When it comes to plastic Easter eggs, we often end up with way more than we know what to do with, so we looked around and found some fun and easy plastic Easter egg crafts and activities that kids will love. From using them as a soap mold or mini planter to festive bunny-themed décor, there are plenty of ways to reuse plastic Easter eggs.
No brushes are needed when you paint with Easter eggs! This creative plastic easter egg craft from Tinkerlab lets your littles express themselves with lots of color.
Why buy soap when you can make it, and in an egg shape at that! This easy-to-make plastic easter egg craft from Mad in Crafts takes simple ingredients to whip up soap and uses plastic eggs as a mold. After four hours in the fridge, you have your own (festive) soap.
There are bath bombs, and then there are Easter egg bath bombs. While this DIY from Bitz & Giggles requires adult supervision (there's citric acid involved), your kiddos will get a kick out of making, decorating, and using these bath accessories in the tub or for some fun science experiments.
You had us at succulents. Click through the Instagram post above to see the stylish mini planters, and check out the tutorial from Kailo Chic. You'd hardly know these planters were once plain, plastic Easter eggs!
Plastic Easter eggs and pipe cleaners are all you need to whip up a bouquet that lasts forever. Marie from Make and Takes whipped up a simple array of flowers in a flash, and your kids can too—this would be one fun afternoon activity.
Those plastic Easter eggs aren't just for hunting! You can turn them into festive decor like this adorable garland from The How To Mom. String up with some simple pom poms and you have a simple decoration that kids can help make.
This genius plastic Easter egg craft from Made Everyday is bound to be a hit with your budding musicians. They’ll have a blast filling and decorating the maracas, not to mention the hours of entertainment once they’re done.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a plastic egg? Using stuff you probably have in your desk drawers (tape, paper, etc.), you can make a few rockets and let the kids race them in two ways—into the sky or back down to earth. Find out what you’ll need for this fun project at Inspiration Laboratories.
Why should bunnies have all the fun? With some bird feed, it’s a cinch to make a yummy snack for feathered friends. Want to know exactly what’s needed for this project? Get the answers over Playing House in Maryland.
Craft a colorful wreath perfect for spring like this one from Crazy Little Projects. It’s easy to make using just a few craft store supplies and cute enough to display all season long.
We are still blinking in amazement over this upcycled DIY. You can make a gorgeous tea light flight for next to nothing with a few supplies (including hot glue and paint). Find the how-to, and the answer to the question “will the eggs melt?,” over at Taylor Made Creates.
Easter eggs become entirely new with these adorable hot air balloons from Snowdrop and Company. They’ll make a whimsical decoration for your little one’s room or can be used to stash secret treats.
Keep the spring feeling around longer by creating a mini terrarium. We love this version from The House that Lars Built; not only are the eggs gorgeous, but the flowers aren’t real, which means you and the kids can enjoy the fruit of your labor for more than a few days.
Perfect for toddler hands, easy-to-grip plastic Easter eggs make an awesome addition to any artsy afternoon. Find out what kind of paint to use, and other handy tips, over at Buggy and Buddy.
How cute are these little bees from Tried & True? We love how simple they are—you can craft a flock of them in no time and string them up to add some color to your space.
Easter eggs … if you’ve got a few (or 100) laying around after the big day, you can easily set up this sensory project we spotted at Little Bins for Little Hands. All you’ll need is soap, water, and enthusiastic kids.
How awesome are these frozen yogurt molds from Mama. Papa. Bubba? The hardest part of this brilliant idea is making a place for the popsicle sticks. With just a little planning (and an electric tool), you’ll be on your way.
We love this craft-meets-learning activity from I Can Teach My Child. Kids will have a blast practicing their numbers while building fine motor skills. Once it’s done, they’ve got a cute playtime-ready snake.
You can’t go wrong with good old-fashioned competition, and this idea from A Mom with a Lesson Plan will keep the kids occupied for hours. Gather your plastic eggs and empty water bottles, and you’re halfway there.
This adorable mobile made from recycled plastic Easter eggs is not only the perfect touch to a kid's room, but it's also pretty simple to do. Jennifer Perkins breaks it all down for you, including the how-tos and the supplies you'll need, here.
If you want something a little different for your baby’s first birthday, try one of our beautiful and healthy birthday cake alternatives. Here are 11 decadent, delightful options that will wow your guests, young and old. And, of course, you can still buy or make a mini smash cake or cupcake for photos if you like.
These frozen chocolate banana bites are the perfect balance of fruit and chocolate. Easy enough to make the day of the party, they pair the decadent richness of dark chocolate with the sophistication of sea salt. For a sweeter version, skip the salt and use milk chocolate. Head to The Lemon Bowl for the recipe.
Strawberry and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven, and this healthy birthday cake alternative is a delicious option all year, but especially in the summer when strawberries are in season. Get the recipe from Andy’s East Coast Kitchen.
Let your little chocoholic indulge—and perhaps engage in a little finger painting—with this deliciously virtuous pudding. This healthy birthday cake alternative comes with options to make it free of soy, sugar, egg, gluten, nuts, and dairy! But trust us, it's still packed full of delicious chocolatey flavor. Get the recipe at Chocolate Covered Katie.
Healthy Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
This twist on banana bread turns it into a cupcake and smothers it with cream cheese frosting! The surprise? There’s no butter, eggs, refined flour, or sugar, and it clocks in at only 120 calories! Amy's Healthy Baking has the recipe and directions for a gluten-free option.
Parfaits are a beautiful alternative to cake, especially at a brunch celebration. And they’re even cuter in small parfait cups. This version from Yay Baby! uses Greek yogurt and fragrant orange zest in the mixture. Dress it up with a sprinkling of shredded coconut, chocolate shavings, nuts, or cinnamon. Expecting guests under age 1? Swap the honey for maple syrup or jam.
Chewy granola cookies are both delicious and convenient for a party since there's minimal plating and cleanup. Leave out bags or boxes and guests can take home leftovers as party favors. While the granola used in this batch is a homemade cherry-almond variety, you could use store-bought granola to eliminate a few steps. Low on butter and high on fiber, these cookies are sweet and satisfying. Go to Accidental Happy Baker for the recipe.
Another fun healthy birthday cake alternative is these sweet potato waffles use just a touch of maple syrup since they get all their rich sweetness from—you guessed it—the sweet potato. With very little added oil, this recipe is a nutritional powerhouse. At your party, set up a waffle bar with fun toppings like berries, bananas, dark chocolate chips, yogurt, stewed apples, nuts, and toasted coconut. Flavor the Moments has the recipe.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers with Vanilla-Honey Yogurt Dip
These fruit skewers are as delicious as they are pretty to look at. Use whatever fruit you enjoy and, ideally, is in season. The vanilla-honey yogurt dip adds extra sweetness and decadence. Guests under age one should skip the dip due to the honey in it, and parents should keep the skewers out of kids' reach and remove the fruit from the skewer before serving little ones. Get more details at The Comfort Kitchen.
