Money Saving Secrets Blog » Family activites

Ways to Keep Kids Busy this Summer

Jennifer Billy — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:39:13 +0000

When schools get out for the summer, it’s time for parents to get creative with some fun and inexpensive ways to keep kids busy. Because kids are naturally creative and inquisitive, all you need are some basic ideas, which they can take and run with as they incorporate their own preferences into the projects.

Games of All Sorts

There are countless possibilities for fun games that will not only entertain your kids, but also help keep their minds engaged during the summer months. Of course, board and card games are a classic option if you have several kids in a similar age range, and they help kids cooperate in playing together. For an independent option, online puzzle games are a great choice because they develop problem solving skills as kids learn strategies for doing better each time they play.

Biking Challenge

If your kids know how to ride a bicycle, head out on family bike rides on a regular basis throughout the summer. Each time you go out, have the kids map the route and measure how long it was so they can record it in their bike logs. Give them a role in planning their routes to go for longer distances and over new terrain.

Outdoor Obstacle Course

It’s a shame to waste beautiful outdoor weather during the summer months, so encourage your kids to go outside and use their creativity to make an obstacle course. Set them up with some basic supplies like sporting goods, ropes, old sheets or tarps, and other safe tools and objects. Once they’ve set up an obstacle course, have them time themselves going through it and try to beat their best time.

Make-Your-Own Popsicle

Popsicles are classic summer treats, but store-bought icy treats are often packed with sugar and come in the same old flavors that your child may be tired of. Instead, set up an activity for kids to make their own popsicles one day and enjoy them as treats throughout the rest of the week. You can either make them in a popsicle tray or in plastic cups with wooden sticks. Possible ingredients include fruit juice, blended fresh fruit smoothies, peanut butter, yogurt, and chunks of fruit. Have kids layer their picks and freeze the results.

Build Fairy Houses

Kids can be incredibly creative with the most basic materials, so set them loose outside with the challenge of making a small fairy house with whatever they find. If your yard doesn’t have much in the way of sticks, leaves, and other items, try the challenge at a park or as a break alongside a hiking trail.

These activities are just a few that your family can try this summer. The most important thing when planning is to keep your children’s interests in mind and tailor the activities to what they enjoy doing. That way, they’ll be more engaged and more likely to ask to do the activity again throughout the summer. Have fun!

Authors Bio-
Holly Watson is a stay-at-home mom, former financial adviser, and baking enthusiast. She is currently obsessing over perfecting her ‘Mimosa’ cupcakes. She blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands she uses.

Free Family Activities Round Up- 3/30

Jennifer Billy — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:00:48 +0000

Thanks to Keeping Cents for providing us with a list of Fun, Free family activities, crafts and events to do this weekend-

AC Moore –

Saturday 3/31 from 1-3pm, Buy & Decorate: Easter foam shapes.

Barnes & Noble - Check your local store for events.

Bass Pro Shops – Check your local store’s Facebook page for events, classes, workshops, sales and outdoor tips for your area.

FREE Boat Show: family activities, savings and seminars. For dates, times and pro schedules select your local store here.

Bass Pro Shops Easter Events kick off 3/31…

Saturday 3/31 from 11am-3pm, Sunday 4/1 from 1-4pm, Monday-Friday from 6-8pm, FREE 4×6 photo with the Easter bunny.

Saturday 3/31 & Sunday 4/1 from Noon-3pm, Free Kids Craft: make a magnetic egg photo frame.

Saturday 3/31 & Sunday 4/1 at 1pm, Easter Egg Hunt. Registration begins at 12:30. Find 5 eggs and return to registration for candy. Ages 2-10.

Disney Store – Join Disney Store throughout the month of March to celebrate Disney Store’s 25th Anniversary!

Plan Ahead: Saturday 4/7 at 10:30am, 11:30am, and 12:30pm, Special Viewing of Tangled Ever After!

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores -

March is Craft Month. See how Jo-Ann stores are celebrating here.

Saturday 3/31 from 11am-Noon, Free Demo: Martha Stewart Crafts Scoring Board! Find out if your store offers classes here: http://hosted.where2getit.com/joann/

Lakeshore Learning –

Saturday 3/31 from 11am-3pm, Kids create a buggy scene with critter-shaped (ie, bee, butterfly) stick puppets to bring your scene to life. (Free Event)

LEGO Stores –

Tuesday 4/3 at 5pm, Free Lego Monthly Mini Model Build: Duck! Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store.

Michaels –

Saturday 3/31 from 1-3pm, Terra Cotta Spring Butterfly Clay Pot Make-It Take-It with purchase of clay pot.

Sunday 4/1 from 1-3pm, Easter Pail: Make-It Take-It with purchase of pail.

Pottery Barn-

Saturday 3/31 at from 9-11am, Summer Open House.

Pottery Barn Kids – Tuesday’s from 11-11:30am, Story Time.

Tuesday 4/3 at 11am, Peter Rabbit Story Time.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

The Home Depot – See Adult Weekly workshops here. (Landscape Design, Lawn Maintenance, Install Vinyl Flooring)

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

Have a great weekend and if you do something fun & free please share!

Free Family Activities Round Up- 3/23

Jennifer Billy — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:41:42 +0000

Thanks to Keeping Cents for providing us with a list of Fun, Free family activities, crafts and events to do this weekend-

AC Moore –

Saturday 3/24 from 1-3pm, Demo: Spring treat jar.

Sunday 3/25 from 1-3pm, Candy Making Demo: Candy dipped Peeps.

Barnes & Noble - Check your local store for events.

Bass Pro Shops – Check your local store’s Facebook page for events, classes, workshops, sales and outdoor tips for your area.

FREE Boat Show: family activities, savings and seminars. For dates, times and pro schedules select your local store here.

Heads Up: Bass Pro Shops Easter Events begins 3/31…

Disney Store – Join Disney Store throughout the month of March to celebrate Disney Store’s 25th Anniversary!

Saturday 3/24 from 10:30am-1pm, Stickermania & Storytelling: Kids create their very own Disney Store party story using stickers.

Wednesday 3/28, FREE Mickey Ears to first 250 guests! Celebrations continue all day with store wide savings.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores -

March is Craft Month. See how Jo-Ann stores are celebrating here.

Saturday 3/24, FREE Demos, from 11 am-1 pm Social Artworking Painting (available in select stores) and from 1-3pm Foodcrafting with Wilton! Find out if your store offers classes here: http://hosted.where2getit.com/joann/

Lakeshore Learning –

Saturday 3/24 from 11am-3pm, Kids create a Spring flower bouquet. (Free Event)

Lowes Build and Grow –

Saturday 3/24 from 10am-Noon, Kids build a art station complete with a chalkboard and chalk! Be sure to sign up for this free event here. *Due to the transition to the new Build & Grow site, they can no longer accept registrations for the March 24th clinic online. I suggest calling your local Lowe’s to see if they have spots open.

Michaels –

Saturday 3/24 from 1-3pm, Make-It Take-It with purchase of an egg: There was a Little Froggie Easter Craft Egg.

Sunday 3/25 from 1-3pm, Make-It Take-It with purchase of canvas. Create something great with canvas panels. Adult only.

Pottery Barn-

Sunday 3/25 at 10am, How to Throw the Perfect Party. RSVP.

Pottery Barn Kids – Tuesday’s from 11-11:30am, Story Time.

Saturday 3/24 National Geographic Little Explorers: Kids learn about Maps with hands-on activities, quizzes, songs & more.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

The Home Depot – See Adult Weekly workshops here. (Landscape Design, Lawn Maintenance, Install Vinyl Flooring)

Toys R Us -

Saturday 3/24 from 11am-1pm, Thomas Play Date.

Saturday 3/24 from 2-4pm, Spin into action with Monsuno! Learn how to Spin and Battle with friends!

Saturday 3/18 to Saturday 3/24, The Great Bike & Trike Trade-Up… Save up to $50 on ANY bike* when you trade in ANY used bike or tricycle! Save $20 on any bike priced $99.97 or less. Save $30 on any bike priced $99.99 to $149.97. Save $50 on any bike priced $149.99 or more. *Excludes Clearance Bikes.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

Have a great weekend and if you do something fun & free please share!

Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales Review

Jennifer Billy — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:11:05 +0000

Last Friday, my family and I had the great pleasure of going to Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales. My daughter Emma was very excited because Snow White is her very favorite Disney princess. Well in true Disney fashion, the show was amazing! We enjoyed every minute of it.

I love that they featured the classic fairy tales. The new stories are great, but it was nice to see the stories I grew up watching. Emma loved seeing her favorite characters Snow White and Minnie Mouse. She thought the show was “GREAT”! Her favorite part was “Calling for our Disney friends.” Even my one and half year old, Jonathan, loved the show. He sat in amazement for the entire show! He was even so excited at intermission to see his favorite character Mickey Mouse all around.

If you get the opportunity to see Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales, I urge you to jump at it. I am not sure what I enjoyed the most, the show or watching the kids have so much fun!

Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales- Sneak Peek!

Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairytales

Disclaimer- I received 4 free tickets to the show in exchange for this review. However, the opinions are 100% true and honest.

Stocking Your Garage for Summer Fun

Jennifer Billy — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:48:42 +0000

As the weather begins to warm up, it’s time to start filling your garage with the things you and your family need to enjoy being outdoors this summer. Although you can just sit outside and enjoy being together, having a few simple pieces of equipment will make your time a lot more fun. Start scouring garage sales, thrift stores, and department store sales to get all of the items you need for some of the following classic summer activities.

Hawaiian Themed Party: Tiki torches, grass skirts, plastic flower leis and a bright beach umbrella can quickly transform your yard into a Hawaiian paradise. If you don’t have a gas or charcoal grill, be on the lookout for one of those as summer approaches. Once you have everything, invite some friends and neighbors over to cook up some meat on the grill and enjoy fresh fruit smoothies. To keep everyone entertained, put on a game of limbo using a pole of any sort, or even a jump rope, as a limbo bar.

Pool Party: Pool toys are a blast, whether you’re in a backyard swimming pool, a community pool, the ocean, a lake, or just a little wading pool. Look for foam pool noodles, inflatable inner tubes and rafts, diving rings or sticks, and plenty of colorful beach towels. Non-swimmers should have Coast Guard approved flotation devices to help them stay safe in the water. And if you’re headed to a sandy beach, also gather buckets and smoothing tools to make sand castles.

Bike Excursions: Biking is great exercise, and it’s a fun way to get to neighborhood events during the summer. Make sure every family member has a bike and helmet, or get a bike seat or trailer for younger kids to ride in. Because lines at bicycle maintenance shops are long when weather warms up, look for an air compressor to keep your tires properly inflated and a wrench to keep the tension right on your nuts and bolts.

Simple Outdoor Play: Kids can entertain themselves for hours outdoors with some basic outdoor play items. Sidewalk chalk is a must-have, as are basic toys, like jump ropes, hula-hoops, and a variety of balls for backyard or driveway sports. Younger kids also love bubbles, and even older kids may enjoy making bubble solution in a wading pool and using a hula-hoop to make giant bubbles. And of course, make sure you have sunscreen and sun hats to protect your skin from the damage of the sun’s rays. A pop-up shade tent is also a great thing to have available.

Summer fun is all about having a wide range of things available so you never face the dreaded phrase, “I’m bored.” If you have supplies prepared for these activities, you can set them up with just a moment’s notice and keep everyone in the family busy and active this summer. Start scouring sales for the items your family’s lacking, and organize a space in your garage to keep all your summer stuff corralled and ready to use.

Authors Bio-
Holly Watson is a stay-at-home mom, former financial adviser, and baking addict. She blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands she uses.

Free Family Activities Round Up- 3/16

Jennifer Billy — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:51:20 +0000

Thanks to Keeping Cents for providing us with a list of Fun, Free family activities, crafts and events to do this weekend-

AC Moore –

Saturday 3/17 from 1-3pm, Make & Take: Floam…

Sunday 3/18 from 1-3pm, Candy Making Demo: Candy Egg Bark.

