Edible Sand Castle and Other Summer Fun for Kids

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 May 2009 11:25 AM

Can't make it to the beach this summer? Don't let the "Mom, I'm bored!" blues get you down. Instead, consider making your own summer fun at home with the following fun ideas:

EDIBLE SAND CASTLE

Ingredients:

1 package (18 1/4 ounces) banana cake mix plus ingredients to prepare mix as directed on box

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 package (6 serving size) instant butterscotch flavor pudding mix, plus ingredients to prepare mix as directed on box

Clean small plastic beach pail and shovel

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, divided

Beach-themed candy: Gummy fish, octopus, starfish, seashell candies, green string candy, mini chocolate chips, graham cracker fish, or other beach-related candies

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions in two 9-inch round cake pans. Add cinnamon and nutmeg into batter. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove form pans and cool completely.

Meanwhile, prepare pudding mix according to package directions.

Cut one of the cakes into 1-inch slices. Arrange about 1/3 of slices in pail. Spoon 1/3 of pudding over cake slices. Top with 1/3 of cake slices. Repeat layers with 1/3 of pudding and remainder of the first cake.

Refrigerate for at least three hours.

Remove and turn castle out of pail.

Sprinkle sand castle cake with 1 cup graham cracker crumbs.

Place shovel near cake.

Decorate top of cake with gummy sea creatures and other candies as desired.

Cut second cake layer in half horizontally.

Place one half of cake cut side up on serving plate.

Place castle on top of cake layer.

Break remaining cake layer into chunks; arrange around base of castle.

Spoon remaining pudding over cake chunks; sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup graham crumbs over pudding.

Decorate with remaining candies as desired.

To serve, use shovel to spoon cake onto plates.

ICE BALLOONS

Materials:

Water Balloons

Small toys, plastic jewelry, etc.

Directions:

Fill balloon with water and small toy, knot and freeze over night.

Remove from freezer and cut away the balloon.

Give ice ball to kids and let them play with it in a kiddie pool or grassy area. When it melts they can play with the hidden surprise inside.

Related Articles:

Serious Summer Fun

Fun and Affordable Family Activities

Ways to Have Fun on a Budget

Family Fun for Less

Saving Money on Summer Fun

How to Have Fun Without Breaking the Bank

New Fun Family-Friendly Attractions at Disney World

How to Have Even More Fun at Disneyland and Disney World

Traveling With Children-Learn From My Mistakes

Flying with Children: Layover or Not?

Tips To Remember When Traveling With Children

Flying With An Infant

Avoiding A Bumpy Flight

Even More Tips To Remember When You Travel With Kids

More Tips To Remember When You Travel With Kids

Traveling With Young Children: More Dos and Don'ts

Traveling With Young Children: Dos and Don'ts

In Flight Diaper Changing Etiquette

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger