Brrr! Baby, it’s cold outside. But have no fear. Even when the weather’s chilly and you’re snowed in, there’s lots that you and your little one can do to fight cabin fever and explore the winter wonderland. Here you’ll find nine of our favorite snow day activities for babies and young toddlers.

1. Indoor Beach Day

It’s too cold outside for swimwear, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming. Try a mid-day bath to break up tired routines. Most babies adore water play anytime. Throw in a few plastic cups and floating ducks and you have the makings of your own beach party.

2. Shadow Puppet Show

When it’s dark and dreary outside, lights shine even more brightly inside. Bust out the flashlights and shadow puppets and impress your little one with an oversized bunny hopping across the wall and the silly interpretive dance her teddy bear can do under the spotlight.

3. Sensory Play with Snow

Snow can be used in place of sand or play dough, at least until it melts. Scoop up a bunch and bring it inside. Then, set your little one up on towels, get out measuring cups and spoons, and watch your baby build, scoop, and explore the squishy, cold wonder. You can find eight more fun snow sensory play ideas here.

4. Play With Your Food

When you’re trapped inside, sometimes you need to throw the rules out the window. Plain yogurt with a little food coloring added in makes the perfect medium for finger painting. Edible play dough is also easy to mix up. Try this simple oatmeal dough or a brightly-colored mix with Kool-Aid.

5. Go Sledding

They may not be ready to careen down hills, but little ones sitting up independently can chill in a sled, like this one, and enjoy the snow. Bundle up your babe and play Rudolph by pulling them around with a rope. Bonus: you get to battle cabin fever with a little exercise.

6. Snow is Your Canvas

Take a cue from childhood fave The Snow Day and head outside to make tracks in the fresh, pristine snow. Pull on snow boots and stomp around. Budding walkers love to follow a trail or build a new one. Then, make patterns in the snow by drawing lines with a stick.

7. Bubbles

Blow a few bubbles inside for instant baby-mesmerizing magic. Then, if you’re willing to brave the chilly weather, go outside and make your own frozen bubbles. The temperature needs to be 10 degrees Fahrenheit or below for the trick to work. If that’s too cold for you, create semi-solid creations indoors by carefully freezing soap bubbles on a plate in your own freezer.

8. Paint Some Snow

Sometimes the best canvas for a young toddler is a frosty one. Bundle up your little Picasso to sit in the snow outside or fill a bin with snow for some indoor artistry. Now fill a few bowls with water and a few drops of a different food color in each to create the “paint.” Give your baby or toddler a paintbrush and let them craft a melty masterpiece. Bonus: No worries if they taste the paints.

9. Dance Party

If all else fails, turn up the tunes and boogie!

Hilarious funny Christmas memes will put any frazzled parent in a good mood this season

Nothing soothes the soul like a good mom meme, and when it comes to the holidays it’s even truer. While our kids are off making merry memories, there’s an army of moms behind the scenes making it all magical––and funny. We’ve rounded up our favorite funny Christmas memes for moms guaranteed to give you a laugh, and if you haven’t had enough laughs, check out some of our favorite funny parents on Twitter.

Happens every year like clockwork

What moms really want

Momstransparenting has hilarious funny holiday memes

Silence is never golden when you have kids

funny Christmas memes

A girl can dream

funny Christmas memes

'Tis the season

funny Christmas memes

True story

hilarious funny Christmas memes

Livin' that holiday life

hilarious funny Christmas memes

And just like that…

Related: 50+ Hilarious Memes That Moms Will Love

Merry Christmas, kids!

Every year

hilarious funny Christmas memes

Be good for Santa!

We moms do it all!

hilarious funny holiday memes

That's us on the right

hilarious funny holiday memes

Cookies aren't for eating!

A glorious day that will be

Related: 20 Hilarious Memes All About Being a New Mom

Sorry, not sorry

hilarious funny Christmas memes

Is it over yet?

Waste not, want not!

