ML Interest Tag: homemade

9 Ideas for Easter Bunny Fun to Celebrate the Season

by Oz Spies

The Easter Bunny is getting ready to hop up to your house—and we have just the thing to add a little magical fun to your Easter celebration. Check out these creative Easter ideas for Easter Bunny fun, like making a bunny trail and the Easter Bunny tracker. Once you know how he’s going to make his arrival, be prepared with Easter games for kids and hilarious Easter jokes.

Easter Bunny Tracker

little girl with a bunny
iStock

Track the Easter bunny on your smartphone! Compatible with both Apple and Android phones, download the app and then, on Easter Eve 2024, March 30 at 5 a.m. you'll be able to follow the Easter Bunny as he delivers treats to kids around the world. 

Set Up an Easter Bunny Tree (and Leave Carrots)

We know there will be some eye-rolls over this idea for Easter Bunny fun, but how cute would a pastel-themed Easter tree be? It’s also a fun place to have the furry guy drop Easter baskets filled with goodies. Go for an all-white tree like this one, and go wild with Easter decorations. This is also a perfect place to leave a plate of carrots the night before!

Bunnies for Breakfast

bunny fairy bread is a fun Easter bunny idea
Hello Wonderful

The Easter Bunny can drop a winding trail of jelly beans to the kitchen—with this delicious bunny fairy bread serving as the treat at the end of the trail. Skip over to Hello Wonderful to find out how to set up this easy idea for Easter Bunny fun. Pair it with pastel-colored milk made with a few drops of food coloring in your little one's morning glass of milk for a festive breakfast. Note: if you have animal friends who'd gobble up a jelly bean trail, the Easter Bunny can leave a trail of inedible white cotton balls through your house instead.

Treasure Hunt

scavenger hunt for the easter bunny
Happiness is Homemade

The clever Easter Bunny doesn't leave baskets out in the open: he hides them at the end of a tricky scavenger hunt. Happiness is Homemade put together a free printable packed full of treasure hunt clues, with each one leading to the next. You'll be able to drink your morning coffee while your kids decipher the clues.

Related: 14 Creative Easter Egg Hunts You Can Do at Home

Magical Jelly Beans

lollipops that grow from jelly beans is one of the cutest Easter bunny ideas.
Amy Shamblen via Unsplash

We love this extra-sweet tradition for Easter bunny fun! Simply gather a handful of jelly beans and, with your little one, plant them outside. While your bunnies sleep, you can swap out the beans for lollipops. Voila! Your kids will wake up to a magical lollipop garden on Easter morning. If you're worried about your dog gobbling up the jelly beans outside, or if it's too chilly for an outdoor planting session, you can bring the magic jelly bean fun inside with this easy lollipop garden craft.

Paw Prints

setting up paw prints is a cute Easter bunny idea
Amazon

What will the Easter Bunny be sure to leave as he hops through your house? Paw prints! You can create a bunny trail that leads through your house with a template and white flour. It's an affordable way to sprinkle a little egg-stra magic on Easter morning. Find all the DIY tips here. If your bunny's in a hurry, simply pick up a pack of oversized pink-and-white paw print decals and spread them out on the floor. Get them here. 

Bunny Funfetti

The Itsy Bitsy Kitchen

The Easter Bunny's surprises don't have to end with candy-packed baskets. Bake a hidden bunny chocolate and vanilla funfetti cake for a sweet Easter brunch finale. It's easier to make than it looks! The Itsy-Bitsy Kitchen has step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process for this fun Easter idea for kids.

DIY Bunny Hideaway

Allison Murray

Make your own Easter Bunny fun hideaway with these super fun steps from Allison Murray from Dream a Little Bigger. You can simplify with some paint and stencils for a quick DIY project. 

Related: 13 Easter Games That Go Way Beyond an Egg Hunt

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

 

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27 Easy Valentine’s Day Cards You Can Make at Home

by Susie Foresman

As parents, there’s nothing quite like a homemade Valentine’s card for mom. We’ve searched the web and carefully curated everything from Valentine’s Day crafts for toddlers to easy Valentine’s Day cards for school, and all of them are sweet as can be. These Valentine’s Day recipes will sweeten any Valentine’s Day plans and these Valentine’s Day games will tucker them out. Choose your favorite ideas for making homemade cards for Valentine’s Day 2024.

