It’s no secret that a mobile baby is a busy baby, and a busy baby is a happy baby. But if the crawling, creeping and scooting hasn’t yet begun, there are still plenty of ways to engage with your little one—and have a little fun yourself. Here are our favorite ideas for infant games you can play with your stationary sweetie.
1. Bubble Blowout
Something about the rainbow swirls and fanciful movements are endlessly alluring for babies and grown-ups alike. An inexpensive bottle of bubbles—or the homemade variety, if you prefer—will keep your mini-me fixated and, depending on age, may allow your child to exercise hand-eye coordination, too, as he tries to grasp at the floating orbs.
2. Song Sesh
There are plenty of studies showing that babies recognize and respond to human voices—especially their mama—but did you know that researchers have found that babies can hear and remember music even while in the womb? And that they enjoy concerts as much as their parents? It’s no surprise, then, that songs (especially when sung by mom!) are a sure thing when it comes to entertaining your wee one.
While lullabies are great for setting the mood for bedtime, more upbeat tempos are better at keeping baby amused during wakeful hours. To really capture your little one’s attention, choose interactive songs that include motions or silly sounds. (Think: sneezing, animal sounds, or surprise responses, like “peek-a-boo!”) Make up the lyrics as you go, or stick with tried-and-true classics like “Wheels on the Bus” or “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
Babies who haven’t mastered the art of being on the move just yet still do plenty of kicking and squirming. Keep your squirmy worm endlessly entertained by tying a helium balloon to their foot. Your baby will love watching the colorful balloon bounce above them in response to their movements, and you’ll love watching this newfound excitement.
Let’s be real. There’s only so much excitement that can happen indoors. A simple change of scenery can do wonders in keeping a non-mobile baby entertained, and getting outside your usual four walls into the fresh air and sunshine can soothe even the crankiest infant. Get in a few minutes of tummy time by positioning baby on the edge of a blanket to explore the grass. Or simply lay back together and watch the leaves swaying peacefully in the wind or the clouds floating by.
5. Master Mimicry
While the jury is still out on how early babies can mimic adult gestures, expressions, and sounds, what we do know is that infants benefit from intentional face-to-face interaction at every age. Bond with your baby by focusing on maintaining eye-to-eye contact (that means putting that distracting smartphone aside!) and exchanging facial expressions, such as sticking out your tongue, wrinkling your nose, or showing various emotions, from surprise to sadness. These interactions will not only result in cognitive benefits for baby, but you’ll both enjoy the intentional one-on-one time.
If you’ve had your fill of reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear for the day, give baby a mini art tour through your own home. Carry baby around and show them the photographs or paintings that grace your walls. If you have family pictures or portraits, tell baby about the people in the photo. If abstract art is more your thing, point out the colors and shapes.
7. Hands On
There’s a reason why simple games like “This Little Piggie” elicit baby smiles and giggles over and over again. Combining the cadence of rhymes with physical interaction is a guaranteed win when it comes to keeping little ones amused. Our favorites include actions that point to baby’s body parts (eyes, nose, fingers, feet, tummy), and offer a gentle tickle where appropriate. If you need a refresher course on rhymes, a simple Google search for “action rhymes for babies” will offer lots of inspiration.
Check out these 13 tidbits of Seattle trivia that even the savviest Seattleite might be surprised to learn
Are you raising a kiddo whose cute, scholarly nose is always stuck in a weird-but-true book? Or are you someone who can’t wait to share your cerebral, oddball trivia knowledge with your awestruck crew? If this speaks to you and your fam, you won’t be disappointed with this kooky list of fun facts about Seattle! Check out these 13 tidbits of trivia about our Emerald (or shall we say Eclectic!) City that even the savviest Seattleite might be surprised to learn.
Sure, Seattle has the super iconic Space Needle and many other landmarks of note, but if you ask any local, another great symbol that signifies the Emerald City is the giant pink elephant sign at the Elephant Car Wash on Battery Street at Denny Way. The car wash’s large sign is neon pink, rotating, and showcases a huge, happy pink elephant, hosing itself off with its trunk. It is so well known in the area that it has appeared throughout pop culture in movies, music videos, and ads and has even attracted visits from many celebrities. In fact, some claim this quirky car wash sign is the most photographed landmark in Seattle! Elephant Car Washes, originally founded by brothers Eldon, Dean, and Archie Anderson, have been the place to give your car a bath since 1951.
But did you know…while other Elephant Car Washes are still conducting business around the area, sadly the iconic Battery Street location has had to close in the past year?Luckily, these novel signs will get new life. The larger sign is set to relocate to the Museum of History & Industry, while the smaller elephant sign will be refurbed and installed at a public plaza a couple of blocks away from the original location. So the sweet, pillbox-attired elephant will live on!
You know what else…Wonder why did the founders choose an elephant theme? Because it is said that brother and co-founder, Archie, thought an elephant would be a perfect mascot because its anatomy includes its own functional water hose. Trunk-tastic!
The Giant Shoe Museum
There are not many books quite as fascinating to a kid as The Guinness Book Of World Records. Pouring over unbelievable facts is a quintessential part of being a curious kid. Luckily for our community, Seattle has its very own Ripley’s-esque museum hidden in the depths of Pike Place Market. It’s the Giant Shoe Museum. Located in the Down Under level of the Market, this quaint museum-like display takes up a portion of the Old Seattle Paperworks store. This entertaining array of truly enormous footgear showcases part of a collection by Danny Eskenazi, who became a large-shoe connoisseur after his grandfather had once owned a shoe (that still remains at large) worn by the tallest person in recorded history, Robert Wadlow.
But did you know…for only a few quarters (50 cents!), you can show your family the whole collection of the world’s largest giant shoes? Various gargantuan styles are represented, such as hi-tops, boots, and old-timey shoes, including another size 37 brogue shoe worn by Robert Wadlow. So unusual and fun, you won’t want to miss this toe-tally awesome little gem.
You know what else…A reward of $1000 still stands if you can locate that original Robert Wadlow wingtip shoe that inspired Danny’s collection!
The Ballard Locks
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, locally known as the Ballard Locks, is a really interesting piece of Seattle history. As many city dwellers know, it is located between Seattle’s popular Ballard and Magnolia neighborhoods, and is used to carry boat traffic (traditionally logging and fishing vessels) from Puget Sound into Salmon Bay, then on into Lake Union and Lake Washington. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sees more than a million curious visitors every year, and has more boat traffic than any other locks in the U.S.!
But did you know…that the construction of the Locks changed the whole typography of the area by lowering the water level of both Lake Union and Lake Washington by over 8 feet? That actually added many miles' worth of waterfront land, but it also rerouted and reversed the flow of the rivers, left some piers in Salmon Bay out of the water, and disrupted the original salmon runs. Due to this, a salmon ladder at the Locks was reintroduced in 1976 to help the salmon out. You can watch the salmon in the Locks’ 21-step fish ladder from July to mid-August at peak spawning time.
You know what else…the U.S. Navy originally planned to build a shipyard in this canal between Lake Washington and the Sound, but because of the delays in planning, that shipyard was instead built where it is today—across the Sound in Bremerton, Washington.
The Space Needle
Sure, if you and your family have been up the Needle then you know a thing or two about this iconic symbol of Seattle. For instance, you might be aware that it was constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair; that its space design concept was first drawn on a napkin; and that it stands 605 feet tall.
But did you know...that if you were to ride up the elevator (which takes 43 seconds) in a snowstorm, it would look like the snow was falling up? That’s because the speed of the elevator at 10 m.p.h. is faster than the speed at which a snowflake falls at 3 m.p.h. Cool! Also, your little ones might be excited to know that if you were to walk up the Space Needle, there are exactly 848 steps in the main stairwell. Just FYI…because, you know they will ask!
You know what else...the Needle is built to withstand winds of up to 200 m.p.h. in case that question ever crossed your mind.
Mt. Rainier
As the symbol of our state and the recipient of our unending adoration, Mt. Rainier (originally called Tacoma or Tahoma) has a special place in the heart of any Seattleite. But how much do you really know about this magical mound? We know our favorite volcano stands 14,411 feet tall and that it is the highest mountain in the Cascades.
But did you know... that Mt. Rainier has 25 named glaciers, the most of any mountain in the lower 48? The biggest one is called Emmons Glacier, a 4-mile behemoth that also happens to be the largest glacier in the contiguous United States. Now that’s a big ice rink! But there is also something unique about the glaciers on Mt. Rainier we bet you didn't know. Did you know that Mt. Rainier’s ice is home to iceworms? These iceworms are the only type of worm to live their entire lives on the ice. These small creepy-crawlies are exclusively found in the glaciers of Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and British Columbia.
You know what else...Underneath the ice cap of Rainier are ice caves made from ice, rock, and steam. They are being studied for their likeness to the conditions on other planets in our solar system like Mars.