Just the usual

hilarious funny Christmas memes

A mom's wishlist

Related: 22 Hilarious Memes That Sum Up Marriage

The joke's on them!

hilarious funny Christmas memes

The struggle is real

Thanks a lot, Santa

 

 

 

 

Start with the basics

Veterans Day can be a tricky one to explain to the kiddos: their natural curiosity can lead to questions you may not be prepared to answer or questions for which the answers might seem frightening. (What is war? Will we go to war?) So we’ve come up with a few facts about Veterans Day for kids to help.

For families with active or retired military members, Veterans Day can take on a very significant meaning. But not everyone knows what it really represents or how to explain it to children. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors members of the military who died in service (click here to read more about the story of Memorial Day), Veterans Day honors those who have served in war (and are therefore veterans of the war). Many, many veterans are alive and well today and deserve their special day! 

Start with Facts about Veterans Day for Kids

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Veterans Day is November 11th, every year. (It is often observed as a legal holiday the nearest Monday to this date.)

Can you write the number 11? What about the word November?

If it’s always on the 11th, does it fall on the same day of the week every year?

What day does it fall on this year? (Hint: it’s Friday)

facts about Veterans Day for kids
iStock

A veteran is someone who served in the military.

Have you heard of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard? This is the military. The military is part of our government and is made up of people who have agreed to join the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, in order to become part of this branch of the government. They are trained for many situations, including emergencies at home. Their goal is to protect people who live in their country (and elsewhere).  

Do you know the difference between these different branches and what special skills or equipment they use? (As in airplanes, naval ships, etc.),

Draw a picture that might represent what the different branches of the military specialize in. 

Frank McKenna via Unsplash

A veteran is someone who served in the military during war.

The military is trained to fight in wars. Have you heard of war? What do you think it means?

Before you launch into the explanation of war, you can let kiddos know that for most countries, and especially in more recent times, world leaders negotiate before declaring war.

Know Your Kids

If your children are sensitive or very young, getting into details about war should be handled accordingly. While we aim to tell our children the truth, there’s no need to keep them up at night in fear. Focus your discussion on the veterans who have served in war and why it is important that we honor them on this day.

Here are a few reasons:

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You probably know one. Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, aunts and uncles, neighbors: chances are there’s a veteran in your life. Got a photo of the vet? Show your kids. Putting a face on the concept will help kiddos connect with it.

Regardless of how you feel about war or specific wars, the fact remains that the men and women who have served during war times did so with honor and bravery. Talk about being brave. What does it mean? Why is it important?

Showing gratitude. This is an excellent chance to show kiddos how to honor their country’s history and elders, and how to be kind. For great ideas on how to thank a veteran, check out this story.

Get out that gauze and get ready to recreate a few of these mummy craft projects that are just the right amount of creepy.

Pumpkin carving might not be so easy (unless you have these pro templates) but these mummy crafts are actually very simple to pull off. Spend an afternoon with the kids and make a festive decoration that will last for Halloweens to come. If you’re looking for other Halloween crafts for kids, we’ve got those too!

Moving Eyes Mummy Craft

How cute is this idea? Even the big kids might get in on the fun with this Halloween craft. Get the details over at Kids Craft Room.

Glowing Nose Mummy Craft

This is a lot easier than it looks, and the kids will love to watch these mummies light up after dark! Get the tutorial over at Non-Toy Gift Ideas.

Toilet Paper Roll Mummy

Even if you don’t “do” crafts, you can still do this. Save a few rolls, buy string and googly eyes, and get to work. You can paint them, or not, it’s up to you and your kids.

Masking Tape Mummy

Masking Tape Mummy Craft
Somewhat Simple via Eighteen25

We love this sweet and simple masking tape and construction paper mummy craft by Eighteen25 that's perfect for preschoolers who are still honing their fine motor skills. And if you want to extend the playtime after the mummy's made, just add a popsicle stick to the back, and voila! You've got yourself a puppet!

Bendable Mummy Figures

a bendable mummy craft
Family Chic from Camilla Fabbri

Your kids will love bending these DIY mummy figures to fit their needs. Who knows? You may just find a chain of them dangling from the chandelier, your rearview mirror, or even the showerhead. Check out Family Chic for inspiration and how-to.

