Tag: summer

Summer Gains, Winter Losses

In Southern California the heat rises, temperture flares, and outdoor plants wither. Oftentimes, I’d rather drink a cool beverage than slave over a hot stovetop.  The great thing that can come from hot summers is losing extra weight that was gained during the colder seasons. I’m not promoting eating less to lose extreme weight, but it’s easy to miss a meal or two when it’s too darn hot to cook or stand by a hot oven. Our own body temperatures fluctuate with the changing seasons, and we tend to feel sluggish and tired when the climate is hot, dry, or humid. The only caveat to eating less in hotter weather is that we might gain everything back again when the temperature cools down.

Tips during the summer months to help you through winter:

  • Realizing how important hydration is. Oftentimes we get too busy to hydrate ourselves, or too  tired to get up for some water. I bought a really cool new reusable tumbler that has an attached straw. It’s easy to fill up with ice and water and drink throughout the day.

 

  • Water isn’t the only type of hydration. Some people don’t like drinking plain water and will substitute it with juice and soda. But that isn’t the healthiest approach. If you’re not a plain water drinker, know that you can still get plenty of water intake from certain fruits with high water content: watermelon, strawberries, citrus fruits, kiwi, cantaloupe, grapes, and peaches just to name a few.

  • The importance of exercise. I exercise at home because I’m not a gym type of person, and sometimes I get lazy and don’t want to exercise or move around. But I know that isn’t great either, so I do at least minimal 20 minutes of exercise. Find the right type of exercise for your body and needs and participate at least 20 minutes a day. Exercise best when it’s early in the morning as your body is just waking up, or in the evening right before bedtime as your body is winding down.

 

  • Eat seasonally. While summer weather can get pretty crazy depending on where you live, it’s also my favorite season because of the fresh seasonal fruits. Living in the West coast can bring some really delicious and wholesome seasonal fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, peaches, cherries, apples, and cucumbers are all fresh and easy to find where I live. Take advantage of your regional area and find fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. They are mostly decently priced and taste a whole lot better than when out of season.

 

  • Less sugar for longevity and slimmer bodies. I’m not a big sweets person, but I do love sweet food now and then. Sugar can cause and prolong various diseases in your body, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, skin problems, weight gain, and dental issues, to name a few. Sugar can be disguised in many forms and raise blood pressure that leads to many other health problems. Watch your intake of unnecessary added sugar especially in your food and beverages.

 

  • Start a new hobby. If you have school-aged children and they’re not at school or in camp, you might find summer to be the best time to learn something new with your children. Find something that you and your kids can enjoy and extend the hobby throughout their lifetimes, or at least through the year. Try planting a garden, learn how to use AI, learn a new craft, learn a new language, and try a new type of exercise such as martial arts, dance, etc. just to name a few.

 

  • Write down your goals for the rest of the year. When school starts again, my days blur into each other and oftentimes I’m left wondering how I can accomplish even the simplest of tasks. While I freelance at home and work at a school, time is essential to getting things done. Summer is a great time to write down your goals for the rest of the year. Your plans from earlier this year might have changed or needs adjustment. It’s okay to make changes to what fits best with your lifestyle.

Summertime quote by Wilma Rudolph

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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How to Keep Your Family, Pets, and Garden Safe This Summer

We are in the full midst of summer and the temperatures have not been forgiving. If you live in a hot-as-hell climate like we are in Southern California, then there are safe and sane steps you can take to keep your family, pets, and plants safe this year.

As a human mom, plant mom, and pet mom, I do worry that all my beloved living things are melting in the hot heat. But when Mother Nature punishes us with these excruciatingly hot temperatures, we must do what we can to survive. Below I’ve listed easy, economical, and fun ways to keep cool this summer while also benefiting the environment.

10 EASY WAYS TO KEEP COOL IN THE SUMMER:

1 – Invest in high quality portable fans. Keeping the AC on all day might be great at keeping cool, but it also drains a lot of energy and can get expensive. If you must use the air conditioner, use it only for a couple of hours from 12-2pm and make sure all the windows and doors are closed to keep the cool air inside. Portable fans are awesome for a small room and for moving it around to the necessary areas. I found some good ones on Amazon last year and had to get another one this year when our AC wasn’t cooperating. Check out these nice ones from Amazon: Dyson, Dreo, and Lasko. Many of these brands are having a sale right now on Amazon, so take advantage while you can.

2 – Eat food that helps you cool down. Food such as watermelon, cucumber, honeydew, cantaloupe, radish, daikon, and celery are all cooling foods and can also help reduce inflammation. During hotter days, try not to eat food that can cause too much heat and inflammation. Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables to get the freshest varieties possible. According to Dr. Erlene Chiang, Executive Director of Wen Wu School, you should eat more fresh produce such as radishes, daikon, watermelon, and other melons. In addition to being juicy and refreshing, these foods have alkaline properties and hydrate the Yin elements of the body.

3 – Keep pets and young children away from the heat. Domesticated animals and young children have a harder time regulating their body temperature. During the hot summer months, keep pets and young children indoors whenever possible. If you are to travel with them, try to do so early in the morning before 11 AM or in the afternoon after 4 PM. According to PetMD, both dogs and cats dissipate heat by panting [and] as they get overheated, they pant more quickly trying to maintain a safe internal temperature. However, if a dog or cat gets too hot, they risk developing heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Know and understand the signs of heatstroke in children and animals and do your best to prevent them.

4 – Drink plenty of water and cool liquids. Drink plenty of fluid 24 hours before the arrival of hot weather to give your cells time to become hydrated. Water is essential to the good health of our bodies and brain. Equally, be sure to hydrate yourself, your children, and your pets throughout the day especially when temperatures reach above the normal level. Avoid sweetened beverages as your brain receptors do not register liquids immediately, therefore, too much sweetened beverages will end up harming your body. Clean, pure water is the best choice for everyone, especially your plants.

5 – Water your plants efficiently. The best times to water your outdoor plants is before it gets too hot. Improper watering can lead to root rot and plant stress. It’s best to water either early in the morning or evening, and try to keep a consistent schedule so your plants and soil can adjust accordingly.

6 – Create natural shades outdoors. If you want to enjoy your yard in the summer, then be prepared for proper shading. A shade umbrella, shade sail, or Pop Up Gazebo will work wonders in keeping your yard cool. Large shading trees such as Maple, Oak, and Redwood can live for many years in your front yard or backyard. Of course those can also take many years to grow to the height that appropriates into shade trees, but you can pick up some medium sized ones from your local garden nurseries or home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. I try to support local nurseries since they carry more native trees and are well kept by horticulturists. Trees not only provide helpful shade, but can benefit the soil and natural eco system.

7 – Keep cool towels in the freezer. An environmental and economical idea is to keep small towels in your freezer. Run water through your towels and set them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. This is a great way to keep everyone cool throughout the day and it saves electricity in your house. Keep these towels separated from meat so you don’t pick up unnecessary scents on your towels. Frozen towels are great for year-round, so keep a few of them in your freezer but don’t forget to rotate them out.

8 – Keep your skin cool. Your skin absorbs heat easily so keeping it cool is the first step in preventing heatstroke. I like to use Jade Rollers as a regular beauty routine, and if you’ve never tried it then you really should! Jade rollers are an ancient method of smoothing your skin and when you put them in the freezer or the refrigerator for a few hours, you end up with an instant spa like treatment. Start by rolling it over your face and around your neck. You will feel an instant cooling sensation that’s refreshing and luxurious.

9 – Keep exercises and walking to a minimum. Summertime also means enjoying the outdoors with your kids and pets. And while that is essential to good health, choosing the right time is crucial when it’s blistering hot outside. The Sun is at its peak between the hours of 11AM and 3PM, so try to stay indoors or shaded areas if you’re already outside. You can also wear Neck Fans, which is a cool gadget for humans and pets. These easy to use fans go around your neck while you’re outdoors or inside on hotter days. I’ve seen people use these for their dogs and as long as your pets don’t bite or scratch them, they are a lifesaver for your pets.

10 – Wear cool clothing. Cool clothes can be both cool and cool. Get it? Yes, okay moving on 🙂 When the temperature is too hot both indoors and outdoors, be sure to wear cool fabrics such as 100% cotton, silk, rayon, and linen. These natural fabrics circulate air between the material and your body and can also be lighter in weight. Additionally, keep your kids cool by giving them clothes that don’t have a lot of buttons and zippers. These type of fasteners can get itchy and irritate the skin especially when sweating.

This summer as temperatures rise throughout the world, the best ways to keep cool is minimize extraneous activities, stay indoors when possible, cool down naturally with fans, and drink plenty of water and light liquids.

* Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through the clickable links could provide affiliate commission.

