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summer activities

simple summer activities
Lifestyle

4 Simple Summer Activities That The Whole Family Will Love

by Guest Post May 30, 2018
written by Guest Post

While summer is a great time to kick back and binge on Netflix with your kids, it can also be a great time to participate in more active activities as a family. However, that can be a bit of a tall order, especially if your children have large age gaps. So, to help kickstart your unique summer activities planning, here are four simple summer activities that the whole family can enjoy.

simple summer activities

Source: SomewhatSimple.com

1.  Water Gun Painting

No matter the actual artistic talent of your various family members, everyone can create water gun art. For this project, you’ll need:

  • Water guns
  • Paper
  • Liquid watercolor paints
  • Thumbtacks

A stop at your local craft store, Walmart, or Amazon should allow you to acquire all the supplies you need for this activity. Make sure the triggers on the water guns work smoothly or it may make the painting process a bit frustrating. Tack some paper to trees in your yard and let your family go wild with the colors and water guns! I recommend old clothes or swimsuits, as some family members may not be able to resist the urge to turn their water gun away from the paper and paint each other instead.

Once the art is dry, have everyone sign their art and you will have beautiful reminders of your summer fun.

Head over to SomewhatSimple.com to see exactly how it’s done!

simple summer activities

2.  Photo Scavenger Hunt

Rather than organizing a scavenger hunt which leaves your home clutter with random items, a photo scavenger hunt is the perfect variant. Split into teams where there is at least one camera holder, whether the camera is a digital camera or smartphone, it doesn’t make a difference. There are plenty of scavenger hunt lists you can download and print or you can create your own for your family hunts. To encourage fun photos, offer bonus points for photos which feature items from the hunt posed with the hunting family members.

simple summer activities

Source: UrbanFunnyFarm.blogspot.com

3.  Water Balloon Volleyball

Playing water volleyball can be a great way to cool down on a hot summer day, and you don’t need a volleyball net to play this game. A simple string tacked up in your backyard will do just fine. Other supplies you will need are:

  • Water balloons
  • Towels

Depending on the athleticism of your family members, you can arrange the teams in several ways. Using full-sized towels, you can have two family members per one towel, with a person holding their own end of the towel. That way they work together to both catch and launch water balloons from the towel they are holding.

To make things more mobile and difficult, you can use kitchen and hand towels. That way, each person is responsible for their own water balloon catches and launching. This can help you engage your teenage children more in the family activity. If the water balloon explodes, falls off the towel, or hits the ground, it is counted as an out and the team which scored a point can launch a balloon.

We found some amazing photos of how this game is done over at  UrbanFunnyFarm.blogspot.com–– head over to check them out!

simple summer activities

4.  Camping

Every time you go camping, each experience is different. This is a particularly budget-friendly activity, as you don’t have to travel farther than your backyard to enjoy some camping. A great way to make your camping trips more memorable is to have family members help in the planning. Maybe your teen recently studied the Grand Canyon and wants to go camping there or other national landmarks. It can help everyone feel more invested when they help plan.

Research has shown that strong parent-child bonds are key to raising children to become mentally healthy adults. So, you can feel good about investing time into making unique summer activities, knowing it is also an investment in your children’s future happiness.

 

Author Bio

Tyler Jacobson is a father of three and avid outdoor enthusiast. He’s learned a thing or two about parenting and has turned from a full time career in digital media to helping fellow parents of teenagers. He pulls from his own life experiences raising spunky, free-spirited children, as well as his work with various organizations that help teens be their best selves. During his free time, Tyler enjoys taking his family into the mountains to connect with a simpler side of life which he finds grounding and rejuvenating.

 

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netflix original kid shows
Lifestyle

7 Netflix Original Kid Shows to Binge Watch This Summer

by Karly Wood May 21, 2018
written by Karly Wood

Let’s face it––there are only so many hours you can spend outside in the blistering hot, summer sun. When it’s time to come inside and pull the shades down to relax in the AC, why not enjoy a few shows too? There are tons of Netflix original kid shows and they are just as entertaining for adults as the kiddos. Check out our list of fun shows to watch this summer season.