Wood Block Mummies

Mummy Craft
Craftaholics Anonymous

Yes, there is a possible trip to the hardware store for this one, but your reward will be an adorable DIY decoration that you'll pull out every Halloween for years to come. We love this tutorial by Craftaholics Anonymous. Can't stomach the thought of loading up a carload of kids and navigating the lumber yard? Try substituting cereal boxes for a temporary decoration, instead.

Pumpkin Mummies

Hands on As We Grow

Hands On As We Grow has an idea for the friendliest little mummy pumpkin you'll ever meet, and you can get the step-by-step here. Googly eyes and no-mess cuteness? Yes, please!

 

 

Lakeside views, drive-in throwbacks, or perched on a rooftop—we’re sharing where to keep things reel this summer

While an air-conditioned theater might be just what a sweltering summer ordered, the best way to watch a movie in Chicago is outdoors. There are parks, nature centers, drive-ins, hotels, and historic attractions reeling family favs all season long. And their lawns or rooftops are yours for the taking (BYO chairs, blankets, and maybe even your own popcorn). Watch a flick while fireflies dance with our guide to summer outdoor movies.

ChiTown Movie Drive-In

Watch a movie old-school-style under the stars in your car at ChiTown Movies in Pilsen. Order popcorn, tacos, wings, pizza, kids meals and more to be delivered to your car from the ChiTown Grille.

Upcoming films include:

April 30 @ 8:15pm – Top Gun: Maverick
May 3 @ 11:00pm – Star Wars: A New Hope
May 4 @ 8:15pm – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
May 5 @ 8:15pm – Encanto
May 5 @ 10:30pm – Nightmare on Elm Street
May 6 @ 8:15pm – The Sandlot
May 6 @ 10:30pm – Nope
May 11 @ 8:30pm – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
May 12 @ 8:30pm – Shrek
May 12 @ 10:30pm – Friday the 13th
May 13 @ 8:30pm – Spiderman: No Way Home
May 13 @ 11:00pm – Nightmare on Elm Street
May 14 @ 8:30pm – Top Gun: Maverick

2343 S. Throop St.
Pilsen
Online: chitownmovie.com

Millenium Park Summer Film Series

Free movies! And in the heart of downtown in the shadow of the pretty skyline, at that. Every Tuesday, Jul. 11-Aug. 29 at 6:30pm you can take a seat at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion or plop down on the Great Lawn to fixate on a 40-foot-tall screen. (Gates open at 5pm.)

July 11 – Fast Five
July 18 – Turning Red
July 25 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
August 1 – Summer of Soul
August 8 – Clueless
August 15 – Top Gun: Maverick
August 22 – Barbershop
August 29 – Everything Everywhere All at Once

201 E. Randolph Street
The Loop
Online: chicago.gov

Drive-In Movies at Little Beans Cafe

Little Beans Cafe will transform its parking lot into an old-time drive-in theater. Fill your car with kids and snacks and head out for a perfect summer evening. Movies start at 7:30pm but get there early for special character Meet & Greets. Book your space in advance as these are sure to fill up fast!
June 9 – Live Action Beauty and the Beast (with a live appearance from Belle)
July 14 – Moana (with a live appearance from Moana)
September 15 – Frozen (with a live appearance from Elsa and Olaf)
430 Ashbury Ave.
Evanston

Movie Night at Gallagher Way

Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field has teamed up with the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to hand-select a schedule of free outdoor movies on most Wednesdays, May 17-Sep. 27. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring carry-out food from Gallagher Way restaurants. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, popcorn and other snacks will be for sale. Gates open at 6 p.m., movie starts at 7:30 p.m.

May 17 – Ferris Bueller
May 31 – E.T.
June 7 – Mitchells vs. The Machines
July 5 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
July 12 – Clueless
July 26 – Top Gun: Maverick
August 23 – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
August 30 – The Dark Knight
September 13 – Back to the Future
September 27 – The Blues Brothers

3635 N. Clark St.
Online: gallagherway.com

Cantigny Park

If you have a kid that likes trucks and tanks and things that go boom, Cantigny in Wheaton is a must-visit. Along with the First Division Museum (which documents the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division with soldier uniforms, weapons and more), it has nicely landscaped gardens and a “tank park” spangled with army vehicles kids can climb on. It all adds up to perfect pre-movie entertainment. Speaking of movies, weekly, you can enjoy a movie at the bandshell.

