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Fun

How To Host An Awesome Backyard Camping Party

by Leena Kollar
written by Leena Kollar

I’m not a fan of camping. The bugs, the dirty bathrooms, the animals- ick. However, camping out in my own backyard, that sounds like fun! I do enjoy sitting around a campfire with friends, but being able to get away and go to an actual campsite can be challenging. Between schedules, money and resources, it’s sometimes not possible to take a big group camping trip. But, throwing a camping party in your backyard is totally possible! You can have the comforts of home and the excitement of camping in one fun night.

Plan to invite your friends and their children over, and create a fabulous backyard campsite for everyone to enjoy for the evening. Make sure you incorporate these 8 elements while planning your bash.

1. Tents & Seating

Everyone is going to need somewhere to sit. But the seating certainly doesn’t have to be fancy. Camping is not a luxury activity (that’s glamping, FYI). Set up some large tents, or even a large enclosed space on the grass, and put some blankets, cushions and other “make do” seating out. You want the environment to be relaxed and comfortable, with plenty of places for all of your guests to hang out.

source: Honeysuckle

2. Bug Spray

As I mentioned, one of the reasons I don’t like camping is because of all the bugs. And if you’re inviting people over to have a good time, you want to make sure they won’t be attacked by pesky little insects. Just have some bug spray available to those who want to use it.

Learn how to make your own natural bug spray from Honeysuckle. It’s seriously awesome (and better for you)!

3. Food For Roasting

Hot dogs, marshmallows, anything you can roast, your guests (especially the kids) will love it. You can find inexpensive skewers online or at a grocery store, and since people can share them, you don’t need a lot. Just make sure that you have a safe place to start a fire, otherwise the fire department might make an unexpected visit!

4. Campfire Songs

If you’ve got musical talent, or musically inclined friends, break out some “Kumbaya.” Gather around the campfire, take out the guitar and sing some songs. It’ll be fun and entertaining, plus, it will help take your mind off of the realities of everyday life for awhile. Use this as a chance to encourage your children to squeeze in some guitar practice.

5. Board Games

So that your guests don’t get bored, set out some board games. Even a few decks of cards are fine. Have games available for both children and adults, so that everyone can enjoy the night. Games that everyone can play together are great!

6. Lanterns

When it gets dark, hang some lanterns up for a calming camping vibe. People can always use them to find their way to the bathroom (you don’t want people going in your backyard!). Turn off all the lights in your backyard to really set the camping mood. You can set out flashlights for the kids who are too young to carry a lantern.

source: So Easy Being Green

7. Scavenger Hunt

Create a fun scavenger hunt for the kids to play together before the sun goes down. It will be a great way for them to work on team building skills, make new friends and maybe even learn something new! This activity will teach your children to appreciate nature and better understand the importance of caring for our planet. You can also step things up a notch and do a “glow in the dark” scavenger hunt that everyone can participate in when it gets dark.

If you like the idea of promoting a greener way of life, check out So Easy Being Green, which is great for eco-minded moms.

8. Adult Beverages

Some people like their camping with a side of alcohol. There’s nothing wrong with that. Even if you don’t drink, it’s nice to have some beer available for your adult guests who do. Just make sure they don’t sit too close to the fire, or wander off down the street alone. Remind them that moderation is key.

Leena Kollar

Leena Kollar

Contributing Writer at Life As Mama
I'm a wife, mother and everything else associated with domestic life. I can often be found hiding from my kids to sneak treats (especially ice cream). I love rainbows and naps, and I find any excuse to go to Target. When I actually make it out of the house in real clothes, I document my outfits on my fashion blog, Leather & Lip Gloss. My love for fashion also inspired me to start my own comprehensive style website, The Style Spectrum.
Leena Kollar
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Fun

7 Wet And Wild Water Play Activities

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

The lack of a swimming pool, or lack of access to one, is never felt as keenly as it is during the summertime. This is especially true if you have a gaggle of kiddos just begging for some good old-fashioned water fun. Put away those boring old sprinklers and tell the kids to get their Super Soakers back into storage, these awesome activities are just as fun as they are creative.

