DIY Activities

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.

Making slime never grows old. Here’s a great recipe for DIY slime that only requires 3 easy-to-find ingredients. And, once you have your slime made, there are dozens of creative things to do with it aside from leaving it sit on the living room rug to harden there forever. (...ug!)

DIY seed bombs are a great answer to my struggle with horticulture. Part of the fun is making them, another part is letting the kids launch them into who-knows-where, and the last part is enjoying the flowers that grow, knowing that wildflower growth is good for the environment in so many ways. Here's what you need to know to make your own. 

Planting a garden and observing the changes throughout the season is a great stepping stone for children who may be interested in planting their own gardens or learning about the science of plant life, but it can be tricky to create for those of us without a green thumb. However, gardening with children doesn’t require a large plot or huge time commitment. Here’s how to get started.

Instead of just saying to my little ones, “let’s go outside,” I try to look for new, fun, and relatively specific ideas on what to actually do when we get outside. In this case, we decided we’d try to construct each of the 26 letters of the alphabet with things we found outdoors: sticks, grass, flowers, tiny stones, acorns, etc. 

Like many children, my daughter is terrified of bees. She's ready to sit indoors all summer long I think. They say to face your fears, but it’s ok to be scared. We push for hands-on exploration with our children, but it’s ok not to want to touch a bug. But there are things parents can do to try to help a child become less afraid of bugs.

Mother's Day is just around the corner. If you haven't figured out something sweet and special for mom yet, not to worry. Here are a few last-minute craft ideas for the kiddos that are guaranteed to make mom smile on her special day.