10 Easy Games to Play in the Dark

by Amber GuetebierMarch 22, 2024

Take the lingering light of the day by storm with these easy and incredibly fun night games to play

There’s something undeniably magical about that time just after the sun sets but before dark settles in—and it’s not just because the mosquitos aren’t out in full force yet. Take advantage of the lingering light of day (hint: you’ll tire the kids out before bedtime!) with these games to play in the dark. From spooky games like Ghost in the Graveyard to tamer night games like Limbo and Charades, there’s something for everyone.

1. Sardines

Like hide-and-seek, but in the opposite direction, if you’re playing with little kids, consider sending them out in pairs of two to hide. Then, have the rest of the players count to 50, then let them loose. As kids find the hiding players, they squeeze into the same hiding spot, until all the players are squished together like a can of sardines! The kids who discovered the pair first get to hide during the next round, and so on.

2. Spotlight Charades

Your favorite party game is fun at dusk, too. Grab a flashlight, and a group of kids, and have them act out their favorite movies, characters, TV shows, or book.

3. Flashlight Limbo

Don’t put that flashlight away! Use it for another fun game to play in the dark. Simply grab a speaker, and stream your family’s favorite tunes as the “limbo stick” holder lowers the beam of light lower, lower, low!

4. Ghost In the Graveyard

This classic summertime game adds a little extra thrill to the average round of hide-and-seek. Here’s how to play this fun night game:

Choose your players and your boundaries: This one is best for a group of at least 3 neighborhood kids or friends. More is better. Pick front or backyards, a park field, etc. Just be sure everyone knows and agrees on the borders. Be sure and designate a spot as a home base, where you need to get when the ghost is discovered. It should be large enough that the whole group can touch it, stand on it, etc.

Get It: Choose an “it” to be the first ghost. (The next round’s “it” is designated as the last person to reach the safe zone of the home base.) While everyone but the ghost stays at home base and counts without looking, the ghost hides. The rest of the group counts—One o’clock, two o’clock, three o’clock, etc. up to 11 o’clock. When you reach midnight, chant: “Midnight!/The time is right/All ghosts come out tonight!”

Hunt your ghost: Now all the players except the hiding ghost venture away from “home” while looking for the ghost. Split up, and scan as much space as you can. As soon as someone spots the ghost, they shout as loud as they can, “Ghost in the graveyard!” Now everyone must get back to the safe zone before the ghost tags them.

5. Statue & Tourist

Perfect for a forested glen or even indoors as the light is fading (or in a dark room). One player is the “tourist” who is viewing the amazing statue garden. They get a flashlight. All the other players must stay as still as a statue: they are allowed to move when the light is off, but as soon as the tourist turns the flashlight on they must stay still. When the flashlight is on the statue, the tourist tries to make the statue giggle or wiggle. If they do, they join the tourist’s team and go tour the next statue.

6. Flashlight Tag

This is your basic game of tag, but instead of having to touch the person to make them “it,” you use your flashlight to try and “catch” them.

7. Twilight Treasure Hunt

In the fading light, an ordinary scavenger hunt takes on an exciting new dimension. Create clues and riddles for the players to solve together along the way, leaving each one at the sight of the last riddle’s solution. Give the group a flashlight to help spot tricky hidden clues. This one is great because you can set it up during daylight hours while the kids are splashing around and won’t notice your stealthy moves.

8. Glow Big

Use glowsticks to illuminate plastic water bottles for this game to play in the dark. Now line ’em up and try to strike them down with a small kickball, rubber ball, or tennis ball. Use bottles with water (or add after you’ve rinsed and placed glow sticks in). You can adjust how much water you put in to make it easier (or harder) to knock them over. You can also try glow ring toss. Just set up a stick on the ground and toss glow bracelets or necklaces around it. Like horseshoes, but with glowsticks!

9. Glow-in-the-dark ring toss

All you need for this simple, all-ages game is a glow stick and necklaces. Separate into teams and the first to 10 points wins! For an added level of difficulty, try it with glow bracelets. Here are a few other glow-in-the-dark games.

10. Nighttime “Marco Polo”

Just like the popular pool game, except this version keeps kids dry. Determine the space they’ll play in, and make sure there’s nothing they can trip over since they’ll be blindfolded, then you’re good to go!

