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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sometimes, when it's the end of a long day or you just want a little peace and quiet, it's tempting to turn on the television for your kids so you can relax for a bit while they are glued to a cartoon or two. While there's nothing wrong with a bit of TV, you don't necessarily want that to become your go-to strategy for spending time with your kids.
Mahanoy City, a small town in central-eastern Pennsylvania, is rich in history, and known for its coal mining and railroad industries. Several larger cities are located within 100 miles of Mahonoy City, including Philadelphia, Frackville and Pottsville. Whether you are a local or just stopping through the area, there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained.
One you are introducing kids to one another, there are a few key things that you can do to help make the process go a lot smoother. Find out about things to do when you are introducing kids with help from an experienced parent coach in this free video clip.
You're never too young to get in on the fun of doing cartwheels. Learn how to do cartwheels for kids with help from a personal trainer and group fitness director in this free video clip.
Worcester, Massachusetts has been welcoming visitors since the 1670s, when the European settlers arrived. Worcester is located in the central region of the state, and is a short drive from Boston and from Providence, Rhode Island. Families visiting the town can choose from a variety of entertainment without having to travel very far. Kids can learn about ecology, history, and sports, or can explore nature.
If your family experiences a power outage, you don't have to resign yourself to bored and unhappy children until the power comes back on. Keep your kids entertained when the electricity goes out by spending quality time with them.
Telluride is in the heart of southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountains and offers children opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural events. From November through early April, Telluride becomes a winter wonderland destination for young skiers and snowboarders. Fly fishing and kayaking become the primary Telluride sports for children in the summer. Summertime also marks the occurrence of annual festivals, which provide activities for kids.
The town of Conyers, Georgia, is family friendly and steeped in history. Located in rural Rockdale County, about 24 miles east of Atlanta, Conyers is a blend of rural beauty and urban excitement. The downtown boasts a 1905 Rogers steam locomotive named Dinky, as well as a pavilion, botanical garden and many unique shops. Just outside of town you'll find parks, woods and trails, giving you and your kids a chance to explore nature. So put on your walking shoes and head out for an adventure with the family.
Family vacations in California conjure up images of Disneyland, Universal Studios tours and building sand castles on the beach. However, other areas of the state also offer fun activities for kids, and Victorville, California, is no exception. Victorville lies is about 100 miles north of Los Angeles in the southern section of the state, bordering both mountains and desert. Although home to fewer than 100,000 residents, Victorville affords various opportunities for family fun, according to the city's website.
Established along the Arkansas River, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas with a population of over 370,000 as of 2010. Wichita has many attractions from museums to parks, but not all are appropriate for children. Things to do with small children in Wichita include both indoor and outdoor activities that are engaging, interactive and educational.
When away from their school, many kids lack the self-discipline to sit down and do their homework because there are so many other distractions, like television and the Internet. But adults can be successful in persuading kids to finish their assignments by talking to them about the importance of homework, offering to be there to answer any questions they may have, and dedicating a block of time each day to the completion of homework assignments.
The small town of Mechanicsville, Virginia is located just eight miles from Virginia's capital city of Richmond. The area was the site of several Civil War battles, which are proudly commemorated with war memorials. For children, Mechanicsville and the surrounding area offers plenty of entertainment and kid-friendly things to do, including museums, recreational areas and local festivals.
As a kid, treating pets and animals with respect is a good way to learn responsibility and kindness. Some kids might want to go a step further and help animals neglected or abused by others. This kind of volunteer work is important to building a community that respects life. There are a number of steps that kids can take to fight the mistreatment of animals.
Nestled between the Coeur d'Alene National Forest and Spokane, Washington, Post Falls is Idaho's 10th largest city and offers various leisure pursuits to entertain kids. With a population of more than 25,000, the opportunities for recreation are varied and affordable, from golf and bowling to indoor play centers.
Safety regulations for air travel are always changing and developing. Research what documentation is required for a particular trip to make your flight plans run smoothly. Because regulations may vary depending on the age of the passenger, if you're traveling with children or sending your child off to travel alone, it's essential to check when they need ID to make the flight.