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Source: momendeavors.com

1. DIY Water Blasters

Putting this project together may seem slightly daunting, but it can actually be fully completed in under an hour with a few simple supplies. The colorful pool noodles not only help make the contraption look cool, but they also allow the kids to grasp and shoot water at themselves and other people, which is the main reason these blasters are so dang fun.

Visit Mom Endeavors to find awesome parenting lifestyle tips and tricks.

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Source: hellowonderful.co

2. Mini Water Blobs

While these water blobs don’t actually allow kids to get wet without the help of a spraying hose or some water guns, the slippery little contraptions are so cool, they’ll barely notice. The blobs are made using plastic sheeting and, you guessed it, water. They are perfectly safe for little ones to sit, lay, and play on, and full enough to keep them perfectly cool without the presence of any other water, but we’re sure they wouldn’t mind a bit if you decided to douse them in some.

Hello, Wonderful is a fantastic source of adorable kiddie crafts and family fun ideas.

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Source: onecharmingparty.com

3. Giant Bubbles

This activity still counts as wet and wild if it’s only their feet that get wet, doesn’t it? We sure think so! All that’s needed for this activity is a small kiddie pool, a regular hula hoop, and tons of bubble solution. This activity is easy enough for the kids to figure out and complete themselves but fun enough that they’ll be at it for hours.

Head over to One Charming Party to find great ideas for hosting amazing parties.

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Source: 733blog.com

4. Duck, Duck, Splash

The rules are simple, a classic game of duck, duck, goose, but instead of a light tap on the head, it ends in someone getting a cup of cold water splashed over their heads. And who doesn’t love that?

Seven Thirty Three is full of amazingly creative DIY’s, crafts, and activities that are perfect for the entire family.

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Source: polkadotchair.com

5. DIY Coke Bottle Squirt Gun Bowling

While it’s true that you can easily use beach balls to knock down the “pins” during this bowling game, it is much more fun to use a squirt gun or two. Empty coke bottles, connected pool noodles, and a yoga mat are all you need to create this makeshift, water compatible bowling lane, but it takes a bit of precision and an accurate shot to win.

Find amazing projects ranging from homemade clothes to delicious recipes at The Polka Dot Chair.

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Source: happyhooligans.ca

6. DIY Slip n’ Slide

Slip n’ slides are almost as quintessential as swimming pools when it comes to summertime. Store bought slides tend to be a bit disappointing but this DIY one is not only extremely easy and cheap to create, but fun enough for the entire family to enjoy. Simply gather a large tarp, coat it in a bit of shampoo, get out the hose, and get your little ones ready.

Check out Happy Hooligans to find awesome crafting ideas that the kids will love.

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Source: jornie.com

7. Splash Party

Perfect for summer birthday parties, playdates, or just particularly hot days, this splash party activity is extremely easy to put together and a blast for everyone involved. Just find a bunch of household things like plastic bins, beach toys, balls, pretty much anything you have that looks fun and is also safe for water play, place them on something like a sidewalk or driveway, fill them with water, and let the kiddos splash away.

Find tons of great family travel inspiration and money saving tips at Jornie.

Jordyn Smith

Jordyn Smith

A city girl currently living it up in the south with my little family. I love baking, hoarding makeup, and daydreaming. If I'm not writing, I'm probably trying to think up weird pizza recipes or watching Property Brothers.
Jordyn Smith

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Crafts

8 Wonderful Water Bead Activities

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

Recently I was introduced to water beads by my neighbor. And my, oh my, are these things fun! Also known as “water gems,” these marble-sized beads are usually a tool of a florist. They are soaked in water for several hours, where they grow from a tiny size to your average marble, and are used to fill vases. Paired with the age-appropriate child (i.e., they are past the “put everything in their mouth” phase), water beads prove to be a fun afternoon activity. I personally have only ever used water beads found at Joann’s Fabric (like theses here) but you can find them on Amazon as well. Here are some fun ways to use your water beads this summer.