Pike Place Market
Guess what? The famous Pike Place Market wasn’t created to showcase the fish throwers or to scare the heck out of little kids with a lurching Monkfish. It actually started due to overpriced onions in the early 1900s. The price of produce had skyrocketed, so our city and residents proposed a public market, where food could be bought directly from farmers (keep it local!). So in 1907, Pike Place Market was formed and has been operating ever since. It is now the oldest operating farmer’s market in America.
But did you know... the bronze piggy bank that stands in the middle of the market is named Rachel? She weighs 550 pounds and was named after a real 750-pound pig who won the 1985 Island County Fair. What a ham!
You know what else…the Market’s famous fish tossing came about because back in the day, the fishmongers got tired of trekking out to the fish table each time a customer ordered a fish. They realized it was just easier to chuck the fish over the counter instead. Hence the “flying fish” still sailing through the air today!
Emerald City
We all know Seattle's brilliant nickname: the Emerald City. But where did it come from? Well, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau ran a competition to come up with a slogan for an advertising campaign. Sarah Sterling-Franklin (from California) won the contest and came up with the slogan, “Seattle, the Emerald City. Seattle is the jewel of the Northwest, the queen of the Evergreen State, the many-faceted city of space, elegance, magic and beauty." And it has stuck ever since.
But did you know... it wasn’t Seattle’s first fun moniker? Its first common nickname was actually “Queen City.” This name was given to the city in 1869 by a Portland real estate company who used it in a pamphlet saying it was the “Future Queen City of the Pacific.” That nickname stuck until 1982.
You know what else… Other Seattle nicknames include Rain City and Coffee Capital of the World (for obvious reasons!) and also Jet City, due to Boeing’s proximity!
Sunglasses
We all know how Seattle gets a lot of drizzly and overcast days. There's no disputing that.
But did you know... the people in Seattle buy the most sunglasses per capita, more than any other U.S. city? It sounds strange, but some of the reasons that contribute to this phenomenon include the need for protection against sun glare off wet roads; the unique PNW lighting that causes brightness even when it's overcast; our preference for outside and water activities that might require eye protection; and the fact we may forget our sunglasses when we leave the house, so we are left to purchase another pair. Something to think about stashing in that stroller when taking Junior out for a walk.
You know what else… Seattle has about 71 total sunny days a year, meaning there are only just over 70 days annually where the cloud coverage is 30 percent and under.
Fremont Troll
Did you know that Seattle has a big ole troll living under one of its bridges? In the community of Fremont, located under the Aurora Bridge on N. 36th Street and Troll Avenue N., is an 18-foot-tall, 30-year-old concrete troll just lying in wait to meet your acquaintance.
But did you know...Fremont's famous troll was born thanks to a 1990 art competition intended to revamp the area under the bridge. Artist Steve Badanes led the team that made this Billy Goat’s Gruff-inspired sculpture into a local masterpiece. If you can find the troll, look under his hand. He is doing more than just lurking. He is crushing a Volkswagen Beetle under his grasp. So many quirky things to love about this guy. Also, check out his uncovered eye. It’s made of metal and shiny. So delightfully sinister!
You know what else… that shiny metal eye of his is more than actually meets the eye. It’s made up of a Volkswagen Beetle hubcap!
Floating Bridges
Have you driven on a floating bridge? If you have ever piled the kids in the car and gone from Medina to Seattle, then you have. The bridge that connects these two areas and runs across Lake Washington is actually called the Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge at Evergreen Point. It’s not the only one of its kind in this area, either. When you travel on the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge on I-90 from Seattle to Mercer Island, that bridge floats too.
But did you know...that if you drive either of these floating expanses you will be on the world’s first and second longest floating bridges (one of which actually sank during reconstruction in 1990, eek!)? Who knew? Now that is something we know your kiddos will flip over!
You know what else…The real reason behind these unique bridges over Lake Washington is that the lake is deep and the lake bed is way too soft to support a conventional bridge. That's why ours need to float!
Seattle Underground
Any local should know that Seattle was rebuilt on top of a city that was destroyed by the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. But if you have yet to hear this story, you're in for an unusual ride. This city-built-on-a-city gives birth to the very famous Seattle Underground, a network of underground passageways and basements in Pioneer Square that used to be at ground level before the fire. Instead of revamping the city where it originally was, the streets were regraded and elevated one to two stories higher (about 22 feet). That means Seattle sits right on top of the old city. The businesses underneath eventually fell into disuse, but certain sections have now become a major tourist attraction. You can still walk over some of the pavement lights that were used to light up the underground sidewalks below.
