Category: Family Ideas

Celebrating UFO Day

Did you know July 2nd is World UFO Day? UFOs or Unidentified Flying Objects have been the subject of curiosity since the beginning of the recorded word. Whether you believe or not, celebrating World UFO Day is a great way to learn about unexplainable sights in the night sky.

Ways to Celebrate UFO Day

Celebrating UFO can be a way to bring family and friends together. Remember activities should be age appropriate for your children to enjoy.

Go to the Library

Some libraries are hosting special events to celebrate World UFO Day. Teen night, game night, reading groups, and other related activities may be a part of your local library’s events. Check your library’s social media page or website for details.

Even if your library is not hosting a UFO event, find a book to read. UFOs and aliens have been the subject to many storylines. Do not hesitate to ask your librarian for suggestions.

Write a UFO Story

Write a story about viewing a UFO. Or ask your children to tell you a story about UFOs and aliens. Writing down their words may result in a memorable tale.

UFO Crafts

Spend the afternoon making UFO crafts. The crafts do not need to be complex. For example, paper plates glued together make a perfect base for a UFO. Decorate the UFO with different types of art mediums including:

  • Paint
  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Glitter
  • Stickers
  • Macaroni
  • Pom-pons
  • Jewels

The type of UFO creation is only limited by your imagination.

If you want to do make a more involved project, build the solar system.

UFO Treats

UFO or alien themed treats are a perfect snack. A cake or cupcake can be your starting point for UFO treats. Or a cookie decorated with MM”s can easily transform into a UFO. The treats are a perfect addition to a movie or game night.

Movie Night

From 1950’s classics to modern cinematic blockbusters, watching  UFO or alien-themed movies is another way to celebrate World UFO Day.

Movie and television ideas include:

  • Star Wars
  • Star Trek
  • Men In Black
  • Aliens
  • Pacific Rim
  • Iron Giant
  • Signs
  • Doctor Who
  • Roswell, New Mexico
  • E.T.
  • The Day the Earth Stood Still
  • War of the World
  • Thing from Another World

Host a Stargazing Party

Gather your friends and family members together for a night of stargazing. Spread out blankets, lay back, and look at the stars. You may not see a UFO but the night sky has other amazing sights to view.

July Photo Prompts

Summer is now in full swing. Are you enjoying the warm summer days? Grab your camera and go outdoors. Try the following list of different July photo prompts for your inspiration.

31 Photo Prompts for July

  1. Selfie (A new month deserves a new selfie)
  2. Red, White, and Blue theme
  3. Fireworks
  4. Independence Day, USA theme
  5. Friday Fun
  6. Outside
  7. Relaxation
  8. Landscape/Waterscape
  9. Vivid
  10. Meal
  11. Beach/Lake/Pond/Water
  12. Wildlife
  13. Stuffed Animal
  14. Sunset/Sunrise
  15. Friendship
  16. Small
  17. Large
  18. Current View
  19. Cold Beverage
  20. Flowers
  21. Green
  22. Ice Cream
  23. Street
  24. Black and White
  25. Up-Close
  26. Signs
  27. Movement
  28. Music
  29. Clouds
  30. Summer Vibes
  31. Memories

Have fun with the July photo prompts. Get your family members or friends to join in. Create a tag or a social media page to share the photos with each other.

 

50 Summer Photo Ideas Checklist

School’s out, summer is in full swing, time to make some lasting memories. Go outdoors, enjoy the summer sun, explore, and discover the world around you. As you are heading out, grab your camera or use your phone to capture life’s simplest pleasures.

Take a moment to snap a picture of your family or friends. Set up poses and have fun. Silly photos make great scrapbook additions.

50 Photo Ideas for Memorable Summer 

Do you need some inspiration on when to take a photo? Consider the following checklist.