* The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, unless indicated. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, I encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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How To Have An Imperfect Summer (Without spending a lot money)

When you see people on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube showing off their perfectly planned summer, do you envy them? Well, sometimes I do because I’d love to have the amount of money and time to plan and spend on the perfect vacation. It’s great to have dreams and goals – to be able to go abroad and visit lavish countries and taste exquisite cuisines, fly on a private jet and land anywhere in the world, or casually pick out an impromptu outfit at Chanel to attend a ballet in Paris, France.

While a perfectly planned summer vacation sounds ideal, not many of us are able to achieve that every-single-minute-is-planned dream vacation. And is it really a dream vacation when you’re so exhausted after traipsing through every mountain or hunting down the most exquisite piece of jewelry only to fall dead asleep on the hotel bed hours later? Might be thrilling for some, but for most the perfect vacation isn’t always the best planned. It’s the impromptu trip down the coast, or the quick flight to the countryside with the kids. It’s the visit as many breakfast spots as you can find, or the laying around the hotel pool watching your kids splashing happily and fearlessly.

I grew up with parents that planned vacations, mini trips, and most outings. But that was fine when I was a child. Now that I’m older and with my own family, my independent spirit takes over once again and I harken back to idling my summer months away in my childhood home’s backyard, picking an apple off the apple tree, laying on the Oakwood bench and reading a good book, or just running around with my Husky dog doing absolutely nothing. So I encourage you to let loose and not plan the most perfect vacation. Below I’ve listed some fun ideas you can incorporate into your own family plans and make them work for you.

  • Throw Seed Bombs – Have you heard of seed bombs? Back in the days it was sort of a guerilla type of gardening where people make little seed “bombs” and throw them into vacant lots, neglected lawns, and sidewalks. While in the present we do have to be careful where we toss these little flower making miracles, seed bombs are still fun to make and throw during an impromptu trip to the market, seaside, or while hiking. Here’s is a how-to guide on making seedbombs: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-make-seed-bomb

  • Beach Clean Up– You’re probably thinking, “wait, how can this be considered fun?” Ideally, beach cleanups are planned through non-profit organizations where data is monitored and analyzed. But throwing your own impromptu beach cleanup is a surefire way of getting your beaches cleaner. Your kind act might even promote others to help you! Next time you’re at the beach or seaside, be sure to pack some trash bags, gloves, and even a litter picker to help clean up the beach. After the clean up, be sure to use some all natural hand sanitizers.

  • Take An Idyllic Route – Get in your car and just drive. You might want to plan ahead where the best locations are to stop and grab some food, but once you start driving you never know where you might end up. You might discover local treats that will become your favorite place, or stop at a museum to discover local arts and crafts. Just be sure to have some water in the car and always be safe in your surroundings.

  • Spend The Day at A Garden Nursery – What I would give to just spend hours at a garden nursery, breathing in the fragrance of the beautiful flowers, gently brushing my fingers across the petals, and admiring the beauty of nature. Take your kids to a garden center or nursery, look around, ask questions, touch, smell, and enjoy the gorgeous array of plants around you. The various colors and scents will definitely brighten your mood.

  • Learn A New Skill – Learning a new skill, a new language, or a good habit helps develop your mind and view of the world around you. A new skill can be as simple as how to use power tools or as complex as how to tune-up a car. Whatever you choose, you can find something new to learn and improve yourself. Get your kids to learn some new skills while they’re still young. Help them choose something they’d like to learn and practice over the summer. Who knows, they might even make that new skill into a lifelong skill!

  • Use Your Savings For Something Fun – Now’s the time to use those frequent flyer miles or points on your credit cards and turn them into a fun and short trip somewhere. Or use some of your savings that you were going to eventually use for a vacation or a large purchase and just do something different. If you have young children, some pre-planning might need to happen. But if your children are older or at least in their early teen years, then a short trip to another state wouldn’t be too much of a strain for the family. Get your children involved on where to go, or surprise them as a last minute trip.

  • Host A Backyard Movie Day – Watching movies at the movie theater can get costly. Add in some popcorn and drinks and you’ve surely spent more than necessary. Throw a backyard movie party and invite your friends and neighbors. If you don’t have a movie projector or a screen, use a white bedsheet and check out some hacks here: https://hometheatergeek.com/beginners-guides/how-to-project-without-a-projector-creative-solutions-for-big-screen-viewing/

  • Museum Crawl – If you’ve visited even one museum in your lifetime you would have gained a bit of artistic knowledge. If your kids aren’t too keen on visiting museums – because they might be “boring” – then grab some close friends and do a museum crawl. Check out several museums whether in the same city or neighboring cities. Make a day of it by enjoying a meal at the museum, pick up some souvenirs, and relax in front of a Monet painting.