6 Incredibly Easy Rainbow Science Experiments

by Amber GuetebierJuly 23, 2023

If you can’t find one, make one of your own, right in your kitchen, porch, or stoop

No rainbow in the sky today? No problem. Just pick one (or all) of these easy kid-friendly science experiments with your rainbow-making know-how. From reflection (mirror) to refraction (water glass) to learning about density, we’ve found six science experiments to make or learn from the rainbow. If you want more ideas, check out our sidewalk science ideas or dry ice science experiments.

1. The Mirror Method

Lesson: Demonstrate the principles of reflection and refraction with this easy experiment. Light bending, aka refraction, takes place as light waves pass through the water. When you shine your flashlight (or position your glass so the sun comes in) you are bending the light waves, each one of the waves at slightly different angles resulting in the different colors of the rainbow. This is the same basic principle that occurs when water and sunlight create a rainbow in the sky. Reflection is the light bouncing off of the mirrored surface.

You will need:

A small mirror (like a compact mirror)

A glass of water (big enough to hold the mirror)

A flashlight (or sunlight)

A piece of white paper or a white wall

1. Put the mirror in the glass of water.

2. Turn off the lights and draw the curtains. Make sure the room is totally dark.

3. Shine the flashlight on the mirror and check out the cool mini-rainbows that appear above the mirror. Put your hand behind the glass for extra fun.

2. The Garden Hose Technique

Lesson: Refraction, as above. This time, instead of using a mirror to reflect the light, you are going to basically mimic the natural formation of a rainbow by causing the water to hit the light in a fine mist.

You will need:

A spray bottle or a hose

Sunlight

1. Put the hose on mist or grab your mister and spray it into an area of your yard/house/garden that has natural sunlight hitting it.

2. Let the kids ooh and ahh over your rainbow-making skills, then let each of them take a turn.

3. Water Density Rainbow

Sugar water density science experiment is a good way to make a rainbow. — Little Bins for Little Hands

Lesson: By adding more or less sugar to each water solution you are creating different density levels. When you add coloring to the glasses you will be able to see which solution is the heaviest. Add the colors in rainbow order to impress the kids. Visit Little Bins for Little Hands for the experiment that shows you how to make a rainbow.

You will need:

Food coloring

Tablespoon

Five glasses or plastic cups (clear)

Water

4. The Glass o’ Water Approach

Lesson: The most simple form of light bending, this lesson in the light waves is similar to #1 above.

You will need:

A glass of water

A piece of paper

Sunlight

1. Put the glass of water in the sunlight.

2. Put the paper next to it.

3. Let the sunlight stream through the water and create a rainbow on the paper.

5. Advanced Glass o’ Water Approach:

You will need:

A glass of water

A spray bottle

A piece of paper

Sunlight

1. Put the glass of water on a table or windowsill where there is sunlight.

2. Put the piece of paper on the floor where the sunlight hits, in the line of the glass.

3. Spray the window with warm water where the sun is coming through, and so it lines up with the paper.

4. Move the glass and paper around until you see a neat little rainbow on the paper.

6. The Bubble Method

boys blowing bubbles, which is one way to make a rainbow — photography (c) by Carl Tremblay, used with permission from Storey Publishing.

It doesn't get any easier than making a rainbow by blowing bubbles. You can use regular dish soap and a bit of water and shake ingredients inside a bottle, or just blow bubbles and observe. Want to up the fun factor? Make your own bubble mixture out of ordinary kitchen ingredients.

The Best Camping Games to Try This Summer

by Kate LowethMay 18, 2022

With summer on its way in and camping trips on the horizon, you’ll want to have this list of camping games for kids in your back pocket. Family camping trips are the perfect time to unplug and try out these outdoor games, flashlight activities and just plain old-school fun. Which one will be your family’s new favorite?

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1. Nature Tic Tac Toe
We love this option as you can gather all the pieces right at your campsite. With four sticks and two sets of markers (think leaves and rocks) you'll be on your way to playing this game that's good for even the youngest campers.

2. Hide and Go Seek
There are tons of great hiding spots when you are camping so this is a natural option for a camping game. Make sure the kids know what boundaries they need to keep and choose a way to call them in like a whistle if you need to end the game early. With little ones, pair up the hiders and make them hide together.

3. Capture the Flag
If you have a slew of kids with you, capture the flag is fun for a group. Divide the kids up into two teams and use two bandanas for flags that you set at opposite ends of the campsite. the winning team is the one that retrieves the opposing team's flag and brings it back to their home base.

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4. Nature Bingo
Put the kids to work finding all the cool nature items in your campsite.