1. Seed Paper Hearts

Who doesn’t love plants? This homemade Valentine’s card can grow! Follow the instructions to make a seed heart that can be planted. Grow plants like wildflowers, herbs, and small vegetables.

2. Hot Air Balloon Heart

Try out this adorable hot air balloon card that can easily serve as a decoration for February.

3. Embroidered Hearts

a picture of a homemade valentine's card
Hello, Wonderful

Kids can hone their skills with a needle and thread to make these cute homemade Valentine's Day cards from Hello, Wonderful. 

4. Goldfish Snacks in a "Bowl"

Backless Shirt

How cute are these Goldfish-filled valentines from Backless Shirt? This candy-free idea doubles as a little afternoon snack, too.

5. Cutie Valentines

It’s Always Autumn

Our kids love mandarin oranges (aka cuties), and this easy homemade Valentine's card from It’s Always Autumn is the perfect way to use them. Buy a big bag at the grocery store and you’re halfway there. 

6. LEGO My Valentine

a picture of a cute homemade valentine card
The Resourceful Mama

Build super cute homemade Valentine's Day cards this year with this printable from The Resourceful Mama. The only other things you'll need are LEGO bricks and plastic bags. 

 

Related: 12 Creative (& Easy) Valentine’s Day Card Box Ideas

7. Toy Plane Valentines

Crap I've Made

Your littles will soar to the top of the class with these awesome plane valentines from Crap I’ve Made. Snag toy planes on the cheap on Amazon or at a party store. 

8. Rubber Duckie Valentines

a picture of homemade valentine cards
Simple Enchantments

We love a good pun, and this card from Simple Enchantments is definitely a winner.

9. Candy-Free Valentines

homemade valentine's cards
Pretty Prudent

Since kids will be loading up on candy all day, we love this change of pace from Pretty Prudent. Pick from crayons, bubbles, glitter, or bandaids—all of which have their own clever puns. 

10. Pirate Puns

MerMag

Pirate-obsessed kids will love this clever valentine from MerMag. A pirate pun, a heart eye patch—it just doesn’t get much cuter than this. 

11. Glow Stick Valentines

homemade valentines cards
Eighteen 25

Check out this cute idea from Eighteen 25—with a few packs of glow sticks, it’s pretty easy to put together. 

12. Kool-Aid Fun

My Name Is Snickerdoodle

If your little one is a Kool-Aid lover, they’ll get a kick out of these cute Valentine's Day card idea from My Name Is Snickerdoodle. 

13. Star(burst) Cards

It’s Always Autumn

Fancy up your valentines this year with this idea from It’s Always Autumn. Crafty kids will enjoy decorating each card with a potato stamp. 

14. Origami Cards

homemade valentines cards
Omiyage Blogs

Whether you’re an origami expert or just a beginner, these easy DIY valentines from Omiyage Blogs will be a winner. 

Related: 19 Sweet Valentine’s Day Recipes for Kids

15. Crayon Cards

The Nerd's Wife

If you want to get crafty for your Valentine this year, this idea from The Nerd’s Wife is an awesome option. Plus, you’ll get to put all your broken crayon stubs to good use. 

16. Blow Pop Butterflies

Skip to My Lou

We love this fun (but super easy) take on valentines from Skip to My Lou. The kids will love the sweetness and creativity of this one.

17. Cute Sheep Valentines

Hello, Wonderful

Crafty kids will love making this valentine—just print out the cards from Hello, Wonderful, and then let them glue on pom poms for the sheep’s “wool.” 

18. Play-Doh Packages

Random Thoughts from a Supermom

Here’s another gift that keeps on giving: Play-Doh. Just add a fun label to the carton (Random Thoughts from a Supermom has a convenient printable), and the whole class will be sculpting hearts and flowers for their special someone.

19. Valentine "Cards"

My Paper Crane

We love the quirky character of these homemade Valentine's Day “cards” from My Paper Crane. The supplies are easy to round up, there's lots of room for kid participation, and the results are oh-so-cute.

20. Toy Snake Valentines

A Subtle Revelry

Good news for little snake charmers! A Subtle Revelry has ultra-cute easy Valentine's Day cards that only require a teensy amount of effort and a handful of Dollar Store snakes.

Related: 41 Hilariously Sweet Valentine’s Day Jokes for Kids

21. Cupcake Liner Creativity

Urban Comfort

What, you didn’t think those festive Valentine’s Day cupcake liners were only good for cupcakes, did you? Urban Comfort has a crafty idea that’s easy to make but oh-so-impressive.

22. I Spy Surprise

A Mom With a Lesson Plan

A loving message and a treasure hunt all in one? Yes, please! A Mom with a Lesson Plan has a great idea for adding a little “I Spy” to your V-Day. It’s a great excuse to roam the neighborhood (or a good way to entertain house-bound little cupids).

23. Upcycled Valentines

Art Bar Blog

You can’t help but love this idea from Art Bar Blog. With washi tape, alphabet stamps, and lots and lots of upcycled hearts, you can make gift bags for storing cards or holding other V-Day treats.

24. Joke Boxes

The Artful Parent

Brace yourselves, this idea from Delia Creates combines puns, Laffy Taffy, silly bands, and LEGO-inspired boxes. It sounds like a win-win to us. 

25. Bear-y Cute Valentine

homemade valentines cards
Domestic Mommyhood

We can’t get over the cute factor of these Valentine's Day cards for school from Domestic Mommyhood. They’re easy as pie to print, cut, and distribute—and they also make excellent lunchbox love notes. 

26. High Fives

A Subtle Revelry

What’s the ultimate show of support for your special valentine? A Subtle Revelry has the answer in the form of a printable high five. This nifty idea is easy and sure to be a classroom fave. 

27. A Homemade Valentine’s Card for Tweens

Even big kids like getting Valentine’s Day cards, and this one is cute, to the point, and includes a fun beauty gift. Get the printable from All Things Thrifty.

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11 St. Patrick’s Day Science Experiments for Kids

by Karly Wood

When they’re not having fun finding pots of gold or searching for leprechauns, your little learners will love trying out some St. Patrick’s Day science activities! From rainbows to shamrocks, there is so much to learn from the icons surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. If you want more, check out our roundup of fun and easy science experiments for kids.

Make Leprechaun Slime

Learn about viscosity by making leprechaun slime complete with gold flakes!

Make a Leprechaun Trap

little boy who made a leprechaun trap
Amber Guetebier

This is one of our favorite St. Patrick's day activities for preschoolers. Bust out your STEM hats and plan how you are going to catch your very own leprechaun. Start with a shoebox and see where the imagination takes you! 

Create a Fizzing Rainbow

We love this colorful idea where you create your own fizzing rainbow. Be sure to put a paper towel underneath your creation. You can dry it in the sun and hang it in your window!

Related: Everything You Need to Trap a Leprechaun This St. Patrick’s Day

Crystal Shamrocks

Little Bins for Little Hands

You can't celebrate St. Paddy's Day without a few shamrocks! This year, let science take the wheel and grow a few crystal shamrocks with a few easy steps from Little Bins for Little Hands. All you need is a few pipe cleaners and borax and you'll be on your way in no time.

Leprechaun Sand

Live Well Play Together

This messy but fun activity from Live Well Play Together lets kids see how baking soda and vinegar interact, in St. Patrick's Day style. With minimal supplies, this is a perfect afternoon activity that involves basic household supplies you probably have already.

Magic Leprechaun Rocks

Gift of Curiosity

These homemade leprechaun rocks from Gift of Curiosity are a perfect blend of educational and fun! The "magic" rocks are made from green-dyed baking soda and water that conceal a gold coin. You'll have the ultimate scavenger hunt when the kiddos "wash" this at the end!

Rainbow Density Experiment

123 Homeschool 4 Me

Let rainbows do the talking with this educational experiment from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Your littles will learn all about density and liquids with this simple activity that involves household supplies you probably already have!

Skittles Rainbow Science Investigation

Taste the rainbow! This delicious St. Patrick’s Day activity for preschoolers from Fantastic Fun & Learning uses everyone’s favorite rainbow candy to explore the impact of water and how it can physically change an object. This is a great (and tasty) afternoon activity for young learners.

Walking Water

This festive-colored experiment is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Let your kiddos learn the science behind “capillary action” and how it plays into the real world. Get more details from Walking Cartwright here.

Related: 23 St. Patrick’s Day Jokes for Your Little Leprechaun

Homemade Spectroscope

Buggy & Buddy

When you craft your own spectroscope, you'll get to see all sorts of rainbows! This easy idea from Buggy & Buddy uses household supplies that come together in a jiffy, but provide hours of fun and learning.

