Tag: family activities

Back to School and Your Dog

Back to school is an exciting time for your children. New bedtime routines, homework, sports, and other extracurricular activities quickly fill your schedule. The new commitments may result in your dog being home alone for extended amounts of time. Keeping your dog happy may require some extra quality time.

Ways to Spend Quality Time With Your Dog

Your dog loves attention from everyone in your family. Sneaking in some quality time will help ease the transition of returning to school. Consider the following ideas to help you or your family members spend more time with your dog.

Get Outdoors

On nice days, skip your gym routine to spend outdoor time with your dog.

  • Go for a long walk with your dog.
  • Hike together at a nearby nature trail.
  • Bike or skateboard with your dog by your side.
  • Go to the dog park.
  • Do outdoor chores together.

Go for Car Rides Together

When the weather permits, bring your dog along to run errands. When your dog is with you, always keep a close watch on the weather. Extreme heat or cold will quickly affect your dog’s health.

Visit Pet-Friendly Shops

Many stores welcome pets. Bringing your dog to the local pet store is the perfect opportunity to spend time together. Allow your dog to find a new toy or bone.

Special Treats

Do something special just for your dog.

  • Make homemade dog food.
  • Bake homemade treats.
  • Bring home a special treat from the pet store.

Cuddle Time

After a long day, cuddling on the couch together may be exactly what you and your dog needs.

When back to school schedules are full, make an effort to spend quality time with your dog. Talk to your dog as much as possible. Your dog loves being with you and loved ones.

 

 

 

August: Family Fun Month

August is Family Fun Month. Gather your definition of a family together to enjoy activities make lasting memories. August represents the return to school and the end of summer. Putting in the effort for last-minute family fun is essential before school activities, homework, bedtime routines, and other commitments take over your schedule.

Do you need inspiration for family fun? Check out the list below:

  • Go Hiking
  • Go Canoeing
  • Go to a Water Park
  • Host a BBQ
  • Have a Bonfire
  • Go for a Bike Ride
  • Go Bowling
  • Go Camping
  • Go on a Weekend Vacation
  • Cook a Meal Together
  • Host a Movie Night
  • Host a Game Night
  • Be a Tourist in Your Hometown
  • Order Pizza and Go to Your Local Park
  • Go on a Day Trip
  • Visit a Museum/Art Gallery
  • Go to the Lake
  • Host a Craft Day

The possibilities are endless for you and your family to enjoy Family Fun Month. Remember to take pictures, print them, and create scrapbooks. Often, simple outings turn into the biggest adventures.

Sea Serpent Day

Did you know today, August 7th is Sea Serpent Day? A sea serpent or sea dragon is a fascinating mythological creature. The mention of sea serpents brings up images of legends of the deep seas. Did sea serpents really exist? Who knows, stories passed down from one generation to the next had to originate from somewhere.

Ways to Celebrate Sea Serpent Day

Whether the sea serpents existed or not, celebrating the mythological creatures can be a fun activity for you and family.

Movie Night

The sea holds numerous mysteries. Movies use the unknown to entice the watcher. From Scooby-Doo and the Sea Monsters to It Came From Beneath the Sea, sea creatures movies are a captivating genre to watch.

Sea Themed Food

Yes, you can create an entire dinner based on foods from the sea. Or you can make simple snacks to go along with your movie night. For example, the Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers are an ideal treat for sea-themed movie night. Serving pretzels can easily represent driftwood and green licorice turns into seaweed bunches. Blue Hawaiian Punch (Polar Blast) is the perfect glass of seawater.

Go to the Library

Go to your local library or book store to find books about sea serpents. The myths and legends are perfect reading material.

Go to the Beach

Even if you are nowhere near the open sea, going to the beach is a great way to celebrate Sea Serpent Day. Look for shells, sea glass, and other goodies. Remember to follow all the rules of public places.

Make Crafts

Have a craft day or afternoon. Use different materials to create sea serpents and their habitant.

  • Create a sea serpent out of clay, dry, and paint.
  • Make paper mache sea serpent
  • Draw or paint a sea serpent
  • Use construction paper, googly eyes, and other materials to create a sea serpent

Creating art with a sea serpent theme has endless possibilities.

Tell a Tale

Write a story about a sea serpent. If you have younger children, ask them to tell a story to you. Writing down their imaginary world with a sea serpent creates a lasting treasure.

From a simple Internet search to writing a story, celebrating sea serpent day can be a memorable activity for all to enjoy.

August Journal Writing Prompts

Keeping a journal is a wonderful way to record memories, express ideas, and release emotions. A journal does not need to be fancy. A simple spiral notebook is just as good as a leatherbound journal. Writing is the most important aspect of keeping a journal.

31 Journal Writing Prompts for August

  1. What are your personal or family goals for August?
  2. Name 10 things you want to accomplish before summer ends.
  3. Describe a funny moment from today. Did someone tell a joke? Or did your toddler do something that made you laugh? Write why the moment was funny to you.
  4. Today is Friendship Day. Write about your best friend in elementary, junior high, and high school? Did you have the same friend all the way through your school years?
  5. Write about your grandparents or older family member. What was their occupation? Where did they live?
  6. Create an August Bucket List for last-minute fun before school begins.
  7. How did you spend your day? Go into detail.
  8. What do you need to accomplish to get your children ready for the new school year?
  9. Are you healthy? What habits do you need to change in your routine to make healthier choices?
  10. What was your favorite Saturday activity as a child?
  11. Write a letter to your future self.
  12. Write a letter to your past self.
  13. List 5 long term goals.
  14. Write a review of your favorite restaurant.
  15. Describe your childhood bedroom. What posters did you hang on the wall in highschool?
  16. If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?
  17. What is your favorite show on television? Why do you like the program?
  18. What was your favorite show during childhood?
  19. What are 10 things you could do to help the environment?
  20. What would be your ideal vacation or getaway to end the summer?
  21. What is your current pet peeve?
  22. What is your guilty pleasure?
  23. What makes you feel peaceful?
  24. Name a person you miss. Why?
  25. What family activity would you like to try? Why?
  26. Today is National Dog Day. Describe your favorite dog or other pet.
  27. List 5 things you are grateful for at this point in your life.
  28. Describe yourself in ten sentences.
  29. Describe in detail an item or recipe you made.
  30. If you could visit a fictional world, where would go?
  31. Write a memoir or letter saying goodbye to summer.

Keep in mind, there’s no right or wrong answer when writing in a journal. The experience is a personal pursuit. Always, remember to have fun when you write.

August Photo Prompts

August is National Back to School Month and Family Fun Month. Incorporating these themes into your photo prompts to make a wonderful way to celebrate August. 

31 August Photo Prompt Ideas

  1. Selfie (always start the month with a new selfie)
  2. Current view
  3.  Beach
  4. Besties (Friendship Day)
  5. Green
  6. Beverage
  7. Something down low
  8. Skyscape
  9. Friday Fun
  10. Bonfire (S’mores Day)
  11. Relaxation
  12. Something up high
  13. Flowers
  14. Black and White
  15. Small
  16. Large
  17. Water
  18. Sunset/Sunrise
  19. Wish
  20. Travel
  21. School Supplies
  22. Signs
  23. Love
  24. Favorite Meal
  25. Ice Cream
  26. Clouds
  27. Rocks
  28. Nature
  29. Activity
  30. Vintage
  31. Good-bye to Summer

Use the prompt list as a guide to photographing the month of August. For additional fun, make the photo prompt quest a family activity. Or gather your friends to do the photo prompts and create a social media page. The photo possibilities are endless. Use your imagination and set out for an August adventure. 

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.

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.

 

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.