making their summer “to do” lists: clean out the garage, repaint the kitchen, have a yard sale. But, really, summertime is made for lying in the hammock more often than mowing the lawn. And an exceptional summer takes a little planning. Otherwise, September will come and you’ll find that you and the kids have spent the last three months in front of the television set (or just worked on that list of chores). Life is so much richer than that! Now is the time to plan to have fun this summer.

At 1176 words, this article suggests creative ways to spend time this summer — fun for the whole family. From homemade water parks to trips to the ballgame, no one will be at a loss for entertainment this season.

Filed Under: 1000 - 1300 words, All reprints, Budget Living, Family-Friendly Activities, Seasonal, Summer

The Summer Play Day: It’s Not Just for Toddlers Anymore

Summertime, when children everywhere have free time on their hands, can be a challenge for parents who want to provide fun experiences for their kids, yet know that planning those experiences also involves some work and creativity. A regular summer playday for kids of all ages is the answer! It’s the toddler playgroup all grown up, and it’s easier than you think.

Featuring our family’s very own Camp Wannalaffalotta, this piece offers real life examples for keeping kids entertained and safe during the summer. At 1087 words it gives parents step by step instructions on how to set up the playday as well as fun activities to mix it up with.

Filed Under: 1000 - 1300 words, All reprints, Budget Living, Family-Friendly Activities, Seasonal, Summer

Tuning Out: Alternatives to Watching Television

Some families simply can’t live without their daily dose of TV. Or so they think. This article presents family fun activities that don’t include the TV. At about 950 words, it makes the case that a life without TV is certainly worth living – and produces good fruit in family dynamics.

Filed Under: 500-1000 words, Afterschool Enrichment, All reprints, Family-Friendly Activities, Media, Spring, Summer, TV

The Snow Must Go On? Activities for the Next Snow Day

Snow days can be blessing or a curse, depending on who you are. Teacher? Blessing. Kid? Blessing. Parent?

Well, that depends on your perspective. When we parents aren’t well-equipped, we tend to dread the task before us. Having the kids home without a plan, can make one quake in his or her snowboots. But, a “snowday” can be a blessing for everyone in the household when Mom and Dad have a few tricks up their sleeves.

This article provides parents with creative ideas and plans for making that day of road and school closures a success. At around 920 words, it suggests a range of activities from recipes to crafts to scavenger hunt dinners.

Filed Under: 500-1000 words, All reprints, Family-Friendly Activities, Seasonal, Winter

Time Flies, So Have Some Fun! Ringing in the New Year with Kids

I’ve always wanted to spend New Year’s Eve Cinderella-style, all dressed up at a ball. But, as a mom of five growing kids, the only princess-life I experience is on a Disney video, and the balls at our house happen to be of the baseball, football, and soccer variety. So, I’ve learned that a night out on the town isn’t for me right now. And that’s the case for many parents.

But, December 31st doesn’t need to be depressing. In fact, I’ve found celebrating with my children and enjoying their enthusiasm over the holiday can be every bit as exciting as dancing the night away.

At just under 1100 words, this article suggests family-friendly activities to celebrate the last and first days of a year. From service projects to life lists to game-athons, there is more than one do-able option for every family.

Filed Under: 1000 - 1300 words, All reprints, Family-Friendly Activities, Holidays, Winter Holidays

Holiday Gifts from the Kids' Kitchen

Kids love to cook. Kids love to give gifts. So why not spend an hour or two in the kitchen concocting fun holiday treats to give to friends and neighbors?

At just over 500 words, this article details fun and easy recipes for parents and kids to make together as well as a short sidebar (132 words) of helpful tips for cooking with kids.

Filed Under: 500-1000 words, Afterschool Enrichment, Cooking with Kids, Family-Friendly Activities, Food, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Seasonal, Winter Holidays

Tis the Season for Making Memories: Creating Holiday Traditions with Your Children

While some parents grew up in families steeped in holiday traditions, others find they don’t have many customs to pass on to their children. For those in either camp, there is fun awaiting in creating new practices to celebrate with the kids. At just under 1100 words, this article suggests creative ideas for parents to establish new traditions with their children.

Filed Under: 1000 - 1300 words, All reprints, Family-Friendly Activities, Holidays, Seasonal, Winter Holidays

Deck the Holidays: Conquering the Chaos to Enjoy a Simpler Season

You’ve met her before: the mom who goes overboard at Christmas time. Intent on “doing it all” – with a Martha Stewart flourish – she is liable to miss out on cuddling with her kids and enjoying the season. There is a better way for families to enjoy all that the holidays have to offer.

This article provides practical means for families to pursue a simple, yet festive celebration. At 1046 words, it offers creative suggestions for gift-giving, family parties, and holiday entertainment.