Rainbow Shamrock Salt Painting

Rhythms of Play

Learn all about the shapes of shamrocks and how colors travel down salt in this colorful project from Rhythms of Play. Kids will exercise their fine motor skills and artistic prowess in this fun St. Patrick's Day science activity. 

 

 

 

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12 Easy Lunar New Year Projects for Kids

by Nikki Walsh

From money envelopes to dragons, here are the best Chinese New Year crafts for preschoolers and beyond

We’re squealing with excitement over the upcoming Lunar New Year. This family-centric celebration starts on the first day of the new moon on the Lunar Calendar, and we’ve searched high and low for ways to involve the whole crew. From paper lanterns and red envelopes to lunar calendars and more, find your favorite Chinese New Year crafts to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. We’ve also got fun dragon crafts for kids!

Toilet Paper Roll Dragon

Make this amazing dragon craft with the simplest materials. Tissue paper, pom poms, a toilet paper tube, glue, and googly eyes are all you need for this craft, but let your kiddo be creative and use whatever they’d like.

Origami Rabbit

Chinese new year crafts
Easy Peasy and Fun

It's the Year of the Rabbit! Celebrate the lunar new year with this adorable origami rabbit craft from Easy Peasy and Fun.

Chinese Lanterns

Happiness is Homemade

Light up your new year with these simple sparkle Chinese lanterns made from colored paper, jewel stickers, tape, and glue. Put them up in pairs, but remember—four is an unlucky number! If your little crafter is on a roll, eight lanterns strung together are lucky and bring wealth. Heidi over at Happiness is Homemade gives us the how-to-do.

 

Chinese New Year Craft Firecrackers

This Lunar New Year craft sparkles and shines! You can find most of what you need at home, but be sure to click the picture to see the details.

Related: 14 Asian Food Recipes You’ll Think Are Takeout

Paper Dragon

Allison McDonald via No Time for Flashcards

Your little reveler can bring good luck and have fun creating this paper dragon craft. It's easy to make with things from around the house: paper, paint, a rolling pin, bubble wrap, and googly eyes. Psst ... this can be an afternoon activity if you make a really big dragon! Get the step-by-step at No Time for Flashcards.

 

Lunar Calendar

Nikki Walsh

Since the Chinese Calendar is based on the lunar calendar with each month beginning on the first day of the new moon, have your little ones fill out the different phases to see where the New Year's month begins. You’ll need a calendar, circle stickers, and scissors. Find a quick tutorial, here.

 

Accordion Tangerine

Buggy and Buddy

Tangerines and oranges symbolize good luck and wealth for the new year. Your little moon can bring this bright and vibrant happy color into the house with this cute Chinese New Year craft by Chelsey at Buggy and Buddy. It’s easy to make with colored paper, brown yarn, scissors, and glue. 

 

Money Envelopes

First Palette

What tot can resist those red envelopes? Usually filled with money (of even denominations) and given out at the celebratory dinners, if you have time, you and your crew can make these little envelopes and decorate them too. We love the version from Sue over at First Palette because it comes with a printable template!  

 

Cherry Blossom Fans

In the Playroom

Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, so what better way to celebrate than by letting your little artist finger-paint cherry blossoms on Chinese fans? Just grab some colored paper, a black pen, paint, and tape. The instructions can be found over at In the Playroom.

Calligraphy

Chinese new year crafts
Tinkerlab

Your little scribes may not be ready to master Chinese characters, but you can still introduce them to the art of calligraphy. Once you've gathered the basic supplies of a pen, ink, and paper, you can follow Rachelle Doorley's guide over at Tinkerlab.

 

Chinese Gong

Chinese new year crafts
Kid World Citizen

Get musical by making a Chinese-inspired gong, like this one from Kid World Citizen. You can even experiment with different pan sizes for different types of sounds. 

Chinese New Year Sensory Bin

Let littles get hands-on Chinese New Year-style exploring in this sensory bin. First, color the rice red to bring good luck (A quick how-to at Little Bins for Little Hands). Then add chopsticks, old Chinese coins, teacups, spoons, Lunar New Year sayings, red envelopes, and our favorite, a Buddha. Be sure to supervise toddlers while they enjoy this fun experience.