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Source: OverTheBigMoon.com

1. Water Table

One of the easiest ways to play with water beads is to toss them into your kids outdoor water table. You can add water or not, but your water table probably comes with lots of cool nooks, crannies and toys for scooping. The table will also help contain the mess and any rogue water beads that end up in your planters will purely help to keep your plants hydrated through the hot summer months.

OverTheBigMoon.com has this activity and even more water bead activities for kids, so head on over!

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Source: BusyToddler.com

2. Frozen Water Beads

If it’s a particularly hot day, toss those water beads in the freezer for some new sensory play ideas! Rub them between your fingers and hands, try and break them with a hammer or douse with warm water. While your water beads may not be usable after this activity, it sure is fun while it lasted!

Check out BusyToddler.com for more fun activities for your lively little ones.

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Source: ParentingChaos.com

3. Water Bead Sensory Bag

Got a kiddo who loves to make messes, but you’re tired of cleaning them up? This sensory bag is the perfect way to play with water beads, and not have to worry about finding them stuck between your toes when the kids are done with them (been there, done that). Just pour a bunch into a plastic baggie and then tape to a window! Perfect and mess-free play, thank you very much.

Some more detail on creating this sensory bag can be found at ParentingChaos.com, along with other great activities for young children.

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Source: PlayLearnEveryday.com

4. Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles can be used for children who need help paying attention, calming down or just for something fun to look at! It’s as simple as pouring water and water beads into an empty water bottle and closing the lid tightly (i.e. with lots of glue so it doesn’t open!). It’s a simple and relaxing activity that will mesmerize the kids.

Check out PlayLearnEveryday.com for details on creating your own sensory bottle, and for a fun water bead pickup game!

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Source: Fun-A-Day.com

5. Sensory Play Bins

Your options are endless when it comes to creating a themed sensory bin using water beads. Get a pack of blue beads to create an ocean oasis, or green to symbolize grass with little creepy crawlies tossed in. The kiddos will love digging around and searching for treasure (hey, there’s another idea!), all while getting their little hands and fingers tickled by the unique feel of water beads.

Be sure to visit Fun-A-Day.com for this idea and other activities to keep your kids busy, every day!

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Source: StillPlayingSchool.com

6. Fine Motor Skills Activities

If you’ve ever touched a water bead, you know how slippery they can be. Your young ones can work on their fine motor skills by handling water beads, either using their hands and fingers, or other tools like scoops and kid tweezers. Set up peg boards or water bottles and instruct them to pick up water beads and move to the various locations. It will keep them busy for hours!

If you love this idea, then be sure to visit StillPlayingSchool.com, where you’ll find additional play based educational activities!

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Source: GrowingAJeweledRose.com

7. Glowing Water Beads

As if water beads weren’t cool enough already, the lovely people at GrowingAJeweledRose.com have come up with a “Glowing Rainbow Water” mix that you soak the water beads in, and then.they.glow. I mean, I can’t think of anything better. It’s made with non-toxic fluorescent paint so definitely kiddo safe (but still not made for eating!), and worth every penny to create these one of a kind water beads. Perfect for late summer nights!

You can grab the glowing water beads instructions over at GrowingAJeweledRose.com!

Source: ArtfulParent.com

8. Color Sorting

If you have a child who loves organization and keeping things neat and tidy, they will love color sorting water beads. This is a perfect quiet time activity, and only involves water beads, some scoops and containers to place the various sorted colors. Easy peasy!

You can find this activity over at ArtfulParent.com, in addition to many more ideas for playing with water beads!

Karly Wood

Karly Wood

Editor at Red Tricycle
I'm a born and bred Southern California native and currently the managing editor at Red Tri. I get to share my life with my husband of 13 years and our beautiful, 5-year old daughter. In my free time you'll catch me cheering for the Dodgers, cooking, baking, reading, crafting and probably watching a little HGTV!
Karly Wood

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Fun

6 Fun Summer Science Experiments

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

For most kids, summer means time off of school to have as much fun as possible, be slightly lazy, and eat tons of frozen treats; and while all of those are usually totally okay with all the moms of the world, there’s nothing wrong with sneaking a few learning opportunities in there as well. Especially if those opportunities are fun, colorful science experiments. Fizz, explosions, and drips, these summer science experiments offer the right amount of learning to satisfy any mom and the perfect amount of fun to keep the little ones entertained.