  1. Having a picnic
  2. Eating a Sno Cone
  3. On a nature trail
  4. Holding sparklers (safely)
  5. At a petting zoon
  6. In front of the library
  7. Laying in a hammock
  8. Standing in the water at the lake
  9. Eating ice cream
  10. In front of a flower garden
  11. Wearing silly sunglasses (check out your local dollar store)
  12. On a boat
  13. In a strawberry patch
  14. Building a sandcastle
  15. Playing in the sprinkler
  16. At a parade
  17. At a farmer’s market
  18. Laying in the sand
  19. Wearing red, white, and blue for the 4th of July (Do not hesitate to go overboard)
  20. In front of a historical landmark
  21. On swing sets
  22. At a splash park (pose under the falling water)
  23. Eating watermelon
  24. Sitting around a bonfire
  25. Eating S’mores
  26. On a slide at the park
  27. In a tent
  28. Posing on a park bench
  29. Wearing beach attire
  30. Holding hands at sunset
  31. Drinking summer slushies
  32. At an art museum
  33. On family movie night
  34. Relaxing under a big shade tree
  35. Listening to music at a local concert in the park
  36. Swimming a pool (use beach balls, floaties, or other pool-related items as props)
  37. Making/showing off summer bracelets
  38. Standing on rocks
  39. At an amusement park
  40. Floating on inner tubes
  41. Inside a blanket fort on a rainy day
  42. At a BBQ
  43. Painting and hiding rocks around town
  44. Lounging in lawn chairs
  45. Laying on matching or themed beach towels
  46. Drinking lemonade
  47. Playing beach volleyball
  48. In the middle of your sidewalk chalk art creation
  49. Putt putt golfing
  50. A group selfie (do this one multiple times throughout the summer months)

Just remember, when you are out having fun, follow all rules for public areas. Safety should always be your first priority.

Low Cost (or Free) Activities for Family Summer Fun

The school year is finally winding down. Warmer weather is the perfect time to engage in family activities. Do you need ideas for summer family fun for both sunny and rainy days? Check out the following list.

Rainy Day Activity Ideas

Rainy days do not need to be boring. Checking the weather ahead of time will help you plan for your rainy day fun.

  • Family Movie Night: Pick a movie, make pizza, or make popcorn.
  • Board Game Night: Video games are fun. But for a night, unplug from technology and host a board game night. Make snacks, make root beer floats, and enjoy each others’ conversation as you play games.
  • Go to Your Local Library: Check out the latest summer books, movies or other media. Most libraries host summer reading clubs or other events. Participating in a group is the perfect way to meet new friends while learning.
  • Craft Day: Check out Pinterest for summer craft ideas. Many craft supplies may be found at your local dollar store. Picking up a wide variety of craft items is a low-cost alternative for a rainy day.
  • Summer Journal: Summers go by fast. Set aside time to write. Even a local stop can easily turn into a page in your scrapbook. Jot down information about the place. Add pictures, stickers, and other memorabilia to your summer scrapbook. On a rainy day, relax and relieve the memory.
  • Summer Bucket List: Create a summer bucket list. Write down all the activities for you and family to enjoy over the warmer months.

Outdoor Activities 

Unplugging from your electrical devices may be necessary to recharge. Keep in mind; switching your mobile device is advisable. You may never know when an emergency may arise.

  • Nature Walk: Go for a nature walk. Look for summer birds, flowers blooming, and other wildlife. Take pictures. Just simply enjoy the sights and sounds of being outdoors.
  • Go Hiking: State and national parks have hiking trails available for the beginner to the expert hiker. Many trails are pet-friendly. Your dog will enjoy the change of scenery.
  • Go Geocaching: Geocaching is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Host a BBQ: Invite friends or extended family members to a BBQ.
  • Bonfire Night: Sitting around a bonfire is a great way to spend a summer evening. Make s’mores. Look at the stars. Chase fireflies.
  • Go Dog Walking: Walking your dog is a perfect exercise for both of you. If you do not have a dog of your own, many local dog rescues or shelters need volunteers to walk adoptable dogs. Who knows maybe you will find your new best friend.
  • Local Tourist: Be a hometown tourist for a day. When was the last time, you visited your local museum, art gallery, or other tourist sites?
  • Go to the Splash Park:  Splash parks or splash pads are a great activity to beat the summer heat. Pack a lunch and enjoy an afternoon outdoors.
  • Attend a Free Outdoor Concert/Movie Night: Many communities host numerous community events in the summer. Make an outdoor concert or a movie in the park part of your weekend fun.

Summertime activities can easily turn into long-lasting memories for your family or friends. Enjoy your time together.

 

90 Summer Bucket List Ideas

When most people think about a bucket list, images of faraway places generally come to mind. A summer bucket list is simply a way to enjoy each day to the fullest. Creating a list with your family or friends is a wonderful way to inspire a fun-filled summer.