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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

by writerredtri

Jennifer Tyler Lee, Bay Area mom and author of The 52 New Foods Challenge, shared with us one of her favorite healthy lunch ideas: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. She tells us, “My kids love a hot lunch, and this recipe is an easy way for me to send a cozy meal that I know they’ll enjoy.” Her pro tip? When packing soup, only fill the thermos part way to the top with liquid to avoid spills.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 6

Ingredients for homemade chicken noodle soup:

1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup dry pasta (macaroni or rotini work best)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken in the mixture until well coated. Spread out on the lined baking sheet as flat as possible and roast 23-25 minutes, until cooked through. When done, remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Then chop into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Reserve any cooking juices.

Tip: If you’re in a pinch, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip to Step 3. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and then the onions and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the carrots and celery and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

4. Add the broth, 1 cup water, and the bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked.

5. Add the chicken to the pot and simmer for 2 minutes more.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Reprinted from THE 52 NEW FOODS CHALLENGE: A Family Cooking Adventure for Each Week of the Year, with 150 recipes. Reprinted by arrangement with Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2014 by Jennifer Tyler Lee.

Featured image: iStock 

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The Best Bay Area Apple Picking Orchards

by Sandra Lee

These u-pick farms are the perfect way to welcome the fall season

Fall is around the corner, and aside from the beautiful colors and autumn hikes around San Francisco, it’s also apple season! Apple picking is one of our favorite fall activities, as the fruit is mostly within a kid’s reach and there are no thorns to deal with (looking at you, blackberries). Bring home a basket or two and make yourself a pie or homemade applesauce (snag yourself this apple peeler—you’ll thank us later).

Pro Tip: Check the orchard’s website before you head to these U-pick apple orchards in the Bay Area to confirm availability. Since most of them are a drive, you want to make sure they are open when you get there!

 

The Best Apple Picking in Sonoma County

EARTHseed Farm (formerly Gabriel Farm): If eating organic is important to your family, head to EARTHseed Farm located in Sebastopol, a town practically synonymous with the fruit. In addition to picking your own apples, you can schedule a tour of the certified organic orchard. Varieties include McIntosh, Gravenstein, Gala, Braeburn, Gilbert Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Rome. A $35 entrance fee covers your U-pick time slot for up to 4 people, and children under 3 are free. Since it gets pretty hot there, the farm has u-pick slots earlier in the day, and even installed cooling stations to make the visit even better. You can always head over to the store for juice, jams, and pears for sale.

3175 Sullivan Rd.
Sebastopol
Online: earthseedfarm.org

Related: Bay Area Spots for Epic Family Picnics

Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch: With a name like that, you know Ratzlaff Ranch is focused on apples! U-pick Rome Beauties and Golden Delicious are here for the picking. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Thursdays and Saturdays when they are closed) and there is no parking fee. No reservations are needed and you can stay as long as you want. Pack a lunch and sit at one of the picnic tables taking in the beautiful ranch. While you are there, don’t forget to pick up some of their award-winning apple cider, best chilled or warm? You decide. U-Pick is typically September through early December, depending on the availability of ripe apples, but exact dates may vary.

13128 Occidental Rd.
Sebastopol
Online: appleadayranch.com

Chileno Valley Ranch: Chileno Valley Ranch starts its U-pick season on Sept. 3, available Sun. only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. Time slots are available every hour and admission is $10 per family if pre-booked online. Check the website and Facebook as spots fill up quickly. Apples are $2 per pound and you can expect to find varieties such as Orin, Pinova, Candy Crisp, and Jonagold. Beyond apple picking, you can also shop for free-range eggs, honey, and baked goods.

5105 Chileno Valley Rd.
Petaluma
Online: mikeandsallygalebeefranch.com

Related: Free (or Cheap) Things to Do with Kids in the Bay Area

 

Best Apple Picking in Watsonville

A little boy in a hat takes a bite out of an apple
Kate Loweth

Gizdich Ranch: The U-pick apple season at Gizdich starts mid-Sept. (check their website for exact dates) and lasts about a month. Their pie and deli shop offers a boxed picnic meal, so stop by for lunch and then take one of their out-of-this-world pies, apple dumplings, or puff pastries home (is your mouth watering yet?). On hot days, the kids can enjoy a homemade apple slush. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during picking season. Bring your own containers.

55 Peckham Rd.
Watsonville
Online: gizdich-ranch.com

Live Earth Farm: This spot in Watsonville grows a small variety of apples including Gala and Fuji. Their U-pick apples (as well as strawberries and tomatoes) are available on the weekends only, with schedules posted on their website. The picking is a bargain at $1.50 per pound. Bring buckets, boxes, or other containers to harvest into, or purchase containers from them for a small fee.