  • Park Passes – Get a family park pass or individual pass to national parks. Most parks require an entrance fee to help with the care and keep of these national beauties. Park passes can vary depending on the park you go to and the type of passes. Park passes are good for up to 1 year so you can enjoy the outdoors while supporting national parks and recreational sites.

  • Start A Garden – There’s something magical in growing your own garden. It is a lifelong dedication and joy and your garden can bring you happiness and satisfaction for as long as you take care of it. Your garden doesn’t have to be large and spectacular. It just has to contain plants that you enjoy. Even a small patio can grow flowers and edible plants in planters and pots. Start off with easy to grow plants such as succulents, sunflowers, and herbs such as basil, mint, and oregano. You can grow from seeds which will take longer, but is more satisfying. Or you can buy seedling plants for faster growth. Whatever you choose, try to grow plants that are native to your state or area.

This summer, have a fun imperfect summer. Make simple and basic plans. Or make no plans at all. Get your kids involved so they can enjoy their own imperfectly perfect summer too.

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Easy Ways for Kids to Start a Summer Garden

Summer is a great time to start a garden with children. With some free time before school starts, children can get a good harvest going before the fall and winter seasons. While temperatures are conflicting around the world, you can still find the right type of plants to grow in the summer and be ready for a hearty harvest in a couple of months.

My love for gardening and nature developed at a very young age. I thank both my parents for that because now I teach gardening to children at an elementary school and hope to instill in them a love of nature too. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid gardener, getting kids started at a young age gives them a chance to learn and grow at their own pace. Nature has no judgement and will in fact, bring you an abundance of joy and satisfaction for many, many years.

To get kids started in gardening, you must know the basics. The fundamentals of gardening helps develop good habits that leads to better understanding and less frustration. If you and your children already have a garden full of lovely plants, then that’s awesome. If not, or you’re just starting out, check out some easy tips to get you started on a lifetime of healthy living.

10 BASIC GARDENING TIPS:

1 – Decide on your garden space. Do you want a small patch of land in your yard? Do you want only planters?Or do you want a mixture of ground and raised? Once you decide on the type of garden you want, you can start planning!

2 – Decide on how much you want to invest in your garden. If you’re just starting out, it’s easier to start on a small budget. Any range between $50-$100 is a good starting point.

3 – Have your kids research on the type of plants they want to grow. Depending on their age, they can start with very basic and easy to take care of plants. I will list the type of plants below.

4 – Visit a garden center or big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s that has a garden center. Take some time to walk around and learn about the various types of plants. Touch the plants and smell them to see what you like.

5 – While at the garden center, pick up some easy to grow plants: mint (any type), tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, radish, sweet snap peas, bell peppers, daisies, sunflowers, and hibiscus (seasonal).

6 – Have your kids pick out basic garden tools: small hand shovel/spade, small hand rake, gloves, bucket, watering can, and gardening soil. Many gardening tools are made for children but I recommend getting them medium sized tools so they can eventually grow into them. Check out this one-for-all tool set: https://amzn.to/43bxRJS (sponsored).

7 – Find the right spot in the garden. Most plants can take full sun up to 6 hours, depending on where you live. For easy to grow plants such as the ones mentioned above, try to grow them where there’s sun for most part of the day. If you plant in planters, they are easy to move around according to the position of the sun.

8 – Don’t over or under water your plants. How do you know if you’re over watering or under watering? Check the top soil. Place 2 fingers into the soil of where you plant is. If it’s moist, then you don’t need to water the plants yet. If it’s dry or not moist, then water them immediately. Over watering plants can kill them or cause plant diseases. Under watering plants can make it difficult for them to flourish again. An easy way to manage water is with an irrigation center: https://amzn.to/3NC6mUg (sponsored).

9 – Buy high quality planting soil. Once you’ve decided if you’re planting directly in ground or in planters, make sure you buy higher quality soil to give your new plants a chance to grow and flourish.

10 – Tag and monitor your plants. If you’re growing from seeds, it’s very simple to watch your seeds grow from seedlings to full plants. If planting seedlings that you got from the store, place markers in the soil with the name of the plant and the date it was planted.