1 S. 151 Winfield Rd.
Wheaton
Online: cantigny.org

Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks

The mother of all outdoor film events is put on by Chicago Park District and spreads across your favorite green spaces throughout Chicago over the entire summer. Best of all, it’s free! All movies begin at dusk.

Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase

The Chicago Park District’s Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase will return, Aug. 28-Sep. 2, for another year of featuring films by local filmmakers throughout local parks across the city.

Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Golden Age Cinemas McHenry Outdoor Theater

Experience movies like they did in the 1950s, in your car watching under a canopy of stars, beginning May 5. At Golden Age Cinemas McHenry Outdoor Theater, kids can stay snug in their pajamas and your family can watch two movies for less than the price of one. Beginning May 31st, tickets will be $12/carload on Tuesdays only.

Upcoming films include:

May 5 – May 20: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8pm – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
May 26 – June 1 @ 8pm – The Little Mermaid

1510 N. Chapel Hill Rd.
McHenry
Online: goldenagecinemas.com

Moo-V-Night.com

Moo-V-Night.com is a traveling outdoor movie business in Chicago that brings the drive-in experience to you. Oftentimes, park districts will hire their services to host outdoor movies in their parks. Follow Moo-V-Night’s Facebook to keep tabs on where they’re popping up throughout the summer.

Movie & Food Trucks at Geneva Commons

Enjoy movies and food trucks on the center green all summer long at Geneva Commons.

602 Commons Dr.
Geneva
Online: shopgenevacommons.com

Rooftop Cinema Club

Emily Hotel in Fulton Market has partnered with Rootop Cinema Club to transform its 5th-floor terrace into an open-air cinema. The summer movie lineup includes cult classics and new releases, including some Chicago-based favorites. Emily Hotel will provide a full food and drink menu and each guest receives wireless headphones to fully immerse themselves in the movie experience. Movies 4:30 p.m. and after are 18+.

311 N. Morgan St.
West Loop
Online: rooftopcinemaclub.com

Water Flicks at Navy Pier

Water Flicks returns to Navy Pier with Lake Michigan and the beautiful Chicago skyline as your backdrop. Once a week, bring your blankets and lawn chairs as the Pier presents family-friendly films.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Online: navypier.org

Wednesday Night Live!

Once again, The Davis Theater will partner with the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce to convert Ainslie Arts Plaza into a beer garden and outdoor cinema for free movie nights on select dates this summer. Each week a different beer will be featured, along with wine and other refreshments for purchase. Films begin approximately 30 minutes after sunset. Dates/shows to be determined.

4836 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Square
Online: lincolnsquare.org

Movies in the Park with the Wrightwood Neighbors Association

Enjoy free movies in the park provided by the Wrightwood Neighbors Association. Pre-movie, kids can play on the splash pad, so bring a bathing suit and/or change of clothes, along with your picnic.
June 16 – Sleepless in Seattle
July 29 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
August 19 – Crazy Rich Asians
Jonquil Park
1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.
Lincoln Park

Additional reporting by Maria Chambers & Amy Bizzarri

Wondering what to draw with chalk? There are tons of creative ways to use this fun outdoor art supply

Sidewalk chalk is the Swiss Army knife of summer, and when the days get longer, there’s no better tool we’d rather have in our pockets. From straightforward to seriously creative, we’ve got an idea that will turn your sidewalk into hours of fun. Here are not only cool things to draw with chalk but also some of our favorite ways to make your mark (and then erase it).

1. Draw a backdrop for a picture. Bonus point for scenes where they’re flying or underwater. Need inspiration? See the amazing chalk creations we found around the globe, here.

2. Make silly silhouettes. Trace each other with chalk. And then fill in the details for a fun self-portrait.

3. DIY your own chalk. It’s easy to make an endless amount of summer’s favorite supply. See our tutorial, here.

4. Your sidewalk’s got game. Make a life-sized game board of their favorite game (Chutes & Ladders, Candy Land, checkers, etc.) and let your little gamers be the game pieces.

