If you don’t know how to translate the gorgeous rooms you see on Instagram and Pinterest to real life, design help is on the way. These nursery design services let you create a picture-perfect room for your little one, often for a fraction of the cost of a traditional design team. They’ll take your style and budget into consideration so you’ll come out with a ready-to-buy nursery.

photo: Havenly

Havenly
Havenly is a great first stop on your path to decorating a blank slate. Start with the site’s cost calculator, where you can select items to get an idea of the cost of a completed space. For each category, choose if you want the item to be a budget, moderate, or spendy purchase. These estimates are averages, so don’t be alarmed if you choose a budget crib and see a whopping price tag of $400. Havenly works with a number of reasonably priced retailers, like Wayfair and Target, meaning you can ask your designer to choose a crib that’s under $300. Next, choose between the online or in-person design experience. Both include 1:1 collaboration with an expert. Find out more at havenly.com.

Your Favorite Furniture Store
If you need some hand-holding but don’t have the budget to invest in a 3D rendering, check out the in-house design services offered by the mall-staple furniture companies (think West ElmPottery Barn KidsBallard Design and Restoration Hardware). Most of these services are free and are offered online as well as in-store. