Halloween Fun Projects and Activities

Welcome to our Halloween Ideas Themed Collection
 

This themed collection of fantastic Halloween ideas 

 was started in the Fall of 2011.  

I'm continuing it this year so you'll have a great resource 

to fill the days & nights of the Halloween season with fun projects and activities.
.

 I hope this themed collection gives you 

plenty of inspiration for projects and activities 

you can do with your kids for Halloween.

There are ideas for costumes, art projects,

recipes, decorations and more!

Use this link party to share and be inspired

during this Halloween season.

 Link up any ideas you might have 

to keep kids having fun this holiday.

Check out these "Five Fun Ideas" posts from the links shared last year ...

* Five Fun Ideas for Halloween Activities

* Five Fun Ideas for Halloween Foods 

* Five Fun Ideas for Halloween Handprint & Footprint Crafts  

* Five Fun Ideas for Halloween Decorating

* Five (more) Fun Ideas for Halloween Foods

Now, on to the collection...

A few guidelines:

1.  You can link up as many ideas as you want, as long as they are Halloween-related.

 

2. Please don't link up your business, shop or unrelated posts.

   (To keep this collection a relevant & helpful resource, I'll delete any unrelated links)

3.  As with all my link parties, this one will be on-going,  so you can link up your new ideas at any time 

     and stop back often for fresh inspiration.

4.  By linking up, you're allowing me permission to feature your photo and a description of your project 

       in a "5 Fun Ideas" Featured Post.     (With a link back to your full post, of course)

5.  Finally, the more people who know about this collection,  the better it will be.  Help spread the word   

       by  including  a text link back to Come Together Kids.

Spread the word even further by sharing 

      this post on Facebook or Pinterest!
.

Five Fun Ideas to create some great Summer Memories

Summer is the time for memory making.  More relaxed schedules allow for the extra time to do fun things with your kids.  For five really fun ideas, check out these great activities linked up to our Summer Fun party!  They're all pretty simple to do and free or inexpensive, but they're sure to bring smiles to your kids' faces and create memories that will last a long time.

Get ready to create some fun memories.  (Click on each picture or title to get all the directions and details)

 1. Giant Squishy Water Bag

{Go Kid Yourself}

Tell me your kid wouldn't love jumping 

on this giant water-filled mat?

You can make it using some inexpensive plastic sheeting 

and duct tape and then let the kids go to town 

jumping and playing on it.

2.  Have a "Backwards Day"

{Creative Family Moments}

I LOVE this idea (and it doesn't cost anything extra!).

Have a whole day when you do everything backwards ~

starting with a bedtime snack when you wake up

and ending with breakfast before bedtime.

Definitely check out Heather's creative ideas for 

"backwards" things to do throughout the day!

3.  Host a Messy Mud Playdate

{Growing a Jeweled Rose}

 Sometimes you just have to get out the old clothes

and let the kids get dirty.

Make a whole playdate out of it and you're sure 

to create some fun memories.

Crystal let the kids do all sorts of fun mud-related activities

(and even served "dirt" as a snack! ;)  )

4.  Outdoor Movie Night

{East Coast Mommy}

If you can get your hands on a projector,

all you need is a plain white sheet 

for an outdoor movie screen.

Check out the post for Gina's tips 

for a successful (and memorable) movie evening!

 5.  Playground Scavenger Hunt 

(with printable)

{KC Edventures}

You've probably been to the playground 

a few times this summer,

but why not make it especially memorable 

by turning it into a scavenger hunt?

Head to a few different parks and see if you can find 

different kinds of slides, swings, etc.

There's even a printable in the post 

so you can check them off as you find them.

What do you think?  Pretty cool ideas, aren't they?

I can't wait to try some of them with my kids before they head back to school.   (They'd definitely have the best journal entries for the "What I did this summer" writing assignments!)

Definitely visit the sites featured above and also 

check out our Summer Fun idea Party for more than 

250 other awesome summer ideas.

