Search Results for: blog more ideas for a fun family weekend in nature

Zoo-rific Summer Travel Ideas

What a zoo! Life can get pretty chaotic, especially if you are juggling kids, a house, pets and a paying job. But with summer just around the corner, why not consider taking a break from your personal zoo to visit some of the best animal facilities in the country. A number of top-rated zoos are featuring special exhibits this summer—-everything from Mammoths to Micronesian kingfishers. If you are looking for super summer fun without having to travel abroad, then check out what’s new at the following zoos: MINNESOTA The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is debuting a $1 million, nature-based … Continue reading →

How to Make Homemade Christmas Wrapping Paper and Ornaments

You’ve mastered homemade wreaths, candles, and other holiday decor, but how many of you have ever made your very own Christmas wrapping paper? It’s not rocket science nor is it as difficult as some of the crafts Martha Stewart cranks out. Rather, it is the ideal project for your kids to tackle on a cold winter’s day. If you have crafty kids, then you probably have all the materials you need right in your own home. The project requires a roll of easel or butcher paper. You can choose full-size or small rolls, which are available at toy and craft … Continue reading →

How to Make a Simple and Festive Christmas Wreath

Here’s a fun holiday project my teenage cousin is working on with his classmates to present to residents at area nursing homes. These evergreen and cranberry wreaths are easy, affordable and add a festive touch to any room. The kids are working assembly line style as it does take a while to pin individual cranberries on the Styrofoam ball that decorates the wreath. However, once the cranberry application is complete you should have no problem completing the project (alone) in less than 20 minutes. EVERGREEN AND CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS WREATH Materials: For Wreath: 1 12-inch pre-made evergreen wreath form 1 thin … Continue reading →

Places to Have a Holly Jolly Good Time with Your Family

Tis the season to be with family and friends. Whether you decide to bond on the slopes or huddle together in front of the fireplace for a fierce game of Pictionary, the holidays are a great time to spend with loved ones. However, if you don’t know how to ski or you shudder at the thought of having to stay cooped up indoors all day, you might consider the following festive family-friendly options: CONNECTICUT At Christmas Town in Bethlehem, Connecticut, kids can visit Santa on the Village Green and sing along with carolers strolling along Main Street. Don’t forget to … Continue reading →

Fun with Fruitcake–The Best Gag Gift of the Season

It’s the holiday tradition that takes a lickin’, but keeps on tickin’. Actually, I know several people who wouldn’t put their tongues anyway near fruitcake, yet that doesn’t seem to diminish its role as a Christmas stalwart. Regardless of the fact that it remains the butt of countless jokes and no matter how many people toss it out as soon they get it, the Christmas fruitcake keeps coming back year after year (and in some cases it’s the same one making the rounds). Many fruitcake recipients are under the impression that the holiday dessert has no expiration. That it can … Continue reading →

How to Make Simple Christmas Topiaries

The economy is in the dumpster and you’re pinching pennies, but you still want to create a festive atmosphere in your home this holiday season. So how do you make that happen? Get creative with affordable materials that can be transformed into expensive-looking decorations. In the days following Thanksgiving my supermarket drastically reduced the price of fresh cranberries. I took advantage of the discount and stocked up on the festive fruit. However, instead of including all of them in holiday recipes I decided to use some for Christmas crafts. My first project is this Cranberry Christmas Topiary. The directions are … Continue reading →

More Cool Places to Visit Santa

I took my preschooler to see Santa at the mall yesterday. It went about as well as our visit with the Easter Bunny. Needless to say our family Christmas card will not be featuring a smiling tot perched on Santa’s lap… again. It makes me wonder if I would have more success if we switched venues and caught up with the rotund red-suited gift giver at one of the following locales: NEW HAMPSHIRE Santa’s Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire is a must-visit destination if you are in New England during the holiday season. The outdoor theme park is a virtual … Continue reading →

Free Christmas Fun in Indianapolis

Who says you need to spend a bundle to have some holiday family fun? The economy is tanking and managers of Indianapolis-area attractions are responding by offering fabulous freebies during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. In what is being dubbed the “12 Free Days Of Indy Christmas” celebration, visitors will be gifted with free admission and other goodies at participating attractions. For example, on Saturday, December 13th, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum will be offering free admission to its collection of trophies and cars. On Sunday, December 14th, you can tour the President Benjamin Harrison … Continue reading →

Making Edible Garland for Your Christmas Tree

Is your Christmas tree up yet? Judging by the dozens of vehicles I passed this weekend with hearty pines strapped to their luggage racks, I’d guess that most families have their Tannenbaums in place for the countdown to Christmas. Our tree is up and trimmed, though according to our resident decorating expert (see: my 4-year-old daughter), it’s missing one very important item: a popcorn and cranberry garland. Ever since she saw the Little Bear episode where the entire gang created edible tree decorations, she has been begging to add snacks to our tree as well. So, tonight is the night … Continue reading →

Cool Places to Visit Santa

If you have children, then you likely have plans to visit Santa Claus in the next few weeks. Some of you will head to the mall to meet up with Jolly Ol’ St. Nick while others of you might catch the rotund elf in a Christmas parade. For those of you looking to make this year’s visit with Santa extra special for your little ones consider the following holiday events: The Polar Express (Grand Canyon Railway) If you’re near Williams, Arizona this month then you don’t want to miss the chance to ride the rails with Santa. The Grand Canyon … Continue reading →