For just a little taste of water fun, try this fun activity that can be adapted for children of all ages. For toddlers and young children, grab some small plastic toys (sea animals like whales, sharks, and fish) and put one in each compartment of an ice tray. Fill the tray with water and then put the tray in the freezer until it is solid. Once it’s frozen, let kids figure out ways to release Read more…
Before you hit the water this year, make sure your family knows everything they can about water safety. The American Red Cross website offers lots of information, such as the skills of water competency, what to do in a water emergency, and general water safety tips. The information is presented in a variety of formats, such as videos and handouts. They also offer a free online course (available in both English and Spanish) for parents Read more…
Make a sun print today for the summer solstice. Construction paper works best as it fades easily. Have your family collect several different kinds of objects to experiment with – natural objects, such as leaves or flowers but also consider using some of their toys, such as plastic dinosaurs and other animals. Set the objects on the paper and leave it outside in full sun. Check on your papers often to see how they are Read more…
You can do a lot of fun things with a beach ball, even if you can’t get to an actual beach. And since beach balls can be found at most dollar stores, it doesn’t take much money to buy several for your family’s enjoyment. One thing you can do is take masking tape and write down silly ways to throw a ball. Put one piece of tape on each ball and use enough balls for Read more…
To make an ocean sensory bottle today, just grab an empty water bottle or plastic sandwich bag, make sure it is well sealed, and fill it with a mixture of sand, rice, and small items such as beads, seashells, or plastic coins. Children (and adults) will be mesmerized for hours as they turn the bottle to see what is revealed along the sides. Another alternative is to use water to fill your bottle. You can Read more…
June is a great month to go on a picnic with your friends and family. You can pack a traditional picnic in a wicker basket or just grab some snacks and sandwiches and head outside with a blanket to enjoy your food. Take time to sit and enjoy nature, whether you stay at home in your backyard or go to a nearby park. Make sure to spend at least part of the day barefoot to Read more…
For National Doughnut Day today, treat your family to doughnuts and enjoy them while reading Laura Numeroff’s If You Give a Dog a Donut. Children might be tempted to see how many doughnuts they can eat without getting sick – after all, you can’t eat just one! A better idea might be to buy a dozen donuts and see how many you can share with those around you.
Celebrate World Environment Day Join us in celebrating World Environment Day by engaging in eco-friendly activities that help our planet! Here are some ideas to get you and your family involved: Eco-Adventure: Take a nature walk or hike in your local park. Observe the wildlife and plant life, and discuss the importance of preserving our natural habitats. Recycling Crafts: Use recyclable materials to create art. Think plastic bottle bird feeders, cardboard castles, or tin can Read more…
– Arggh!! There could be treasure buried in your backyard! It is super easy to make a Pirate Treasure Hunt for your kids today. Just hide a few small prizes in your backyard or outdoor area for them to find. Or hide things they already have – the main fun in this activity is in the searching, after all, not just getting a reward. Draw a map (as simple or as complicated as you like) Read more…
Have fun today by making up stories about random pictures. It could be a family snapshot or a picture out of a book or magazine. If the person telling the story needs prompting, ask them to tell you who the main characters are, what they are doing, and why they are doing it. There’s no right or wrong answer – it’s just fun to create a story from your imagination. Young children can be asked Read more…