While most fruit pizza recipes rely on a sugar cookie crust, this one from Holley Grainger uses a whole-wheat oatmeal cookie crust. The crust is topped with a cream cheese-yogurt spread and a rainbow of brightly colored fruit. Layering the fruit in concentric circles makes for a gorgeous presentation that will delight guests and the birthday babe.
Chia seed pudding is a perfect healthy birthday cake alternative because you can create any number of flavor combos. It’s a cinch to make and is filled with fiber and protein. We love that Clean and Delicious offers four different versions from which to choose.
Capture all the cutest (and messiest!) first-birthday moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
These all-inclusive resorts have amazing kids club programs that are included with your stay
Thinking of heading to the Dominican Republic with your family? You definitely should! It’s a quick flight from the East Coast and offers some of the most gorgeous beaches, welcoming people, and delicious food in the Caribbean. Club Med is an easy choice for families as it is truly all-inclusive. You can have them book everything from your flights to your airport transfers and excursions so you don’t even have to think about anything beyond packing your suitcase.
Club Med offers two properties in the Dominican Republic: Club Med Punta Cana and Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda. Which of these all-inclusive properties is best for families? We have the full scoop on both and a tip on how you can even enjoy both on the same vacation!
Club Med Punta Cana
Club Med
Club Med Punta Cana is the brand’s flagship family property and you can see the focus on kids before you even arrive. Once your reservation is booked and paid in full, you can sign your kids up for the Mini Club program that offers a full-day kids club experience. Activities like crafts, tennis, archery, circus school, and so much more are included for ages 4 and up at Club Med. For kids under age 4, on-demand care is available for an additional fee. You can even get care for your kids during dinner hours so they can head off with their friends while you enjoy a quiet meal with your partner.
The property’s Mini Club facilities were quite impressive. There’s a zero-entry splash zone for cooling off when the temps creep up. Rooms for dining and activities along with playground equipment are also available. While we were on the property, we saw tons of kids participating in everything from water games to a pirate scavenger hunt!
Accommodations at Club Med Punta Cana
We stayed in the two-bedroom family room while at Club Med Punta Cana and it was very well-appointed for families of up to five people. There’s a parent room with a king-size bed and bathroom, along with a couch that can be arranged as a bed for a child if needed. A separate bedroom with two twin beds for the kids has plenty of storage area and a door that closes. There’s also a second bathroom in the hallway and a balcony. The family rooms are conveniently located in the middle of the property with easy access to Mini Club and the main restaurant, Hispaniola.
Club Med
If you have a baby coming along with you, the Club Med Baby Welcome Kit can be reserved in advance without additional cost and it comes with a baby bathtub, bottle warmer, changing table, umbrella bed, and stroller (this is also available at Michès).
In addition to the family accommodations, you can upgrade your stay to the Exclusive Collection space where you’ll have even more room to spread out. This part of the resort offers room service for breakfast, as well as a private pool and bar.
Head to the Zen Oasis when the kids are at Mini Club for some time in the adults-only pool. Accommodations are also available in this more secluded area of the property if you are traveling without little ones.
Dining at Club Med Punta Cana
Club Med
Club Med Punta Cana has three restaurants available as part of the all-inclusive package. Hispaniola is your go-to spot for buffet dining which kids really love. Breakfast is our favorite with the omelette station taking top marks, but the dinner buffet with the chocolate fountain is a kid favorite. Hispaniola offers a gorgeous oceanfront view, was recently renovationed, and is open for all three meals.
For a la carte service with ocean views, Indigo is your spot. We especially enjoyed our dinner at Indigo with perfectly grilled meats and delicious sides. The Dominican offerings like the curry plate were also quite tasty. Samana Restaurant was closed for yearly maintenance during our stay but it offers a variety of cuisines including Caribbean, French, Italian, Asian, and more.
Things to Do at Club Med Punta Cana
If you want a full day of activities, Club Med Punta Cana is ready to provide. The Club Med app will lay out all the activities available for the day from organized beach volleyball games to power walking. There are different nightly performances and the Michael Jackson show was particularly fun.
Before you arrive, check out the themes for the nights you’ll be there. This ranges from white night to black/gold or floral. We were surprised how much the guests got into this while we were there! It’s not mandatory of course but most people would dress up in that night’s theme before they headed to dinner. It brings a festive vibe to the dining and nightly activities.
During the day, you can head to the beach for some time on the lounge chairs or watersports like snorkeling and sailing. Gear is available to check out but if your kids have their own goggles or floaties they like, you might want to bring them with you. We did find that the lobby shops were quite well stocked with anything we might have forgotten to bring with us.
Adults should definitely plan to spend some time at the onsite spa while you are there. Services like massages and facials are available for an additional cost but we think it’s definitely worth it for access to the gorgeous indoor/outdoor spa space. You can even book a couple’s massage with a view of the ocean.
Getting to Club Med Punta Cana
If you are looking for convenience, this is the spot for you. Fly into Punta Cana International Airport and then grab your shuttle to the resort. The property is located just a 20-minute drive from the airport so you don’t have a long van ride after your flight. Couldn’t be easier!
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is an oasis in the Dominican jungle and you’re going to want to check it out. A 1.5-hour shuttle ride will get you from the airport to this Exclusive Collection property and you’ll be impressed by your gorgeous surroundings from the minute you walk through the open-air lobby and are treated to a refreshing drink.
At Michès, you’ll find the service to be elevated from access to a pre-arrival concierge to the superior room amenities. All rooms have access to breakfast room services which is very convenient when traveling with kids.
Club Med Michès is focused on sustainability and they even have a water bottling facility on-site, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. You will find glass bottles available in your room and they replace them as you use them throughout your stay. You can also find bottle-filling stations around the property.
Accommodations at Club Med Michès
Club Med
Four villages make up the accommodations and you’ll find a different vibe in each. Explorer Cove is where we stayed and it had good access to the main area of the resort with pool, as well as the Mini Club and beach. Families will enjoy the Deluxe Family Room which has an adult room with a bathroom, a separate room with two twin beds for the kids, plus a second bathroom. Limited snacks and beverages are available in the in-room fridge and you’ll have a Nespresso machine as well.
Other areas of the property include Caribbean Paradise (a colorful area for families and couples), Zen Oasis (a relaxing area for everyone), and Archipelago (an adult-exclusive area with suites). No matter where you stay, adults have access to the Zen Pool (pictured above). Believe us when we say that you won’t want to leave this area once you’ve seen it! This gorgeous green pool has lots of spots for sunbathing or reading in the shade, as well as a swim-up bar where you can get fresh-made smoothies or cocktails as you like. Claim one of the hammocks and you’ll be in heaven.
Mini Club at Club Med Michès
Club Med
Just like at the Punta Cana property, kids ages 4 and up have access to the Mini Club program at Michès with similar offerings like circus school, water play, crafts, theater, and more. Infants from 4 months and up can have booked care for an additional price. The splash pad in the Mini Club area is available to families even if you aren’t using Mini Club that day. The dump bucket was a huge hit as you can imagine!