But did you know... one of the reasons for building the streets higher up was that it kept the sewers that drained into Elliot Bay from backing up at high tide? Thankfully, because of this, our ‘new’ Seattle is far less stinky than it could have been!
You know what else… The Great Seattle Fire that destroyed the original city all started when a cabinetmaker forgot about glue he was heating up over a fire. When it boiled over, it caught fire, started spreading rapidly (because of turpentine on the floor), and soon ignited the whole block.
Duwamps
If you ask a local they'll tell you Seattle is named after Chief Sealth, a leading figure of the Suquamish and Duwamish. And they wouldn't be wrong.
But did you know... Seattle was first known as Duwamps? Say what now? It’s true. A group of travelers known as the Denny Party came to claim land on what is now Alki Point (formerly and funnily named New York Alki). After a hard winter, most of the Denny Party relocated across Elliot Bay to claim more land at the site of present-day Pioneer Square, which they promptly named Duwamps. After these two settlements competed for dominance, New York Alki was eventually abandoned and everyone moved across the bay. After that, Duwamps' name was changed to “Seattle” to honor the very accommodating and welcoming Chief Sealth of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes.
You know what else… The name “Seattle” was used in print for the very first time in 1852.
Seattle's Geography
Every Seattleite knows how hilly it can be (clutch drivers beware!). All these hills in our community are a result of glaciation. Glaciers moving south first dug out our terrain, but when they receded, huge mounds of rock debris were left in their path. These rock hills are thought to be what is now First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Cherry Hill, Denny Regrade, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne Hill, and Beacon Hill.
But did you know... that Denny Regrade was originally a big hill, too? This particular hill was removed and regraded in the years between 1898 and 1930. Regrading started on First Avenue in 1897 and 1899. Then years later, the hill was sluiced right into Elliot Bay. The last pieces of the left-over hill were finally removed by steam shovels in 1929 and 1930.
You know what else… some of the earth dug up from these regrades was used to build Harbor Island out in Elliot Bay. It was once considered the largest human-made island in the world.
The only thing better than getting lost in a book is having your own cozy space devoted to literary escapes. These adorable reading nooks for kids are both simple and stunning. All you need is a corner of your home, some floating shelves, and a bunch of books, and you’ll be on your way to setting up a spot where reading is the focus.
This adorable option from @thunderousdandelion doesn't take up a ton of space in your home. All you need is a corner, a kid-sized chair, some floating shelves to display this week's reads, and a bookshelf for the overflow.
Who doesn't love a bookshelf organized by color? This option from @thesimpleliefofoliver takes it up a notch with rainbow artwork, rainbow sensory toys and rainbow crafts. LOVE!
Instant Reading Nook
It really is as easy as can be with this book nook from KidKraft. Order yours and set it up and you have your own too-cute reading area and bookcase combined!
A Cool Corner Reading Nook
Julia from Tag & Tibby set out to create a sensory-friendly space for her son, and the result is simply awesome. The little ones can cuddle up in the canopy to read, but can also take plenty of LEGO breaks.
Plenty of Pillows
Even if you don’t have much extra space, you can still make a reading nook. All you really need is a corner, a pile of pillows, and a few blankets, like with this sweet space by The Merrythought.
File this one under “dream house”: this daybed setup by House Homemade takes the idea of a reading nook to a whole new level. Flanked by IKEA bookshelves, this is one spot that the whole family would love.
If you've got a cupboard that doesn't do much but collect clutter, get inspired by @pagesofemma's IKEA kids' room idea for turning wasted space into a cozy reading nook using IKEA's Kallax picture shelf units.
A Chic Space
We love this bright and beautiful nook by The Effortless Chic. Start off with stacks of pillows on the floor, add a cozy chair, and finish it off with a pretty gallery wall.
A Double-Duty Closet
Take inspiration from Mama.Papa.Bubba and turn your kiddo’s closet into a reading nook. In this case, they kept clothes hanging in the closet, so you don’t even have to give up all the storage space. Win-win!
An Outdoor Nook
Who said reading nooks can only be inside? We love this bright outdoor space by Design Improvised—it’s the perfect way to put your patio to good use.
Classy Closet Reading Nook
You know the old saying: one kid’s closet is another’s a super cool reading nook. While transforming her son’s nursery into a “big boy room,” blogger Elaine also gave his closet a literary makeover. From comfy pillows and art to essential bookshelves, check out how this reading nook was born over at Visual Meringue.