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Source: babbledabbledo.com

1. Lemon Volcano

Don’t mistake these lemon volcanos for one of your bath bombs, these fizzy little things don’t mix well with water. To complete, fresh lemons are hallowed and filled with food coloring, dish soap, and baking soda, then pushed to react (explode) with some leftover lemon juice.

Head over to Babble Dabble Do to find great art and science projects for kids.

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Source: sweetpaulmag.com

2. Crystal Geode Eggs

This experiment involves quite a few materials and is relatively complex but it is a fantastic way to teach your kids about geodes, create some really cool crystals, and spend a summer afternoon. Real jumbo egg shells are turned into colorful crystal geodes with alum powder and glitter glue (along with some other tools), making them perfect for showcasing around the house after the experiment is over.

From delicious weeknight dinner recipes to parenting tips, Sweet Paul Mag has it all.

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Source: onelittleproject.com

3. Shaving Cream Rain Clouds

As long as you don’t mind wasting tons of food coloring, this easy science experiment is both incredibly fun and educational. Let your kids steadily drip food coloring over a clear cup or container of shaving cream topped water to let them make their own gorgeously dripping rain clouds and learn about the precipitation process.

Find great design inspiration and even better DIY’s at One Little Project.

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Source: sheknows.com

4. Erupting Rainbow

What child doesn’t love rainbows or explosions? Mixing them together in this awesome experiment might just blow their cute little minds. The science behind this experiment involves the classic combination of baking soda and vinegar but the addition of food coloring and the ability to make controlled eruptions one at a time make it a total blast for both kids and adults.

Check out She Knows to find tons of helpful parenting tips and awesome DIY projects.

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Source: happyhooligans.ca

5. Ocean In A Bottle

If your family can’t make it to the beach this summer, allow your kids to get a little taste of the ocean in a different way. This experiment mixes oil, water, and food coloring together to create a beautiful oceanic effect inside of a simple bottle. Allow the kids to control the tides of the ocean with this creative experiment.

Crafts, fun activities, and recipes, Happy Hooligans has great ideas for everything kiddie.

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Source: the36thavenue.com

6. Homemade Bouncy Ball

Teach your little ones how to make their own toys with this amazing bouncy ball experiment. Requiring only 5 ingredients (most of which are also used to make typical household slime) and 5 steps, this project is easy enough for kids of all ages to explore with a little bit of supervision. Just let their imaginations, and their toys, run a little wild!

Find crafting projects for both kids and adults along with tons of other fantastic lifestyle inspiration at The 36th Avenue.

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Kids

8 Great Outdoor Summer Toys

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

Warm weather is on the horizon and if you’re like me, your rather be outside sweating, then inside and trying to keep your AC bill down. Kids all seem to sleep and act better when they have their daily dose of fresh air, so why not give them some motivation to get outside this summer? We’ve rounded up some awesome outdoor toys that are great for summer and keeping the kids busy.

This post contains affiliate links.

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Source: Amazon

1. Swivel Car

Practically every kid in our neighborhood has one of these swivel cars, and with good reason. They are SO fun! Plasma cars have been on the market for quite some time and this is basically the same thing. It’s a car with no pedals that is completely propelled and stirred by swiveling the handle. It’s a simple design that even a 2-year old can master, and they come in all sorts of awesome colors.

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Source: Amazon

2. Neon Jumbo Markers- Sidewalk Chalk

Gone are the days of basic and boring sidewalk chalk! Art supply maker, Rose Art, has come up with Neon Jumbo Markers that are made with powdered sidewalk chalk! Simply add water, shake well and then head outside for some serious sketching. This is definitely an adult-supervised situation, because the mixing of paint can get pretty messy. I let my 3-year old try these out and I’d have to say that she may have been a little too young to “appropriately” use these markers. In other words, she just walked around the driveway squirting the paint out and didn’t draw a thing. Also, I recommend wearing dark or grubby clothing because while the paint DOES wash off your sidewalk, it left some stains on her clothes that no amount of bleaching or washing could get off. All in the spirit of some fun!