Barnes & Noble - Check your local store for events.

Bass Pro Shops – Check your local store’s Facebook page for events, classes, workshops, sales and outdoor tips for your area.

FREE Boat Show: family activities, savings and seminars. For dates, times and pro schedules select your local store here.

Heads Up: Bass Pro Shops Easter Events begin 3/31…

Disney Store – Join Disney Store throughout the month of March to celebrate Disney Store’s 25th Anniversary!

Saturday 3/17 at 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm, Trivia Game & Dance Party: Kids will test their Disney knowledge and play fun dance games. All participants receive a prize.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores -

March is Craft Month. See how Jo-Ann stores are celebrating here.

Saturday 3/17, FREE Demos, from 11am-1pm Papercrafting with Cuttlebug, 3M, Cricut Expression 2 & Core’dinations! From 1pm-2pm Coats & Clark Sashay Yarn!

Lakeshore Learning –

Saturday 3/17 from 11am-3pm, Kids create a lucky shamrock rainbow ribbon streamer. (Free Event)

Michaels –

Sunday 3/18 from 1-4pm for four Jewelry events. From 1-1:30pm, Classic Pearl Necklace: Pearl Knotting Demo. From 1:30-2:30pm, Pink and Amethyst Mix Necklace: Make-It Take-It with purchase of lampwork string. From 2:30-3pm, Springtime Friendship Bracelet Demo. From 3-4pm, Free Make-It Take-It: Fashion A La Carte Headband.

Pottery Barn Kids – Tuesday’s from 11-11:30am, Story Time.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

The Home Depot – See Adult Weekly workshops here. (Landscape Design, Lawn Maintenance, Install Vinyl Flooring)

Toys R Us -

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

Have a great weekend and if you do something fun & free please share!

Fun Family Activities Round Up- 3/9

Jennifer Billy — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:00:28 +0000

Related posts: Free Family Activities Round Up- 10/14 Free Family Activities Round Up- 11/25 Free Family Activities Round Up- 12/30

Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales- Sneak Peek!

Jennifer Billy — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:00:33 +0000

I am so excited to be going to Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales next Friday evening with the family. Emma saw a flyer for it when we went to Disney On Ice and hasn’t stopped asking me if we can go. As we patiently await the opening of the show here in Chicago I have some fun trivia & facts about the show. First off, make sure to watch the above video for a sneak peak of the show.

Ever wonder what goes into putting on a show like Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales? Well here are some interesting facts and figures on the show-

FACTS AND FIGURES

TOUR AND SHOW

Hours it takes to set up the production	16 hours
Hours it takes to tear down the production	5 hours
Crew members who travel with the production	12
Number of performances per year	235 +
Number of trucks needed to haul equipment	6
Average size of stage surface	77’ x 60’
Number of computers utilized by management	4

PERFORMERS

Number of male performers in the production	8
Number of female performers in the production	10
Number of countries represented by cast	3
Age range	20-34

COSTUMES

Number of yards of fabric used to make the costumes	1,200
Number of costumes in the show	100
Number of costume pieces that make up the costumes	8-10
Number of costumes per cast member	Up to 4
Number of washers and dryers that travel with the production	2 washers 2 dryers

Now lets test your knowledge about Disney with these fun trivia questions-

Trivia Questions

What is the name of Mickey’s best girl friend?

Mikaela
Mulan
Minnie

What is Donald Duck’s full name?

Donald Clarence Duck
Donald Chenille Duck
Donald Fauntleroy Duck
Donald Whitlatch Duck

Belle wishes for adventures that she finds in:

the books that she loves to read
a glass slipper
a magic carpet

What was the name of Belle’s father in Beauty and the Beast?

Maurice
Martin
Matthew

What is the name of the enchanted mantle clock in Beauty and the Beast?

Chip
Cogsworth
Luminar

Who helps Cinderella make her dreams come true?