Dining at Club Med Michès
Club Med
The gourmet food offerings at Michès really shine and you can see that from the moment you wake up. Head over to the coffee shop where you can find hot and cold coffee drinks, frozen yogurt, pastries, and small sandwiches.
The buffet at Cayuco had pretty much everything you could want from fresh fruit to Asian bowls to fresh-made pancakes. Adults dining without their kids can enjoy their meals in the adults-only area if they wish. Don’t miss Club Med’s signature white chocolate bread while you are there! Be sure you check the schedule for nights when they offer the Secret Chocolate Room experience. The kids will go wild when they learn that they can have as much chocolate as they can fit on their plates.
Coco Plum focuses on local specialties with many different seafood options as well as non-meat options. Try the fish tacos while you enjoy the waves crashing nearby.
Coal & Copper is the resort’s steakhouse that welcomes guests for an additional fee. We had an amazing meal here and the staff was very attentive. The portions are massive so make sure you are hungry when you arrive!
Things to Do at Club Med Michès
Take advantage of all the activities offered at Club Med Michès as there really is something for everyone. The treetop palapa is a lovely venue for morning yoga before you head to the nearby Zen Pool. Tennis lessons, fitness classes, watersports, circus lessons, and so much more are on the agenda. The tough part—balancing the relaxing with all the activities.
Club Med Michès has an excellent spa that we got to visit during our stay. Enjoy your time before or after your treatment trying out the three plunge pools that go from refreshingly cold to hot. Any way you like to relax is available here.
Nighttime brings all sorts of performances like traditional Dominican dancers and circus acts. Be sure to check the Club Med app for the schedule for the day so you know what to expect.
Things to Know about Visiting Club Med in the Dominican Republic
You can arrange a day trip to Club Med Punta Cana from Michès if you want to check out the other property. Some people even split their visit between the two properties if they want a little variety.
The mosquitos come out at dusk in Michès. The resort provides bug spray and sprays the property as well but keep that in mind if you are sensitive.
Mini Club can book up so if you are sure you want to use it during your stay, book it as soon as you arrive at the resort or in advance if possible.
Many families bring strollers or foldable wagons with them. Floaties for the swimming pool are also allowed (and sold at the gift shop at both locations).
Club Med does a great job welcoming families, setting space aside for parents to relax without their kids, and bringing visitors together for shows and parties. It really is quite the fun all-inclusive family vacation!
—images by the author except where noted.
Editor’s note: This trip was hosted by Club Med but all the opinions belong to the writer.
We recently visited Beaches Negril and we were some of the first to experience the new Beachfront Firesky Reserve Villas & Eventide Penthouse Collection. This new accommodation level is sprawling, and modernly designed, and it comes with a smiling butler to top it all off. The resort itself is just a 1.5-hour drive from Montego Bay, which offers direct flight options to plenty of U.S. destinations.
The Villas and Penthouses are perfect for big families who want to splurge
The Beachfront Firesky Reserve Villas & Eventide Penthouse Collection provides a great option for large families and multi-generational family travel. It’s also an option for 2-3 different families traveling together as friends who are keen to share accommodation. Some of the units can sleep up to 18, so there are several different options you can dream up to get your money’s worth staying in one of these penthouses or villas. And if you’re looking to cut back on cost, we expect the other accommodation options at Beaches Negril will be amenable, too.
The Beachfront Firesky Reserve Villas & Eventide Penthouse Collection are booking out fast, so if you’re looking to visit Beaches Negril this upcoming peak season you’ll need to move fast.
Location, location, location
The resort is on 7 Mile Beach, which is home to white sand, no seaweed, warm water, and some of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve seen in the Caribbean. The beach is safe for children as there are no waves, or high tides. It’s where you can go to wade about in the ocean for hours on end. You’ll see fish, rays and jellyfish (confirming run-ins with the latter may sting, but the pain is fleeting). Families can enjoy walks down the beach, or parents can drop off the children at the Kids Club and enjoy an adults-only stroll.
The Kids Club and Waterpark get 5-stars
The Kids Club was newly built in 2023 and is the most luxurious amenity on offer at Beaches Negril. The care providers make you feel welcomed and secure with strong eye contact, bright smiles, and a lot of kindness. It’s clear they run a tight ship, and while kids go here to let loose, the staff is very much in control. The infant room has bassinets and new toddler beds for those under 5s who want to catch some rest-eye on vacay. The decor is well balanced with bright colors and neutral wood finishings and even has an inside two-story “soft play” as the Brits would call it. It feels like Montessori meets DZ Discovery Zone in Paradise. They even have a room full of strollers to rent when needed, too!
The Pirate Islands Waterpark provides endless hours of fun and laughs for the children, and there are two additional water slides that offer extra thrills for both children and adults alike. The covered waterslide is a tad bit scary the first time, but the second time down it’s all smiles.
The Villas & Penthouses are expensive, but there are no additional hidden fees
The price you commit to paying upfront for your Beaches Negril holiday is the price you’ll pay—which feels like a luxury in this day and age. We sailed, snorkeled, and went paddling in a glass-bottom canoe and didn’t pay any additional fees. We recommend bringing cash if you want to buy any souvenirs on the beach or get the kids’ hair braided by the gal who hangs out with Big Dave just past the water activity station. It costs around $80 for a full head of braids for a person with long hair past shoulders. If anyone tells you a different price, feel free to use this review to support your negotiation!
Luxury touches for both adults and children
The room service menu has an in-room live cooking option, which lets you enjoy staying in while still feeling like you’re eating out. It’s an experience only those with a kitchen are lucky enough to enjoy so if you do go with the Beachfront Firesky Reserve Villas & Eventide Penthouse Collection, we say make the most of it.
There are adult and children-sized robes hung in the closets. We think these cozy robes are best worn while enjoying room service breakfast in the morning, or stargazing with your own telescope from the balcony at night. There are also board games in the closet, and we are happy when any destination encourages less screen time and more together time.
Sandals impresses with its philanthropic initiatives and inclusivity programming
Beaches is owned by Sandals. It’s a corporate giant. While visiting Beaches Negril, we were delighted to learn Sandals is seemingly a corporate giant with a lot of heart. It funds a school in the Negril community, invests in wildlife protection, and also has programming that caters specifically to children with autism.
The food can be a hit or miss, but there are indeed some definite hits
While food isn’t always the main attraction at all-inclusive destinations, we had high hopes because Beaches and Sandals market their 5-Star Global Gourmet Dining as the industry’s premier dining experience. But, the food at Beaches Negril can be a hit or miss. The new Peruvian restaurant is good. The sushi restaurant is not so good. The Jerk Shack is great, but it’s missing some sides on the menu. Mariachi is disappointing, yet its morning menu under the restaurant name Stew Fish is delicious.
Our Favorite dishes at the resort include Jamaican breakfast platter at Stew Fish, Jerk Chicken at The Jerk Shack, Tiradito Clasico ceviche and the Peruvian mac & cheese at Yaku, and triple chocolate frozen yogurt with chocolate cake crumbs and Rice Krispies as toppings from Yo Yo’s.