Just outside of San Antonio, Converse, Texas is part of the greater San Antonio metro area. Located in the southern portion of the state, the San Antonio – Converse area features an array of family entertainment centers. Whether your children are elementary school age, or hard to appease teens, you will find venues which will engage your children's imagination and attention.
Anger is a common emotion, especially for kids. If you are raising kids or teach them, you’ll know that kids can get angry because they’re not able to watch a favorite TV show or simply because they’re bored and frustrated. Anger can be -- literally -- destructive, and kids need to realize that expressions of anger can make life difficult. During a child’s tantrum, however, your main concern will be dealing immediately with this anger.
Fort Wayne, Indiana is located in northeastern Indiana and is home to approximately 250,000 residents. Fort Wayne provides plenty of safe, family-friendly destinations for travelers and local residents. A mixture of outdoor parks, educational activities and interactive locations provide families with young children several entertainment options. There are plenty of activities for families to participate in, and it may even take more than one visit to see all that this city offers.
In modern American culture, highly sugary foods, juices and soft drinks are consumed at an all-time high, claimed by the National Soft Drink Association to be 160 gallons per person per year. Many young children are raised drinking sugar-laden juices and soda, seemingly fueling an aversion to water, the only liquid substance people are required to ingest. Parents often acknowledge this and choose to introduce their children to healthy choices.
Fort Worth, Texas welcomes 5.5 million visitors a year. People flock to the city and take in all of the attractions it has to offer. When site seeing in this "Lone Star" state city with children, visitors can experience Western fun, animals, science and much more. A family day of fun can easily be planned.
If you've just moved into a new neighborhood, or your children are now old enough to shout and run when playing, you may be conscious about the noise level coming from your home. Since you want to make sure you're a good neighbor, you also expect the same from those that live around you. If the neighborhood kids are too noisy and disruptive, some simple solutions can help make the block more peaceful for everyone.
A child's handprints represent the innocence of childhood. Save this moment in time with a kid's handprint on canvas. Purchase a prepared canvas, which is primed and ready to be used, from your local art store. Choose an 10-by-10-inch size for the project and buy non-toxic acrylic paint for the craft. Acrylic paint is permanent and fast drying, and it should capture all the fine details of your child's handprints.
For kids, Saturdays are blank canvases just waiting to be painted over with fun activities. There are lots of things to do on a Saturday depending on the weather, your location and your interests. Some activities might cost a little money to enjoy, but others are as free as the sunshine.
The weather outside is frightful, but it's also your chance to have loads of fun inside with your kids. Resist the temptation to plop them in front of the TV until the snow stops. Instead, get creative and together enjoy entertainment you never expected to find right in your very own home.
Lansing is Michigan's state capital and boasts a wide selection of restaurants, museums and outdoor activities for its residents and visitors. Lansing is a family-friendly community that offers plenty of kid-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Whether parents are looking for something educational or purely fun, Lansing has a venue to entertain any child.
When your child is being bullied, the last thing on your mind is behaving calmly and rationally. You want to protect your child, doing whatever you have to. However, although getting bullied can be scary, it can also be an excellent opportunity for your child to learn important life lessons and skills. Focus your efforts on helping your child triumph in a non-violent way while you work behind the scenes to stop the bullying.
Just because you are spending the weekend at home doesn't mean there aren't a variety of activities that your children can enjoy. Whether playing kickball in the backyard or spending the afternoon at the crafting table, look for activities that will educate and inform your children or will provide them with plenty of exercise.
You can experience an adventurous family vacation in the Columbia River Gorge, a picturesque canyon of the Columbia River in the northwestern US. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is an ideal place to visit with the entire family. The area encompasses 292,500 acres, spanning two states and the entire length of the Columbia River Gorge.
Most goats know exactly what to do when their kid is born, but being present to help is always a good idea. The newborn goat will be wet, cold and hungry and will need basic care to survive. Therefore, be ready with kidding supplies on hand.
A child's taste buds are naturally attracted to sweetness; this is why breast milk, a newborn's first and most-crucial form of nutrition, is naturally sweet. As children grow older, they continue to enjoy foods that taste sweet, including a wide variety of fruit that is healthy and loaded with nutrients.
