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Keystone, Colorado is a winter wonderland welcoming skiers and snowboarders to 11,000-foot peaks. The resort area has also become a popular spot for people looking to escape the summer heat. As the snow melts, helping to replenish rivers and lakes, Keystone's resorts offer its visitors a panorama of blue skies and snow-capped mountain slopes. Nestled within a few miles of Dillon, Frisco and Breckenridge, Keystone offers locals and vacationers plenty of summer memories waiting to be made.
Missoula is nestled against the Bitterroot and Mission Mountain ranges in western Montana. Recreational opportunities abound in this mountainous paradise where wilderness meets the city. In Missoula, families can have a true Wild West vacation or simply an outdoor adventure. You'll find a plethora of fun activities in this vibrant city to do with the kids.
There are certain needs that an infant and toddler will have that need to be committed to in the long term. Learn about the seven irreducible needs of infants and toddlers with help from a former family case worker for CPS in this free video clip.
Apple activities for preschoolers can include crafts and other things of that nature. Learn about apple activities for preschoolers with help from a former family case worker for CPS in this free video clip.
Safe stairs are specially important when your kids are still infants or even toddlers. Learn about safe stairs for infants and toddlers with help from a former family case worker for CPS in this free video clip.
Marco Island, Florida, the largest barrier island of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands and the only developed island, sits off the coast of southwest Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. The island is a popular beach tourist destination offering fun in the water and sun. Not far from Naples and Florida's Everglades, Marco Island is a relaxing getaway for families with interactive indoor and outdoor activities for children.
As a part of the Harrisburg metropolitan area, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, sits just west of the Susquehanna River. Its population is 7,943, according to the 2011 U.S. Census estimate, yet it is surrounded by many neighboring towns and is only 2 miles from downtown Harrisburg. You will find many attractions to do with kids in and around Camp Hill.
Eureka Springs, founded in 1879, is a historical city in Arkansas that was once declared a "City of the First Class." In 2001, the city was named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of 12 Distinctive Destinations, in part due to the restoration and preservation efforts happening throughout the city. Visitors to Eureka Springs will find an array of exciting children's activities, some of which tie into the history of the area.
Children love manipulating, moving and altering lights of all different shapes and colors, and since most other lights aren't portable or hand-held, flashlights become especially appealing. Give your kids a dark closet and they may very well contain themselves for hours playing games, telling ghost stories and making shadow puppets. Providing your kids with safe, creative flashlight activities will ensure that if you find your flashlight dead during the next power outage you'll at least know the battery power went to a good cause.
Peoria, Illinois, is the world headquarters for Caterpillar Inc. and is home to "the world's most beautiful drive." The city's businesses and government sponsor clean and inexpensive fun for families year-round. Along with scenic views of the Illinois River and downtown areas, many organizations provide a variety of entertainment. Peoria's Chamber of Commerce brags that Peoria is "easily accessible" with "natural beauty," making it a popular spot for parents and their kids.
Waco, nestled in the heart of Texas, was first settled in 1848. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, more than 124,000 residents call Waco home. Whether you live in Waco or are just visiting with your family, you'll find an array of kid-friendly activities, including some that get your children outside where they can be more active.
Your child is scratching her head and your first thought is that she has been infected with head lice. This can be one of every parent’s nightmares with thoughts of tedious nit-picking, days out of school and a meticulous cleaning for the entire house. Before freaking out, take a deep breath and get the facts on lice. While they may be gross, the American Academy of Pediatrics points out that lice are a common part of childhood. They aren’t a sign of poor hygiene and they don’t spread disease.
Visiting Hawaii can be an extraordinary adventure for kids. The 50th state is a rainbow of cultures, and it’s the only U.S. state with two official languages: Hawaiian and English. Swimming in a hotel's fantasy pool amid man-made lava rock waterfalls, watching hula and fire dancers at a luau, and shopping in Waikiki for souvenirs can all be fun, but many kids will enjoy more active and educational experiences such as snorkeling on a coral reef, hiking on a volcano or the quintessential Hawaiian sport -- surfing.
Preschool centers have children engage in more than just the ABC's and 123's. History lessons that fall under the social studies umbrella, such as learning about the presidents, often may hold a prominent place in the preschool curriculum. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, social studies are a valuable part of the early childhood classroom, helping kids to learn about themselves and their world.
Provo, Utah’s third-largest city is a family-friendly city with lots to do whether you live there or are planning a visit. It landed a top-10 spot in Forbes.com's 2010 list of America's best places to raise a family, thanks in part to its wide range of options for family fun. You'll find plenty of activities in and around Provo to keep toddlers happy and busy.
With its majestic mountains, ocean coast and some of the oldest coniferous forests in the world, Washington is a magical place. Situated in the Pacific Northwest, the Evergreen State also has a thriving cultural scene and a rich history of native tribes and explorers. Seattle, the largest city, is also home to global technology companies such as Microsoft and Amazon.com and many science museums. Discover Washington with your kids; you'll find plenty to do, even during the wet and snowy months of the year.