A few other things to note as your child starts his/her journey into becoming a gardener. Besides doing the basics of gardening, invest in composting and upcycling. I use this Compost Bin at home and at school: https://amzn.to/44uL3dV (sponsored).

Being a gardener or just having a love for gardening is also being a steward of the planet. We garden because we appreciate nature and the love of living a healthy lifestyle. Gardening is therapeutic and resourceful. You can plant a bounty of delicious and healthy food to last you for many years or you can grow a garden just for show. All it takes are some simple steps to begin your garden and your kids will grow into a love for nature and making healthy choices.

 

*photo courtesy of Martha Stewart magazine

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Tips for an Eco-Budget Friendly Summer

Business and Pleasure Tommy Chair

It’s crazy hot in California and I just want to lounge in front of the air conditioner and take a nap. But with rising temperatures around the world, a growing inflation, and the threat of a climate crisis, just how do we have a relaxing and cool summer without breaking the bank?

At a very young age, my parents instilled a sense of reverence and mindfulness. I’d like to think that those important life lessons helped shaped me to be more mindful and careful about the environment and myself. If you’re on a tight budget, that would work out well. But regardless of how we want to spend our summer days, it’s important to find a balance between saving money, time, and being environmentally conscious.

I travel a great deal during the summer months so I do my best to keep a healthy perspective on what I spend, how I spend, and how my spending impacts the environment. Below I’ve listed some tips that I take with me while traveling or when we’re staying home.

10 Tips for an Eco-friendly Cool Summer:

Wishing you all a safe and healthy summer!

*photo courtesy of Martha Stewart magazine

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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How to Have a Sane Summer with Your Kids

summer-fun-sunshine

Summer’s upon us. School’s out and you’re left wondering, what in the world do I do with my kids? If you’ve already sent your kids off to summer camp or summer school – congrats. But for those who are left with kids languishing lavishly like kings and queens on the couch playing video games and chomping on chips, I’m here to whisper to you…I feel you.

Summer is the epitome of joy for kids, or at least, school aged kids. It’s the time when they can wake up later than usual, lounge around all day if they wanted to, and not have to worry about homework. But if you’re a parent, then you know it’s also months of having bored kids fighting and arguing with you and/or their siblings and basically making you wish you never had children – I jest here, really. But never fear! I’ve collected some ideas from experts, bloggers, and friends on how to have a super sane summer this year so that you’ll want to experience it all over again next summer.

TRAVELING WITH KIDS:

Summer time is really the best time to travel with your children. They’re not in school and the weather is usually pretty decent no matter where you go. Depending on the amount of time you want to be on your trip, you can plan for a few days, a week, or even just the weekend. Regardless of the amount of time, plan ahead a bit so that you can avoid any snafus that might happen.

*** National parks are tons of fun for both kids and adults. They are great places to learn about how nature works and offer a breath of visual beauty. You can find national parks in every state and some offer cabins or lodges you can stay at.  Here are some kid-friendly parks you can visit:

Big Bend National Park – TX

What to See & Do: Designated as one of the darkest places in the country, it’s one of the best places to stargaze with your kids. It’s also filled with fossils—be sure to take your dino enthusiast to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. There’s also plenty of hiking opportunities for families: some of the best trails for kids include the Window View, the Basin Loop, the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail and for older kids, the Lost Mine Trail is worth the trek. One of the most popular things to do in Big Bend, however, is to float the Rio Grande. There are several outfitters that offer easy, half-day floats, like this Madera to Grassy Banks option from Big Bend River Tours, which are perfect for families with young children.

Tips & When to Go: Cell service can be spotty, but free, public WiFi is available at the Panther Junction Visitor Center, the Chisos Mountains Lodge, and the Rio Grande Village Store. The best time to go is Sept.-May, as it gets very hot in the summer.

Online: nps.gov/bibe

Yosemite National Park – CA

Famed for its granite domes and ancient sequoia trees, Yosemite is a gold mine for families.

Things to See & Do: Filled with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, two favorites include the Tuolomne Grove Nature Trail because you are rewarded with some massive Giant Sequoias, including the one you can walk through and the Mist Trail as you have the opportunity to see two waterfalls. Make sure you set aside some time to spend exploring Yosemite Village. Grab some lunch and souvenirs at the gift shop (it is huge—perfect to stock up on everything from hot cocoa to wine to grilling supplies). Take a break to watch the Spirit of Yosemite film at the visitor center to give the kids all the background info on Yosemite and how it came to be a national park.