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Source: Amazon

3. Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship Water Table

Itty bitty toddlers to elementary-aged kids all find fun in the bottom of a water table, and that’s why it’s a sure thing this summer. Nothing will keep the kids cooler than splashing around in a table full of cool water and even cooler toys. They are easy to fill and offer tons of elbow room for up to 4 kids. There are designs and sizes for any budget, and the one shown above is one of our personal favorites! Ahoy mateys!

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Source: Amazon

4. Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler Toy

If you don’t live in a drought area (i.e. everyone but California- waaaa!), then a sprinkler toy is a perfect addition to your summer toy collection. Just like in the good ole days, just plug this baby in to the garden house, turn it on and get cool! Kids and adults alike will revel in this some instant refreshment.

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Source: Amazon

5. Super Soaker Squirt Guns

Summer and squirt guns are synonymous, am I right? Don’t let the hot weather pass you buy without getting a signature gun to beat the heat- a Super Soaker. I remember these from my childhood and there’s no finer weapon to keep the neighborhood kids in check!

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Source: Amazon

6. Summer Lovin’ Beach Play Center

A great way to keep little ones happy and to avoid the crowds (and stress) of heading to the community pool is to have your own personal baby pool. Blow up versions are great because they can be deflated and stored all winter, without taking up space like a molded plastic pool. Even though they are coined “baby pools” even older toddlers can find refreshment and relaxation by keeping cool in the shallow water. There are tons you can find in your local stores and on Amazon, but how cute is this mermaid version? It even comes with a space to store water toys at the back!

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Source: Amazon

7. Little Candylicious Bubble Machine

The joke around my neighborhood is that the kids eat more bubble solution then they blow bubbles, but with this Candylicious bubble maker- that’s ok! It literally comes with FLAVORED bubbles. We have a similar machine at my house and I will say that it goes through bubbles fast. That being said, the novelty of flavored bubbles will wear off and you’ll most likely resort to buying large bottles just to keep up. Regardless, all kids love bubbles and this bound to be a hit!

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Source: Amazon

8. Hurricane Water Balls

Water balloons- oh so fun but such a waste. It takes more time to fill them up, tie and prevent your kids from breaking them before you get a whole bucketful than it does to actually use them! That’s why this Hurricane Water Balls are so cool! They are reusable balls that are better than water balloons! They can be used up to 1000 each and make it so you aren’t spending the end of your summer days picking up broken pieces of balloon from your lawn.

Karly Wood

Karly Wood

Editor at Red Tricycle
I'm a born and bred Southern California native and currently the managing editor at Red Tri. I get to share my life with my husband of 13 years and our beautiful, 5-year old daughter. In my free time you'll catch me cheering for the Dodgers, cooking, baking, reading, crafting and probably watching a little HGTV!
Karly Wood

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FunKids

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

by Mary Mulroney
written by Mary Mulroney

Before we know it summer’s going to be here, the kids will be out of school, and we’re all going to need some ideas of things to do to keep us busy. The great thing about summer is that there are endless amounts of things to do. Sometimes you have to get a little creative, but there’s always something to do, especially outside activities when the weather is nice. Summer is one of my favorite times of the year and I can’t wait to spend it with my little ones doing fun things. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do with them and I’ve created a summer bucket list that I can’t wait to share with all of you. All of these things are pretty inexpensive to do and will provide a lot of great memories for your family this summer. Not to mention that it’ll keep the kids busy and out of your hair which is always a plus!

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1. Water Gun Fight

Getting wet when it’s hot outside is always a ton of fun, especially for kids. It’s no secret that kids love playing with water, especially when it means they get to fight and attack each other. If you don’t already have some water guns, you can pick some up at the dollar store for really cheap. The few dollars you spend will definitely be worth it since it’ll keep your kids entertained all summer long.