Source: DandelionMoms.com

1. Spirit Riding Free

In collaboration with DreamWorks, Netflix brings us this animated series that follows 12-year-old Lucky and her wild horse, Spirit. Spirit is actually Spirit Jr., offspring of Spirit Sr. from the original film, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. From the catchy and twangy intro song to the lovable characters, you’ll thoroughly enjoy watching all 5 seasons (so far!) on Netflix this summer.

netflix original kid shows

Source: ToonBarn.com

2. Trolls: The Beat Goes On

Catch up with Poppy, Branch, Smidge and Mr. Dinkle when you watch Netflix’s original show, Trolls: The Beat Goes On. Two seasons currently brings tons of new songs and adventures about living life next to the Bergens.

Source: MommyDigger.com

3. Lego Friends- The Power of Friendship

Watch your fave LEGO friends come to life with Netflix’s LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship. The series follows the Friends collection from the LEGO brand, including gal pals Olivia, Mia, Stephanie, Emma and Andrew and their adventures around Heartlake City. There are only two seasons to this series, but your little girls who love LEGO won’t mind watching them over and over.

netflix original kid shows

Source: Popsugar.com

4. The Adventures of Puss in Boots

Six seasons and 78 episodes means you’ll have plenty of options to watch Puss in Boots this summer. The lovable character from Shrek takes center stage in his own show and aims to protect the hidden city of San Lorenzo from villains.

netflix original kid shows

Source: SideReel.com

5. Dragons: Race to the Edge

Get the nitty gritty on what happens in between the popular movies, How To Train Your Dragon 1 & 2 when you watch Dragons: Race to the Edge. The show takes place in the space between the two films and follows Hiccup and Toothless on their many adventures on the island of Berk.

netflix original kid shows

Source: LongWaitForIsabella.com

6. All Hail King Julien

Emmy Award-winning series All Hail King Julien is bound to keep everyone entertained. The cutest Lemur ever from the Madagascar series regales us with tons of fun music and adventures in the 5 seasons so far.

netflix original kid shows

Source: TVGuide.com

7. A Series of Unfortunate Events

Neil Patrick Harris graces us with his presence in this black comedy adaptation of Lemony Snicket. Perfect for older kids and parents alike, follow the Baudelaire children and their stay with creepy Uncle Olaf, who’s trying to gain access to the family fortune.

 

RELATED POSTS

6 Movies You Should Netflix With Your Kids

9 Preschooler-Approved Shows To Watch With Your Kids

 

7 Netflix Original Kid Shows to Binge Watch This Summer

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summer with kids
KidsLittle KidToddler

6 Life Hacks for Surviving Summer with Littles

by Guest Post June 1, 2017
written by Guest Post

It’s summertime and like most moms of small children who enjoy the benefits of a preschool or mother’s day out program, this time of year can bring a fair amount of fear and trepidation. As I anticipate having all three of my children home 24/7, the stress level rises exponentially. At least, that’s been the case in the past. This year, however, I’m actually looking forward to the adventure. What changed? I have a strategy! Instead of reacting to summer, this momma is taking a proactive role in braving summer with small children. You can, too.

summer with kids

Here are 6 ways I’m preparing for summer.

 

1. Have a plan

This may seem obvious but you need a strategy to have a successful summer with small children. Even if it’s only a few days a week at a mother’s day out program, most children enjoy and benefit from the structure and predictability of a school environment. Consider bringing some of that structure into your summer. Take some time to determine what a weekly schedule would look like for your preschool crowd. Keep it simple and try to make the staple items consistent. For example, snack times, lunch and nap/rest time should take place at the same time or as close to it as possible every day.

If your children are older, enlist their help in creating a bucket list for special activities to pick from each week. Add in a few consistent items like a library time or park adventure and you have a plan! It may look a little boring on paper but a schedule will really help make your summer more successful.

 

 

2. Have a budget

The amount isn’t as important as being able to count on a set amount of money for that weekly trip to Chick-fil-A or the summer membership to the local pool. Having a summer budget you can resource is very helpful. It may be hard to justify the money but consider your budget during the school year. Do you pay for a mother’s day out program? Do you budget for clubs or sports or lessons during the year? A summer budget is just as significant an investment. You can use the money you’ve set aside to do the activities on your bucket list. Pay for camps. Get a membership for a local children’s museum or a water park. A budget can allow for impromptu treats from the ice cream truck or the local shaved ice pop up. Regardless of the amount, a few dollars tucked away for the incidentals can be very helpful.

3. Resource All the Free Stuff

Just because you have a budget doesn’t mean you have to pay for everything. Libraries have stories times. Churches host free or inexpensive V.B.S. programs. Many businesses and attractions provide free or reduced admission for children. Movie theaters and bowling allies have dollar admissions. Parks and splash pads are in abundance and free. Check out your local mom groups online for details and tips for free experiences. Moms love to share bargains!