Westminster, Colorado, offers multiple places to go and explore as a family, including historical sites that will transport you and your kids back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The city is nestled near the Rocky Mountains and has plenty of summer and winter activities. A 20-minute drive will take you to either Boulder or Denver. where even more activities await your entire family.
It is important for a father to remain in a child's life after he and his wife have been divorced. As a father you will want to make the time you have with your child pleasant and full of things to do together. Get outdoors rather than spend the time during your visitation inside playing video games or watching television.
Children can get restless during the cold winter months when they can't just run outside and play for hours on end. Indianapolis, Indiana is a city rich with culture and family-friendly indoor activities to pique a child's interest and keep the body and mind active on a frigid February day.
According to Mercury News, a normal child's vocabulary reaches 10,000 words at approximately the age of six. Children learn words by being exposed to them and a good vocabulary helps a child throughout life with reading, writing and speaking. A child's vocabulary at various ages depends on the amount of exposure to new words and the amount of communication he receives from parents, siblings and others.
Fort Belvoir, located southwest of Washington, D.C., is a United States Army installation that employs more than 26,000 military personnel and civilians in 130 U.S. Army, Department of Defense, and federal agencies. Many of the employees and their families also live in and near Fort Belvoir, and there are a variety of family attractions and activities conveniently located within 10 miles of its main gate.
Writing a letter is a beautiful way to express your friendship with another person. Teaching children early on how to write a letter, especially a paper letter sent by snail mail, will introduce them to a richly rewarding activity that is both enjoyable in its own right and brings great joy to other people. The basic format of a letter of friendship is easy to learn, and once your child receives a letter in reply, he may become hooked.
Parents dread rainy days. Bored children results in a lot of mischief, broken household items and whining. However, parents should use rainy days as an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with their kids. Both traditional and innovative fun can arise during a rainy day stuck in the house.
Whether you have to entertain your children with few materials on hand or simply wish to demonstrate the fun of shadow puppets, making shadow silhouettes for kids is a simple process that can delight them. From basic shapes, such as the giraffe, that you can make using only your hands, to more complex figures that you can create with other materials, shadow silhouettes can keep kids entertained for hours as they watch you and learn how to create their own.
When a married couple awaits the birth of a first child, the whole world might seem lovey-dovey and sweet. However, the minute the baby arrives, everything suddenly seems to change. The parents are up all night attending to crying sessions. Mounds of laundry replace romantic date nights. Time for the marriage now seems nonexistent and everything is all about the child. To keep a marriage strong, figure out the art of balancing happy children and a happy spouse.
There are many methods of making an origami snake, ranging from very simple to quite elaborate. For children, it is best to start simple. Choose the origami pattern you will use according to the ages and ability levels of the kids completing the project.
The cost of air travel for children depends on the airline, the age of the child and where the flight is going. Children can travel for less than full price in some circumstances, especially if they are under the age of 2 years. However, many children pay full price for their seats on airplanes.
Building tools aren't only for adults. In fact, many tools are specially sized for children based on their skill level and small hands. Whether it's to help you around the house with repairs or for their own building projects, getting your child a set of his own building tools can lead to some fun learning experiences.
Located on the Fox River in Illinois, St. Charles has a variety of activities for kids that will provide them with learning and fun experiences. These range from the water entertainment available on the Fox River, to nature activities at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, and a little education at facilities such as the St. Charles Heritage Center. Whatever your child enjoys, St. Charles should have something to suit.
Having a child who is stuck inside due to poor weather, a school break or mild illness often results in her complaining of her boredom. There are many simple activities that are available to keep your child busy, from creating her own work of art or cooking masterpiece to quiet activities for a sick child or more adventurous outdoor activities to complete over summer vacation.
St. Louis is a child-friendly city with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor attractions that provide enjoyment as well as education. Families visiting this heartland city discover many ways to spend a fulfilling day of leisure and discovery. St. Louis' child-appeal is well known to both tourists and residents.