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2. Water Balloon Fight

Another fun water activity is a water balloon fight. This was one of my very favorite things to do as a kid in the summer. You can pick some of these up at the dollar store, as well. Fill them up for your kids and let them play games with them or simply throw them at each other. Either way they’ll have loads of fun and have a chance to cool off in the sun.

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3. Ride Bikes To Get Ice Cream

Not only is riding bikes a great summer activity, but it’s even better when you ride them to get something refreshing like ice cream! It doesn’t even have to be ice cream, it could be shaved ice, popsicles, or a delicious drink. Just make sure it’s something refreshing that the kids will enjoy. They’ll love getting out of the house even on a hot day, if it means they get to cool off with a treat.

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CraftsDIY

7 Creative Cupcake Liner Crafts

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

Sometimes you just need a craft in a hurry and want to use supplies you already have on hand. Most moms have a stack of cupcake liners always hanging out in the pantry (especially if you’re me, and found really cute Santa liners that you bought 4 years ago and always forget you have until January). They are great for whipping out some afternoon crafts, and won’t cost you much. Check out some easy and fun crafts to put your cupcake liners to use!

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Source: EasyPeasyAndFun.com

1. Jelly Fish Cupcake Liner Craft

How cute is this craft? Not only is it perfect for an ocean-themed party or a segment about marine life in school, it’s super easy to whip up! It would look super cute flapping in the breeze of an open window or even hanging off your patio cover.

Head over to EasyPeasyAndFun.com for all the details and other fun ideas that are easy peasy!

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Source: IHeartCraftyThings.com

2. Cupcake Liner Ice Cream Cones

Doesn’t this craft make you long for summer days? When your kids have had enough real ice cream (aka they’re on a sugar high) then have them put their energy into making cupcake liner cones! They can use colored liners to symbolize their favorite flavor, and add glitter, sequins or gems as “toppings.” Super sweet craft- without all the sugar.

This is just one of many crafts you can find over to at IHeartCraftyThings.com!

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Source: Fun-A-Day.com

3. Flowers

This is a wonderful craft for young kids, especially those who may not be using scissors yet. They can make their own flowers by flattening the cupcake liner and then using buttons, pom poms or other crafty materials to to make the center of each flower. This would be such a cute craft for a teacher or family member!

Head over to Fun-A-Day.com for the details on this craft. They also have wonderful resources for early learning and free printables!

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Source: GluedToMyCraftsBlog.com

4. Cupcake Liner Birds

These are just the sweetest birds I’ve ever seen! You could totally customize your kids crafts to match your home or their bedroom by using specific colors. Even if you are just whipping them up for some fridge action, these birds are so simple to make, needing only a cupcake liner, googly eye and a pair of drawn on feet.

GluedToMyCraftsBlog.com has this craft and SO many more cupcake liner activities too!

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Source: CraftyMorning.com

5. Cupcake Liner Butterflies

These cupcake liner butterflies are adorable and require minimal supplies. Some glitter and glue on clothespins and then your fun colored cupcake liners are all it takes! These would make great magnets or even book marks.

Check out CraftyMorning.com for this craft and hundreds more!

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Source: PintSizedTreasures.com

6. Cupcake Liner Flower Bouquet

If you have older kids, this is another great craft that produces more bouquet-like flowers. This craft involves making small holes and the use of a glue gun, so some supervision is necessary! You can make some great looking bouquets with this craft and easily coordinate to the season and style of your home!

Check out PintSizedTreasures.com for this tutorial and other great crafts!

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Source: ALittlePinchOfPerfect.com

7. Cupcake Liner Fireworks

This craft makes me excited for summer, and of course cupcakes. What a safe way to celebrate with fireworks! Check out your local craft store during the summer to find fun baking cups like these, and your kids will be lighting up their own little piece of sky in no time!

This is just one of many crafts you’ll find over at ALittlePinchOfPerfect.com.