5. Let chalk hold court. Draw a makeshift tennis or basketball court, and let them practice their swings and dribbles like Princess Pinky Girl did.

6. Get wet. Hose down the driveway and let them experiment with chalk on a wet surface. They’ll love the new effect.

7. Chalk that’s to dye for. Need to freshen up your look? Turn sidewalk chalk into hair chalk in a few easy steps. Find out how at One Creative Housewife.

8. Go 3-D. Tired of a two-dimensional driveway? Turn your sidewalk chalk into foam paint. The Tip Toe Fairy shows you how here!

Related: 20 Cheap (or Free!) Sidewalk Games to Keep the Kids Busy

a play town is one of the things to draw with chalk when spending the day outside
courtesy of B-Inspired Mama

 

9. Be city planners for a day. Make a sidewalk chalk town and roadway. Look for inspiration at B-Inspired Mama.

10. Do some trolling. Turn the patches of grass growing through cracks in the driveway into the hair for your own pet trolls. Just add a body and let the fun begin!

11. Make an Olympic-worthy course. Measure out a long jump board, mark each milestone, and start training!

12. Make chalk pops. Make sidewalk chalk on a stick (they look like real treats!), then turn the kids loose to design a masterpiece. See how Project Nursery does it, here.

13. Create your own put-put. Draw a mini golf course and use a hockey puck or rock and a stick to play a round!

14. Decorate the walkway. An ode to the Wizard of Oz’s Yellow Brick Road—only with more color.

15. Make it glow. You can make a batch of your own glow-in-the-dark chalk, like Coffee Cups and Crayons.

Related: 20 Sidewalk Science Projects to Try Outside Today

 

 

Want to get the details on the UPS holiday shipping deadlines? We have answers

You’ve picked out the cutest things for your favorite preschoolers, grade school kids, and tweens, but you’re going to want to make sure they arrive on time. You can probably still expect delays due to supply chain and worker shortages this year, so try to get some of your shopping (and shipping) done early. And remember to be kind to your delivery drivers! They are doing their best. Here are this year’s Christmas shipping deadlines from FedEx, USPS, UPS, and your other go-to retailers.

USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines

christmas shipping deadlines for the USPS
USPS

USPS Retail Ground Service: Dec. 17

First-Class Mail, including greeting cards: Dec. 17

First-Class Packages (up to 15.99 oz.): Dec. 17

Priority Mail Service: Dec. 19

Priority Mail Express Service: Dec. 23

Click here for more details on shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, international shipping deadlines as well as shipping to any Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office/Diplomatic Post Office addresses.*

FedEx Christmas Shipping Deadlines

FedEx Christmas shipping deadlines
iStock

 

FedEx Express® 

FedEx Same Day®: Dec. 23

2Day and 2Day AM: Dec. 21

FedEx Express Saver®Dec. 20

FedEx 1Day® Freight: Dec. 22

FedEx 2Day® Freight: Dec. 21

FedEx 3Day® Freight: Dec. 20 

FedEx Ground® 

FedEx Ground® Contiguous US: Dec. 14

FedEx Ground® Alaska and Hawaii: Dec. 14

FedEx Ground® Economy: Dec. 8

FedEx Freight®

FedEx Freight® Priority: Dec. 14

FedEx Freight® Economy: Dec. 8

FedEx Freight® Direct: Dec. 14 

International, Canada, and Mexico, and Puerto Rico: Click here for 2022 deadlines. 

Related: How to Gift Wrap a Box to Look Like a Pro

UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Wyland van Poortvliet via Unsplash

UPS® Ground:  Check the website for a quote.

UPS 3 Day Select®: Dec. 20

UPS 2nd Day Air®: Dec. 21

UPS Next Day Air®: Dec. 22

For more about UPS holiday shipping deadlines this year, click here.