Inspiring Library
Featured over at Project Nursery, this library-inspired nursery was dreamed up by The Road Forks. Not only does it have a showstopper set of bookshelves, but there’s also a cute closet nook that’s great for book storage and story time.
When creating a home reading nook, it’s always important to consider every angle. That’s what Sunshine on the Inside did, installing gutter shelves that turn a regular corner into a nifty nook.
Cozy Canopy Reading Nook
Ah, the magic of mesh curtains. They offer up a feeling of privacy for little bookworms, but parents can still keep an eye on storytime. If you want to try out this nifty idea for yourself, head on over to Stuff Parents Need for a full tutorial.
Fairy Fireplace
Got an empty fireplace in need of a new function? Turn it into a cozy reading space! Take a cue from interior stylist Emily Henson’s blog Life, Unstyled, and round up some fairy lights, cushions, blankets, and books and you’ll have a next-level nook.
Who knows which baby bath toys are the best better than other parents (who have actually used them)?
Bathtime is one of our favorite times to bond with our little ones. It’s usually at the end of the day, after dinner adventures and before bed, so it’s just the kind of wind-down we and our kiddos need. Warm water, bubbles, and splashing (sometimes lots of splashing)—what more could you ask for? Oh, and as a bonus, it’s the perfect time for playing. Which of course means we’re on the hunt for the best baby bath toys.
Bath toys are especially fun because they offer littles a chance to experience different textures and ways to play. Plus, gone are the days of only rubber ducks and boats (though we love those!); there are so many awesome toys to choose from, specifically designed for the bath. But you don’t have to take our word for it! These are the top Amazon toys, according to reviewers. Sure, there are rubber duckies and boats, but there’s also blocks, and balls, and baby bath squirt toys, so you’re sure to find something (or somethings) that’s perfect for your little babes. We’ve got the baby bath toys parents are loving right here!
Duck Tubing Floating Bath Toys
Three connecting tubes, three rubber ducks, and a mold-free design! These ducks are ready to play.
Amazon Review: I wanted some floating bath ducks that weren't “squirters” so that they wouldn’t mold. These are a nice size (bigger than expected), good quality, and super cute! My girls love to also put other bath toys on the “duck train”.-BrookeMarie
This 9-pack of blocks are brightly colored and covered with letters and numbers, so they'll grow with your babes!
Amazon Review: After screening numerous baby block listings (many of which claim to be hole/mold-free but are not), I was thrilled to finally discover a truly hole-free set. I have cleaned these blocks in the dishwasher (top rack) several times, so far without issue. I look forward to using them as bath toys and not having to worry about mold growth.-K.Cox
Boats are a classic bath toy, and this set from Green Toys have little pour spouts and don't have any BPA!
Amazon Review: As always green toys remains one of our favorites. They're great size and usually bigger than expected. They're made of recycled materials which is another plus and I can't say enough about the durability of these toys. They can get tossed around and still look great. The paddles on the boat really move and there's a spout on them both that you can pour water out of.-Tiffany Sprouse
36 floating letters and numbers in bright, kid-friendly colors!
Amazon Review: My 18 month old loves these, the first set I bought, he had thrown them all over the house and I couldn't find most of them lol, I bought a 2nd set and keep it in with his bath toys. These suction really well to my tile bath wall. When he bites on them, they do leave teeth marks that will not come out. Also the set only includes 1 of each letter and number so spelling anything isn't really possible if you need more than 1 of the same letter lol. All in all, these are decent for the price. They are pretty sturdy and haven't ripped, so you don't have to worry about you kid boring a chunk out of one.-Brandie L.
This set includes 2 fun ocean friends and two twirly rattles. The characters move freely around the bubbles, and the textured rings float!
Amazon Review: So I’m a stickler for bath toys without holes in them. I didn’t know so well for my first child who is now almost 13….. but I learned over time with my others. I bought these for my 8 month old as he’s into little noises and things for bath since he’s sitting up. When I got these they didn’t even make it into the bath for the first few weeks, he sat playing with them on the floor with his toys and loved them as is! They are perfect size, the rattle noise inside isn’t loud and obnoxious it’s actually kind of a lull soothing noise, the objects inside keep him entertained even still. Now that they’ve been in the bath, they haven’t leaked any water in, they float well and are fun! Happy I bought these. -Erica Mara
He's going fishing and your little one can help! The floating polar bear holds 4 fish rings on each leg.
Amazon Review: This is larger than I thought it would be, in a good way! It’s very durable and the rings are large enough to not be a choking hazard for smaller children. I love that water can’t get into the toy and mold. I wasn’t going to review this, but it impressed me! -108
You can open and close these cute toys for easy cleaning, plus they're ergonomically designed for little baby hands!