5. 20 Questions
This is a fun game to use especially when going on a hike. Kids will have to use their keen observational skills and language to guess the target object. One child chooses a specific object they see along the way and the guessers get to question things like size, color and shape with yes or no questions. The winner gets to be the next one to choose an object.

6. Camping Trip
We love this game for when everyone's sitting around the fire. The first person starts it off with "I'm going on a camping trip and I'm going to bring" and they say what they're going to bring. The next person repeats the phrase "I'm going on a camping trip and I'm going to bring" and they have to choose an item to bring that starts with the next letter in the alphabet. So if the first person is bringing a tent, then the second person has to bring something that starts with the letter "u" like a ukulele.

7. Glow Bracelet Ring Toss
Find a stick and bury it in the dirt so that it is sticking up straight. Pass out equal numbers of glow bracelets to each person. Try your luck at throwing the glow bracelet onto the stick!

8. Squirt Gun Races
Line up a row of plastic cups on the edge of a log or picnic table. With two teams, race to see which team can squirt the cups off the table first.

9. Orange Chin Relay Race
With two teams, line up and pass an orange under your chin down the line without using your hands. If the orange drops you need to start over. First team to move the orange to the end wins!

Kids playing camping games on family camping trip — istock

10. Night Vision
This is a great game to teach kids about how animals see at night. On a designated path, have a few older kids or parents hide in spots where they will be pretty camouflaged but still visible if people look closely enough. Have the "lookers" walk along the path and silently try to find the hiders. The next morning you can have the hiders go back to their spots to show the lookers where they were hiding in plain sight.

11. A Killer Wink
This is a perfect campfire game with a group. One person is designated "it" and leaves the circle to go off where they cannot hear. The remaining group chooses a killer. The person who is "it" returns to the circle and tries to figure out who the killer is. The players look around the circle making eye contact with each other. If the killer winks at you, you have to make dramatic noises and fall over like you've died. When the person who is "it" guesses who the killer is, they get to become the next killer and a new "it" is chosen.

12. Flashlight Charades
This is just like your traditional charades but by the light of the flashlight. Put a bunch of animal names on pieces of paper into a bucket. When it's your turn you select a paper and have to act out that animal using the light of a flashlight. Find more ideas for flashlight games here.

13. Nature Alphabet Hunt
A great way to help kids who are learning their letters is to go on a campground alphabet hunt where you look for items that start with each letter of the alphabet.

14. Mosquito Bites
At the beginning of the camping trip give each kid a certain number of red stickers. If they are caught saying designated words like "campfire" or "tent" then they have to turn over one of their red dots to the person who calls them out. The one left with the most mosquito bites at the end is the winner!

15. Rock Tower Challenge
Pair up and see which team can make the tallest stacked rock tower using rocks found in the campsite.

11 Items Doctors Say Every Parent Should Carry

by Karly WoodMarch 31, 2022

No matter how careful you are, parenting means it’s impossible to avoid the occasional worrisome scenario. While most parents tote a basic first aid kit, doctors recommend carrying these 12 items to treat wounds and stop bleeding if you find yourself too far from a medical professional, as well as preventative items such as sunscreen and hand sanitizer.

Hand Sanitizer

Unless you're hiding under a rock, you can't go a day without hearing another Coronavirus aka Covid-19 update. You've also probably heard the best way to prevent the spread of any illness is frequen, thorough handwashing (for at least 20 seconds) and healthy dose of hand sanitizer. If you're concerned about the chemicals in some sanitizer, we recommend Zoey Naturals, which is baby-safe and paraben, sulfate and phthalate free, while still killing 99% of germs. Hello Bello also makes a hand-sanitizing spray (not recommend for babies but great for kids). We also like Clean & Well's disinfecting wipes for surfaces.

(Editor's note:, at the time of this writing all products were in stock).

Sunscreen

It may seem like the only time to keep sunscreen within hands reach is during the summer, but it actually comes in handy in the case of an emergency, too. If you find yourself injured on a trail or even stranded on the side of the road from car issues, slathering on the protective cream will prevent an undue sunburn and one less thing to worry about.

Survival Knife

While it may seem scary to have a survival knife in your back pocket, it definitely can come in handy. Cut gauze or bandages, fashion a walking stick in a pinch, or cut away brush. A knife is no laughing matter, but it can save your life in an emergency. Be sure to keep it far away from small hands and fingers. This one's for grown-ups only.

Gauze

You never know when you'll incur a scratch, bite or cut while out hiking or camping, and that's why keeping a stash of gauze is a great idea. Use it to clean wounds, staunch bleeding or to cover from the elements. Gauze is a clean and breathable material you can't afford not to have when heading out for an adventure.