Walmart Christmas Shipping Deadlines

iStock

Free Two-Day Delivery (for Walmart+ Members): Order eligible items until Dec. 22 

Standard (paid) Delivery: Dec. 20

Free Next-Day Delivery (for Walmart+ Members): Dec. 22

In-store Pickup: Order by Dec. 23 at 4 p.m. local time for in-store pickup on Dec. 24.

Curbside pickup and local delivery: Slots are available to book through Dec. 24, pending availability. Check with your local store. 

 

Target Shipping Deadlines

Target

2-Day Shipping (Free for Target RedCard members or with a $35 or more purchase)- Dec. 22

Same-Day Delivery (via Shipt)- Dec 23

In-store Pickup: Order by Dec. 23 at 4 p.m. local time for in-store pickup on Dec. 24.

Curbside pickup and local delivery: Slots are available to book through Dec. 24, pending availability. Check with your local store. 

Related: How to Thank Your Mail Carrier

Although there’s really no bad time to head to the lake, summer is prime swim season. And with a half-dozen or more lakes near Atlanta within an easy morning’s drive, you can live your best beach life without too much trouble. Trade your next trip to the splash park for an afternoon of boating, tubing, fishing and all around good times at one of our favorite swimming holes. Who says you need to have a friend with a cabin to enjoy the amenities of Atlanta’s best lakes. Here’s where to spend your next unplanned summer day.

Lake Lanier

via instagram

As one of the closest (and largest) lakes to Atlanta, Lake Lanier is a popular favorite with Atlanta families. It is also one of the busiest. But busy isn’t always bad, as the powers-that-be saw the potential in all those visitors and created Lake Lanier Islands Resorts. Head there to have an epic time at the water park, amusement park and restaurants (just expect crowds and an added price tag), or skip the party and find a quiet cove to claim as your own for the day. Boats are available to rent, or you and the kids could get your toes wet along the shore at Don Carter State Park, where you'll find everything you need to hike, swim and play the day away.

Drive time: About 1 hour

Lake Rabun

via instagram

Cradled in the hills of the North Georgia Mountains, Lake Rabun is an 835-acre stocked lake and a great place to spend time fishing, camping and hiking (hint: don't miss a trip to Angel Falls when you're there). For water activities, lake homes often have two-story boat houses, perfect for passing the time if you're able to VRBO one or are lucky enough to have a friend with one. If not, no problem. There are 80 tent and trailer campsites and a developed recreation area that's perfect for a picnic and a splash.

Drive time: Just under 2 hours

Lake Oconee

via instagram

If you’re looking for a lake getaway with panache, Lake Oconee is your best bet. The Ritz-Carlton at Lake Oconee delivers the dream of an American lake vacation with precision. It's as simple as checking in, then checking out in one of the lakeside hammocks, swings, infinity pool or the spa. Don’t miss the nightly s’mores, curated by a s’more-fessional. Families can also enjoy all that Lake Oconee has to offer through any of these parks and marinas.

Drive time: Just over 1 hour

Lake Sinclair

via instagram

Downstream from Oconee is the laid back Lake Sinclair. The perfect destination for a big city break, this low-key lake is known for Dukes Lounge, offering curbside and lakeside service. Rent a boat at one of the local marinas and head to Dukes for waterside service. Move over, Chick-fil-A. There’s a new king in town.

Drive time: About 90 minutes

Lake Allatoona

All it takes is thirty minutes on the interstate to get to Lake Allatoona, one of Atlanta’s main water reservoirs and recreational lakes. With much of its shoreline managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, Allatoona is a popular lake that still retains its natural beauty. Close to Atlanta and with multiple marinas, campsites and recreational areas, families can easily make this lake destination a day trip or turn it into a full weekend of freshwater fun.

Drive time: About 45 minutes

Lake Chatuge

via instagram

With its shoreline part of the Nantahala National Forest, Lake Chatuge is a far cry from busy Lake Lanier. Located in North Georgia in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you won’t find any water parks or laser shows, but you will find quiet coves and uninhabited islands perfect for exploring. While it’s a doable drive from Atlanta (clocking in around two hours), you may want to pack a bag and stay at the Ridges Resort and Marina. With a salt water pool, fire pits with s’mores at night and a nearby marina where you can rent a boat for the duration of your stay, you’ll wonder why you ever went to the trouble of driving six hours to the beach.