When visiting Cleveland with your children, you may want to show them around, particularly some of the child-friendly places, so they will remember the vacation for a long time. Cleveland has a number of attractions for children including zoos, parks and learning centers. Not only will they offer fun activities for your children, they will add knowledge which they may not be able to learn at school.
Raising smart children requires a lot more than just putting them on the bus each morning and sending them off to school. By taking an active role in educating your children by providing the tools and the right learning environment, you can nurture their intelligence and increase their chances of success in school and in life.
In New York City, kids activities are usually organized by parents. Children do not go outside to play alone and usually have supervised after-school activities. But the wealth of cultural and sports facilities means children have access to well-maintained parks and perks. Check local parenting papers for more family-friendly activities in the city.
3D devices are the latest gadgets to hit the street worldwide. They exist in the form of televisions, computer screens, mobile phones, tablet computers etc. Some 3D devices do not require any special accessories while others require the use of special 3D glasses. The 3D experience is usually better with devices that make use of the glasses. Kids love cartoons, movies and games on their 3D television and like anything which makes them look "cool", such as a pair of 3D glasses!
While Disney movies depict sweet images of the "birds and the bees" flying in between lofty trees and low-hanging branches in the spring, bees can be very dangerous. Known to swarm at times, in highly pollinated areas like trees, flower patches and uncut grassy areas, a innocent child who's startled by a bee swarm is prone to instinctively swat them away. However, swatting causes bees to feel threatened and they aggressively defend themselves by stinging their attacker. If you have play area, like a swing set, and want to bee proof the vicinity for the safety of your children there…
Kids love doing activities with their parents and learning new things. Use this opportunity and invest in tools and building kits for your child so he can feel like he is contributing while you are teaching him work ethics. There are many tools and building kits for your little one. He will never forget the moment you bought him his first tools and kits.
Ohio is a state with a variety of kid-friendly attractions and events. Whether your children enjoy camping, seeing plays, attending concerts, watching animals, riding roller coasters, or playing around, Ohio has much to offer children of various ages. No matter if you're in Cleveland or Cincinnati, you can find something to keep your children from saying, "I'm bored."
Though New Jersy may be most popular for Atlantic City and reality television, the southern regions of "The Garden State" are full of kid-appropriate attractions. If you're traveling through or are a resident of New Jersey and looking for activities to keep your kids entertained, you'll find a very diversified collection of fun, interesting and educational things for kids to do in South Jersey.
The state of Rhode Island has many activities available for kids to enjoy, from hiking outdoors to visiting a museum. The change of seasons creates a cool fall and early spring that lends itself well to hiking and biking, while warm summers bring fun water activities. Snowy winters are great times to enjoy indoor activities. While the costs of activities can vary, there are things that budget-minded families can do for free.
Chicago is a vibrant city with abundant activities for parents and children. Families on a budget may be looking for inexpensive alternatives to pricey programs and events. Visitors to and residents of this Illinois city will find a variety of cheap things to do with kids. Whether you are looking for an afternoon at a museum or a free sporting event, many Chicago attractions offer the opportunity to spend a leisurely day at little to no cost.
From sandy beaches to museums and more, Miami is a hot spot for South Florida travel and leisure activities. Families visiting this region will find a wide variety of interesting and interactive things to do with kids. Whether your little one wants to swim with dolphins or spend the day running and jumping at an action-packed playground, Miami has many different family friendly venues that are perfect for children of all ages.
Ranking fourth in population size in the United States, according to Frommer's travel Website, Houston, Texas, is a large, sprawling city located near Texas's Gulf Coast. Although it's not widely considered a tourist destination, Houston offers a range of activities for kids. Families are able to take advantage of unique activities -- from hands-on learning museums to outdoor play areas -- throughout the expansive city.
Even infants are fascinated by the colors on computer screens and the sounds emanating from them. According to Kidsource, appropriate computer activities for kids depends on their age and stage of development, but in general, kids as young as 3 can master basic computer skills. As kids mature, they may become so enthralled with the computer that they want to spend nearly all their free time online. The American Academy of Pediatrics points out concerns about computer use regarding possible neglect of reading, physical exercise and socialization but reminds parents that the biggest concern may be Internet safety.