Once an exclusive winter retreat for the rich and famous, Jekyll Island, Georgia, provides families with an exciting place to visit and learn a bit about its rich history. The island is full of outdoor adventure and leisurely activities sure to please kids and adults alike. Thankfully, you don't have to be a member of the "club" anymore to get there.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania is a lovely and lush area, rich in history and beauty. A multitude of activities are available for families with plenty to keep kids busy. Whether you prefer outdoor activities, shopping, amusements of just simple play, Bucks has something for almost any taste.
Fort Campbell, which is situated on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, is a U.S. Army post and home to many military families. Whether you call Fort Campbell or a surrounding community home or are planning a trip to the area with your children, you'll find many activities for kids.
Just minutes from downtown Miami is the upscale city of Coral Gables, Florida. With the University of Miami making its home in the "City Beautiful," and its population at around 47,783, according to the 2011 U.S. Census estimate, you are sure to keep the kids active in Coral Gables.
The city of Biloxi, Mississippi, is about 90 minutes from New Orleans as you travel along the Gulf Coast. Although it is best known for its casinos, Biloxi and the nearby city of Gulfport have many attractions for kids. With the beautiful coastline and warm weather, it is an ideal location for a family vacation.
Moosehead Lake is the largest mountain lake in Maine, stretching 40 miles long and 20 miles wide, according to Visitmaine.com. Visitors come from all over to enjoy the scenic outdoor adventures in the area. Hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, sight-seeing, wildlife viewing and camping are just a few of the possible activities to do with the kids.
Too much indulgence is not likely to teach your toddler to be tough. It is completely natural for you to want to protect your little one, to avert crisis and to prevent him from failing at anything he tries, but in doing so, you are not helping him. Kids learn to become tough by overcoming obstacles on their own, by experiencing failure and by messing up and making mistakes. Some of the most valuable life lessons your child will learn are through his mistakes, and those will help to toughen him up.
The popular and picturesque vacation city of Sevierville, Tennessee is located at the base of the Great Smokey Mountains. Covering 20 square miles and with a population of about 15,000, according to the 2011 U.S. Census estimate, Sevierville provides numerous activities appropriate for kids of all ages. Knoxville is a short 30-minute drive away if you're looking for a day trip, but there's plenty to keep the family busy right in Sevierville.
Elementary school students in the United States study many interesting people who impacted American history. One such person, Harriet Tubman, escaped slavery and then helped other slaves escape to northern states and Canada where there wasn't slavery. A number of engaging activities can help kids retain information about Tubman and her work.
Day camp is a great way for kids to connect with other kids their own age. It keeps them active and allows them to develop a sense of independence. According to Diana Christensen of Metroparent, day camp allows children to form new friendships, make memories, develop new interests and learn leadership skills. Proper planning for day camp will make the experience more enjoyable for both the child and the parents.
The city of Huntsville is situated on the northeast corner of Alabama, boasting a population of 182,956 according to the 2011 U.S. Census estimate. You will undoubtedly find plenty to do with children in this city, as Huntsville is home to NASA's Space Flight Center along with many other interesting and exciting attractions.
The bustling city of Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest metropolis. The city's proximity to Lake Michigan gives its climate a certain unpredictability. Sudden snowstorms, unexpected heat waves and unusual weather patterns are common. The good news is that the city has plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep kids busy and having fun no matter what's going on with the weather.
A toddler is a miniature explorer who wants nothing more than to search for adventure and try his hand at just about anything -- even though he typically has not developed the skills needed to safely and effectively reach his goals, explains HealthyChildren.org. When a parent or other adult intervenes in a tot's potentially dangerous investigations and discoveries, the toddler can become overwhelmingly frustrated.
When you approach the subject of Jesus dying on the cross, activities can make the topic less frightening and more understandable to kids. Occasions where you could use these activities include Good Friday or another Holy Week service and when a child asks why Jesus is hanging on a crucifix.
Some parents joke that toddlers draw on walls to reflect a cave dweller stage in their development. Other parents or care providers don't find it so funny and wonder why toddlers are so compelled to do this. There are actually several developmental reasons. After you understand these reasons, try some constructive ways to get your toddler to develop necessary skills and improve his coordination without marking the walls.
Transitioning a bedroom from an infant to a toddler is something you'll have to do as your child's personality starts to develop. Transition a bedroom from an infant to a toddler with help from a former family case worker for CPS in this free video clip.
Located 21 miles west of Seattle across the Puget Sound, the city of Port Orchard, Washington provides several activities to do with kids. According to the 2011 U.S. census estimate, the population is 11,333. Although it is relatively small, Bremerton and Bainbridge Island are just north of the town and also offer many attractions suitable for children.
Cheerleaders may appear to be the most popular kids in school, but it may actually have more to do with being healthy and feeling great than it does with social status. Because they work out regularly, many cheerleaders are in top physical condition and may have a leg up on their teamwork and leadership skills because they cheer.