Elastic Wrap Bandage

Apply pressure to wounds and keep them clean and bandaged with elastic wrap bandages. They are a small in size, but can take care of a multitude of injuries, from sprained ankles to keeping gauze in place. Take it one step further and purchase self-adhering bandages like these from Amazon and you can rest easy until you can find a doctor for treatment.

Tourniquet

Serious injuries never happen when we expect them, but preparation can save lives. Keeping a tourniquet on hand can do just that––not only save a loved ones life from a serious bleeding injury but also give you piece of mind. You don't need to worry about tearing a strip of fabric or tying it tight enough––purchase a simple medical tourniquet and let it do all the work for you!

Protein Food Pouch

Getting separated from your tour group or being hindered by the elements can mean an unexpected longer time in the wilderness. Protect your family against hunger-related issues by packing simple protein food pouches that can be eaten on the run. They are quick to prepare and contain wholesome ingredients to keep you fueled and ready to press on towards home.

Water Purifying Tablets

Finding drinkable water in the natural elements can be difficult, and that's why keeping a bottle of water purification tablets is a must. The iodine tablets purify contaminated water in 30 minutes, killing off bacteria. Staying hydrated while in the great outdoors and injured is key––this product is a no-brainer! Check out these leak-proof water bottles for you next excursion.

Flashlight

In case you end up staying out longer than expected, always keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on hand. Whether you're handling an injured family member or are just exhausted from a long day out with the kids and its getting dark, you can never go wrong with a flashlight in your day back or car trunk. (Also handy for playing flashlight games f you're bored).

Emergency Blanket

Keep loved ones who are injured and in shock warm when you keep foil blankets on hand. They are tiny––only the size of a credit card when folded up—and can be easily carried in purses, diaper bags or backpacks without any added weight. They are great for disaster kits and perfect for keeping in your car if you encounter a car accident or other scenario when someone needs a blanket to stay warm.

Instant Cold Pack

Lower fevers, relieve bug bites and treat swollen limbs with an instant cold pack. Carry in your backpack and snap to start the chemical reaction that makes these ice packs cold. No need to freeze in advance, and no melting bags of ice!

––Karly Wood

Feature Photo: Rawpixel

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Local Easter Egg Hunts That Are Beyond Average

by Maria ChambersMarch 27, 2022

So many eggs, so little time. Your little detectives can hone their skills as they hop, run and walk to find Easter eggs all over Chicago and the ‘burbs. These hunts will have you zipping around parks and zoos and even sneaking around in the dark. Expect candy, toys, prizes and more. Try to contain your egg-citement and let the hunt begin.

Egg Hunt at Senior Citizens Memorial

Join Friends of Holstein Park for a morning egg hunt and decorate a flower pot as a welcome to spring. Egg hunt for ages 0-4 at 10 a.m., followed by a hunt for ages 5 & up at 10:30 a.m. Please be sure to bring along a basket.

Apr. 2, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.; 2228 N. Oakley Ave., Bucktown; More info.

Flashlight Egg Hunt at Iron Oaks

Load the flashlight with batteries and head out for this twist on the traditional egg hunt. First up is craft time and then kids hit the trails to find treat-filled eggs hidden in the woods.

Apr. 8, 7:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.; 20000 Western Ave., Olympia Fields; More info.

Eggventures in Wonderland at NEWCITY

Join Alice & Friends for family fun with a holiday Easter Egg Hunt featuring over 30,000 eggs pre-stuffed with toys and candy. Find the magical, coveted “Golden Eggs” to win prizes from behind the looking glass. Meet Alice in Wonderland characters while enjoying music, face painting, balloon artists and treats & beverages for kids and adults.

Apr. 9, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.; 1457 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park; More info.

Egg Hunt at Commercial Club

Celebrate Easter with music, games, free arts and crafts and 3 egg hunts split by age: 2 & under, ages 3-5 and 10 & under.

Apr. 9, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; 1845 W. Rice St., Ukrainian Village; More info.

Egg Hunt at West Lawn

Kids ages 3-12 are invited for a fun-filled egg hunt.

Apr. 9, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 4233 W. 65th, West Lawn; More info.

Little Beans Cafe Easter Party

Little Beans Cafe invites families for an Easter celebration. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance so parents can take photos and kids will be treated to an egg hunt, pizza, snacks, crafts and playtime.

Apr. 10, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; 430 Asbury, Evanston; More info.