Karly Wood

Karly Wood

Editor at Red Tricycle
I'm a born and bred Southern California native and currently the managing editor at Red Tri. I get to share my life with my husband of 13 years and our beautiful, 5-year old daughter. In my free time you'll catch me cheering for the Dodgers, cooking, baking, reading, crafting and probably watching a little HGTV!
Karly Wood

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CraftsDIY

8 Terrific Tissue Paper Crafts For Kids

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

There are some crafts that remind me of my childhood, and anything using tissue paper is one of them. I have fond memories of wrapping little tissue squares around my pencil eraser to make snowmen and you probably do to! The best crafts are those that keep our kids occupied but also those that help them develop fine motor skills, like they will when twisting and wrapping the fine paper that is tissue paper. Another bonus is that tissue paper crafts are usually inexpensive and so versatile! Check out this list of 8 great crafts that are worthy of your personal home art gallery.

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Source: MessForLess.net

1. Flower Art

This craft reminds me of my childhood and will give your kids just as many fond memories of crafting with tissue paper. You can use any image you want, or print out this free flower template over at MessForLess.net, and then have the kids scrunch of square pieces of tissue paper and glue on. So simple yet so fun!

Check out MessForLess.net for even more fun kid craft ideas!

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Source: HomeSchoolingMom4Two.com

2. Tissue Paper Fish

How adorable is this tissue paper craft? What a great summer project or one for learning about marine life. All you need is a simple cut out fish, and both strips and triangles cut from tissue paper. Let the kids go at it with glue for a fun project that will look great on your fridge.

Head over HomeSchoolingMom4Two.com for more info on this craft and even more ideas for homeschooling.

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Source: Jane-Can.com

3. Tissue Paper Painting

Forget the kids, this craft is great for moms! Did you know there are 2 types of tissue paper, and one of them is “bleeding” tissue paper? It transfers color when wet, and that’s why this craft is so gorgeous. You can cut shapes from this special type of tissue paper (you can find it on Amazon), dampen a canvas and then place your shapes on the canvas. Let everything dry and the tissue paper will come off easily, leaving you a truly unique piece of art that’s worthy of more than just your fridge!

Check out the amazing process over at Jane-Can.com, and then get tissue paper painting!

 

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Source: FromABCsToACTs.com

4. Tissue Paper Flower Pot

Why suffer with boring terra cotta or dollar store pots when you can let you kids decorate them? This is also a great grandparent or teacher gift that is much more personal. Just use strips of tissue paper (or shapes, whatever you have!) and glue on! Then cover with a good coat of glue or modge podge and you’ve got a bright and cheery pot!

FromABCsToACTs.com has this cute craft and all the details, so head over for a visit!

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Source: CraftyMorning.com

5. Paper Plate Crafts

There are tons of paper plate crafts you can make when it comes to tissue paper. Flowers, turtles and cars are just a few and it all depends on how you cut your paper plate! The many colors of tissue paper will give your crafts versatility and make those paper plates last forever! This paper plate flower was made by just a simple free hand cut out, and made totally unique by the color choices. So easy!

CraftyMorning.com came up with this simple craft that your kids will love. Head over there for hundreds of other craft ideas for the kids!

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Source: IHeartArtsNCrafts.com

6. Jelly Fish Sun Catcher

I just love the bright colors in stained glass windows and this sun catcher is the next best thing. You just need some tissue paper, ribbon, contact paper and black construction for the outline. This is a great craft that’s both fun and functional! Your windows will look awesome with the gorgeous light streaming through.

You’ll love this craft from IHeartArtsNCrafts.com, as well as printables, recipes and tips on motherhood.

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Source: MomSpark.net

7. Faux Stained Glass Candle Holders

The best crafts are made with stuff you already have around the house! You probably have a few glass jars lying around that could use some beautifying, so why not turn them into “stained glass” candle holders? You can let the kids pick whatever colors they like, or give them paper that will match your home decor.

Check out MomSpark.net for the full tutorial. You’ll also find other great resources for motherhood, recipes and crafts for moms and kids.

