When we asked moms to share their absolute favorite family activities, their ideas were a reassuring reminder that sometimes it's the simplest activities that make the sweetest memories.
Whether it's a morning spent tasting fresh fruit at the farmers market, an afternoon passed gleefully riding a carousel, or a relaxed evening walk through the local park, these family activities are perfect (and easy) ways to bond with your loved ones.
Springtime brings new beginnings, baby animals, budding flowers, and fabulous weather, so it's no surprise moms say their favorite family activities for Spring are all outdoors. From getting dirty in the mud to planting a garden and feeding ducklings, here are 20 ways to enjoy the season to the fullest with your kids.
St. Patrick's Day isn't just for the Irish. Much like Thanksgiving, it's a day for families to count their blessings, share a delicious meal, and enjoy some family fun — with the added entertainment of lucky green shamrocks and tricky leprechauns! From leprechaun traps to a sensory bath time activity, here are 11 ways families worldwide make St. Patrick's Day special. Click through for inspiration!
Presidents' Day shouldn't just be exciting because it often means a day off school. Use it as an opportunity to teach children about past and present US leaders. We've gathered activities and games — we're talking coloring books and a deck of cards — that give kids the 411 on American presidents while officially keeping them entertained.
Arts and crafts with toddlers can be a bit messy — but lots of fun — and Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to create some heart-shaped projects with your lil one. So break out the construction paper, glitter, paint, and glue and get creative with these 10 Valentine's Day crafts for tots.
If Winter storm Nemo came your way, then adopt your kids' perspective and get excited at the prospect of a snow day (or two). Forget about the errands that you wanted to run and those items on your "to-do" list, and instead hunker down for some good old-fashioned family fun. Here are seven fun ways to take advantage of a homebound weekend — there won't be a case of cabin fever in sight!
I'm always looking for ways to tell my kids I love them. I'm conscious that they hear a lot of "No," "Stop," and "Don't," so I like to take the opportunity to let them know just how lovely they are and why.
One way I've found is by making a paper fortune teller with love notes for each of my children, which I leave on the table waiting for them at breakfast in the morning.
Do you remember making origami paper fortune tellers as a kid? I remember making them but couldn't remember how so I looked it up online. They're super easy. Click here to watch a video guide to creating them.
Materials Needed
Instructions
I used patterned paper and cut out letters spelling "love" for the top section. For the inside, I made a love heart, a kiss, a hug, and a question mark.
Instead of a fortune, I wrote a reason why I love them, such as, "I love that you love to run so much" or "I love how your face lights up when you smile."
I put those notes on heart shapes cut out of colored paper and stick them on the paper fortune tellers. The kids will love this as a game, and they'll definitely love hearing good things about themselves!
For more crafty ideas, visit Daisy's Party Ideas
Image Source: Courtesy of Niamh Farnon
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.
This Valentine's Day, treat loved ones to the thoughtful, delicious gift of an edible valentine! From easy, chocolate-dipped pretzels and heart-shaped cheddar crackers to pretty French macarons, we've found 24 amazing valentines your sweethearts will love.
Trying to figure out the right kind of valentines for your kids to give out? Instead of buying them, why not help your kids make their own? No matter their ages, there's an adorable (and free) printable or valentine card craft for every child ahead.
Valentine’s Day offers a great opportunity to explore crafts and fun learning activities with your children. Help make the day of love and friendship special by trying some new activities together.
Valentine's Day Fingerprint Card
Valentine's Day Fingerprint Cards make great homemade gifts and cherished memories for grandparents or friends on Valentine's Day!
Materials Needed
To Make the Cards
1. On the folded piece of cardstock, assist the children in drawing a basic "stick" tree. Older children can draw their own, but younger children will need assistance (see card photo).
2. Have the children lightly dip one finger into a paint color. (For infants or very young children, the paint can be brushed onto a finger with a paintbrush and washed off after printing.) Children should make two fingerprints for each heart (one print slightly left and one printed slightly right to form a "heart"). Have the children make several fingerprint "hearts" all around the tree on the card. Allow the prints to dry thoroughly.
3. Have the children draw a heart around each of the fingerprinted hearts on their trees (see photo). Younger children will need assistance.
4. Help the children cut out the caption from the Valentine's Fingerprint Card PDF file (assist younger children with scissors skills). Next, kids can glue the square caption inside the card and write their names.
Valentine's Day Patterning
This craft is a fabulous craft for preschool and kindergarten-aged children.
1. Print one Valentine's Day Patterning Page (free to download) for each of your children.
2. Discuss patterns with your children. Have the children look at colored hearts to see if they can recognize any pattern that exists in the choice of colors used for the hearts in each of the rows. Help your children determine exactly what color the last heart in each row should be to complete the pattern. The children can use markers or crayons to color the last heart.
As your children get used to working with patterns, they will begin to point them out as they see patterns at the grocery store, during family travels, at school, etc. It is fun to watch new and emerging skills take hold!
For more Valentine's Day crafts and activities for young kids (including the "Tree of Love" Craft) visit: The Preschool Toolbox Blog!
Image Source: Darla Hutson
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.
