DIY Activities — Outdoor Adventures

Tie-dying - a quintessential summer activity. Although the colorful patterns come in so many different combinations, tie-dyeing can feel a bit stale after a bit. So how can you keep it feeling like a new and exciting activity? Better yet, how can we create the same tie-dye feeling without the tie-dye hassle? And, what do we do with the leftover dye?

Fall is the best time to be outdoors. It’s still warm enough to be out without a coat and the leaves are just beginning to fall from the trees, which offers up an amazing lineup of activities on their own. So when hayrides and fall festivals aren’t an option, here are some other ways to enjoy the outdoors with little ones this season. 

Water play is key to so much development in the toddler years, and in the summer it’s just plain fun. Here are some surprisingly easy go-to water play ideas. And, although there’s always a bit of sloshing, these ideas have considerably less set up and clean up than a free-for-all water table.

Before the leaves completely disappear from the trees and winter is upon us, one of my favorite activities, which has become an annual tradition that I enjoy with my daughters, is making leaf imprints. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

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.

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.