90 Bucket List Ideas for Summer

  1. Plant flowers
  2. Keep a summer journal or scrapbook
  3. Attend summer activities including VBS, Science Camp, Library Events, or Art Classes
  4. Learn tennis or other summer outdoor sporting activities
  5. Play in the rain
  6. Visit a state or national park
  7. Go berry picking
  8. Make tye-dyed shirts
  9. Listen to a free, outdoor community concert
  10. Play a game of catch or Frisbee
  11. Take silly selfies with your family or friends
  12. Go to the library
  13. Ride a Ferris wheel
  14. Watch fireflies
  15. Read a book under a tree or on the beach
  16. Try kayaking or paddle boarding
  17. Go camping
  18. Roast marshmallows or make S’mores
  19. Attend a festival or fair
  20. Go to an amusement park for the day
  21. Go on a canoe or boat ride
  22. Play hide-n-seek
  23. Walk your dog or volunteer to walk dogs at the local shelter/rescue
  24. Try rollerblading or skateboarding
  25. Nap in a hammock or lawn chair
  26. Visit a waterfall
  27. Throw pennies into a wish fountain
  28. Create a summer playlist of your favorite songs
  29. Take a tour
  30. Go to the park for the day
  31. Watch a parade
  32. Visit a splash park or splash pad
  33. Try a Pinterest craft
  34. Go to the zoo
  35. Volunteer
  36. Make Root beer floats
  37. Go to the lake
  38. Go for a bike ride
  39. Have a water balloon fight
  40. Visit an aquarium
  41. host a scavenger hunt
  42. Go swimming
  43. Make sandcastles
  44. paint rocks
  45. Host a movie night
  46. Make homemade popsicles
  47. Go on a day trip
  48. Make homemade lemonade
  49. Host a photo shoot in your backyard
  50. Go Geocaching
  51. Do sidewalk chalk art
  52. Eat banana splits
  53. Watch a sunrise
  54. Make homemade playdough or salt dough
  55. Watch fireworks
  56. Use sparklers
  57. Visit a historical site
  58. Go to a drive-in or outdoor movie night
  59. Eat watermelon
  60. Go to a farmer’s market
  61. Avoid social media for a day or week
  62. Play in the sprinklers or on a slip-n-slide
  63. Go bowling
  64. Make homemade ice cream
  65. Play laser tag
  66. Fly a kite
  67. Host a BBQ
  68. Host a rainy day craft day
  69. Go on a picnic
  70. Watch a sunset
  71. Go horseback riding
  72. Go miniature golfing
  73. Go tubing, float down a river
  74. Lay out a blanket and star gaze
  75. Go on a nature walk
  76. Make a YouTube video
  77. Host a family board game night
  78. Join a summer reading group
  79. Paint picture of something in nature
  80. Make and host a paper airplane flying contest
  81. Make sun catchers out of Pony beads
  82. Go hiking
  83. Go to your local botanical garden
  84. Try a snow cone
  85. Eat a funnel cake or elephant ear
  86. Collect and send postcards
  87. Blow bubbles
  88. Go on a train ride
  89. Spend an afternoon visiting family members
  90. Sit outdoors and just listen to the sounds of summer

 

School’s out. The weather is warmer. Have fun and enjoy the upcoming summer days.

 

Memorial Day Weekend Ideas

The last Monday in May honors men and women who have died during their service in the United States military. In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday. Observing the holiday is different for everyone. Many families attend community events, host BBQs, go on a road trip or simply stay home for the extended weekend.

If you need ideas for the weekend, consider the following:

  • Go to a Memorial Day Parade: Many communities hold a wide variety of Memorial Day events. A parade is generally a fixture of the scheduled activities.
  • Moment of Silence or Prayer: Another activity generally involves the United States flag raising ceremony. Depending on the sponsorship of the event, the activity may hold a moment of silence for the fallen or a prayer.
  • Attend a Community Concert: Many communities will sponsor free outdoor concerts with a patriotic theme. Gather your family or ask your friends, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy the music.
  • Attend a Fireworks Show: Another popular community event is a fireworks show. Enjoy the fireworks display with your friends and family members.
  • Go to a National or State Park: With over 50 National Parks and ten thousand state parks, getting outdoors to view the beautiful scenery is a must. Check your state to find the one closest to your location and go.
  • Volunteer: Volunteering is always a self-rewarding activity. For example, many organizations place flags on the headstones of military members. The process is simple to carry out. The activity provides you with a chance to remember the meaning of Memorial Day.
  • Learn Your Family’s Military History: Search your family’s history. Finding information about family members who served is a rewarding experience.
  • Host a BBQ: Gather your family or friends for a BBQ at your home, park, lake or other areas of interest. When serving, take a moment to toast those who have fallen in service.
  • Be Thankful: Whether you chose to travel, attend events, or stay home, be thankful for your choice.