4. Set Up Play Dates

Yes, it’s a lot of work to get out the door or open your home to friends but a playdate is truly one of the easiest and cheapest ways to have fun with your kids, catch up with a girlfriend and fill a day with purpose. Consider scheduling a play date 1-2 times per week. Up for a challenge? You can choose a theme for the day. You can center all crafts, snacks, and activities around a specific theme. Be careful though. You may find yourself having entirely too much fun planning!

5. Stock Up on Supplies

You can turn your backyard or kitchen table into a child’s summer time dream come true with the acquisition of a few simple and inexpensive supplies. Stop by the dollar spot at Target or the Dollar Tree to stock up on crayons, coloring books and art supplies. You can fill your backyard with sidewalk chalk, bubbles and hula hoops. Grab a kiddie pool and you’re all set! It doesn’t take much but a few dollars invested can make for a well-prepared summer with kids.

6. Embrace the Lazy and Crazy Days

Don’t forget that summer should be synonymous with slowing down. Sporadically ditch the schedule and declare a “bed head day.” Embrace the jammies and bed head hair. Watch movies all day and munch on cheerios. And when those crazy days come, no matter how prepared you are, or how structured you’ve laid out your day? Grace, Momma. Grace.

 

Summer with littles doesn’t have to be survival mode. With a little strategy, the right supplies in place, a budget (even a tiny one), and an arsenal of places to go, you can have a fun and memorable summer!

We’d love to hear what you have planned! What would you change or add to the list?

Author Bio:

Patty Parker lives in Texas with her husband, Marshall, and three active children ages 2, 4 and 6. She loves dark chocolate, Micron pens, and journals. Patty loves sharing “me too” stories of her adventures in motherhood and works diligently to remove the isolation moms often feel on their parenting journey. She believes moms are stronger together and advocates for a supportive community of mothers. You can read more on her blog: pattyparker.me/blog

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last day of school traditions
FamilyFun

4 Last Day Of School Traditions To Start With Your Kids

by Amanda Foust May 25, 2017
written by Amanda Foust

The last days of school are quickly approaching. Every year I am SO ready for the end of school. But then the summer hits, and I’m ready for school to start back up again! It’s a vicious cycle. But instead of approaching the end of the year by throwing in the towel and giving up paying attention to all that’s going on in my child’s classroom, I’ve decided to be more intentional and plan some last day of school traditions to enjoy with my kids.

last minute teacher gifts

1. Buy Or Create A Teacher Gift

My kids LOVE picking out teacher gifts. Every teacher deserves a special something for putting up with our kids for an entire school year!  You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to say “thank you.” We wanted to give you some great options. Here is a list of teacher gifts under $5 and this post is for all the procrastinators who need last minute gift ideas!

 

last day of school photo printables

2. Take A “Last Day Of School” Picture

I’m really great about taking the first day of school pictures! At that point, I’m pumped for school to be starting up again, everything is in order, kids look great, and a picture just seems like the logical next thing to do! The last day of school is more of a struggle. My kids eat stale granola bars on their way out the door, barely have their hair brushed, and I’m just counting down the hours until it’s summer and all the pressure of school is off of us all! But it’s also so fun to compare first days and last days! Kids grow so much and it often goes unnoticed without a side by side picture comparison. Use one of these printables to help document the last day! (Don’t forget to tag #lifeasmama in your last day of school pictures for a chance to be featured on our social media!)

 

last day of school traditions

3. Make A Nice Breakfast

Okay, so I mentioned stale granola bars, but this year I’m going to try to make the morning an enjoyable start to the day by investing a little more time into breakfast. As someone who can’t really cook, it’s not going to be too fancy, but maybe some pancakes or eggs instead of Cheerios! I don’t really like waking up extra early, so these overnight crock pot meals might be the best option for my family! Pick a fun out-of-the-ordinary breakfast and start making that a special last day of school event for your children to look forward to each year!

 

summer activities

4. Plan A Fun After-School Activity!

School’s out, summer is here, so how do you celebrate? Plan an extra special afternoon activity! Here is a list of 5 must-do summer activities. The night before, have your kids pick an activity from this list and plan to have it ready when they come home! This is a great way to welcome the break and spend time making memories with your kids!