Five Fun Ideas for the 4th of July

The 4th of July festivities here in the U.S. are just a week away.  Since it's the perfect, middle-of-summer reason for some fun crafts and tasty treats, I went to our awesome Summer Fun Party themed collection in search of some great patriotic ideas.  

Check out these 5 great ideas that were linked up...

Salad Spinner Fireworks

{ Mom's Crafty Space }

I'm going to have to break out our old salad spinner to 

try out this cool technique.

Don't the paint splatters look just like fireworks?

I can only imagine how much fun the kids will 

have spinning some fun designs.

Patriotic Folded Flag

{ The Chocolate Muffin Tree } 

When I first saw these flags,

I thought the poles were made out of 

some sort of stick or straw.

Upon reading the whole post,

I discovered the flag and pole 

were both made from a single sheet of paper.

We'll definitely be making some of these.

Handprint & Colored Rice Fireworks

{ The Iowa Farmer's Wife }

What a perfect craft for the little ones 

(and bigger kids too).

Make your handprints using paint,

then use glue and colored rice 

for some added dimension.

(Simple directions for coloring rice is given in the post)

Jello Firecrackers

{ Phaedra's Adventures }

We love making treats using Jello 

and these red, white & blue layers look awesome.

(Look at those maraschino cherry fuses!)

Phaedra tells us how to make the kid-friendly version

(as well as how to add the extra ingredient 
if it'll be for adults only)

Red, White & Blue Popcorn

{ Phaedra's Adventures }

Wow!  Phaedra has another awesome recipe 

using Jello to make a patriotic treat.

With just powdered jello and a few other ingredients

you can make colored, flavored popcorn.

I cannot wait to try this out myself

(and you could make different colors for different occasions too!)

Weren't they awesome?  I can't wait to give them all a try for the 4th of July next week (or for any other Patriotic Holiday).


As I mentioned, I collected all of these ideas from among the almost 250 amazing links at our Summer Fun Party.  Check it out if you are looking for some inspiration for kid-friendly fun!

Oh, and even though the title of this post is "5" Fun Ideas, I'm throwing in two more bonus ideas of our own.

 Guest post from JDaniel4's Mom

We've made versions of these smoothie stars

several times now since Deirdre shared her guest post

and my kids love them.

It's amazing how much presentation is the key.

Regular smoothies are good,

but frozen smoothie bites in fun shapes

are just so much more special!

Patriotic Strawberries

These strawberries were so simple to make

but looked so festive and fun.

Plus, if you eat a few, you can count them 

as your serving of fruit for the day! 

I hope you found some fun ideas in this post and I hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July! 

Sharing these great ideas at:

I heart Nap Time  

Five Fun Ways to Survive a Heat Wave

Like much of the country, we're in the middle of a heat wave here.  With temps in the high 90's and heat indexes that are even hotter, you need to find some fun ways to keep cool (or at least make the most of the hot temperatures!)  Here are a few fun ideas from past posts that might help.

Survival Idea #1

Make this Fun PVC Sprinkler

Your kids will LOVE playing with this sprinkler.

They can even ride their bikes or scooters through it.

Plus, it's surprisingly inexpensive and easy to make.

I made ours last summer for under $20 

and it only took about 30 minutes.

(Get the tutorial HERE)

Survival Idea #2

Make some Hot Car Crayons

Yes, you're seeing that correctly,

we were able to make molded crayons

on the dashboard of our van!

It's a fun twist on the regular oven method

and it's a good lesson on why you should 

never leave kids or pets in a hot car.

(You can find out the details HERE)

Survival Idea #3

Make a bunch of Spongeballs

Just grab a package of sponges, some zip ties or string,

and make a bunch of these spongeballs.

Then, just give the kids a bucket of water,

let them get those spongeballs nice and wet,

and let the splashy ball tossing begin!

(It's so easy, check it out HERE)

Survival Idea #4

Make some Cake & Ice Cream Sandwiches

Making a cool treat with your kids is always fun,

but you definitely don't want to be turning on the oven

when the temperatures are soaring.

No worries, just cook your cake batter using a waffle iron,

then add some ice cream for these

awesome sandwiches!