Celebrating Memorial Day is a great way to enjoy the company of your family or friends. The Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off summer. Celebrate, remember, and appreciate the weekend.

 

How to Celebrate International Bat Appreciation Day

Today, April 17th is International Bat Appreciation Day. Myths and urban legends often give bats a bad reputation. Bats are actually interesting creatures. A single bat can feast on a meal of 100 mosquitoes in just an hour’s time.

Celebrating Bat Appreciation Day

So how do you celebrate a day dedicated to a bat? Consider the ideas below.

  • Go to the Library or Local Book Store: Finding books about bats will help you learn about the species, behavior, habitat, and more.
  • Watch a Documentary about Bats: Check out Netflix, YouTube or other streaming resources for a program about bats. National Geographic and PBS are generally two top resources for nature documentaries.
  • Go to Your Local Zoo: Behind the protective glass, many zoos have different bats for viewing. The zoo or local wildlife rehabilitation center may have programs for viewing bats up close.
  • Write a Child’s Story Focused on a Bat: Do you need help getting started? A quick writing prompt is “the lonely little bat” or “the bat found a new home”. If you are having a problem with writing out a story, ask your child to make one up. Younger children may require your help in writing down the words. The quick story can easily turn into a lasting memory.
  • Do Bat-Themed Crafts: An easy craft is a collage. Simply cut out a bat shape on a piece of black construction paper. Allow your child to glue different materials to the bat. For example, add googly eyes, sequins, pompoms, yarn pieces, etc. Painting or using chalk on the construction paper bat is another way. Ask your child about the bat masterpiece.

The best way to celebrate Bat Appreciation Day is by having fun. Learn about the bats. Engage in a bat-themed family activity. Just remember, allow professionals to handle bats if you find one in your home or business.

Easter Week Bucket List

The week of Easter is generally busy with preparations for dinner and other events. Creating an Easter week bucket list helps you to enjoy the holiday week.  Gather your family or friends to find the perfect Easter activities to celebrate this time of year.

Easter Week Bucket List Ideas

Do you need help coming up with Easter bucket list activities? Consider the following ideas:

  1. Make Homemade Easter Decorations: Spend time creating your own Easter decorations. Use construction paper to make Easter eggs and other related decorations. The process is a fun family activity for everyone to enjoy.
  2. Make and Deliver Homemade Easter Cards: Homemade Easter cards adds a special touch to the greetings. The activity is an ideal family time activity.
  3. Go to a Local Easter Egg Hunt: Many community organizations hold Easter egg hunts. Or you can host your own Easter egg hunt in your backyard.
  4. Go to the Library or your Local Book Store: Checking out or purchasing Easter books helps set the mood for the holiday week.
  5. Decorate, Fill and Deliver an Extra Easter Basket: Do you know someone who could use some Easter cheer. Make an extra basket for a family member or friend.
  6. Watch Easter Themed Movies: Check out Netflix or purchase a new Easter DVD. Make popcorn and host a family night.
  7. Buy Easter Peeps: Peeps are an Easter tradition. For extra fun, try placing the Peeps in the microwave.
  8. Make an Easter Diorama: If you do not eat the Peeps, you can always add them to an Easter themed diorama. Creating an Easter diorama is a perfect decoration piece for your holiday weekend.
  9. Attend a Good Friday or Easter Service:  Many churches host special Good Friday and Easter services. Even if you do not regularly attend, the service may be an uplifting experience.
  10. Host an Easter Dinner or BBQ: Plan a dinner or cookout for your family and friends. Gathering people together for Easter makes the holiday more memorable.
  11. Buy Easter Candy: Everyone loves holiday candy. The wide selection allows you to find the perfect treat for your family to enjoy.
  12. Dye Easter Eggs: Gather your family or friends together to dye Easter eggs. Dying eggs is a long standing Easter tradition.
  13. Photo with the Easter Bunny: Many community events host Easter bunny photo opportunities to help raise funds. The photo instantly becomes a memento. At the same time, you will be supporting a valued community organization.
  14. Professional Easter Portrait: Dressing up and getting a professional portrait is a perfect Easter activity.