 

Tell us in the comments all about YOUR last day of school traditions!

last day of school traditions

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Amanda Foust

Amanda Foust

Amanda is a wife, mother, writer/editor, and certified life coach. Pen and paper make her spirit come alive. She spends her creative time reading, decorating, and handwriting fonts. Her world is better with an assortment of chocolate and a stack of books packed and ready for travel. She works each day to be a creative maker and a light bringer. You can find more of her writing at Downs, Ups & Teacups and TheDailyPositive.com.
Amanda Foust

Latest posts by Amanda Foust (see all)

  • 10 Last Minute Teacher Gift Ideas - November 29, 2018
  • 10 Healthy And Tasty After School Snacks - August 16, 2018
  • What My Kids Have Learned From Seeing A Working Mom - August 8, 2017

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summer activities
Fun

5 Must-Do Activities This Summer With Your Kids

by Amanda Foust May 23, 2017
written by Amanda Foust

Summer is just around the corner, and we can all use advice for activities to plan for our kids. Sure, there are summer camps, VBS, and (for some) the pool, but what about all that extra time in between since school no longer is an option during the summer months?

As I said in this post, imaginary play just isn’t my jam. However, I typically do much better during the summer months! The pressure is off, the weather is nice, and I’m much more in the mood to come up with fun activities!

summer activities

Source: Brandon.Macaronikid.com

1. Ice Block Treasure Hunt

The heat during the summer months can be brutal. What else could kids love more than a way to cool themselves off while playing? Macaroni Kid introduces a great activity for kids through creating an ice block treasure hunt. Gather random little odds and ends, fill a box with them and cover with water. Then place in the freezer until it’s a solid block ready for your little explorers to chip away!

Read how to create this ice block here.

summer activities

2. Sidewalk Chalk

Take advantage of sidewalk chalk! My kids entertain themselves for hours with chalk! They color the sidewalk, themselves, and each other! One time my son painted my cheeks with chalk, I forgot about it and wore it on my face the rest of the afternoon. (whoops!)

Here are 10 sidewalk chalk ideas to give you some inspiration.

 

summer activities

Source: simplifylivelove.com

3. Squirt Gun Art

Be prepared for another messy activity, mamas! But I have a feeling you will want to join in on this fun! Instead of water, load the squirt guns with WASHABLE paint, lay out a blank canvas (this could be a white sheet or various scrap pieces of paper), and let the “war” begin! This is a messy activity, so be sure to wear old clothes and stay outdoors!

summer activities

Source: housingaforest.com

4. Build Your Own Sprinkler

Where I live, the summers are very humid. If I want my kiddos to not only go outside but STAY outside, I have to incorporate water into their play. My husband is a resourceful handyman and is always coming up with new inventions — taking old things and transforming them into activities for the kids. I’m excited to give him the challenge of a homemade sprinkler this year!

For simple instructions to build your own sprinkler, check out Housing A Forest.

summer activities

Source: iheartcraftythings.com

5. Color Scavenger Hunt

Although Pinterest is full of amazing, creative ideas, sometimes I just want a quick and simple go-to for the kids. I don’t have time to dedicate long hours to developing fun activities, so when I saw this simple paper bag and marker scavenger hunt idea, I knew I needed to add this to my summer activities list! You can make up your own scavenger hunt rules, but the easy rules are that your kiddos find things either inside or out that match the colors you put on the bag. First one to find all the colors wins!

Check out I Heart Crafty Things for more instructions.

Tell us in the comments a few of YOUR go-to summer activities! We need all the help we can get!

summer activities

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Amanda Foust

Amanda Foust

Amanda is a wife, mother, writer/editor, and certified life coach. Pen and paper make her spirit come alive. She spends her creative time reading, decorating, and handwriting fonts. Her world is better with an assortment of chocolate and a stack of books packed and ready for travel. She works each day to be a creative maker and a light bringer. You can find more of her writing at Downs, Ups & Teacups and TheDailyPositive.com.
Amanda Foust

Latest posts by Amanda Foust (see all)

  • 10 Last Minute Teacher Gift Ideas - November 29, 2018
  • 10 Healthy And Tasty After School Snacks - August 16, 2018
  • What My Kids Have Learned From Seeing A Working Mom - August 8, 2017

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summer
DIYPrintables

6 Free Printables To Make Your Summer Extra Fun

by Leena Kollar April 27, 2017
written by Leena Kollar

Summer is great because it’s the season that allows for family vacations, spending more time with your children and participating in lots of activities to keep you busy. But it’s also crappy because you have to survive family vacations, spend more time with your children and you don’t get to relax because you’re so busy! Between barbecues, birthday parties, and extracurriculars, most of us are go, go, go all summer. And if you’re going to be livin’ it up, you might as well make it fun!