Also, on the room service menu, we recommend fried chicken with jerk sauce for a tasty late-night snack, and a fruit platter and jug of Blue Mountain coffee enjoyed in bed before the kids wake up.
The team at Beaches Negril has a few kinks to work out before peak season
The cellular network isn’t great at the resort and the butler can be hard to be reached by the phone provided. We spent the first 48 hours feeling like we were either trying to get ahold of the butler, or the butler was trying to get ahold of us. In the end, we found texting the butler was the best way to make plans, or ask questions.
Also, in full transparency, our penthouse accommodation wasn’t 100% guest-ready, but we are hopeful they’ll get it all sorted by the time peak season kicks off.
Silence is hard to come by during peak hours
Beaches Negril is all high fives, water slides, and frozen yogurt swirls. The programming and activities on offer make for nonstop entertainment and family fun. But, we must caveat, if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing family getaway, then this spot may not be the right fit for you. Between the blasting music, determined parasailing and cannabis salesmen on the beach, and the joy-filled children running around the resort at their heart’s desire, silence is hard to come by throughout peak hours of the day and evening.
Beaches Negril may be the perfect one-stop-shop vacation for some (or even most) families. But for others who enjoy a balance between nesting, activity, and cultural immersion, we recommend possibly combining your Beaches Negril trip with a few nights elsewhere, or making a few off-site excursions.
Off-site Excursions to Consider
Visit Rick’s Bar, rated one of the best bars in the world, which is just a 15-minute drive from Beaches Negril. You can get the butler to organize a taxi there or Big Dave on the beach can take you there on his boat and make a snorkeling stop en route, too. For some incredibly legit local jerk BBQ, visit Push Cart (part of luxury boutique hotel Rockhouse). The food is delicious, the cocktails are made with white rum, and the sunset above the cliffs there is another beautiful one to experience while in Negril.
There’s a private cave dinner at The Caves Hotel just up from Rockhouse that’s also an option if you want to splurge on a meal outside of Beaches. It’s apparently Naomi Campbell’s favorite hotel, and you can enjoy a 5-course meal by candlelight in a cave for $175 per person, all drinks included. It’s expensive, but if you have a special occasion you’d like to celebrate without the children present, it makes for a good option.
Rockhouse also has a sister beach property called Skylark which is just a few properties down from Beaches Negril, which has authentic Jamaican decor and a hip crowd.
If you want to stay on property at Beaches Negril and still experience some “mom and dad” romance, you can organize a private meal for two on the beach. It comes with an up-charge, but guests love it.
Getting to Beaches Negril
Book the flight to Montego Bay, then let Beaches Negril do the rest from there! Whether you take a bus or private transfer, the resort will organize your arrival and departure, which makes for a low-stress start and end to your vacation.
We say book the flight, mon.
Beaches Negril is where you go to indulge in doing everything the Beaches Negril way. So we say “dive in,” and make the most of it. If you arrive with eyes wide open based on all we shared above, happy family memories are pretty much a guarantee at Beaches Negril!
Make sure to capture all the vacation fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Beaches Negril but all opinions belong to the writer.
Yes, there’s an egg breakfast sandwich on the list
Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but that means nothing to your kiddo if they aren’t excited about eating it. And since we know how hectic mornings are for everyone, we found kid-approved, easy breakfast recipes you can make ahead of time. From overnight oats to super simple smoothies, these easy make-ahead breakfasts are sure to make the morning routine a little bit more palatable. Find your favorite here.
These cereal bars from Weelicious are a snap to make with only five ingredients! We especially like that they can be thrown into lunch boxes as well as being a quick bite in the morning.
Warm up a few slices of this yummy banana bread, slice up some fruit and you've got a great make-ahead breakfast meal. This recipe is a favorite with Red Tricycle's Editorial Director, get the how-to here.
Made with chorizo or sausage, enchilada sauce, cheddar cheese, eggs and green bell peppers, you'll be hitting all the food groups with this Tex-Mex-inspired breakfast casserole. Make it the day or weekend before and you'll have plenty for the week! Grab the recipe from Food Fanatic here.
Pasta for breakfast?? You bet, with this recipe from The View from Great Island. Since noodles take on just about any flavor you want, go heavy on the bacon and eggs for an early morning meal. You can whip it up the night before and pop it into the microwave or in the oven on low before the kids get up.
Sick of scrambled eggs? Dinner at the Zoo has the solution. These cute little egg muffins are kind of like handheld omelets, and you can make a large batch and eat them all week long. You can even sneak some veggies into the mix!
Spice up your mornings with a truly tasty burrito. These wraps from Life Made Simple are easy to make and easy to customize for everyone in the fam. Did we mention they’re freezer-friendly and great for an on-the-go breakfast?
Looking for a better batter for your pancakes and waffles? This recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog uses unsweetened applesauce instead of a ton of butter. The result is super tasty and healthier than your average pancake, too. And your leftovers will freeze beautifully!
Here’s the scoop on these pretty-as-a-picture sandwiches from Damn Delicious: they’re filling, delicious and totally microwavable! You can also customize the fillings to suit your kids’ fave flavors—but ham and cheese are always a classic.
Think outside your usual yogurt cup and give this idea, courtesy of Boulder Locavore, a whirl. Sporting granola, Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, these breakfast popsicles are a great way to start the day—especially if it’s gonna be a hot one.
Your little cookie monsters will be thrilled to have cookies for breakfast—and you’ll like that these cookies from Kristine's Kitchen Blog are actually an incognito healthy breakfast. They’re full of fresh carrots and apples, free of refined sugar, and freezer-friendly too!
If you haven’t yet jumped aboard the overnight oats bandwagon, we’ve saved you a seat with this recipe from My Fussy Eater. It’s full of natural antioxidants and nutrients—not to mention chocolatey-banana goodness. And the prep time? Five measly minutes.
Wahoo for waffles! These treats from The Minimalist Baker are gluten-free and freezer friendly. Whip ‘em up in a snap, and save them for those busy weekday mornings when all you can handle is a toaster breakfast.
Sure, it looks impressive, but this idea from Menu Musings is actually easy to pull off. Make it ahead of time, and then pop it into the toaster oven in the morning. Voila!
Give the Egg McMuffin a homemade twist with these breakfast sandwiches from Damn Delicious. Not only are they a make-ahead treat that can be frozen and then enjoyed on the fly, but they’re also easily customizable for tiny foodies.
For an extra fast breakfast, stock these smoothie ice cubes from Simply Sophisticate in your freezer and pop them in the blender. You can even create different cubes to give everyone in the family their fave flavors.
The kids will love this oat-filled smoothie from The Stay at Home Chef—it tastes like apple pie in a glass! The recipe keeps the sugar to a minimum, making it a healthy way to start the day.