Amazon Review: I purchased these in a high-end shop while on withy husband. I was pumped to find the exact same product on Amazon and purchased a second set. My kids LOVE taking a warm "tub" nightly. So, these are used daily. We are going on a year and we have not had any problems with mold. I love that they are dishwasher safe. I throw them in the dishwasher once a month or so (I have always done this with bath toys). Honestly, I bet I could go longer, they never look or smell dirty. We did have one go missing and found it a few months later sitting in some standing water left in the pool out back, that did mold. So, unless you're not planning on draining your tub at all ever you should have nothing to worry about. This is a wonderful bath toy!-Huntington
This 12-piece set is colorful and smooth, plus older kids will love them for the pool!
Amazon Review: I ordered these for my daughter when she was 6 months old . My daughter is currently going on 18 months she still loves them ! We use them for bath, at the beach, & pool.-Alyssa Miranda
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These funny first-day-of-school pictures will have you laughing into your (cold) coffee
Forget about the letterboard back-to-school school pictures, one mama has a genius first-day photo tradition of her own and her idea will make you laugh.
Leslie Brooks started her fabulously funny first-day of school photo shoots back in 2013 when her daughters were elementary school-aged. Now that her kiddos are teens and tweens, she’s made the pics into an annual event.
Brooks’ photos celebrate the freedom that back to school-time brings to parents, with scenes we all kind of dream about. From a relaxing doorstep massage to floating in the pool (on a unicorn while drinking a Starbucks Frap), Brooks’ pics totally nail the first-day vibe—from the mom’s perspective of course.
She’s not the only one who looks forward to the annual event. Her IG followers and friends wait anxiously to see what kind of picture Leslie and her crew will display each year. One commenter said “The most anticipated Instagram post of the year. We all look forward to the “First day of school” pic. You never let us down. 😂😂😂😂. Those faces. 😂😂😂😂😂”
So what do Brooks’ kiddos think of her annual photo shoots? The mom toldGood Morning America, “The kids say to me all the time, ‘this is our awesome tradition.'” Brooks went on to add, “We have so much fun with it, they really have come to look forward to the pictures every year. They even started coming up with costume and prop ideas.” But is she really THAT excited to see them go? Not really. “I adore my children,” Brooks said. “Summers are awesome and I really don’t look forward to them going back to school. I miss them incredibly.”
Covering your house with Halloween thrills and chills has never been easier. We found 14 homemade (or almost) Halloween decorations that range from super clever (dead & breakfast anyone?) to delightfully simple. Scroll down to get inspired.
Add a Bubbling Cauldron to the Yard or Front Porch
Witches and wizards will appreciate a properly bubbling cauldron on Halloween night. We love this tutorial from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. Get what you need in the link below!
Lead little ones to your front door with eerie signage. From Harry Potter to zombie warnings and more, there’s no end to the possibilities! We love this version from Birds and Soap.
If you aren't a huge fan of over-the-top Halloween decorations, keep it simple with gourds, pumpkins and straw. It's still got that festive feeling, and you aren't staring down skeletons for a month.
It’s easy to make your porch a spooky cave where bats dwell like this cobweb banner we spotted over at The Crafting Chicks. We love how it’s sweet enough to not scare off tiny trick-or-treaters.
These stackable pumpkins look amazing, add a funky vibe to your front porch, and are surprisingly easy to make—especially when you follow the tutorial we found over at Brit + Co. It’s also a decoration idea that’ll last for years and can be used both inside and out.
These floating ghosts seem more sweet than spooky. The best part? This last-minute decor detail is a cinch to make. Jessi of Practically Functional has the details on a DIY anyone can tackle.
Life can be a tangled web and MyUntangledLife makes one of the best! Drape this amazing spider’s home on your front porch for the holiday and see how many little ghouls and goblins dare enter!
If you’ve got steps up to your front door, this idea from Sixty-Fifth Avenue works perfectly. We love the silhouette mice: they add a spooky touch without being too creepy. Add in a few pumpkins and any Cinderellas out for a stroll will feel right at home. You can find the silhouettes at the local craft store or make your own if you’re feeling crafty. See the entire set up over at Sixty-Fifth Avenue.
We are in awe of the skeletons caught crawling all over this amazing home in Brooklyn. Stephanie of Brooklyn Limestone shares her inspirations and stunning home decorhere. And, even if you don't have a 100-year-old home to decorate, you can still get the look by following this tutorial from Instructables.