Here are some super cool (and free!) printables to help you get through the summer months. I know summertime can be brutal, but these printables will make your summer much more bearable.

summer printablessource: Studio DIY

1. Sun’s Out Buns Out

Noooo, not those buns. Unless they’re your baby’s, in which case, bring on the cute little tooshie! But for burgers, there’s this totally rad wrapper that will make you feel like you’re at the most happenin’ burger joint in town. If that burger joint is in your backyard, these are awesome for serving burgers to all your guests!

Head over to Studio DIY for this printable.

summer printablessource: The 36th Avenue

2. Ice Cream Cone Wrappers

I don’t know about you, but I plan on indulging in lots of ice cream this summer. In fact, ice cream parties are all the rage these days. So if you need an idea for keeping your kids busy this summer, why not throw an ice cream social? All you need to do is set up an ice cream station that includes toppings and these fun wrappers, and the kids will be stoked! You’ll be the best mom in the world (for about five whole minutes), and you’ll have a reason to enjoy a cool summer treat yourself.

Stop by The 36th Avenue to download and print these wrappers.

summer printablessource: Bespoke Bride

3. Fruity Cards

These fruity cards were actually designed to be used by wedding guests to send well wishes to a couple getting married. But how cute would it be to leave your kids or husband notes on these? Leave a message for them to find in their lunch or on their pillow. Just a little note to say “I love you,” or “I hope your day is great!”

Get these fruity finds from Bespoke Bride.

summer printablessource: Alice and Lois

4. Summer Placemats

Kids are messy. Instead of making extra work for yourself, these super cute placemats will help keep your children’s summer food messes under control. Use for a picnic or for a casual lunch. You can laminate them so you can reuse them, or break them out for a summer soiree that you’re hosting.

Grab the link to print these placements on Alice and Lois.

summer printablessource: Persia Lou

5. Fruit Straws

It’s amazing how popping a straw into a drink can make it look so much cooler. And with these fruity straws, your summer beverages will be even more enjoyable. Kids love drinking from straws, so these will encourage your kiddos to stay hydrated this summer. Print them out and make them together for a little summer bonding sesh.

Snag these straws from Persia Lou.

summer printablessource: Capturing Joy

6. Photo Booth Props

Even if you don’t set up an actual photo booth, the props are always entertaining to use. I love these summer specific ones. You could bring them with you on vacation and have a blast with your kids snapping photos at the various places you visit. What a fantastic way to make lifetime memories! Your Instagram feed is about to get way more attention.

Pop over to Capturing Joy for the link to download these.

 

summer printables

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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
Leena Kollar

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  • 10 New Year’s Eve Drinks That Put Classic Champagne To Shame - December 10, 2018
  • 9 Front Porch Decorating Ideas For Christmas - November 19, 2018
  • 6 Cute Maternity Tees To Dress Your Bump In For Summer - May 22, 2017
Leena Kollar

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FunTips & Ideas

7 Awesome Activities For Your Backyard This Summer

by Jordyn Smith July 11, 2016
written by Jordyn Smith

During summer, spending time outdoors and getting some quality family time are pretty much one and the same. Having a backyard and a few creative ideas can offer the opportunity for you and your family to have an amazing time together without having to leave your house or spend a ridiculous amount of money. Water-based games, old-school yard fun, and even cool plays on classic indoor family nights, these activities are going to keep your family busy and happy all summer long.

Pool Noodle Race Track DIY 80

Source: ramblingsfromutopia.com

1. DIY Pool Noodle Race Track

Ridiculously easy to set up and an almost endless source of fun, this pool noodle race track is the perfect backyard activity for your kids this summer. By splitting a pool noodle in half, sticking them together, and propping it up on something high, you can allow your kids to race to their heart’s content.

Visit Ramblings From Utopia to find tons of amazing and whimsical parenting projects and inspiration.

MS4A0799

Source: sugarandcloth.com

2. DIY Flamingo Ring Toss Yard Game

Everyone loves a nice game of ring toss. Especially what that toss involves tons of cute, colorful flamingos! Ths DIY game project is surprisingly simple to make, so much so that your little ones can easily help you set it up.