1275 Green Valley Rd.
Watsonville
Online: liveearthfarm.net

Related: Al Fresco Family Time: SF Eateries with Outdoor Seating

Clearview Orchards:  Located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Basin, Clearview Orchards offers a huge variety of certified organic apples, specializing in Gala, Fuji, Honey Crisp, and Mitsu. Pick some apples and enjoy their beautiful terraced grounds with a view of the Watsonville Valley. They also sell delicious local honey, and fresh-pressed apple cider, and the kiddos can even pick out their own pumpkins, just in time for fall. This year they will open Saturdays and Sundays starting Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required with a $7 entry fee for each vehicle. Leave the pets at home, and no food or drinks (aside from water bottles) are allowed, so eat before you arrive and save some room for that delicious apple cider!

646 Trabing Rd.
Watsonville
Online: clearvieworchards.com

Luz del Valle Ranch: Starting right after Labor Day, Galas are the first to be picked, followed by Fujis in October.  With two-hour time slots that families can book online, families can take their time picking apples on this beautiful farm. Pack a lunch and have a day at the farm. Luz del Valle is also a horse ranch, breeding beautiful Arabian horses that you’ll be able to see.

1875 Hames Rd
Aptos
Online: luzdelvalle.us

 

The Best Apple Picking: Apple Hill Region near Sacramento

best apple picking

photo: Erika Fletcher via Unsplash

Apple Hill Region: For a bit of a longer trek, you’ll get no better apple selection than in the Apple Hill Region, about fifty miles east of Sacramento. With more than 50 ranches offering different apple varieties and activities, you are bound to find the perfect experience for the kids. The Apple Hill Growers Association lists orchard details including U-pick hours, picnic areas, local attractions, and more. The U-pick ranches tend to be very small and very popular, so it is a good idea to call the ranches themselves to make sure they have the apple variety you want and that the fruit is available.

A full list of farms can be found via the Apple Hill Growers Association.

Best Apple Picking in the East Bay

Cloverfield Organic Farm: The USDA-certified organic farm in the East Bay has a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. U-pick is open Friday-Sunday from 12-5 p.m., and no reservations are needed, making this a great impromptu weekend trip. Parking is free, and there is no entrance fee. While you’re there, you can book a private tour or guided horse activity that the kids will definitely love.

501 La Paloma Rd.
El Sobrante
Online: cloverfieldfarm.com

 

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11 Art Activities That You Can Set Up in 10 Minutes (or Less)

by Erica Loop

Turn open after-school time into a creative adventure in a flash

It’s a weekday afternoon between school and whatever practice is on the family calendar. Kill a few minutes with a quick and easy art activity for kids. With minimal supplies and almost zero set-up effort, we promise you won’t be holding back the urge to scream over complicated steps or time commitments. After all, when it comes to crafts, we’re all about less is more (most of the time). 

Pointillism Art with Q-Tips

We love this one because there’s no need to wash brushes when the kids are done. You can also use a pencil eraser and stamp pads for even less mess and easier cleanup!

Printable Art Activities

little girl enjoying art activities for kids

Let's face it, when it comes to quick and easy art activities for kids, sometimes it's best to print out some coloring pages and toss crayons and markers on the table. That's why we've got tons of free printables for kids like mermaid coloring pages, T-Rex coloring pages, Stegosaurus coloring pages, and one collection that has a little bit of everything.

Tie Dye Coffee Filter Art

Little Bins for Little Hands

Making tie-dye shirts is a multi-day process, so this activity from Little Bins for Little Hands incorporates all the fun of tie-dying without the hassle. Coffee filters are the perfect canvas to watch colors spread and combine, and they dry out pretty quickly too.

Frozen Chalk Paint

frozen chalk paint can be used in art activities for kids
Mini Monets and Mommies

You can make these ice cubes ahead of time and have them ready to go. This art activity for kids is ideal if you have loads of those teeny tiny chalk nubs hanging around the bottom of your art bin. Grind them up, add some water, freeze, and let your child draw her afternoon away.

Ziploc Finger Painting

plastic bag painting is a fun art activity for kids
Shelley Massey

It doesn't get any easier than this, friends. With nothing but a ziplock baggie and paint, you've set your pint-sized Picasso (and yourself) up for endless fun. Another option is to tape the bag to a window or a door so you can see light filter through the designs, or add glitter to bags for extra sparkle.