Genie
The Fairy Godmother
Flora, Fauna and Merryweather

According to Cinderella, what is the one thing even her evil stepmother can’t order her to stop doing?

Dreaming
Playing with mice
Eating pumpkins

What are the names of two of Cinderella’s mice friends?

Pluto and Goofy
Chip and Dale
Gus Gus and Jacques

What story is Prince Charming in?

Beauty and the Beast
The Little Mermaid
Cinderella
Sleeping Beauty

Snow White wishes for her one true love while standing by:

A wishing well
Dopey’s hat
An apple

Snow White stays in a cottage with who?

Her mother and twelve siblings
Three giants
Seven Dwarfs

Which Princess ate the poisoned apple?

Beauty and the Beast
Snow White
Cinderella
Sleeping Beauty

Who of the following is NOT one of the Seven Dwarfs?

Dopey
Happy
Sneezy
Toughy
Bashful

What does Cinderella lose at the ball?

Her glass slipper
Her purse
Her sunglasses

Answers: 3,3,1,1,2,2,1,3,3,1,3,2,4,1

For more info on the show and how to get discounted tickets, you can check out my previous post on Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales.

Disclaimer- I have received free tickets to Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales in exchange for providing information about the show as well as my honest review.

Free Family Activities Round Up-3/2

Jennifer Billy — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:51:36 +0000

Thanks to Keeping Cents for providing us with a list of Fun, Free family activities, crafts and events to do this weekend-

AC Moore –

Saturday 3/3 from 1-3pm, Make & Take Pot o’ Gold clay pot.

Bank of America –

Saturday 3/3 & Sunday 3/4, Free Museums On Us days for Bank of America cardholders! There are over 100 participating Museums, Zoos, Science Centers, and Botanical Gardens across the US.

Barnes & Noble - Check your local store for events.

Bass Pro Shops – Check your local store’s Facebook page for events, classes, workshops, sales and outdoor tips for your area.

FREE Boat Show: family activities, savings and seminars. For dates, times and pro schedules select your local store here.

Disney Store –

Saturday 3/3, Celebrate everyone’s favorite semi-aquatic, undercover operative Agent P & receive a FREE top-secret gift (while supplies last).

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores -

March is Craft Month. See how Jo-Ann stores are celebrating here.

Lakeshore Learning –

Saturday 3/3 from 11am-3pm, Kids make a Designer Mirror with glitter, paint & more. (Free Event)

LEGO Stores –

Tuesday 3/6 at 5pm, Free Lego Monthly Mini Model Build: Garden! This is so cute! Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store.

Michaels –

Friday 3/2 from 4-6pm, Read Across America: FREE Make-It Take-It Dr. Seuss Bookmark. Make-it Take Dr. Seuss Pencil Holder with purchase of foam can mug.

Saturday 3/3 from 3-4pm, My First Science Fair Demo.

Pottery Barn-

Sunday 3/4 at 10am, How to Accessorize Your Home. RSVP.

Pottery Barn Kids – Tuesday’s from 11-11:30am, Story Time.

Friday 3/2 through Sunday 3/4 at 3:30pm, Read Across America Day & Dr. Suess Celebration, celebrate the 75th anniversary of Dr. Seuss classics with story times and activities. Plus, select locations here will have appearances from the Lorax!

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

The Home Depot – See Adult Weekly workshops here.

Saturday 3/3 from 9am-12pm, Kids build a #20 speedster race car. (Free Event)

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

Have a great weekend and if you do something fun & free please share!

Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairytales

Jennifer Billy — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:36:45 +0000

Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown. Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that’s pure magic.

Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales is coming to the Chicago area. Playing the Rosemont Theatre March 16th-18th, 2012. You can Save $5 on tickets to the shows on Friday, March 16th at 10:30 am, Saturday March 17th at 11 am, or Saturday March 17th at 5 pm with code MOM.

You can redeem offer at TicketMaster, the theater box office or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Get your tickets today!

-Disclaimer: Offer does not apply on VIP or $47.50 tickets. Additional fees may apply. No double discounts.