(HERE's the super easy recipe)

Survival Idea #5

Make some Banana Ice Cream

You don't need rock salt or an ice cream maker.

You don't even need cream or sugar.

All you need are some ripe bananas

and a food processor or blender!

It's really easy and super tasty!

(Check out how to make them HERE)

Well, there you go, five fun ideas to make your next heat wave a little more tolerable.  I can't promise that these ideas will eliminate all of the heat-related whining (because nothing seems to stop that here!) but at least it might help bring a few smiles to those hot sweaty faces!

How about you?  Do you have other tricks, tips or treats for these super hot days?

Sharing our ways to beat the heat at:

Sun Scholars
I heart Naptime

Summer Fun Projects and Activities

 Welcome to our Summer Themed Collection

This themed collection of fantastic ideas to fill your summer days 

with fun projects and activities was started in the Summer of 2011.  

I'm continuing it this year so you'll have a great resource 

to turn to as you plan your summer vacation !

Ah, summer vacation!

Two months of no school, relaxed schedules,

and a chorus of the inevitable

"Mom, I'm bored!"

 I hope this themed collection gives you 

plenty of inspiration for projects and activities 

you can do with your kids.

There are ideas for outdoor play, art projects,

recipes, games and more!

Use this link party to share and be inspired

during these summer months.

 Link up any ideas you might have 

to keep kids having fun this season.

A few guidelines:

1.  You can link up as many ideas as you want, as long as they are summer-related.

 (NOTE: Your posts don't need to have been written  during the summer as long as the activities themselves are appropriate for the summer months)

2. Please don't link up your business, shop or unrelated posts.

   (To keep this collection a relevant & helpful resource, I'll delete any unrelated links)

3.  As with all my link parties, this one will be on-going, 

     so you can link up your new ideas at any time 

     and stop back often for fresh inspiration.

4.  By linking up, you're allowing me permission to feature your photo 

     and a description of your project in a "5 Fun Ideas" Featured Post. 

      (With a link back to your full post, of course)

5.  Finally, the more people who know about this collection, 

      the better it will be.  Help spread the word by including 

      a text link back to Come Together Kids.

Spread the word even further by sharing 

      this post on Facebook or Pinterest!

       

 

10 Fun Ideas for your next Cookout

This weekend marks the "official" start of the Summer Barbeque season.  To celebrate, I've put together these 10 ways to make this year's cookouts more fun than ever!  

First, let's start with the fun foods...

Wouldn't these cookies be so much fun at a cookout?

They're really easy to make .

You just put them together 

using all store-bought ingredients

(they don't require any baking at all!)

Find out how we made them HERE.

Perfect for Memorial Day, 

Fourth of July or any time 

you're feeling patriotic,

these cute strawberries

make a tasty BBQ treat!

Simple directions HERE.

For a fun way to get the kids (and adults)

eating some more fruit,

make this awesome Watermelon Shark

The picture above shows a shark that I made,

but I used the tutorial from HERE at Sun Scholars.

When the burgers are done but the grill is still hot,
make up a few of these campfire cones.
Start with chocolate chips and marshmallows,
then add in some extras like peanut butter,
bananas, nuts, berries, etc.
Get all the details HERE.

Finally, if your cookout continues after the sun sets,
make up some of these glow-in-the-dark drinks.
You just need two cups (one clear, one regular)
and some glow sticks.
Your beverage never actually touches the glow stick
and you don't break them open,
so it's totally safe (but super cool!)
Check out the simple instructions HERE.

Now, let's move on to the activities!  The following activities are easy to make and set up, so the kids can play while the adults enjoy their cookout in peace.  Check them out...

What's just as much fun as water balloons,

but last a lot longer?

These spongeballs!

They're really easy to make and unlike a water balloon,

they can be thrown over and over again!

Directions to make them are right HERE.

Nothing keeps kids occupied like bubbles

and this refill station is the perfect

solution to spilled bubble juice.

Just pass out a bunch of bubble wands 

and you're good to go!