The Yosemite Museum has hands-on exhibits where kids can learn all about the cultural history of Yosemite’s native Miwok and Paiute people from 1850 to the present. If you are lucky, you may even be able to see traditional skills presented by historians. Outside you can walk through a replica Miwok village to see how they lived.

Tips & When to Go: The park is open year-round, with seasonal activities, but May and Sep. are when it’s less crowded.

Online: https://www.yosemite.com/

Zion National Park, UT

Sandstone cliffs, slot canyons and animal wildlife are all part of the wonder of Zion National Park in Utah. You’ll want to give yourselves plenty of time at this scenic destination to take it all in.

Things to See & Do: Try a kid-friendly hike, like The Grotto Trail, Weeping Rock Trail or the Emerald Pool trail. While at the Emerald Pool trail, be sure to check out the gorgeous waterfall views. For a fun way for families to learn more about Zion together, head over to the Nature Center. Daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, youth programs specifically for children and families are offered, and last 30-45 minutes, so they’re just the right length for your mini explorers.

Tips & When to Go: Zion National Park is open year-round. Some services or facilities may have limited hours at various times of the year.

Online: nps.gov/zion

*** Local aquariums and museums are always a fun idea for kids and families. Aquariums offer an insight into how marine animals live and if you’re lucky enough to live close to the ocean, check out an aquarium with an open vista of the bay. Museums offer a glance into the history of our ancestors or the past of other cultures. There are lots of museums and aquariums tailored specifically for kids.

*** Pick-Your-Own Farms are family owned farms where you get the opportunity to pick fresh fruits and vegetables of the season. You can find small farms where the orchards contain between 20-30 trees or larger farms where you’d have to ride a wagon to cover the entire farm. For a listing of Pick-Your-Own Farms check out the listings here: https://pickyourown.farm/

STAYING AT HOME:

If you’re looking for an easy stay at home project or you’re saving money for next summer’s big trip, then there are tons of creative and entertaining activities for kids to do at home.

*** Art projects are a never-ending line of activities that kids of any age can do. All you need are the typical art supplies such as paint, glue, scratch paper or construction paper, color markers, beads, and anything you have laying around the house that you can turn into an environmentally friendly art project. Check out Michaels and Martha Stewart sites: https://www.michaels.com/projects/kids-crafts/815811845 and https://www.marthastewart.com/1502457/kids-crafts

*** Backyard/Front yard fun for those who want to play outside their house with their neighbor friends or by themselves. You can get your kids a kiddie size pool, sidewalk chalk, or lightweight sport games such as Ring Toss, Softball, and Skateboards. Just be sure to keep an eye out for any passing cars that are not aware of kids on the street.

*** Living Room Forte was always a fun adventure for when I was younger. I used to build a living room forte or in my bedroom and sometimes invite my best friend over to hang out with me. For me, it was like going camping, without the mosquitoes and canned food. Make it extra fun by packing your kids a brown bag of food so that they can stay inside their forte for as long as they want. Give them books, flashlights, and some pillows and their set to go for a day or so! Fortes are a great little “escape” for kids, and if you’re inclined to join in on the fun, all the better!

AROUND THE TOWN:

*** Cooking classes are great for kids who want to try something new and love to experiment with food. Typically the age to start cooking classes is around 5 or 6 years old as they might need to handle knives and utensils. You can find cooking classes offered at larger stores such as Williams Sonoma, Home Depot, Whole Foods Market, and Sur La Table.

***Art classes can be for a day or even a month long. There are art classes offered for children at your local community center, local colleges, or even art studios that give art lessons. Just do a search online for art classes for kids and you’ll find some great ones.

*** Beaches are a tried and true enjoyment for children. Depending on the age, build a small, enclosed sand pool for younger children to play in and keep them far from the shore. For older kids, bring along a couple of their friends so that they can explore the beach area as a group. Just be sure to bring plenty of sun block and water.

Whatever plans or non plans you have this summer, keep in mind that a bored child is also a child that can drive you nuts! 🙂 Give them plenty of activities to choose from or plan a trip with some suggestions from them. No matter what your plans are this summer, remember that traveling and spending quality time with your children builds great rapport while also giving them a sense of freedom and joy.

*Travel sites provided by redtri.com

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