Clay Finger Paint

Mini Monets and Mommies

You want your creative kid to go wild with rainbow finger paints. Um, but you’re not into the idea of spending your Monday night cleaning Jackson Pollock-esque splatters from the walls. Swap in soft modeling clay for the actual paints. Pull it into pieces and “paint” it onto cardboard. It’s a totally low-mess art activity that lets your little one create a textured "painting."

Related: 15 Ways to Play with the Kids That Take 10 Minutes (or Less)

Recycled Texture Collage

Mini Monets and Mommies

Reuse those old worksheets, tissue paper, and anything else in a collage. Glue these onto a cardboard base, creating textures and patterns. Kids can practice scissor skills, explore through their senses and create collages that are either abstract or look like “something” real.

Plastic Wrap Process Art

process art activities for kids
Buggy and Buddy

If you've got Saran Wrap at home, you're halfway there with this art activity for kids from Buggy and Buddy. Even better, you'll need to leave the paper alone overnight to dry, so there's less chance of a wet mess. 

Paint with Nature

Hands On As We Grow

Paintbrushes, who needs them? Not your child. Get some fresh air after school and gather a few natural items. When your child has plenty of pinecones, stems, sticks and other nature-y items ready, paint like Hands On As We Grow did!

Felt Patterns

Cut shapes out of craft felt in different colors. Your child can press the shapes against a full felt sheet to create patterns. Oh, and this one is reusable too.

Foam Prints

Reuse Styrofoam plates or trays. Use a craft stick to ‘draw’ a design, add tempera and press onto a piece of construction paper. Wash the plates and reuse them, making as many prints as your child wants—in different colors. When the prints are dry, add onto them with paint, chalk or markers.

Related: 6 Fantastic Benefits of Arts & Crafts for Kids

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One Cool Thing: How to Make Your Own Bubbles

by Erin Lem

It’s the peak season for this classic kid activity

On our list of timeless traditions that never go out of style are sidewalk chalk art, jump rope, and blowing bubbles. If you’re tired of buying ready-made bubble wands, here’s how to make bubbles at home using ordinary household items that you likely already have on hand.

What You Will Need:

12 cups of water
1 cup dish soap
1 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp baking powder
1-2 wire coat hangers and a frying pan
1 6-pack plastic ring
Paper towel tube

How to Make Bubbles:

In a clean bucket or dishpan mix together the ingredients in order. Keep a ladle or scoop in the bucket and stir occasionally making sure not to cause too much foam. Remove the excess foam as it appears. When the bucket is half empty add another cup of water.

No wands handy? You can use a paper towel tube, plastic rings from a 6 pack, and even those old wire hangers! Bend the coat hanger into the shape of a loop and dip it into the frying pan letting the excess drip off before waving it through the air.

Tips for Making Perfect Bubbles:

We found that Joy and Dawn dish soap brands work the best. You can also use tear-free baby shampoo if you have little ones around. While this bubble recipe is designed and tested to work in any weather, humidity really does matter. Warm and humid days will produce the best bubbles around. If you have a windy day, try blowing downwind letting mother nature do the work for you! Make your solution a couple of days beforehand and keep the extra. A solution that has marinated for a while produces the biggest bubbles of all.

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

 

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15 Reading Nooks You’ll Want Want to Curl Up In

by Abigail Matsumoto

Get ready for some serious home décor inspo!

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.

Kid-Sized Chair

https://www.instagram.com/p/CK1kMywgSeH/?hidecaption=true

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. 

Rainbows Everywhere

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ-sKIustDM/?hidecaption=true

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

corner reading nook
Tag & Tibby

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

The Merrythought

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. 

Related: Best Books to Read Before They Turn 12

Dreamy Daybed

House Homemade

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. 

Wasted Space Turned Reading Nook

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkgkyYIgpO5/?hidecaption=true

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

Jess Koehler for The Effortless Chic

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

Mama.Papa.Bubba

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

outdoor reading nook
Design Improvised

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

closet reading nook
Visual Meringue

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

Akila from The Road Forks

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.

Related: 6 Clever Ways to Encourage Reading You Haven’t Thought Of

Cute Corner Shelves

reading nook made with corner shelves
Sunshine on the Inside

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

reading nook with a canopy and lights
Stuff Parents Need

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

Fireplace reading nook
Life, Unstyled

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.

 

 

 

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