Check out two recipes for homemade 

bubble solution HERE.

Speaking of bubbles,

these bubble snake makers are 

a ton of fun.

You just need an empty water bottle,

old washcloth, a rubber band

and some liquid dish soap.

Get the easy tutorial HERE.

This is such a simple idea for a scavenger hunt 

but it's so much fun.

Just give each kid several paint swatch cards

and have them search for things that match.

Check out our post on it HERE.

Finally, one of our favorites, these marshmallow shooters.

Use a plastic cup (or empty yogurt container)

and a balloon to make these cool launchers.

You'll be amazed how far they can shoot.

Whether you make up some targets

or just let there be a free-for-all,

these will be a huge hit.

Simple directions are HERE.

Okay, there you have it.  Five fun foods and five fun activities to make your next cookout a hit for both kids and adults.

Sharing our fun cookout ideas at:
Here Comes the Sun 
Tatertots and Jello
The Frugal Girls 
Six Sisters' Stuff 
I heart Naptime

Kid-Friendly Outings, Trips and Vacations across the U.S.

Welcome to our latest Themed Collection!

Some of the best times I've had with my kids

have been on our many outings and trips.

Whether it's discovering new places together

or sharing with them a place I've been to before

and seeing it through their eyes,

getting in the car for a new adventure is always fun!

Let's use this link party to share

all of our kid-friendly road trip adventures!

Think of it as our very own travel guide.

 Share your posts about the places 

you've gone with kids.

Include zoos, museums, parks,

historical places, amusement parks,

local attractions, etc.

If you've gone there, your kids liked it,

and you wrote a post about it, 

share it here!

A few guidelines:

1.  You can link up as many outings and trips as you want, as long as they are kid-friendly.  To help keep this collection easy to navigate, please keep your title brief with the name of the place, the city and the state. 

For example, 

Herr's Snack Food Factory

(Nottingham, PA)

2. Please don't link up your business, shop or unrelated posts.

   (To keep this collection a relevant & helpful resource, I'll delete any unrelated links)

3.  As with all my link parties, this one will be on-going, 

     so you can link up your new ideas at any time 

     and stop back often for fresh inspiration.

4.  By linking up, you're allowing me permission to feature your photo 

     and a description of your project in a "5 Fun Ideas" Featured Post. 

      (With a link back to your full post, of course)

5.  Finally, the more people who know about this collection, 

      the better it will be.  Help spread the word by including 

      a text link back to Come Together Kids.

      Spread the word even further by sharing 

      this post on Facebook or Pinterest!

 

Activities & Projects with Children's Books

Welcome to our latest Themed Collection!

Spending time reading books with your kids

is one of the best ways to 

promote a lifelong love of reading

as well as future success in the classroom. 

There are so many amazing kids' books out there

and so many amazing parents and teachers 

who have created some fantastic activities, 

crafts, and projects

to go along with those books.

Let's use this link party to share 

and be inspired by those ideas.

Link up any children's book-related posts 

you might have.

It can be a craft, an activity, a game, etc.

as long as it ties in with children's books.

A few guidelines:

1.  You can link up as many ideas as you want, as long as they relate 

     to the theme of children's books.

2. Please don't link up your business, shop or unrelated posts.

   (To keep this collection a relevant & helpful resource, I'll delete any unrelated links)

3.  As with all my link parties, this one will be on-going, 

     so you can link up your new ideas at any time 

     and stop back often for fresh inspiration.

4.  By linking up, you're allowing me permission to feature your photo 

     and a description of your project in a "5 Fun Ideas" Featured Post. 

      (With a link back to your full post, of course)

5.  Finally, the more people who know about this collection, 

      the better it will be.  Help spread the word by including 

      a text link back to Come Together Kids.

      Spread the word even further by sharing 

      this post on Facebook or Pinterest!

Come Together for Spring Fun

The daffodils and crocuses are blooming in my front flower bed

and the birds are chirping.

It's time to celebrate Spring!