We’ve seen a million twists on muffin tin eggs, but you’ll definitely want to try this one from The Cheerful Kitchen. With veggies, cheese and ground beef, it’s filling enough to keep little bellies satisfied until lunchtime.
This granola from Joy Food Sunshine is super easy to make and will make your mornings a breeze. You can serve it up as cereal, sprinkle it over yogurt with some berries or just gobble it up by the handful.
This version of overnight oats from Sue Bee Homemaker is bursting with berries and adding a sprinkling of chia seeds ups the nutritional benefits even more.
Skip the store-bought options and try out The Charming Detroiter’s genius make-ahead breakfast sandwiches instead. Your little foodies will have a new favorite breakfast.
For an impressive breakfast totally worth the (night before) effort, you’ve got to try this recipe from Seasonal Cravings. With layers of kiwi, raspberry and chia pudding, it’s as healthy as it is eye-catching.
You can make this breakfast casserole from The Cookie Rookie on the weekend, and the leftovers will be just as tasty throughout the week. The dish is stuffed with kid-fave ingredients like ham, cheese, and crusty bread to start your day off on a delicious note.
Get ready to cool off at the best splash pads and water parks that San Diego has to offer
San Diego is one of the best cities in the country for families to while away those cherished summer days. Sure, there are great watering holes and some of the most stunning beaches around, but the city also features an incredible variety of splash pads, water parks, and aquatic centers that will thrill even the pickiest kiddos. We’ve put together a list of the absolute must-sees, must-dos, and must-splash spots so be sure to add them to your summer itinerary stat.
Open since 2014, Waterfront Park is the most significant recreational open space in downtown San Diego and a super special spot to hit up with your brood, especially during the toasty summer months. This 12-acre park is just a stone’s throw from the bay and is tailor made for a fun-filled family day with cool features like a large children’s play zone with great structures to climb and explore, as well as a giant interactive fountain that extends the length of green and has oodles of jets to spray littles. The fountain floor is rough and grippy so kids can romp around safely without worry of slipping.
Insider’s Tip: There’s also an expansive grassy area right by the fountain where you can lay towels, have picnics, and enjoy the breathtaking waterfront views. Additionally, if you you’d like to have a birthday party there, the picnic area near the children’s playground can be reserved.
Cost: Free Jet Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. North & South Fountain Reflecting Pool Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Waterfront Park
1600 Pacific Hwy.
San Diego Online:sdparks.org
San Diego Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of our absolute favorite places to bring family. During summer though, there’s a good chance kids will get super hot exploring all day so head to the Savanna Cool Zone in the Lion Camp play area. You’ll find mist spraying from palm trees and a big slippery turtle, lion, and crocodile that spout water.
Insider’s Tip: If you feel like your kids really want to get wet here, be sure to pack a swimsuit for them to change into Hours: May 26 – Aug. 12, Mon. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: 1-Day Pass when purchased online is $69 per adult (ages 12+) and $59 per kid (ages 3-11)
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Escondido Online:sdzsafaripark.org
The splash pad at the Poway Community Swim Center is always a summer fave for families. With a wide selection of geysers, overhead buckets, a water tunnel and more, the only problem you’ll have is getting kiddos to leave at the end of the day.
We also recommend checking out Inflatable Days at the swim center as well. Every Fri. from June 16 – Aug. 4, the pool features gigantic inflatables like the Magneetor or Swing & Slide for everyone to enjoy! Three one-hour sessions are available for jumpers and a swim test and daily admission are required. Wristbands for inflatable participation go on sale 30 min. prior to each time slot and spaces are limited to 25 jumpers per session.
Splash Pad Hours & Cost: Mon. – Thurs., 9:15 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Fri., from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m; and Sat. & Sun. 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost is $4 per adult and $3 per kid (for residents) and $8 per adult and $6 per kid (for non-residents) Inflatable Hours & Cost: Fri., 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Cost is $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents Insider’s Tip: There’s not a lot of shade at the swim center so be sure to bring hats, extra sunscreen, and lots of water
This 500-acre park has tons of fabulous features, but to cool off this summer, we highly recommend a visit to their splash pad. Whether your kiddos love the thrill of getting drenched by a bucket of water or prefer to whoop it up in the spray zone, this splash pad is tons of fun. Even more, there’s a 13-station exercise course if you want to squeeze in a quick workout, as well as rentable picnic areas and a campground if you want to make a whole night of it.
Hours: Daily, May 1 – Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m. – sunset Cost for Splash Pad: $3 per person and parking is $3 per car
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
3219 Summit Meadow Rd.
Bonita Online:sdparks.org
Little guppies can splash about this popular fountain found on the lower level at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Grab a cup of jo and a maple bacon donut from Sidecar Donuts or enjoy a delicious shaved snow at Iceskimo then kick back and relax at a table on the plaza while your kiddos play nearby. When you’re done, check out One Paseo across the street with lots of adorable shops and fab eateries and grab a bite for lunch.
Cost: Free Note: At time of publication, the pop jet fountain is still closed but is set to reopen in June with a celebration including live music from Hullabaloo, a photo wall, giveaways, an activity station, ice cream for kids from Iceskimo, drinks from Happy Lemon and much more. Stay tuned to the website for the re-opening date.
This is a hidden gem that’s fun for younger kids. The park’s free splash pad is the city’s only interactive water feature that’s open April 1 – Nov. 1 giving your family lots of time to enjoy a little water play long after summer has ended. The fun doesn’t stop there with a great playground, plenty of walking trails, a basketball court, and gazebos with stunning views of Otay Lake.
Beat the heat at the Alga Norte Park Aquatic Center. Not only is the 25-yard instructional pool good for half-pints, but there’s a swell splash pad as well. You’ll find plenty of life vests available and lifeguards on duty. Further, there are lots of changing rooms and warm showers, and you can sit in the lounge chairs under the shade while your little ones frolic about.
Cost: $5 per adult and $3 per youth Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. June 10 – Sept. 3); Sun. 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. June 10 – Sept. 3)
Alga Norte Aquatic Park
6565 Alicante Rd.
Carlsbad Online:carlsbadca.gov
Wave Waterpark
Catch some waves at this rad water park in Vista. Whether your little swimmer prefers to casually float along the lazy river, ride the wave machine or plunge down the Riptide Slide, they’re sure to have a total blast. There’s even a splash pad area and a large pool as well. And if you need refuge from the sun, score a cabana day rental. Also, you can grab a bite at the Wave Shack and Surf Spot Grill when everyone gets hungry.
Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; every other Fri., 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sun., 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: Guests over 42″ are $24, guests under a 42″ are $19, and happy hour admission for the last two hours is $11
Ahoy Matey! Let your pint-sized Captain Hooks romp around this pirate-themed splash pad on a hot summer day. The park has a large open grassy space and a fab playground with tons of swings – perfect for the entire crew. Pack a lunch and take advantage of the shaded picnic area and BBQs to make a day of it. We’ve also heard rumors about an ice cream truck stopping by on the weekends – so come prepared with a little extra cash on hand.