Drive time: Just over 2 hours

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For many families, Memorial Day means a much-needed long weekend or an excuse to grill and pack a picnic. If you don’t already, this year take a minute to teach kids why they have that extra day off school. Read on for facts about Memorial Day and how to explain it to the kiddos.

child running after father holding American flag going to Memorial Day Activities
Frank McKenna via Unsplash

Start with the Basic Facts about Memorial Day

In a nutshell, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service. Originally called Decoration Day because a procession would lead to a cemetery where the graves of fallen soldiers would be decorated with flowers—a common practice among people for generations before it “caught on” as an official holiday. It didn’t become an official US holiday until 1966. After World War I, the holiday was changed to honor all those who had died during military service (not just during the Civil War). In 1971 congress changed the date to be the last Monday in May to ensure a three-day weekend.

What is remembering? 

Playing a simple memory game with the kids, or talking about any person, place or event you remember can help start the conversation about remembrance.

What is the military? 

Ask the kiddos if they’ve heard of the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines and Coast Guard. This is the military. The military is part of our government and is made up of people who have agreed to join the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines or Coast Guard, to become part of this branch of the government. They are trained for many situations, including emergencies at home. Their goal is to protect people who live in their country (and elsewhere).

Do you know the difference between them and what special skills or equipment they use? (As in airplanes, naval ships, etc.)

Kids can draw or find items in the house that represent the different military branches.

Know Your Kids

If you’ve already talked with your kids about death, you can use comparisons with how you remember a deceased family member or if you have a family member serving in the military, you can help make the connection to the significance of the holiday. Unlike Veteran’s Day, which is a day to thank any veteran—living or dead—Memorial Day is a tribute to the many men and women who have served the country and died during service. This does not mean they died in a war, but rather that they served.

Visiting a cemetery is a common way to pay tribute, and many cities and towns across America still have Memorial Day parades that lead to the cemetery where flowers are laid on the military graves. If your town doesn’t, we’re betting you can still find a military grave (or a few dozen) in your local cemetery. Bring a few flowers or small flags, and go looking.

Learn More Facts about Memorial Day

The US suffered a great many lives lost in the Civil War. On May 1, 1865, African-Americans in Charleston held a remembrance parade and rally followed by picnicking, military drills for the public and speeches—one of the first examples of our modern traditions. Not long after, General John Logan, a commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, made an official declaration that fallen Civil War soldiers would be honored on Decoration Day, which would be held on May 30th, 1868. Throughout the country, flowers, mementos and other decorations were placed in cemeteries and on graves. At Arlington National Cemetery, the first Decoration Day included a speech by General James Garfield (who would later become the 20th president of the US) and the decorating of 20,000 graves by the more than 5,000 people who had gathered.

Why May 30th? It seems it was a “safe” day, as it didn’t have any connection to an existing battle’s anniversary. More than two dozen towns lay claim to the first Memorial Day. In 1966 then-President Lyndon Johnson said officially it was Waterloo, NY but the debate remains. New York was, however, the first state to recognize the day officially (in 1873). Eventually, it became the last Monday in May, rather than May 30th.

Wearing red poppies in honor of the men and women who have died in combat was started in the 1920s by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Today buying a red paper poppy for your lapel goes to help the efforts of the VFW, the American Legion and other military support groups. The poppy comes from the poem “In Flander’s Field” by WWI Col. John McCrae, who wrote it in response to his sorrow over seeing row after row of soldier’s graves.

 

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President’s Day just might be the perfect opportunity to check in with your kiddos to find out what their first order of business would be if they were in charge. Take five today and ask your child to finish the sentence, “If I were the President I would…” We asked a few kiddos the question and the results are compassionate, heartwarming and also, hilarious. Scroll down to see their answers.

Miles (4): "I’d make less bad guys."

Huck (6):
-I'd find out if aliens exist so we could steal their technology.
-I'd make baseball season year-round.

Gigi (4): "Everyone has to wear dresses."

Goldie (2): "Baba?"