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Source: HappyHooligans.ca

8. Tissue Paper Wreath

Can you ever have enough wreaths for the year? Not in my house, and I just love ones that were made by little hands and fingers. No matter the season, if you have the tissue paper you can make a colorful wreath. Just use a paper plate to cut out a wreath shape and set out the seasonal colors!

HappyHooligans.ca has TONS of amazing crafts, just like this one so be sure to visit!

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CraftsKidsTips & Ideas

10 Fun & Free Do-A-Dot Printables

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

If you’ve never experienced the magic of Do-A-Dot markers, then you are missing out. Do-A-Dots (as they’re known on the street) are sponge tip applicator markers that are great for young kids, and basically produce perfect circles when you use them. So basically, they are bingo markers for kids:

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Source: Amazon

Do-A-Dot markers are fun and a good spin on traditional coloring. You can find them in most craft stores and I often find them discounted at places like TJMaxx and Home Goods (they are a bit pricier than traditional markers). The best part is kids can use pre-made templates to “color” with! I’ve found a great collection of free printables that you will all enjoy, so keep scrolling!

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Source: TheMeasuredMom.com

1. Alphabet Dot Pages

Use your do-a-dots for the greater good and help teach the kiddos their alphabet. This fun collection of alphabet pages will not only teach your kids their letters, but associated animals to go with it. If you love these, you can also find lower case letters too!

Check out TheMeasuredMom.com to get the complete collection for free!

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Source: 1plus1plus1equals1.net

2. Annual Calendar

This calendar is a great way to start teaching your kids about the days and months of the year. You can talk about special days and holidays, counting, days of the week and all while creating fun color themes and patterns as you dot off the days.

Head over to 1plus1plus1equals1.net to download this free 12 month printable!

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Source: GiftOfCuriosity.com

3. Planets

This pack of printables is SO comprehensive, boasting planets, aliens, stars and more! Your kids won’t even notice they’re learning while they dot away.

To download this free pack, get over to GiftOfCuriosity.com, where you’ll also find tons of other seasonal do-a-dot packs too!

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KidsTravel

12 Terrific Travel Activities For Kids

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

Can we just be honest for a minute and say that traveling with kids can be super fun, or just plain awful? No matter how much you plan, there’s still always the possibility that something will go wrong. You may be planning for a simple weekend trip or a more lavish vacation (just in case you’re confused, check out this hilarious article over at HuffPo), but just as much preparation goes into packing and planning when you have children, no matter the trip. One of the hardest parts is just simply getting from your home to your destination, especially when it comes to keeping the kiddos entertained. We’ve gathered up some simple travel activities that will hopefully keep you and your family happy!

(This post contains affiliate links.)

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Source: SuburbanMom.com

1. The License Plate Game

This game has been around as long as their have been kids, cars and license plates. So pretty much forever!  Its as simple as handing all the kids a printout like the one above and checking off each license plate as they see them. You can slip them in some sheet protectors so you can use them again and again.

Head over to SuburbanMom.com to download your own copy of this game as well as check out even more travel activity ideas.

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2. Cookie Sheet Activities

You kids won’t be doing any baking in the back seat but they will be staying entertained, so long as they have a cookie sheet and some activities on their lap! You can find an inexpensive one at the dollar store, just make sure it’s magnetic. Then pick up some cheap magnets, paper dolls and other activities that are lap worthy and your kids will be shocked they’ve made it to grandmas house so quickly! We’ve got a great article right here on Life As Mama with 10 cookie sheet activities so check it out for some great ideas!

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Source: AllForTheBoys.com

3. Let Your Kids Draw On Your Face

For some reason, it’s always a kick in the pants when you can doodle on someone’s face. As you quietly laugh to yourself, you’re also quite entertained. If you have older kids, you can create your own dry erase notebook, complete with dry erase markers and family photos tucked into sheet protectors. With just a little preparation, your kids will be entertained for hours as they doodle, wipe of and start over.

AllForTheBoys.com has a full tutorial on making your own dry erase face binder. This is a great activity not only for traveling, but sick days!

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