Cost: Splash pad is $3 per day, $30 per season, or $75 for a three-person family pack Splash Pad Hours: May – Oct., daily, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
If you’re heading to LEGOLAND®, a $20 upgrade gets you into LEGOLAND® Water Park and SEA LIFE® Aquarium using the 1-Day Resort Hopper Ticket. And honestly, it’s soooo worth it – especially when temps are on the rise. With seven slides, sandy beaches, a unique Build-A-Raft River, Pirate Reef, and a LEGO Legends of CHIMA Water Park, kiddos will stay entertained non-stop.
Insider’s Tip: If you you conquer both parks in one day, be sure to bring towels and a change of clothes for the rides. Cost: LEGOLAND® admission starts at $104 with the LEGOLAND® Water Park and the SEA LIFE® Aquarium running an additional $20 per person. Find all pricing here.
Take a leisurely drive to this North County park that’s perfect for toddlers and big kiddos alike. There are two playgrounds: one for younger tots and one for older kids. Half-pints can frolic around the splash pad next to the playground to cool off. You’ll also find a big field to run around and restrooms too. Plus, there’s a pretty amazing concrete snakehead for littles to climb on.
Insider’s Tip: If you feel like picnicking, there are a couple tables available and a place to dispose of hot coals.
Cost: Free Hours: Open to the public, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunset Park
909 Puesto Del Sol
San Marcos Online:san-marcos.net
The Las Posas Pool and splash pad is always a groovy time for the family. Wee ones can play in the funneled water play area without getting too soaked. The 25-yard recreational lap pool is heated all year long and offers swim lessons for kids. Shade is limited so arrive early to snag a spot. After your day of water play comes to end, let the kids work out any remaining energy at the large grassy park next door.
Insider’s Tip: The parking lot fills up quickly, so try to arrive earlier in the day Hours for Open Recreation Swim: June 12 – Aug. 13, Mon. – Sun., 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Cost: $4 drop-in fee per person or you can purchase an Annual Splash Pass Membership that gives you access to unlimited recreational and lap swim – $60 for an Individual membership or $150 for a family membership (up to 5 people)
Wanna give the kids a break from the blazing hot sun? Head indoors to Great Wolf Lodge for some slip sliding, wave-riding good times! Littles can climb the 4-story water tree house, Fort Mackenzie, or kick back and relax on the winding lazy river. For even more adventure, tackle slides together on the River Canyon Run and Howlin' Tornado. And for the tiny tots, the Cub Paw Pool is splash-tastic fun.
Insider's Tip: On check-out day, you may use the facilities all day, and there are locker rooms to change in before heading home. Good to know: Great Wolf Lodge now offers day passes––so you can enjoy the water park without spending the night!
Cool off outside the food court at this upscale mall in Chula Vista. Grab a bite from one of many delish restaurants, then stake out a spot on the grass to enjoy a meal in the sun. There are tons of swell shops to check out during your visit as well. Finish off the afternoon with a romp around the splash pad while parents kick back and relax nearby.
Insider Tip: The interactive splash pad is available to the public both days and evenings as a result of the inclusion of multi-colored LED lighting.
As the largest aquatic park of its kind in the country, Mission Bay Park features long stretches of shallow beach next to beautiful grassy fields and biking paths. Perfect for athletic families who love to swim, rollerblade, run, fly kites and explore the playgrounds. Have an adventurous school-ager at home who loves water sports? Try renting a tandem kayak, stand-up paddle board, jet skis, or water-trike at one of many rental facilities around Mission Bay. If your littles are more into sandcastle building and frolicking in the shallow water, stop by one of the eight park areas designated for swimming. At the end of the day, gather around the fire pits by the water’s edge to roast s’mores.
Insider's Tip: Although limited, parking is free if you find the right spot. To improve your chances, try to arrive earlier in the day
Mission Bay 2688 E Mission Bay Dr. San Diego Online: sandiego.gov
Additional reporting by Aimee Della Bitta & Nikki Walsh
Spend an afternoon on a safari, in a restaurant, or in a time machine
The end-of-day sprint is sometimes the hardest for parents with young kids. They’re tired; you’re tired. All that stands between you and the sweet relief of bedtime is about an hour and a half, but you’re fighting the good fight and have resolved to keep them off the screens and making memories. What’s a parent to do? Enter: pretend play. You’ll win at parenting for the day, and they’ll use their creativity, develop social, emotional, and language skills, and learn to express themselves. The best part? None of these make-believe prompts require a lot of supplies or planning, so it’s easy to pull them out at a moment’s notice.
Play house, but change roles with your children. They’ll love telling you to pick up your room and get ready for bed.
Climb Mt. Everest! The stairs become your journey, and the summit is (surprise) a bedroom! Along the way, you might need oxygen. You might slide down the mountain. You might even need to be pulled up the stairs on a sheet.
Set the stage. Get promoted to Prima Ballerina and prepare for your first performance, which happens to have the King and Queen of the Universe in the audience.
Find a buried treasure. Watch out! Pirates are on your trail. Outsmart them by creating a plan to hide, transport, and escape with your bounty. Don’t forget to create a hide-out where you can plan your escape.
Be a pioneer who must set up a homestead before winter sets in. Build a barn for your animals, a cabin for your family, clear a “field” of “rocks” (pillows, if playing indoors), and overcome all sorts of rustic challenges.
Plan your space travel itinerary. Start with “We’re headed to the moon,” and work out all the details: what you need to wear (mixing bowl helmets are excellent, here), what you should pack, what you need to watch out for, and what to do when you get there.
Go on safari. Turn your backyard into a wild place with a rare breed of animal you’re on a mission to photograph. But watch out! The wild animal can’t see you, so you better be super sneaky.
Visit a restaurant. Serve up fun using pretend play food or Play-Doh. We love the free, printable menu from AmyJDelightful, or create your own. Cut pictures of food out of magazines to jazz up your homemade menu.
Get a visit from the postman. Snail mail is the best! With a play setup like this one from Buggy and Buddy, your littles can become letter carriers who address, stamp, and deliver packages and notes. Or use your mailbox and decorate a ride-on to look like the mail truck.
Be a superhero! The best part of this idea? Figuring out each superhero’s back story. What’s your superpower? How did you get it? Are you a good guy or a bad guy? Who is your enemy? What’s your name? Once you get the specifics nailed down, you can create scenarios where the villain is up to no good, and your little superhero saves the day!
Create a sidewalk community. Fill your driveway with an imaginary city, including a library, a school, a train station, a grocery, a farm, and shopping. Choose roles and watch your little village come to life.
Pretend your child is Cinderella. Give them a bottle of Windex and a paper towel—they’ll think it’s hilarious when their mean “stepmother” (you) barks orders… and you get the lower windows washed.
Act out a story. Start with a storyline like There once was a magical frog and a mean old witch who had captured the frog. Include as many characters as you have kids playing, and tell a story as they act it out.
Play adventurer. Set them up with magnifying glasses and a journal (nothing fancy here… just a few sheets of printer paper folded in half). Dedicate each page to a drawing or a rubbing of something interesting that catches your kids’ eyes.