Olivia (7): "I would be a good president and it's a free country."

Amelie (6): "I would change laws that are unfair."

Cody (3): "I’d make people go for walks and drive all the cars."

Emerson (3): "I would make everyone eat chocolate ice cream for breakfast." 

For these five kids, their answers from 4 years ago changed quite a bit:

Nora (age 10): "I would give my job to somebody else."
Nora (now 13): "I would get rid of the electoral college so it's an actual democracy and make voting more accessible for everyone."

Patrick (age 8):"I would make the Army stronger so that people would stop doing bad things."
Patrick (now 11): "I would make Washington DC a state."

Joe (age 6): "I would lay there and eat chips."
Joe (now 10): "I would not be racist."

Henrik (5): “I would make sure there were no bullies. And have more shops and even more and more and more 'candyland' places and ice cream shops.”
Henrik (now 9): "Fart in the white house. Loud." 

Mozelle (7) told us: ”I would tell people what to do.”
Mozelle (now 11): “I’d get a nicer phone than you, and I’d give poor people money and food.” 

 

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Mckenzie (7): "I would make sure all the homeless people and pets have homes to live in."

Trey (5): ”I would make sure that people respected each other's feelings and that no one felt bad about themselves.”

”My 2nd grader would give everyone a football and make sure they had shoes. My 5-year-old would make people happy by sending them cards and free ice cream. My 2-year-old's response was "no." Just "no."”

One 10-year-old said: "End homelessness and factory farming." 

And her 7-year-old brother added: "Have a big dance party and pair people from different races as dance partners."

According to Blake (8), he would: "Give people money, help the orphanages, give everyone two weeks off at Christmas and make cars less expensive.”

Aiden (13): "End world hunger."

Zach (17):
#1 - "Mandatory Teeth Brushing"
#2 - "Zombie Preparedness"
#3 - "Fund Time Travel"
#4 - "Free Ponies for all Americans"

A happy kid, he may have been born in August. People born in August are very happy most of the time.
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Sophie (5): “I would make sure every kid had a house to live in.”

Riley(7): “I would build the entire country out of LEGOs.“

Molly: "I would say that there should be no more wars, ever.”

Jacob: "I would conquer the world.”

Nate (8) writes:
If I were president I would:
-Make no school.
-Let kids make the rules.
-Make everything free.
-Let dogs do whatever they want.
-Have a parade.

Ava (13): "I would eliminate the death penalty and remove any anti-LGBTQ and anti-Black laws or regulations so we can have a more equal society."

Tyler (10): said he would "Pass a bill that kids go to school MWF one week and TTH the following week and so on."

Mason (11): "I would address COVID."

Maddie (7): "I would demand that black people be treated fairly."

5-year-old twins Emme: "I would help people," and Ezra, "I would let everyone do their own thing."

Ever (1): "Elmo!"

Sloane (5):  “I would make people be kind.” 

Allie (6): “I would tell people about the American flag.

Emmie (4): “I would make people eat lots of chicken."

Liam (2): "I would watch Pete’s Dragon.”

Wyatt (10): "I would find a way to evenly distribute money and food between the unlucky people and lucky people. I'd also expand the number of soup kitchens and give the homeless nicer clothes to help them stay warm and find a job. I'd help new businesses get on their feet when they have a good idea, but aren't known that much."

Tate (9): "I'd make a hotel that homeless people could go to for free and they'd be cared for there. I'd help foster children get adopted."

Toren (10): "Anything to save the environment."

Steiger (14): "Make electric cars cheaper and make a law that in 5 years all cars need to be electric."

Ben (8):
-I would make no school.
-I would invent a cool car that kids could drive.

Parker (6):
-I would let kids play their iPads whenever they want.
-I would make every day a birthday for everyone.

Jake (8): “I would help my sister, Lola get a toy she can’t reach."

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And finally, when one mom asked her son Watson (4) this question, this is how the conversation went: 
Me: What would you do if you were president?
Watson: Like right now?
Me: Yeah.
Watson: Am I gonna be president tomorrow?
Me: Um no. So what would you do if you were president?
Watson: Be good.