This will be your place to share and be inspired 
by ideas for Spring Fun.
Think April showers and May flowers as you link up

your ideas for Spring-themed crafts, projects, and recipes.
Tell us some of your fun ways to play outdoors 
now that heavy coats and gloves aren't needed.

Really, it can be anything at all ~ 

as long as it's related to Spring Fun and kids!

For posts related specifically to Easter, 

there will be a separate link party coming soon.

As with all our link parties here at Come Together Kids,

this party will be on-going and continue all year!

Every so often, I will feature some of the great ideas shared 

in one of my Five Fun Ideas... posts!

A few guidelines:

1.  Please link to your specific blog post relating to SPRING FUN.
(You can link up as many posts as you'd like, as long as they relate to the theme!)

2.  Please do not link to an Etsy shop, business, or someone else's post.

3.  Stop by a few other links while you're here.  I'm not going to say it has to be the one right before you or after you, but take a couple minutes to be inspired by the creativity of others.  (and take few more seconds to leave a comment, it can really make a blogger's day!)

4.  Finally, the more people who link up to this party, the better it will be.  Please help me spread the word by linking back either with a text link or by grabbing a button (coming soon).  Feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest too!

Five Fun Ideas with a Snowman Theme

Any kid will tell you, one of the best things 

about winter is building a snowman.

However, if Mother Nature is not cooperating 

and real snowman-making isn't possible,

these Five Fun Ideas shared at our Winter Fun Party would be a cool way (pun intended),

to help your kids get their snowman fix!

Snowman Fridge

 { hands on: as we grow }

What a fun way to "winterize" your kitchen!

Not only does it look cute,

but all the pieces are magnetic so the kids

can have fun "building" the snowman while mom or dad cooks.

Toilet Paper Roll Snowman

{ East Coast Mommy }

Boy are those cardboard toilet paper rolls versatile.

Look how cute this little guy is!

I love his hat made from an old baby sock.

Water Bottle Snowmen

 { Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas }

These water bottle snowman are adorable

(and a great way to repurpose your recyclables

while practicing hand/eye coordination 

and your snowman decorating skills) 

Footprint Snowman

{ Handprint and Footprint Art }

I love footprint crafts,

especially when those little toes 

can turn into this cute snowman.

Snowman Pops

{Phaedra's Adventures}

Chocolate dipped oreo snowmen?

Yes, please!

What a cute little treat for a winter party

or "just because".

Thanks, ladies, for linking up these adorable projects and recipes to our Winter Fun Party.

Feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar.

And, readers, these are just a few of the many great ideas

that are being shared.  Check out the rest of them HERE!

Come Together for Winter Fun

  Welcome to our 

Winter Fun Ideas Party!

We had our first snowstorm of the winter this weekend.

Granted it was barely two inches, but it just never really seems 

like winter if there hasn't been some snow.

Now that I feel that winter has officially arrived,

I'm ready to start our newest themed collection ~ ideas for Winter Fun.

This will be your place to share and be inspired by ideas for Winter.

It can be ideas for outdoor snow play, 

if you're lucky enough to live in a snowy climate.

It can be ideas for Winter-themed crafts or recipes.

It can be fun ideas to keep the kids busy if they're home for a snow day.

Really, it can be anything at all ~ 

as long as it's related to Winter Fun and kids!

As with all our link parties here at Come Together Kids,

this party will be on-going and continue all year!

Every so often, I will feature some of the great ideas shared 

in one of my Five Fun Ideas... posts!

A few guidelines:

1.  Please link to your specific blog post relating to WINTER FUN.
(You can link up as many posts as you'd like, as long as they relate to the theme!)

2.  Please do not link to an Etsy shop, business, or someone else's post.

3.  Stop by a few other links while you're here.  I'm not going to say it has to be the one right before you or after you, but take a couple minutes to be inspired by the creativity of others.  (and take few more seconds to leave a comment, it can really make a blogger's day!)

4.  Finally, the more people who link up to this party, the better it will be.  Please help me spread the word by linking back either with a text link or by grabbing a button. (button coming soon)