Participating in different Easter activities is fun for the whole family. Cross one or all of the ideas off your bucket list.

5 Tips to Encourage Your Young Writer

Today, April 10th is National Encourage a Young Writer Day. Does your child make up stories? Encouraging your child’s imagination may result in a career in writing. But using your imagination works in every field. The process allows you to think outside the box for a better solution to a pressing problem.

Tips to Encourage a Young Writer

Promoting writing is easy. Simply think, read, write, and repeat. Do you need help encouraging your young writer? Consider the following tips.

  1. Create a Writing Space

Setting up a writing space is a great way to encourage your young writer. Set up a desk in your child’s room or other location in your home. If you do not have a desk, an unused table in the corner is just as good. Old desks and small tables are available at many thrift stores for low prices. Younger children can use an old coffee table or end table for a writer space. Promoting writing is the purpose of a writing area.

  1. Purchase Writing Supplies

Your local dollar store is ideal for purchasing writing supplies at a low cost. If you are uncertain the type of supplies to purchase, take a look at the following list.

  • Journals/Diaries
  • Pens/Pencils
  • Gel Pens
  • Markers
  • Composition Notebooks
  • Spiral Notebook Paper
  • Paperclips
  • Notecards
  • Stapler/Staples
  • Stickers

The smallest items can create the largest impact on your child’s imagination.

  1. Encourage Journal Writing

Keeping a journal goes beyond recounting the day’s events. A journal provides your child with a chance to write about the world.  Encourage your young writer to express feelings, descriptions, and scenes. The information may become a great resource down the road.

  1. Books

Age appropriate books are a valuable resource for every writer. Books may be digital. But, often a book on your desk is a great way to find the answer. Digital brings you directly to the content. A book allows your child to research and search through pages.

  • Writing Books
  • Writing Prompt Books
  • Thesaurus
  • Dictionary
  • Nature Books
  • Fantasy Books
  • Other Books of Interest
  1. Library Card

A library is a wealth of information.

  • Your young writer can search for books of interest.
  • Find new topics.
  • Meet others who share similar interests.
  • Receive guidance from the librarian.
  • Attend library sponsored groups, book clubs, and field trips.
  • Check out media including DVDs, recordings, music, documentaries, and other educational based material.

A little encouragement in any child’s interest may spark a lifetime path of knowledge.

25 Ideas for Your Spring Bucket List

The weather is slowly turning warmer, time to gather your family or friends to create a spring bucket list. Do you need some ideas? Check out the following list.

  1. Go for a walk and simply enjoy the sunshine.
  2. Spend a day at the playground, nearby park or other local attraction. (Pack a lunch)
  3. When the weather turns to rain, host a spring crafting day.
  4. Turn off all of your devices and listen to a rainstorm.
  5. Host a movie or game night for your family and friends.
  6. Get in your vehicle and go. A Sunday drive with a packed cooler may be the best refresher for chasing away the winter blahs.
  7. Make a birdhouse or bird feeder for your yard.
  8. Visit a museum.
  9. Pack a sack lunch and eat outside.
  10. Paint rocks.
  11. Set up a recyclable area in your home or garage.
  12. Plant flowers or vegetables.
  13. Visit an art gallery.
  14. Go on a nature hike. Take lots of pictures and create a scrapbook of your experience.
  15. While watching the sunset, drink your favorite beverage.
  16. Get a professional portrait of your family or group of friends.
  17. Dye Easter eggs.
  18. Host or go on an Easter egg hunt.
  19. Sit under a tree and read a book.
  20. Fly a new kite.
  21. Blow bubbles. (They have some really cool accessories out now.)
  22. Go on a picnic or host a bonfire
  23. Volunteer to clean up trash at a local park, nature area or other organized community event.
  24. Go on a bike ride with your family or friends.
  25. Walk around barefoot on a warm day.

Even the smallest activity can turn into an adventure.