Check out Sugar & Cloth to find amazing DIY and design inspiration.

DIY-Platform-Swing-768x1024

Source: thenaughtymommy.com

3. DIY Platform Swing

You don’t need to invest in one of those crazy expensive and complicated backyard jungle gyms to give your kids their very own swingset. A few handy PVC pipes, some netting, and a bit of rope can easily get you one awesome, tree-dwelling, multiple child holding backyard swing. The contraption may require a bit of help but it is relatively easy to put together and sturdy enough to feel safe about your little ones constantly using it (which they totally will be).

Fin hilarious parenting anecdotes and even cooler project inspiration at The Naughty Mommy.

Squirt-Gun-Painting-at-Home-for-Kids

Source: firefliesandmudpies.com

4. Squirt Gun Painting

Let your kids express their inner Jackson Pollock’s with this amazing artistic outdoor activity. Set up an easel in your backyard, clipping a few sheets of watercolor paper onto the surface, then fill up a few powerful squirt guns with liquid watercolor paints and allow your little ones to make some pretty cool artwork.

Fireflies and Mud Pies is full of awesome ideas for kids crafts and games.

DIY-Yard-Games-Megan-Harney-for-Dallas-Moms-Blog-Jenga

Source: dallas.citymomsblog.com

5. DIY Giant Lawn Jenga

If your family is big on board games, try giving your kids this giant version of Jenga to have a little problem solving fun with. Creating this giant Jenga game requires some pretty precise wood cutting, dying the pieces, and not to mention having to keep up with about a million pieces but the utter cool-ness of the project is well worth it.

From an awesome forum to some pretty great parenting tips, Dallas Moms Blog has it all.

Yardzee-Game-Free-Printable-8247-533x800

Source: remodelaholic.com

6. Yardzee

Another classic family game that has gotten a major makeover. What better way to make Yahtzee even more entertaining for kids than making it huge and playable in the backyard! Again, this project requires some on-the-nose wood cutting and light decoration but, aside from the giant bucket, all other materials are provided in free printouts on the website.

Get inspiration and information on your very own remodeling projects at Remodelaholic.

b07c45c0-14a4-11e5-aaa9-22000af93a2d

Source: overstuffedlife.com

7. Water Balloon Baseball

America’s favorite pastime just got a lot more cool. Literally! Simply fill up some water balloons, gather up a plastic baseball bat, and tell your kids to batter up and get ready to play.

Get tips and ideas for surviving life as a busy mom at Overstuffed Life.

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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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  • 12 Creative DIY Thanksgiving Place Cards - October 16, 2018
  • 8 Inexpensive Ways To Upgrade Your Bathroom - September 25, 2018
  • 10 DIY Fall Centerpieces For Your Thanksgiving Table - September 13, 2018
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Tips & Ideas

7 Simple Ideas For Making Your Backyard Fun This Summer

by Leena Kollar May 9, 2016
written by Leena Kollar

Summertime. A time for pulling out the tank tops, sipping on cold glasses of lemonade and spraying your kids liberally with bug spray (I hate you, mosquitos!). School is out, and for many families, it’s a time for travel. For others, it’s a time to get creative and have a staycation instead. This doesn’t mean there can’t be fun. Just because you make the decision to stay home and enjoy family time doesn’t mean you can’t make an adventure out of it. In fact, it’s really easy to have fun together, and you need look no further than your own backyard. Who needs a summer vacay to the beach when you can soak up the sun just a few feet from your kitchen? Invite the neighborhood kids over to join yours in one of these 7 easy (and budget-friendly) ways to make your backyard the place to hang out this summer.

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1. Set Up a Slip ‘n Slide

If you live somewhere that gets especially hot, there’s nothing more refreshing than a water activity in the summer. And you’d be hard pressed to find a kid who doesn’t love cooling off with a backyard Slip ‘n Slide. For around $30, you can get an outdoor inflatable slide like the H2O GO! Triple Slider, or you can be the ultimate DIY redneck guru and take something like a hefty plastic garbage bag and let the hose run to keep it wet. Either way, your kids will be slippin’ and slidin’ all summer long. Oh, who am I kidding? You’ll be right there racing beside them!