Eggs-trordinary Egg Hunt & Flashlight Egg Hunt

Glen Ellyn is offering two chances to fill your baskets. Search with the lights out for the Flashlight Hunt on the 14th, or go the next morning for well-lit fun at the Eggs-trordinary Egg Hunt. Bring baskets and join in for these crazy egg-filled events with a chance to meet and snap a pic with Glen Ellyn's Hopper Cottontail.

Apr. 14; Churchill Park, 240 Geneva Rd., Glen Ellyn; More info.

Apr. 15, Mary Knoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn; More info.

Easter Egg-Stravaganza at LPZ

Start your morning rubbing elbows with the Easter bunny at Lincoln Park Zoo's Easter Egg-Stravaganza. The day will include an egg hunt, photos with the bunny and other characters, rides on the carousel and train, music and outdoor activities and games.

Apr. 16, 8 a.m.-noon; 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park. More info.

Bunny Rock 5K and Egg Hunt

Hop, skip and run for a great cause. Support the Red Door Animal Shelter while your gang runs or walks through this bunny-filled 5K. After the race, candy lovers won’t want to miss the massive Egg Dash, for kids ages 2-10.

Apr. 16, 9 a.m. (egg hunt at 10:15 a.m.); Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Dr., Uptown; More info.

Hop 'N' Stop in Northcenter

Go on an egg-hunting mission around your beloved Northcenter businesses, and see who can collect the most eggs. After all the eggs are gone, everyone can party in the Town Square with scrumptious nibbles and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.

Apr. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 4017 N. Damen Ave. Northcenter; More info.

Eggstravaganza at Kennicott Park

This free family-friendly event for ages 3-12 features an egg hunt, games, food, face painting and arts & crafts.

Apr. 16, noon-2 p.m.; 4434 S. Lake Park Ave., Kenwood; More info.

Spring Egg Scramble in Wheeling

Hit the turf at Wheeling High School's football field for fun, games and a free Easter egg hunt. There will be a giveaway bag for the first 500 kids.

Apr. 16, 10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m.; Wheeling High School, 900 S. Elmhurst Rd., Wheeling; More info.

Egg Hunt at Brainerd Park

Kids ages 3-13 are invited for a festive egg hunt, arts & crafts, games and more.

Apr. 16, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; Brainerd Park, 1246 W. 92nd St., Washington Heights; More info.

Egg Hunt at Sheridan Park

Enjoy a free Easter egg hunt for kids ages 3-12.

Apr. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 910 S. Aberdeen St., University Village; More info.

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Get Lost! Corn Mazes to Visit This Fall

by Annette BenedettiSeptember 12, 2021

There’s no better way to spend your fall days then getting lost in a local corn maze. Portland families are surrounded with opportunities to wander through cornstalks, with family-friendly farms in just about every direction. The good news is that along with winding adventures, corn mazes are often accompanied by festivities that include activities like hay rides, petting zoos and more. Read on for more on all the a-maize-ing local favorites.

The Original Maize at the Pumpkin Patch

Just 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Sauvie Island is a mainstay of fall festival lists. For 21 years, the Pumpkin Patch has been carving pathways into acres of corn, and inviting the public to challenge themselves to solve the puzzle. This year the theme mazes theme is “Bridgetown!” celebrating the bridges of Portland that connect us all along with the mountains, rivers and forests that surround our beautiful city. You and your gang can wander through over two miles of pathways, and don’t worry: you can pick up a “passport” with clues to help if you get lost. Hang out for refreshments at the Patio Cafe, then hop on a free hayride (October only) to pick out a pumpkin in the fields.

Safety: This year, the maze is still open for safe outdoor fun across its 8 acres. Masks will be optional throughout the MAiZE. We ask that you bring them to wear whenever encountering groups inside the MAiZE, while in the ticket line, and anytime 6’ distance is not obtainable.

Insider tip: Bring boots and raingear if the weather is wet! Things can get muddy.

16511 NW Gillihan Rd.
Sauvie Island
Sept: open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Oct: open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
$8/adults (13 & up); $6/children (6-12) & seniors; free for children 5 and under
503-621-7110
Online: portlandmaze.com

Bella Organic

This Sauvie Island favorite takes a creative approach to their annual corn maze, with a changing theme that often includes giant letters carved into the corn. Impressive! This year’s theme is United Against Hate! We can all get on board with that.

