Search Results for: blog teen friendly outdoor fun

Entertaining Teens During the Summer

Which is harder, planning a party for a temperamental teen or a picky preschooler? I’ve had experience party planning for the latter and it was no picnic, but witnessing what my friend is having to go through putting together a summer shindig for her 15-year-old daughter, I realize now that organizing my preschooler’s bash was a piece of cake. My friend has gone to great lengths to make this party one to remember for her one and only daughter. However, it has been rough from the get-go. Mother and daughter couldn’t come to terms on a theme, menu or decorations. … Continue reading →

Budget-Friendly Commencement Ideas

Who says you have to drain your bank account to celebrate your child’s graduation? Even penny-pinching parents can honor their son or daughter’s academic success in style. The key is to think frugally and creatively. For example, while you may not be able to serve up a five-course meal for 200 at a fancy restaurant, there are ways you can feed all of your graduate’s friends if you budget carefully. One way is to select a themed buffet. Mexican food makes for a great buffet option and you can spice up the meal by offering fun options such as a … Continue reading →

Get Paid for Having Fun on TV

I love having fun in the great outdoors swimming, biking, sailing, hiking, and running. However, when it comes to bungee jumping from the skid of a helicopter into an active volcano or rappelling down an iceberg, you can count me out. Needless to say, my fear of heights (or more accurately, my fear of falling from high places) automatically disqualifies my family from appearing on TV’s latest reality series. The producers of “Amazing Race,” “The Biggest Loser,” and “The Office” are currently searching for America’s most outgoing families to compete in exciting outdoor challenges in the nation’s most beautiful national … Continue reading →

Teen-Friendly Outdoor Fun

Traveling with a teen is not always a pleasant experience. However, if you plan your trip so it (or at least part of it) appeals to your son or daughter’s fearlessness, innate competitiveness and curiosity, then there’s a very good possibility that your weekend together could be one to remember… in a good way. The following activities are ideal for teens, who enjoy spending time in the outdoors and aren’t afraid of physical challenges: ROCK CLIMBING There are numerous state and national parks that offer rock-climbing opportunities, such as Joshua Tree National Park in California and Custer State Park in … Continue reading →

Visiting Orlando with Teens

Mention Orlando, Florida and most travelers instantly think mouse ears, roller coasters, and Shamu. All are wonderful assets to the area, but when you are traveling to the area with teens you might want to have more on your to-do list than just meeting Mickey and Minnie (if that even makes the list in the first place). If you live with adventurous adolescents who enjoy exploring the great outdoors and soaking in the local scene as much as they do taking in the thrills and chills of major amusement parks then consider visiting the following Orlando-area attractions: Gatorland This 110-acre … Continue reading →

The Search for the Perfect Family-Friendly Ski Resort

This is a continuation of a blog I wrote regarding what to look for in an ideal ski resort for families with young children. In the past I’ve run into problems finding kid-friendly ski resorts that actually deliver the family-oriented enticements promised in their ads. As such I’ve learned it’s better to contact individual properties prior to making a reservation. In my last blog I detailed topics that should be addressed with resort specialists including safety, childcare facilities and pricing. The following are a few other points to consider before you decide on the perfect winter destination for your family. … Continue reading →

Stretching Your Cruise Dollar

The best way to make the most of your next cruise is to select one that appeals to every member of your family.  After all, no one wants to waste time and money traveling with unhappy companions. In order to make every penny of your cruise vacation count look for ships which offer a range of activities for passengers of all ages.  Fortunately, these days mega-fun vessels are not hard to find.  Some of the world’s largest ships are home to massive on-board children’s play areas broken into separate zones for different age groups.  Other noteworthy features include multiple family-friendly … Continue reading →

Bring the Beach Home

Sand to me is akin to glitter. Basically, it’s the devil’s dust. I truly despise its ability to sustain itself even when it’s far from its natural habitat. Is there a parent alive that doesn’t cringe having to scrape wet sand from inside her vehicle after a beach vacation? What about having to vacuum teeny-tiny, sugar-like sand particles from carpets, tile, and hardwood? Then, there’s the chore of picking out minuscule grains from in between couch cushions and bed sheets? Still, you can’t deny sand’s versatility when it comes to creating kid-friendly projects. Children love crafting with sand. I know … Continue reading →

Make Camping Cool

Camping is a great way to bond with family and friends, but not everyone loves roughing it in the great outdoors. Teenagers are especially reluctant to unplug from their daily digital lives in order to commune with nature on a family vacation. However, there are ways you can make camping fun for the entire clan. Being prepared for an extended stay outdoors is one way you can reduce apprehension and anxiety associated with camping. Before you even leave your driveway, check the weather forecast. If Mother Nature looks like she will be raining on your camping parade, you might consider … Continue reading →

Best Apps for Preschoolers

Over half of preschoolers have played with a tablet, iPad or smartphone. This technology is not only taking adults and teens by storm but little ones as well. Applications for these devices are being designed for children as young as babies. Many are educational, engaging, and fun. In moderation, these apps can hold value. Instead of a child watching TV, a child can now interact with the screen and be a part of the game. As with anything balance is key. Make sure your child is playing outdoors and with others and not sitting in front of an iPad or … Continue reading →