Las Vegas may seem like an adult's paradise. After all, the city is famous for being full of casinos. But there are plenty of things for kids to do, too. Kids events in Vegas include children's museums and gyms, in addition to the many sights available in the city.
The northeast region of Ohio is bordered by Lake Erie to the north and Pennsylvania to the east. The three largest cities in this area are Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown. This part of the state offers a wide variety of fee-based attractions for residents and tourists, but it also features many free activities for children of all ages. Whether you have a preschooler who needs to burn off energy outdoors or an older child who is ready for a more educational outing, you can find activities in northeast Ohio that won't cost you a dime.
There are many activities for kids to do in the Rochester area. Some area attractions include the Seneca Park Zoo, the Rochester Museum and Science Center and the Seabreeze Amusement Park. Kids can learn and have fun in the sun, while they enjoy the zoo or museum.
From the waters of Puget Sound to the shores of Lake Washington, there are green spaces, festivals, playgrounds, flying fish and much more for the whole family to enjoy. Seattle, known as the Emerald City to locals, features many opportunities for parents and children to enjoy the great outdoors amongst other free activities.
If you live on or near Long Island, there are several places to go to keep your kids entertained and even educate them on a variety of topics. No matter the weather or the time of year, there is an activity that will keep kids interested and coming back for more.
Being a teenage girl has always had its ups and downs, but young girls today face temptations and challenges their parents and grandparents could not have imagined. It is no wonder some young girls end up on the wrong path, turning to drugs, alcohol and other vices to avoid the stresses and strains of life. When these types of issues arise some parents don't know where to turn to get their daughters the help they need.
When you think of Atlantic City, New Jersey, you imagine tall hotels and lit-up casinos. Atlantic City is not just a place for adults who like to gamble, though. There are plenty of things that kids can do. In fact, it is a great place to take a family vacation or purchase a summer home. Your children will love the ocean air, beautiful boardwalk and many attractions that Atlantic City has to offer.
When most vacationers think of traveling with kids, New York City is not the first destination that comes to mind. But fear not, New York City can be the most kid-friendly city in the country, thanks to a number of attractions tailored specifically to children. The key is knowing where the kid-friendly activities are.
We are responsible for our actions--all of them. We are responsible for our thoughts and behavior, whether deliberate or unintentional. A responsible person makes mistakes, but when they do, they take responsibility and make it right. Here are ways to be a responsible person.
Growing monarch butterflies is a very fun activity for kids to do over spring or summer break. Not only will they learn about growing monarch butterflies they will learn about conservation as well. The monarch butterfly is having trouble surviving do to bad weather and a shortage of milkweed.
It’s normal for babies to suck on their fingers or a pacifier. While many children give up this behavior on their own, some need a little parental intervention to do so. It can be much more difficult to wean your toddler from a pacifier than a smaller infant, but with a simple trick, you may be able to help your child give up her pacifier for good.
Kids will always have temper tantrums. Let's admit that as adults or young adults, we have temper tantrums occasionally ourselves. Read on to see the best practices for curbing tantrums and getting your kids to listen.
Answer "yes" or "no" to the following questions: Do you sometimes snap like a drill sergeant when your kids don't pick up their dirty clothes or make their bed? Are you impatient when they don't jump up immediately to empty the garbage or brush their teeth? If they track mud on the kitchen floor right after you've mopped it, do you sometimes loose your cool? If they forget to turn in homework even though you reminded them four times, do you worry that they will grow up to be a loser? Do you scold your kids when they mess up…
The teenage years can be a very stressful stage in children's lives. During these phases they insist on rebelling against their parents, teachers and even their friends. This stage also brings about awkwardness and teens believe that no one understands their adolescent issues. For adults, reaching out to teens can sometimes become a tense experience.
Babies are really good at sleeping, eating and dirtying diapers, but those things aren't particularly fun for parents. Finding fun things to do with a baby, though, isn't as difficult as you may think. The trick is to understand what things infants enjoy, and then find ways to make them interesting for you as well.