The maze covers 2.7 miles of twists and turns within a 7-acre design. (Psst: Make sure to choose the best maze option for your group. There’s a second Haunted Maze on Fridays and Saturdays in October, not recommended for small children.) Food and beer vendors, along with classic fall activities like hayrides and pumpkins, make this a standout choice for local fun.

Safety: Masks are required inside the corn maze at all times.

Insider tip: All activities and outdoor vendors are cash only. Bring your flashlight to walk the maze after dark on weekends!

16205 NW Gillihan Rd.
Sauvie Island
Sep/Oct hours: Daily 9 a.m.-5p.m. (Fri.& Sat. until 10 p.m.)
503-621-9545
$8/adults (13 & up); $7/ seniors & children (6-12); free for 5 & under
Online: bellaorganic.com/corn-maze

Lee Farms

This energetic fall festival features a 3-acre corn maze, and that’s just the beginning. Enjoy hayrides, a giant slide, bouncy houses, farm animal visits, and even pony rides on the weekend. Plus, take your pick from over 27 varieties of pumpkins. Sample fresh apple cider and donuts, kettle corn, and treats from the bakery.

Safety: This year, the farm has changed a few things to help enhance safety. Masks will be required outdoors when you are unable to distance more than 6’ from others for anyone 5 years and older. Masks are required on all activities and hayrides.

21975 SW 65th Ave.
Tualatin, OR
Sept. 18- Oct. 31. Open Tue.-Fri. 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
General admission (ages 3 and up): $12 weekends; Wristband for activities/includes general admission: $24
503-638-1869
Online: leefarmsoregon.com/pumpkin-patch

Packer Orchards

If you’re up for a drive, Packer Orchards in the Hood River Valley boasts a wonderful corn maze, a kids-only corn maze, hay tower, and unlimited hayrides on the weekends. Check the calendar for flashlight-maze events as the days get shorter and Halloween approaches. After the maze, try your hand at pumpkin bowling before you pick one out to take home. And don’t forget to sample an array of fall treats, from apple pies and ice cream at the bakery, to jams and cookies in the sales barn.

Safety: Tickets will be sold online only to help limit the number of guests. Some activities may be impacted due to safety concerns.

3020 Thomsen Rd
Hood River, OR
Sep. 17 – Oct. 31, Open Mon. & Thur. 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 10 p.m.-5 p.m.
$8/person ages 2 and up
Online: packerorchards.com

Vancouver Pumpkin Patch

Head over the bridge to the Vancouver Pumpkin Patch where a corn maze isn't the only fall fun you'll find. For only $10 you and your kids can visit a pumpkin patch, go on a hay ride, visit a petting zoo and wander through the corn maze. Take a stroll out to the u-pick portion of the farm to pick Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and beans all for $1.25 per pound. Mark the September 25 on you calendar. You don't want to miss the pumpkin patches opening day!

Open Sep. 25, Tue.- Sun. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
$10 admission
Online: vancouverpumpkinpatch.com

—Annette Benedetti

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6 Ways to Have an Epic Halloween Celebration at Home

By Jen Kathrina-Anne

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

June 28, 2021

Photo: Photo by John Hayler on Unsplash

If you find yourself at home instead of trick-or-treating with friends, or showing off your costume at a Halloween party this year, here are some spook-tacular ways to create memories with your own Halloween festivities:

1. Dress up in Costumes as a Family and Take Silly Photos

Even if you didn’t plan to dress up this year, you can look in your closet and put together looks from your wardrobe or kids’ dress-up clothes. Take photos and share them with family and friends!

2. Don’t Forget a Spooky Spread

Food should absolutely be part of the decor. You don’t have to make anything too fancy, it should just be tasty, easy to eat, and of course, look scary! Think hot dogs cut like fingers, witch’s brew green juice, pizza with toppings like a jack-o’-lantern face, peeled grape eyeballs, and so on. As long it’s on theme, it works. For dessert, you could also bake or buy plain cookies or cupcakes for everyone to decorate with Halloween-themed icing and sprinkles.

3. Build a Blanket Fort for a Movie Night or Scary Stories

Movies are a great way to set the mood for the scariest night of the year. Depending on the ages of your children, these movies could range from It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! to Friday The 13th. Check your streaming providers for what’s available now.

Watch the movie from inside your fort, and tell stories in the dark with a flashlight afterward. Or you can skip the stories if the kids are too sleepy…or too scared!

4. Have a Zoom Party with Friends

If your friends want to be in on the fun, you could organize a Zoom party. Different members of each family could read stories out loud or you could all play games like bingo or Halloween-themed charades.