Play hide and seek, but add a plot. Pretend the “it” person is a bird, and the “hiders” are different types of things birds might eat, or maybe make the “it” person a police officer and the “hiders” graffiti artists (even more fun if you have some silly string on hand).
Play charades. The mother of all pretend play games is probably the most simple idea on our list. No explanation needed for this one!
Build a story. Find an empty box and create a diorama from found objects in your yard or house. As you make the diorama, layer in story elements. Before long, you’ll have a scene with characters, plot, period, location, and motivation.
Have a spa session. Let your kids “pamper” you (bonus here: you get to sit or lie down with your eyes closed).
Run a customer service call center. Complete with dissatisfied customers and solutions to retain their business, this might be as fun for you as it is for the kids, especially if you get the play the dissatisfied customer.
Pretend the floor is lava. This pretend play idea is an oldie but a goodie. Use pillows, furniture, and clothing to navigate the house without falling in.
Play “company.” Don’t forget to have a boss, a company mission, and remember: factory work is the key to a kid’s heart. Make something!
Run a cleaning service. Have them offer different services, like vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and emptying trash. Be sure to check quality control because the fun is doing a good job and being praised by your “employer.”
Act out nursery rhymes. You’ve never laughed as hard as you will when your kids pretend to be Jack and Jill.
Create a news broadcast with information from the day. Report on new restaurants that have opened up and what they served for lunch, emergencies, local interest pieces, and the weather.
Extra, extra! Read all about it. Write a newspaper together, and deliver it to a neighbor or another parent.
“Invent” a Time Machine. Pretend to travel through time and let your child pick where to go. Beds make great dinosaurs, and hoses make terrifying prehistoric snakes. Just don’t forget how to get back to 2023.
Show off your patriotic pride with playful food creations that are deceptively simple
The 4th of July is a day of parades, fireworks, and lots of celebrating with friends and family. Make the holiday extra special by whipping up a few festive appetizers, snacks, and some creative dessert ideas, too. From red, white, and blue dips to wow-worthy cookies and cakes, we’ve gathered up a bunch of red, white, and blue recipes to make your day next-level amazing. For the kids, check out these 4th of July crafts that’ll keep them busy while you prep.
These frozen berry muffins are a great way to use up that fruit sitting in the freezer. This tasty recipe is so simple, you’ll be enjoying the 4th of July in no time.
Perfect for a hot holiday, these adorable mini frozen yogurt bites have plenty of healthy fruit too. With no added sugar (just vanilla Greek yogurt), and a crunchy nut bottom, make a batch ahead of time and pull out right before the fireworks go off. Get this red, white, and blue recipe from Katie Kick over at Good Life Eats.
Ready for a s’mores recipe that will knock your patriotic socks off? This simple idea from 3 Scoops of Sugar, which is full of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries, will give a new twist to your s’more expectations! It’s extra festive and easy to pull off with your handy dandy skillet.
For an adorable dessert that won’t require you to turn on the oven, you’ve got to make these push-pop cakes from Love from the Oven. With some store-bought pound cake and colorful frosting, this 4th of July recipe will come together in no time.
Get inspired by The Kitchen Prep to make a festive cheese plate for your holiday bash. It’s easy to customize to fit your family’s tastes and makes a delicious appetizer before your barbecued feast.
Get the kiddos involved in making these fun chocolate-covered pretzels from Beyond the Chicken Coop. They’ll love decorating each one with a splash of sprinkles.
We’re obsessed with this dip idea from The Creative Bite—the cutest appetizer ever! Pair blue corn chips with a garlic parmesan dip and cherry tomatoes, and you’ve got a flag-inspired appetizer that your whole crew will love.
These cookies from Tuxedo Cats and Coffee are everything we want from a patriotic dessert: easy, delicious, and pretty. They’re made using cake mix, so you don’t have to be a baking expert to pull off this one.
We’re gaga for this uber-creative cake. It’s colorful, fruitful, and doesn’t require any fancy cake pans—really! Now that’s what we call a show-stopping red, white, and blue recipe. Find out how to carve your own country over at Jacks & Kate.
Looking for a red, white, and blue recipe that’s vegan, low-calorie, gluten-free, and totally wow-worthy? You’re in luck because this watermelon cake fits the red, white, and blue recipe bill! Learn how to make your own at Abbey’s Kitchen.
Serve up the breakfast of champions with this perfect patriotic pancake idea. Think kid-sized pancake stacks, fresh berries, and a healthy dollop of whip cream. Yum! Get the full scoop at Modern Parents Messy Kids.
We love how this fruit tart is equal parts sweet and creamy. (Psst! The crust uses coconut oil, which adds an extra dose of delicious flavor.) Visit Homemade Food Junkie for the full recipe details.
We're awarding major points to this drink for having a patriotic presentation AND being completely kid-friendly. Now that's something we can all toast to! Get the whole how-to at The Merry Thought.
This sweet, red, white, and blue recipe couldn't be easier (hint: the prep time is only 15 minutes!). You can even make the brownies from a store-bought mix. Get the full lowdown on this jaw-dropping idea at Spicy Southern Kitchen.
Give the traditional popsicle a patriotic makeover! This idea has granita-like fruit layers and a rich cheesecake center you won't be able to resist. For the full rundown, visit The Midnight Baker.
Do as we say: put down the melon baller. These star bites burst with flavor and will be a hit at your BBQ. Bonus: it's easy to get your kids involved in making this treat. Hop on over to Weelicious for easy instructions.
These treats are a little salty, a little sweet, and great to munch on between backyard games. We dare you to stop at one. Thanks to Poca Cosa for sharing these awesome patriotic treats.
Give your standard caprese salad a blueberry upgrade. Remember: if you're short on time before your big BBQ you can always prep the ingredients in advance. Get the full red, white, and blue recipe over at Shared Appetite.
Major props to Food Pusher for this easy patriotic kettle corn. Simply pop your popcorn like you normally would and add food coloring. Voila! You've got yourself a bag of red, white, and blue bite-sized treats.
Summer games can build up quite a thirst! This patriotic punch uses cranberry juice, your favorite blue-colored sports drink, sparkling water (or a diet clear soda), and ice. Check out the red, white, and blue recipe (and quench everyone's thirst) at Big Bear's Wife.
Here’s the lowdown on this oh-so-pretty trifle: it’s got angel food cake squares, fresh blueberries and a fresh cherry sauce that’s easy to make. And if you want to top it all off with a dollop of freshly whipped cream? Well, we wouldn’t blame you at all. Boulder Locavore has the full trifle scoop, so click on over ASAP.
Potato salad is pretty much a requirement at any summer holiday picnic, but why not give this classic dish its own patriotic twist? With the help of some colorful spuds and a drizzle of olive oil, you can whip this up in no time. Get inspired to make your own over at Proud Italian Cook.
These delicious popsicles from Pass the Plants are not only an easy red, white, and blue recipe to make, but they're also dairy free. Beth from Pass the Plants shares some great tips for getting them just right!
