Boredom Busters

Easy Halloween Treats for Kids and Classroom Parties

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Candy bars aren't the only Halloween treats to hand out this October 31. School kids across the country are getting ready to celebrate with Halloween parades and classroom parties, meaning you might be on the hook for homemade Halloween treats.

But there's no need to fear the sign-up email headed your way. I've planned more than a few Halloween parties and have put together a list of easy Halloween treats to help parents skip the last-minute scramble. These tried-and-true spooky snacks transform pretzel sticks into ghouls, mandarins into pumpkins, and make enough Monster Mash Brownies that will turn the entire class into sugar monsters.

Easy Pumpkin Carving Stencils and Ideas for Halloween

Submitted by Sally Chaffin Brooks on

If your family pulled out the Halloween decorations well before the first pumpkin spice latte sip of 2019, then we're sure you're looking for great pumpkin carving ideas now, too.

The cornerstone of any great Halloween display—the jack-o-lantern—is always one of our favorite things to do with kids in the fall, right after the apple picking and pumpkin patch outing, of course. Pumpkin carving is one of those rare activities that every member of the family can enjoy equally. Little kids love the mess, big kids love the chance to wield a knife, and parents love to show off our creative skills.

We’ve rounded up 12 of our favorite pumpkin carving stencils, all of which include a link to the FREE pumpkin carving design. With a little practice and plenty of options, we're sure you'll find the pumpkin design that captures your family's Halloween vibe, from Baby's First Halloween sweetness to Cyclops to superhero character themes. So read on to step up your Halloween fun (and game).

19 Science Fair Projects for Kids from K to Middle School

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Crafting the perfect science fair project is a right of passage for most elementary-school kids. The ideal experiment involves a few key ingredients, a little bit of parent involvement, and can be completed in under two weeks.

Traditionally, science fairs take place in fifth grade, but many schools are now incorporating STEM experiments into the curriculum as early as kindergarten, so we've put together a list of 19 easy science fair project ideas, ranging from the tried-and-true “exploding volcano” to extracting DNA from a strawberry. There are chemistry science projects for 5th grade and plenty of hands-on, get messy ideas for the youngest inventors.

20 Fun Fall Activities for Preschoolers in the Boston Area

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on

So many fall traditions in Boston and Massachusetts seem tailor-made for preschoolers: Who better to upend a freshly raked leaf pile or run around a pumpkin patch long enough to find that perfect Jack-O-Lantern? From events like the Topsfield Fair and Frog Pond Pumpkin Float to annual favorites like apple picking and corn mazes, we've rounded up twenty of the best ways to have some big fall adventures with little companions this fall. And if you have even tinier tykes, check out our fall fun guide—toddler edition!

25 Water Games for Kids To Play All Summer Long

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Water games are an easy way to keep the kids entertained—and cool—this summer. From a simple water balloon toss to fancier DIY fun like sprinkler Twister, these outdoor games are sure to please all ages.

One year, I found myself home with both kids for a whole summer due to a shift in my career path, so we got pretty creative with the water games. There were 10 weeks to fill after all! Read on for our favorites—and you can also download this free printable with all 25 top water games for kids.

Need more free and cheap activities for the kids this summer break? Our family started a Boredom Busters jar: a painted Mason jar full of ideas to keep them busy (and tired out). Anyone complaining of boredom can open it and pick out an activity. Many of the ideas come from the Mommy Poppins' 100 Summer Play Activities List and Free Summer Fun Ideas. But their absolute favorites are the water games for splish-splashy, low-key summer fun.

30 Rainy Day Activities for Families in Philadelphia

Submitted by Lindsay Li on

If rainy days and Mondays bring you down, it's probably because you feel stuck indoors. While a rainy day here and there is a great excuse for cuddling on the couch and watching movies, baking cookies, or crafting, a few rainy days in a row can be a real drag. But don't fret, there are many ways to get out of the house to have an indoor adventure in Philadelphia, from indoor playgrounds to more educational experiences than we can possibly name in one list, it could rain for 40 days and 40 nights and there would still be plenty to explore.

25 Ways to Spend a Morning with Your Toddler in Boston

Elizabeth Fisher's picture Submitted by Elizabeth Fisher on

Once you've gotten through breakfast and downed your second (or third) cup of coffee, have you ever looked at your toddler and thought, "what the heck am I going to do with you today?" Too young for many full-time schools or camps, too old to just tag along on errands all day, toddlers are suited for fun, interactive activities that don't require a long attention span and will tucker them out for their afternoon nap. Fortunately for parents and caregivers, there are a plenty of great local activities that will get you both out of the house; and many attractions are 100% free for toddlers.

LI-Based Pint Size Painters Helps Kids Make a Masterpiece

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Submerge your budding Picasso into an artist's world with a kit from Pint Size Painters. The fully equipped immersion kit, invented by a pair of Long Island parents, encourages the learning of art history while inspiring kids to create original artwork.

Explore more possibilities at these drop-in art locations for kids or become inspired at these Long Island museums and art galleries. 

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