5. Organize a Family Scavenger Hunt for Hidden Candy

Even if trick or treating isn’t happening in your neighborhood this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t have candy! The adults (or kids if they wish) can leave clues for the other family members to follow in order to find hidden treats all over the house or even the backyard.

6. Each Family Member Can Paint Their Own Pumpkin

This is another activity that can be just with your family or can involve other families. It can be just for fun, or even a friendly competition! Even preschool-age children can have their own mini pumpkin and paint to their heart’s content. Share photos of your pumpkin art with everyone in the group!

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a fun and safe Halloween with your family!

This post originally appeared on The Haute Mommy Handbook.

Jen Kathrina-Anne

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.

I Had to Grow up Faster Than I Ever Imagined

By Samira Soto

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 17, 2021

It’s only been a short period of time that I’ve stood beside Kanen in this autism journey—6 months ago to be exact is when I heard the official words that changed my world. I don’t know what it is about those words that find a way into a mother’s soul and crushes her spirt but they do. I think mainly because we know this world is not designed for different. It’s simply not made for our child.

During the grieving process you might find your self slipping into the darkness that surrounds any diagnosis. Praying for a light at the end of the tunnel. Before autism changed my world, I was motivated. I was selfish. I was everything you would expect a young 25 year old girl to be. And overnight I knew I had to grow up far beyond the years of my peers.

It was almost instantly that I stopped relating to girls’ night out or “Sunday Funday’s.” While my friends were out living their best lives, my life suddenly felt like I was parachuted into the middle of a dark jungle, expected to walk down a path I’ve never seen before. With no directions, no map, no flashlight, and definitely no tour guide.

Along the voyage I learned I wasn’t alone. I found other mom’s in the dark. And they did something remarkable. Life changing even. They took a seat right beside me. Maybe they sat for only a moment, maybe it’s was for a few days, or a week, or a month. “I will sit in the dark with you, for as long as you need. Whenever you need” they said.

I’ve learned life will throw you curveballs you were never prepared to bat up for. And when they hit they’ll leave bruises that might take a lifetime to heal. It’s okay to cry, be angry, mad, sad, frustrated, and confused. To feel like you’re lost in the dark. Feel all the feels, you’re human too, remember that. But just know you’re never alone. I’ll always be here to take a seat with you. For as long as you need or whenever you need.

Samira Soto

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Samira is a 25 year old single mom to a 2 year old son Kanen Arley. Her son Kanen was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism in September of 2020, which inspired her to start sharing their journey through My Charming Arley on Facebook and Samirasstella on Instagram.

Meet Eva, Red Tricycle’s Bump + Baby Editor

by Erin LemJanuary 14, 2021

Eva Ingvarson Cerise, Bump + Baby Editor
Eva lives in northern Utah with her husband and daughter and misses her grown-up stepdaughter, who lives in another state. She began her career as a magazine writer, editor and copy editor for publications such as Bon Appétit, and then spent more than a decade developing content and defining the content strategy and user experience for websites in the financial and consumer space, such as Evite. As a recent transplant to Utah, she is enjoying exploring the area with her family.

What’s the best piece of advice you got while pregnant?
Let go of your idea of how things should be and focus on how they are.

Favorite baby travel hack?
Pack a clean-up kit with baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, Ziploc bags, garbage bags, extra diapers and a change of outfits—yours and your baby’s. Storing everything you need in the same place makes it easier to manage messes when they happen. And they will.

What’s in your diaper bag or purse you can’t live without?
A small flashlight. My daughter finds it endlessly fascinating, so I save it for when I really need her to be calm and content, like when we’re waiting for our meal at a restaurant.

Your favorite city to visit with your family and why:
Stockholm. I was born there but moved to the US as a child. It’s a beautiful, walkable city with lots to do, especially in the summertime. I also have lots of family in the area and love to catch up with them.

Your idea of a perfect Saturday (or any day) with your family:
A lazy morning spent reading in bed, followed by a nature hike and an excursion to a local museum, farmers market, zoo—any venue that makes my daughter’s eyes light up.

The most surprising thing you’ve learned as a mom:
Just how fascinating it is to watch these little beings learn and grow. Every month, I find myself saying, “This is the most amazing age.” And they all are. It all feels miraculous and I’m so grateful to experience it.

Contact Eva: eva.cerise@tinybeans.com

9 Flashlight Games Perfect for Family Fun

by Gabby CullenApril 1, 2020

With shorter days on the horizon, there’s one foolproof way to keep the fun going after dark: flashlight games. Turn any old night at home into a memorable evening with these twists on old classics. Psst! We threw in a few new inventions, too. Read on to light up your night.