One of our fave summer fruits gets to be the "star" of the show with these fun patriotic sparklers! Leave it to Emily from One Lovely Life to come up with this fantastic way to serve fruit at your BBQ.
Every summer, my daughter, Stella, and I rejoice when the playground sprinklers come on
When Stella was a baby, I dangled her over the glittering, piercing cold spray as she squealed with laughter. Soon she learned to walk, staggering through them, bucket and shovel in hand. Every year I could step back a little more from her, eventually watching from the park bench with the other parents. Before I knew it, she was biking through them with the other big girls.
Then, the summer before Stella entered first grade, we arrived at the park on the first hot day, as always. “Where is everyone?” I asked another mom, looking around. Where were the scooters and bikes, the jump ropes, the chattering, the hand-clapping games? “Avocado, avocado, is the name of the game, if you mess up I will change your name!” The park had been taken over by nannies and parents with babies sleeping or drooling on their shoulders.
“So where’s Maddie?” I asked Maddie’s mom.
“Camp, of course.” Maddie’s mom laughed.
“You didn’t sign up Stella?” another dad asked.
I soon learned that parents in my neighborhood didn’t choose just one camp. They piled them like wedding cake layers, one atop another. The first week of July brought Mandarin immersion mornings with synchronized swimming afternoons. Then followed two weeks of zoo camp, a ballet program with gymnastics, Mathnasium every Tuesday and Wednesday, a week of cooking school, and then two weeks of horseback riding. One mom sent her daughter to join a circus. She really, truly did.
“So what’s Stella doing?” Maddie’s mom leaned over to observe my daughter peering down a disgusting drain clogged with leaves and hair. “She’s just doing more of… this?”
“This, yes!” I nudged my kid’s hand away from the dirty drain, washing it in the sprinkler. “And field trips!”
If working at a school has prepared me for anything, it’s managing a field trip. (That I’m a librarian is just a bonus.) The build-up of anticipation, the meticulous coordination of details, and…coming home to reflect on the experience and make a project. Anything could be a field trip, even the hardware store! And I didn’t even have to bother with permission slips and emergency numbers.
That night, I stayed up late googling museums and free activities—there was hip-hop dance in the park!—and penciling in library craft activities at branches within ten miles. There was no reason we had to go to our local branch; we could travel anywhere and check out books with our three different library cards. We’d officially start our “sprinkler summer” filled with a sprinkling of activities.
For the first couple of weeks, I dealt with my anxiety and competitive streak by telling myself and others, “Stella has a coding class at the library tomorrow. On Friday, she does tie-dye.” We registered for all the free classes—our safety net—but we didn’t show up when the sprinklers beckoned.
We invented new routines, like frozen yogurt Thursdays, or writing illustrated letters to grandma once a week and mailing them ourselves. We scheduled all playdates for 4 p.m. when Stella’s friends finished camp. We carried a bulging blue Ikea bag to the playground and filled it with chalk, biodegradable water balloons, soap bubbles, a parachute, and pail and shovel, and spilled it out for everyone to share. We made friends of all ages. We became known as the family that always had chalk. We even got 3-D chalk that you wore special glasses to see in its vibrating neon glory.
If this makes it sound like I did every single thing myself homemade and by myself—I didn’t. I hired babysitters and asked for help from grandmas and my partner. I used the TV in times of need.
Was our first sprinkler summer a success? I still had doubts that summer before first grade. Then one August day, Stella and I sat outside the Natural History Museum finishing our peanut butter sandwiches. Three yellow school buses pulled up, and a counselor marched dozens of kids off the bus. The first busload wore red shirts; the second busload, orange; and the third, green.
“Do you wish you could be with them?” I asked.
“No,” she said. “Or maybe just for three days or five minutes.”
I laughed.
“What color shirt should we wear for our camp, Mama?”
“Whatever design you want,” I said. “It’s all yours.”
Life doesn’t slow down just because kids need to eat; these toddler lunch ideas can keep up
If you’re trying to meal-plan for your toddler whose social life (or siblings’ sports schedules) translates to lunch in the fast lane, you have a few things going for you. Toddlers don’t eat that much—even on a good day—so you have room to pack a couple of choices. Plus, they tend to be distracted (translation: less picky). The next time you need to pack a quick bite, try one of our favorite healthy (and just plain enticing) toddler lunch ideas.
Savory Toddler Lunch Ideas
Quesadilla: Portable, handheld, and generally liked by all, the quesadilla is the king of the
toddler lunch on the road.
Toddler Portion of Leftovers (plus wipes): Forget about being clean. Just get them fed.
Hard Boiled Egg & Sesame (provided there’s no allergy) Bagel: For the pickier eaters, try plain instead.
Whole Avocados: Just remember to bring a bread knife to cut it in half, then hand the
unseeded side to your toddler with a kiddie spoon.
Kid-cuterie: Guess what you get when you unpack a Ziploc bag with a protein, a dairy,
fruit, and vegetable onto a paper plate? That’s right. A kid-cuterie. Throw in a small
container of hummus or ranch and you’ve got two tickets to paradise.
Roly-Poly: Cream cheese and turkey rolled into a tortilla.
Deconstructed Sandwiches on a Stick: For your older toddlers, skewer rolls of deli meat,
mini tomatoes, chunks of bagels or whole-grain bread, and cubes of cheese.
Peanut Butter & Anything: For toddlers who’ve cleared the peanut allergy test, this gold-
standard of child-rearing nutrition won’t fall apart and packs a protein-filled punch. Instead of jelly, try adding mini marshmallows or sliced bananas to keep it fresh. Or, simply allow a frozen Uncrustable that will thaw in your bag to do the work for you.
Apple Sticks Wrapped in Deli Turkey
Nutella & Strawberry Roly-Poly
Peanut Butter & Banana Roly-Poly: Don’t slice the banana! Spread peanut butter on the
tortilla and wrap that thing up whole.
Yogurt Dip & Graham Crackers with chopped fruit: Freeze this healthy treat and pull it out before you leave. Serve with strawberries, apples, or even bananas.
No-Bake Energy Bites: Made with peanut butter, chocolate, old-fashioned oats, and chia seeds, your toddler will get tons of nutrition in one tasty nibble.
Ideas That Sneak in Healthy Foods
Cucumber & Cream Cheese Crustless Sandwiches: Your mother had them at her baby
shower and you can bet your toddler will love the cream cheese paired with the salty
crunch of the cuke.
Garbanzo Beans & Halved Cherry Tomatoes: Squeeze some lemon and sprinkle some
salt on this easy finger food.
Thawed Frozen Veggies & a Cheese Stick
Frozen Pre-Made Smoothies: Freeze these in advance and they’ll thaw out just in time for
lunch on the go.
Shelled Edamame & Pasta: Add a splash of soy and sesame oil for the adventurous
eaters.
Hummus & Pretzel Chips: Throw in a few slices of bell pepper for a vitamin C boost.