These Jack O’ Lanterns are anything but “cookie cutter"! They’ll light a ghoulish path to your door as luminaries, or add a stylish pop to your porch. All you need are stainless steel cookie cutters and a rubber mallet. Nancy at Nancy Creative has the scoop.
All you landlubbers, get ready for an aquatic adventure! Spend your days fishing, kayaking and enjoying the sunset on these houseboats you can rent with your family. They have all the kid-friendly amenities you love and a cool factor that will make this family vacation one they won’t soon forget. All aboard!
This beautiful property on the Willamette River has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It's surrounded by cedar decking and is the perfect spot for fishing and kayaking. Soak in the hot tub and watch the sunset.
You'll love this delightful float house on the John Day River, minutes from charming Astoria. This home offers a perfect place to enjoy river recreation and relaxation. Originally a floating store, guests now enjoy all the modern conveniences mixed with old-world charm. Sitting adjacent to 16 acres of farmland, enjoy the peace and serenity of country life or use it as a jumping-off point for your adventure on the coast.
This lovely houseboat has a great deck where you can view Mt. Tam and San Francisco. It is part of the historic Sausalito houseboat community and just a short walk to 7 restaurants.
You'll love your family getaway on this cute two-story houseboat that was on the TV show Fixer Upper. One room with a queen bed and another with two bunk beds will sleep your whole crew. In the summer you can often hear live music from nearby restaurants.
The backwaters of the Mississippi are home to this houseboat that's available year round. It has an amazing roof deck that you can access in the warmer months and view the sunset. The rental includes one-hour kayak rental for all the guests. There's even a water slide!
This is a true vintage houseboat! Multiple fishing poles are provided to guests along with two kayaks and life vests which are free to use. On the rooftop deck you will have access to lounge chairs and beach chairs.
This charming, renovated houseboat is located at the north end of Newport Harbor. Two single kayaks are available for your use. Grill some local seafood and enjoy the sunsets!
Enjoy amazing sunsets at this houseboat that has everything your family will need. Grill up some fresh fish on the BBQ and then explore the beauty of the surrounding area.
A magical getaway awaits when you stay at this tugboat on its own private lake. The Luxury Tugboat floats on an 8 acre private lake with an island on 142 wooded acres, with 5+miles of hiking trails. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, exploring, or just relax on your own beach by the fire pit.
Accessible only by boat, this little floating house is certain to be full of adventure! You'll especially enjoy the expansive deck and outdoor living area. Two kayaks are available for your use and dogs are welcome!
Your family will enjoy this very spacious houseboat with a vaulted ceiling in the main cabin. Lots of room to move around with a queen size bed in the Captain's Quarters (Bedroom) and a twin bed in the living room that's a day bed.
Portland pools are finally opening up again and you want to make sure your little fish is ready to swim. Along with keeping your kids safe in the water, teaching your child to swim can have significant long term health benefits including strengthening their hearts, lungs, and respiratory systems. Fortunately, the Portland area offers lessons for all ages and we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to enroll. Read on to find out more.
All seven of Portland Parks and Recreation outdoor public pools and the five indoor pools will open on Tuesday, June 22 and swim lessons will begin! The number of classes that we are able to offer will be limited this summer so you'll want to sign up as early as possible. All classes are 30 minutes long and offered Monday through Friday for one week. Lesson sessions will run run between June 28 and July 25, and July 26 and August 29. PP&R will implement elevated cleaning procedures in an effort to stay COVID-safe. All patrons over the age of 5 will be required to wear a mask when not in the swimming pool.
At Children of the Sea you will find a creative water world where the pool is the classroom and learning is fun for everyone! They believe that every child can learn to love and respect the water. They use lots of stimulation, positive reinforcement, practice and patience, and hands on instruction to help kids master skills while having a blast. Their facility is open seven days a week and is appropriate for kids as young as 4 months. They offer small class sizes with certified instructors and classes take place once a week. Children of the Sea is located near Washington Square Mall and is welcoming of all families! If your child is ready to learn how to swim browse through their swim programs to find a class that is perfect for your little one. Please note: classes are offered to families who previously signed up first. There is a wait list for classes that are already full,
Swimbabes is Oregon’s first swimming school offering classes to kids ages newborn to 6 years. At Swimbabes they believe the earlier a child is introduced to water the easier is it to teach them to swim. They have SynchroBabies™ class options for the tiniest of the babes. Infants and young babies are taught submersion, back floating, and breath control. For those a bit older there’s the SynchroTots™ and Basic Water Awareness classes. These classes are designed for babies 7 months old to 3 years old. This offering has a focus on water comfort, assisted back floating, breath holding, and teaching the parent how to assist their child in the water.