In-the-Dark Treasure Hunt

They’ve got the treasure hunt down pat. Now throw them for a loop with one staged in the dark. Simple items like pirate’s booty (gold coins) or even figurines will do the trick. For older kiddos, consider making a list of the items being hunted. Be sure to have enough flashlights for everyone involved; it’s a lot more fun when each participant has their own beam.

Flashlight Tag

Hiding in the dark and being spotted by beams of light can be fairly thrilling—just be sure to clear the way for kiddos running around in the dark. You'll need either an outdoor space that isn't well lit or an empty-ish basement or gym. Get all the rules for variations over at wikihow.

Make Your Own Constellations

Create your very own universe at home with DIY constellations. The crafty masters at Handmade Charlotte dabble in the dark and offer an easy tutorial with materials you’ve probably got in the crafts box already, including black paper, scissors and a pencil.

Shadow Puppet Theater

Take shadow-making fun to a whole new level with puppet theater. With a cardboard box, foam figures and a flashlight an entire fairy tale adventure comes to life. Valerie, of Inner Child Fun, explains the easy steps in creating this awesome activity.

Morse Code Messages

Morse code is kinda like the original form of texting (SOS, anyone?) so kids will get a kick out of learning how to flash-chat with buddies. Create little messages and get familiar with the flashlight for easy code clicking. Daddy Mark of My Kids Adventures provides a full Morse Code Alphabet and even offers up other tutorials (like using your iPhone as the light.) Get all the info here.

Flashlight Word Game

Play this game, and they’ll be working on their reading skills, too. Find the biggest, most empty wall in your house and sprinkle the space with word cards. There are several variations of play, including having Mom call out a word and finding it, or flashing light on a word and reading it. Be sure to use painters tape to stick up the words, otherwise, you’ll lose some paint in the process! Head over to Kiwi Crate for more ideas.

Shadow Dancing

Turn a dance party into major flashlight fun with shadow dancing. Shine a light against a wall, put on a groovy playlist and get moving! It’s fun to watch shadows boogie or even try to make different shapes. Gabrielle Blair breaks down one of her favorite before-bed activities over at Design Mom.

Flashlight Limbo

You don’t need a sandy beach, broomstick or even the classic Limbo song to re-create this game. It’s a classic camp activity that’s perfect for a sleepover. Just flash the beam of light on the wall and have everyone wiggle their way under it. The only real question is: How low can you go? Get the details over at Ultimate Camp Resource.

I Spy

Do they really know what’s in that room? Try out I Spy in the dark for a chance to spot familiar toys and gadgets. Toni Tui, mama in charge over at Wifely Steps, loves to play this game before bed but we’re betting this would be a blast at any time of night.

— Gabby Cullen

25 Things Every Family Should Do Together This Winter

10 Genius Ways to Keep the Kids Busy (Batteries Not Required!)

15 Easy Ways to Keep the Kids Busy After School

Take the lingering light of the day by storm with these easy and incredibly fun night games to play

1. Sardines

2. Spotlight Charades

3. Flashlight Limbo

4. Ghost In the Graveyard

5. Statue & Tourist

6. Flashlight Tag

7. Twilight Treasure Hunt

8. Glow Big

9. Glow-in-the-dark ring toss

10. Nighttime “Marco Polo”

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If you can’t find one, make one of your own, right in your kitchen, porch, or stoop

1. The Mirror Method

2. The Garden Hose Technique

3. Water Density Rainbow

4. The Glass o’ Water Approach

5. Advanced Glass o’ Water Approach:

6. The Bubble Method

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Hand Sanitizer

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Survival Knife

Gauze

Elastic Wrap Bandage

Tourniquet

Protein Food Pouch

Water Purifying Tablets

Flashlight

Emergency Blanket

Instant Cold Pack

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Eggs-trordinary Egg Hunt & Flashlight Egg Hunt

Easter Egg-Stravaganza at LPZ

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Hop 'N' Stop in Northcenter

Eggstravaganza at Kennicott Park

Spring Egg Scramble in Wheeling

Egg Hunt at Brainerd Park

Egg Hunt at Sheridan Park

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Jen Kathrina-Anne

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In-the-Dark Treasure Hunt

Flashlight Tag

Make Your Own Constellations

Shadow Puppet Theater

Morse Code Messages

Flashlight Word Game

Shadow Dancing

Flashlight Limbo

I Spy

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