Learning about the U.S. Constitution might not sound like fun for kids, but it is important for children to learn about the history of the United States and how it came to be. Whether your children are learning about the U.S. Constitution in school, or you want to teach them about it at home, incorporate engaging, related activities that will keep them interested and excited to learn more about the most important legal document in the United States.
Your child's dental health as an infant and toddler can set the stage for healthy permanent teeth later in life as well as aiding in normal speech development and developing healthy eating habits. Because your young child can't brush her own teeth or monitor her mouth for cavities, it's up to you to help her take care of her oral health.
The rolling mountains and natural beauty of the Adirondacks make this northeastern region a popular family destination year-round. Whether you’re visiting during the snow-blanketed months of winter or lacing up your child’s hiking boots for his first warm weather mountain hike, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do with kids in the Adirondacks.
Teachers gather learning ideas all year by looking for activities that inspire lessons, economically solve a concept goal or add concrete examples to visualize complex ideas. Using both art and cultural holidays increases engagement and acknowledges special customs like gift giving. Materials for Christmas holiday-themed art projects can be amassed throughout the year at garage sales, discount bins and natural or recycled sources.
The mystery of the Loch Ness monster has fascinated people for generations. Your child might already have heard bits and pieces about this famous water creature.You can teach her about this famous legend through entertaining activities that also provide her with information on the facts surrounding "Nessie," as the alleged monster is affectionately called.
When the yelling increases and your children are getting to be too much to handle, your children might just need a physical outlet for all of their energy. If it is too cold, dark, or rainy to go outside, using child-sized hammers to pound could be the indoor release that they need. Pounding also helps children to develop their hand-eye coordination.
Although most children reach major developmental milestones within a similar time frame, kids can develop at different rates. One child may reach a particular milestone sooner than another child his same age. Other children can be slightly behind in their development. Autism Speaks recommends discussing any concerns you have with your child’s pediatrician, especially if he loses skills he previously had. Developmental delays can be a sign of an autism spectrum disorder.
Play dates allow unstructured time for children to play together outside of the school day. They're a staple of childhood and help kids build self-esteem and sharpen their socialization skills. Deciding how long to allow kids to interact is up to the parents, but there are general rules of thumb to keep in mind.
Jupiter, Florida, located along Florida's renowned Gold Coast, has nearly year-round perfect weather and an abundance of outdoor recreation for the entire family. Rich with history and natural beauty, this is a popular destination in the Palm Beach County area with numerous activities for families with children of all ages to enjoy.
Located just 35 miles south of San Francisco, the city of Palo Alto is a vibrant community with plenty to offer families of young children. Whether you're looking for a chance to get your toddler out in nature, or something to do indoors on a rainy day, you will have no trouble finding an enjoyable way to pass the day with your little one in tow.
Many parents have dreams of teaching their preschoolers to read, but most very young children aren't developmentally ready to read independently. Developmentally appropriate literacy activities, however, can prepare children for kindergarten and elementary school by encouraging them to love reading and learning and giving them the basic background they need to begin understanding how letters and language work. The book "Literacy Beginnings" emphasizes that young children learn best through play, so it's wise to get rid of the flashcards and workbooks and focus on making literacy fun.
To aid your child’s math understanding and retention, you can incorporate lessons about numbers into real life situations. This strategy will show him how math concepts have real applications. According to an article published by the National Association of Elementary School Principles, a hands-on approach such as this helps elementary students understand basic ideas, gain a greater depth of understanding, become more willing to participate and ask questions better than conventional instructional methods.
Hickory Hills, Illinois is a bustling community with a small-town feel, but it's located less than 30 minutes from Chicago. As its name suggests, towering hickory trees and rolling green hills surround the area. While there are a small number of entertaining and educational activities for kids right in Hickory Hills, there are even more opportunities to have fun in the outlying areas around the small city.
Gilbert, Arizona, a small suburb of Phoenix has a small town feel with large city convenience. Surrounded by towering trees and a beautiful desert landscape, Gilbert is a quiet city that's close to many entertaining and educational activities for toddlers. While some are located right in the heart of the city, others are located just minutes away in neighboring areas.
Putty is a pliable tool that teaches children about science and uses language skills, plus it's lots of fun! The original putty, called Silly Putty, was invented by accident in 1943 by a General Electric engineer by the name of James Wright. The mixture is made of boric acid and silicone and is a viscoelastic liquid, meaning the mixture has properties of both elastic and liquid. You can try several fun activities with putty to stretch the limits of your child's imagination.
Gone are the days when your little one would peacefully drift off to sleep in your arms. When the preschool years arrive, your child's naps might become shorter and her protests of "I"m not tired!" grow louder. Though you know your child's sleep needs best, it's important to pay attention to her cues when considering whether to drop her daily nap. Trying to force a child to sleep when she doesn't need to will only leave you exhausted.