10552 SE 52nd Ave., Milwaukie 503-786-6250 Online: swimbabes.net
Cascade Athletics Club
Cascade Athletics Club has two locations in the Portland area that are currently offering swim lessons: Gresham and Vancouver. They have been teaching swimming lessons for over 30 years and continue to provide small class sizes and individual attention. The Kids Aquatics Programs have excellent teacher to student ratios that allow instructors to give lots of personal feedback. For beginner levels the classes have a max of 5 kids in a class. As the levels increase class sizes can have up to 8 kids. If your child needs more individualized attention private sessions are also available though there may be a wait list at this time. Check the full schedule of classes here. You can find pricing options here.
Gresham: 19201 SE Division St., Gresham 503-665-4142 Vancouver: 16096 SE 15th St., Vancouver 360-597-1100 Online: cascadeac.com
Farber Swim School
This cool swim spot has two location in Portland. They offer Baby and Me classes as well as private and semi private classes for children three-years and older. The classes last approximately 30 minutes and occur at the same time, on the same day with the same teacher each week! These lessons are for children and adults of any background, experience, or ability level and customized to your child's needs! For semi-private classes, you can bring up to three children or siblings to learn together. You'll find a list of prices here. Note: while in the lobby areas children five and older will be required to wear masks.
After a long year of sticking close to home, families are starting to dust off their travel clothes, pack up their cars and hit the open road in search of family fun somewhere other than their backyard. If you’re on the hunt for a little bit of adventure and are excited to explore somewhere new with your family, Springfield, Missouri might just be the ideal destination for your next family trip!
Springfield, known as the gateway to the great outdoors by both travelers and locals alike, is a well-loved destination for those seeking easy access to both indoor and outdoor recreation and a wide variety of family-friendly attractions and experiences.
Right now, families can save big on a trip to Springfield! From April 1- June 27, visitors who spend at least two nights in a hotel, spend time at three attractions in Springfield and enjoy a meal or a drink at three different Springfield establishments are eligible for a free night of accommodations in Springfield!
One of the city’s most popular destinations is the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. As you walk through the aquarium, you’ll enjoy exploring unique habitats filled with an expansive variety of animals and learning all about the creatures that call the aquarium home. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the role that conservation plays in improving marine habitats across the world and, if you’re lucky, get up close and personal with penguins or sharks during an encounter that your little ones will never forget!
If your family is interested in outdoor recreation, you’ll also be excited to visit the world’s first and largest Bass Pro Shop, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World—with over 500,000 square feet immersive shopping space. Your family can learn about Missouri’s native fish at one of the store’s seven intricate aquariums or visit with the turtles and alligators who live in the in-store swamp. Adults and big kids will enjoy the archery and shooting ranges while even the littlest visitors will get excited about the full-service on-site restaurant known for its delicious fudge.
Once you’ve hit up Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World for gear, you’ll have to decide between hiking, biking, paddling or floating your way through the Ozarks. With more than 90 parks in the Springfield-Greene County Parks system that feature playgrounds, pools, tennis courts, a farm, an ice arena and more, it won’t be hard to find a park with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Opportunities to get on the water and float through the Ozarks abound and, if you book a float trip through one of the many float companies in Springfield, your guide will be able to point you in the direction of the best post-floating dinner and drink options in town!
While there’s lots of fun to be had on land and on water, nothing says adventure quite like going underground: Missouri has over 7,000 caves. Explore a former underground speakeasy or a cavernous venue for country music, and discover 200-year-old cave drawings, fossils and stunning geological formations!
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Springfield, you’ll head home already looking forward to coming back to experience more of the Ozarks!
Don’t wait to book your next trip: From April 1- June 27, visitors who spend at least two nights in a hotel, spend time at three attractions in Springfield and enjoy a meal or a drink at three different Springfield establishments are eligible for a free night of accommodations in Springfield!
If you’re not lucky enough to live in a state with an In-N-Out, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the goodness. The burger restaurant is floating into summer with a sweet new raft!
The Fry Boat Pool Float is the exact replica of the holder that carries those delicious, salty fries at In-N-Out. It even has the description printed on the inside!
photo: Courtesy of In-N-Out Company Store
The float measures six feet long by three feet wide, making it the perfect size for a solo float. You can grab you own fry boat only at the In-N-Out Company Store for $59.95. Order up!