2. Go Backyard Camping

You know what’s not fun about camping? Bears. And outhouses. And being miles and miles away from civilization. But guess what? You can camp out in your backyard and not have to worry about any of those things (Unless you live way out in the boonies, in which case I must say, kudos to you!). All you need is basic camping equipment like a tent and sleeping bags. You can make a bonfire in your fire pit, or use a portable grill to make some hot dogs. The kids will have a blast “roughing it,” and you’ll be able to sleep knowing you won’t be attacked by a giant grizzly. Maybe by your family dog, but that’s unlikely.

3. Hang a Hammock

It might be hard to believe, but for some kids, vegging out and reading a good book is much more fun than competing in a high energy sports tournament. If you have a bookworm for a kid, they will love having a hammock to lounge around in and read all summer. And I guarantee you’ll make use of it too. Sure, maybe it will be to take naps, but those are worth more than gold if you ask me.

source: muddypuddles.com

4. Create a DIY Obstacle Course

Not only is an obstacle course a great way for kids to have fun, it’s a great way for them to squeeze in some exercise. It’s also an easy way to challenge their growing minds and work on their problem solving skills. It’s super easy to put one together. You can use just about anything you find around the house- buckets, rope, hula hoops, pool noodles, balls, or toys. Check out the way the team over at Muddy Puddles created one. Looks like loads of fun! When the kids successfully complete the course, add additional parts to make it harder, until they’ve mastered every level possible (in other words, you’ve ran out of household supplies).

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5. Put Together a Picnic

If you have a blanket and food, you can have a backyard picnic. Let the kids help you pack everything up in a cute basket and set up a nice little seating area. Play cards, color, or toss around a Frisbee after lunch. You could set aside one day each week and have it be “picnic day.” The kids will love it, and it will encourage them to meal plan, eat healthy and appreciate spending time with family.

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source: DIY Cozy Home

6. Show a Movie

If you have a place to use as a “screen,” and you own a projector, you can host a movie night in your backyard. You can find a wide range of projectors to purchase, varying in price from around $50 to over $2,000. Take a look at how DIY Cozy Home set up a backyard movie theater using a screen from Pottery Barn. I love the serene look they created. Invite your friends and neighbors over on Saturday night, and let the kids relax with a bowl of popcorn. It’s a worthy investment that you’ll use over and over again. It sure beats spending hundreds of dollars to sit in a crowded theater with people texting and talking and having to sit through 20 minutes of previews.

7. Have a Dance Party

I don’t know about you, but I love to boogie. When I clean the house, when I shower, when I’m driving, I dance whenever I can. And if your kids have the endless supply of energy that my kids have (are you sure they don’t have an “off” button?), a dance party is a summer staycation must-have. You don’t need anything fancy. Just music, and a place to get down. Blast your favorite family-friendly tunes and clear out the back patio for a dance competition. Don’t forget to have your camera ready.

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DIYTips & Ideas

10 Wet & Wild Water Balloon Game Ideas

by Karly Wood July 2, 2015
written by Karly Wood

There are few things as entertaining on a hot summer day to kids than a huge batch of water balloons. But if you don’t have some games up your sleeve, they will go through a bucket full ten times faster than it take you to fill them all up. Then you’re back to finding more boredom busters! Games will keep your kids entertained for much longer and help make the most out of your pack of balloons, so we’ve gathered some easy ones just for you. Take a look and find some activities that will keep both you and the kiddos occupado.

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1. Hot Potato (Water Ballon Style)

Who doesn’t love a good game of hot potato? Probably you and your kids in the heat of summer! Make it a much more refreshing game by just using water balloons. Sit the kids in a circle and crank up some tunes. Stop the music to stop play, and whoever is caught left with the balloon or whoever breaks it is out! You can even make it a rule that the loser has to pop the balloon on their head for some extra fun.

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Source: @Wolfram Burner via Flickr

2. Water Balloon Relay

Relay races always keep kids busy and give them some physical activity at the same time. Create a game where each person has to carry the water balloon to the “end zone” and then sit on the balloon and pop it. Then their relay partner can being their leg of the race with a new balloon. If they break the balloon before they get to the end, they have to go back and get a new one!

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Source: Summerstuff.hubpages.com

3. Paint Fight

If you’re not afraid of a little mess (ok, a BIG mess) then try out a good ole water balloon paint fight! Mix up some washable (or non washable if you’re gutsy) paint with water and then fill up your balloons. Get everyone some white T-shirts and let the water balloon fight begin! Your kids will LOVE making a mess, and being artistic on each other’s shirts at the same time.

Check out Summerstuff.hubpages.com for more ideas on messy but fun party ideas!

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