Search Results for: blog planning summer fun

Fun Father’s Day Reads

Forget about the tacky tie, fluorescent golf balls, and the tennis racket-shaped bug zapper.  What Dad really wants this Father’s Day is some quality time with the TV remote, his trusty recliner and a plate of bacon. Of course, what Dad wants for the upcoming holiday and what his enthusiastic young offspring want for him may be vastly different.  Fortunately, the following Father’s Day reads may be the key to compromise.  Kids can cuddle up with Dad on his favorite chair and share quality time reading the delightful holiday-themed page turners… while Mom cooks a pile of pork products for a post-story time … Continue reading →

Dive Into Summer Fun

Contending with rising temperatures doesn’t have to be a summer bummer.  With a little planning you can have fun beating the heat without busting your budget. Splash into the season with a pool party to remember; only instead of draining your wallet on expensive invitations and activities, consider these affordable options: DIY FISH INVITATIONS Download a fish template from the Internet or free-hand one on construction paper and cut out the center of it.  When you are done, you should have a fish-shaped frame and a smaller paper fish.  Place the frame on the sticky side of clear contact paper. … Continue reading →

Spring Into Summer for Free

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer; a time when most families hit the road in search of sun and fun.  Whether you are heading to the Jersey Shore, making tracks to Florida’s coastal communities or cruising to California, you can experience sun, sand, and surf without sacrificing your entire summer travel budget. The trick is to take advantage of the free activities and amenities offered at your vacation destination. For example, if you are planning to travel to San Diego this summer, there are a slew of family-friendly options that won’t cost you a dime to enjoy, including: … Continue reading →

Family Reunion Fun

Summer is primetime for family reunions. However, gathering multiple generations in the same place at the same time is only half the battle. Navigating the choppy waters of family dysfunction is where you really have to concentrate your efforts in order to make a summer get-together a raging success. The key to keeping everyone happy, especially when you are dealing with a wide range of ages, is to have as many distractions as possible. Games and entertainment can be the gateway to fun and frivolity at a family reunion. Try to find games that will appeal to the young and … Continue reading →

Fourth of July Fun Without Fireworks

The scorching heat continues across the country, including here in the Midwest. In fact, our county has experienced such hot, humid and dry conditions the past few months that officials have banned fireworks. Yes, a fireworks ban leading up to and including the Fourth of July. Since we don’t want to end up like the poor folks in Colorado, who have lost so much due to a rash of destructive wildfires, we’re planning a festive Fourth minus the sparklers and other colorful explosives. Rather than celebrating Independence Day by lighting up, we’re planning a slew of kid-friendly outdoor activities, such … Continue reading →

Summer Lovin’!

It’s that time of year again, the kids are out of school, the sun is out, and the kids are itching to get outside and play! This is my favorite time of year and the summer weather has definitely hit here in Utah! As usual the first few weeks of summer are filled with excitement. The kids are eager to get outside and play with their friends, but after the first few weeks the newness has worn off and you are left trying to find something to occupy your children until school starts back up again in the fall. For … Continue reading →

Homemade Summer Vacation Souvenirs

For many families, the long Memorial Day weekend heralded the arrival of beach season. Now, as we creep closer to the official start of summer, many other clans will be heading out to enjoy Mother Nature at her best. However, rather than coming back from your family vacation with just a sunburn, why not return with some natural souvenirs that can be crafted into these incredible works of art: Shell Frame: Select a wood or sturdy plastic photo frame. Adhere shells you’ve collected from the beach along the perimeter of the frame. You can use a hot glue gun if … Continue reading →

Making Party Planning Fun

My friend’s son graduates from high school next week. Two days later, her home will be filled with no less than 175 of her son’s nearest and dearest pals, thanks in large part to the fact that he created a Facebook page dedicated solely to informing his peeps about his grad party. The ingenious teen is having a blast planning his commencement shindig, including constantly updating his online party page. His mom, not so much. While she is thrilled to commemorate her son’s milestone, trying to figure out how she is going to keep 175 teens and their parents entertained—outside, … Continue reading →

Mad Dash for Serious Summer Cash

My daughter is hunting for a summer job, so she can earn money to purchase this. She’s seven. I told her that if she picked up her toys, set the table for dinner and help fold towels, at least five days a week, I’d give her $5. She turned down my offer. “I want to walk dogs for money,” she replied dryly. “Not fold towels.” Well, then, I sure hope our neighbors don’t turn her down when she solicits her services or she’s going to be one poor kid this summer. And by poor, I mean the Bank of Mommy … Continue reading →

Simple Summer Fun

In just a few weeks, schools across the country will be out and kids of all ages will be looking for summer fun. For many parents that means draining their wallets to pay for expensive overnight camps or organized sports’ activities, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Keeping kids entertained doesn’t have to put a strain on your household budget. After all, activities such as hiking, biking and picnicking are extremely affordable if not flat out free. Just take precautions so that your outdoor fun doesn’t turn into a summer disaster. For example, there are tens of thousands … Continue reading →