Your family-focused July 4th party isn’t complete without kid-friendly activities. You’ve got the games planned and have created a menu that the kiddos are sure to enjoy. Now what? A craft table is an easy way to occupy little guests. Not only will the kids stay busy, but they’ll create their own keepsakes to take home too! Check out these ideas for setting up a Fourth of July party kids’ crafting center. Pick the Place Choose a space that isn’t near the food (no one wants school glue in their salad) or anything that gets wet (such as the sprinkler...

Why spend extra money on store-bought flags for July 4th when the kids make their own crafty versions? This Fourth of July kids’ craft is super-simple, but will still entertain your youngest party guests. Craft the American flags as part of your family’s picnic or BBQ activities or try it before the holiday as a way to prep for your party and create patriotic décor. Arts and Crafts Materials Red, white and blue card stock paper Scissors Thick craft sticks Clear-drying school glue Optional: Silver glitter How-to Steps Cut an 8x10-inch piece of white card stock in half or in...

You’re planning a July 4th party, picnic or BBQ. You’ve got the menu under control. But, what about the kids? You need games, crafts or something to keep them busy and entertained. Check out these fun-filled kids’ activities that are sure to be a hit at your next Independence Day bash. Obstacle Course Turn your yard into a pint-sized obstacle course. Set up and army crawl on ground, make a land slalom course that the kids have to run through or add a water feature (such as a wading pool to crawl through). Divide the kids into teams, have them...

The fourth Sunday of July marks Parents Day. Unlike Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, this day celebrates all important adults in a child’s life. How can you celebrate Parents Day? Check out these fun family ideas! Family Craft Instead of setting up the art table for your child and watching as she crafts alone, get in on the action. The whole family can work on one craft together. Try a handprint paint project in which each family member paints their hand a different color. Print everyone’s hands onto the same piece of paper, t-shirts or the borders of a picture...

Summer is almost here! The June Solstice celebrates the day when the sun points directly at the Tropic of Cancer – farthest from the equator. Explore the effects of the sun and celebrate summer with these kids’ solstice activities. Summer Sun Prints Have you ever accidentally left the kids’ construction paper out near a sunny window? If you have, then you know what happens. It fades. Use this to your advantage with this kids’ sun print activity. Have the kids put dark pieces of construction paper (ocean blue, hunter green, black or deep purple) outside or on a sun-soaked windowsill....

Your Fourth of July party isn’t complete without a red, white and blue dessert. Don’t stress if you aren’t exactly a culinary genius. You can whip up any of these family-friendly ideas without much fuss. Get the kids to help, letting them measure and mix or do the prep work.   Gelatin Parfaits Make two batches of gelatin – one red (raspberry, cherry or strawberry) and one blue (blue raspberry). Instead of pouring the liquid gelatin into some sort of pan or mold, fill fancy wine glasses part of the way up. Chill the gelatin. When it’s set, top each...

With both Flag Day and the Fourth of July coming up you may be looking for a patriotic kids’ craft. Your older kiddos are all about creating realistic looking flags, portraits of famous Americans and crafts that are kind of complex. But, what about your toddler or preschooler? Little kids don’t have to feel left out. This easy felt craft is perfect for little hands and can be completely reusable. That means you can pack it away (after your child is done with the artsy play) and use it again on Memorial Day or any day! Materials 1 8x10-inch craft...

Why buy a ready-made Father’s Day card when your child can make her own? Instead of going with a store-bought version, get personal (and crafty) and DIY one. Your child can create this easy-to-make card, and then add to it. Fill the inside of the card with a favorite poem that describes dad, a sweet sentiment or anything that your kiddo wants to add. Craft Materials Card stock paper Scissors Markers Craft felt Clear-drying school glue How-To Steps Fold an 8x10-inch piece of card stock paper in half, from top to bottom. This creates a tent-like card. Draw bubble letters...

How are you spending Father’s Day? Not sure yet? That’s okay. If you haven’t made holiday plans, check out these family-fun activities that everyone will enjoy! Sure, you could do the typical go to a ball game day. Or, you could try something new this year. Reading Together You don’t have to leave the house to celebrate Father’s Day. Something simple like a daddy-daughter or daddy-son reading session is entertaining, educational and allows dad and the kids to spend some quality time together. Let the kids pick the book and let dad pick the place. At-Home Olympics Head out to...

Start dad’s day off with a sweet surprise. That’s right, make him breakfast on Father’s Day. Okay, so kids aren’t exactly known for their culinary skills. That’s okay. These recipes are easy to make, but still pack a tasty punch that dad will adore. Smothered Pancakes Dad typically covers his pancakes with a generous coating of maple syrup. Why not try something different for Father’s Day. Instead of the traditional syrup topping, smother dad’s breakfast cakes with a layer of peanut butter (or make a PB and J sandwich with two pancakes), chocolate sauce or flavored cream cheese. Sundae Breakfast...