Explore the Forest - Tips for Hiking with Kids

We are a big hiking family - love to explore the forest on foot.  And we've been treated to some great encounters during our family hikes -- moose in Colorado, wildlife in South Dakota and even some out-of-the-ordinary highlights clos...

The Essential Guide for Homework Help & Afterschool Activities

  I'm always so overwhelmed once the school year gets into full swing.  I think it's coming off of those laid back summer days and then WHAM! -- it seems like there's hardly any time to relax.  One of our challenges is find...

Camping Activities & Adventures for Families

I'm not going to lie to you -- I don't do tents!  Sorry, there's just something about a thin piece of material and the possibility of bears or snakes in the area that kinda freaks me out! But family camping doesn't always mean tents....

Kids Love a Curse: Fun Non-fiction Stories to Engage Young Readers

Both of my kids are huge fans of non-fiction books & stories.  When they were younger, neither was interested interested in the fiction readers that came home from school.  It was a big struggle to get them to practice reading...

Playgrounds - Invitations to Play for PARENTS

Attention Parents:  What do you do when you see something like this?   Do you send your kids over to play and explore?  Or do you pick up a mallet and make some music?...

Amazing Ideas for Creative Backyard Play this Summer

Try these backyard games & activities for awesome summer fun this year!We love spending time outdoors during the summer.Well, I LOVE to be outside no matter what!  Our kids really enjoy it as long as there's something fun to do.&nb...

6 Retro Games for Your Backyard

Summer is a great time to introduce your kids to some amazing Retro games for the backyard!You know, the way WE use to entertain ourselves when we were young (before the word 'game' was synonomous with video console)! Think about what ...

Our Summer Bucket List

  Well, today's the day!  It's the last day of school for the kids here.  As I put the finishing touches on this post, my oldest is completing his final exams and my youngest is enjoying the school talent show.  They ...

7 Fun Nature Walks for Kids

Getting the kids more time outside is always a goal these days. Especially on school days when they're stuck in a building for 8 hours :( with the exception of a 25 minute recess (if you're in elementary school) which I think is waaayyy to...

Flying a Kite: Hands-on Science & Books for Kids

We headed out this weekend for a few hours to fly a kite - a spur of the moment idea to enjoy some outdoor time on a windy day. Have you ever gone kite flying with the kids? It's such a great family activity for those windy, Spring aftern...

5 Tips for Raising a Reader & Great Book Resources for Kids

Did you know that March is National Reading Month?  It's a great time to think about what it takes to raise a child who reads and loves books....

Dr. Seuss Activities, Facts & Resources

March is a big month for The Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss activities with many book & reading celebrations at schools and libraries across the country. If you have kids (or remember being a child) than you are very familiar with The Cat...

Valentine Day Ideas for Kids {free printable activity coupons!}

These free printable coupons for kids are the perfect non-candy Valentine idea that will give the family some time to enjoy together! I know that we show our kids how much we love them every day of the year but sometimes it's fun to surpris...

29 Ways to Have Fun with Your Kids this Winter

Those long, cold days of winter can give us all a little cabin fever so push aside all those 'must do's' and just have some fun with your kids.It's amazing how many ideas and activities we parents think of as 'regular things' are super cool...

The ABC's of Family Field Trips: Learning, New Places & Outdoor Fun

Welcome to Part 3 of our Family Field Trip series! So far, we've shared a number of ideas & tips along with more than 35 fun places to visit for a family outing! Here are the first two posts in the series: {Part 1} Getting Ready,...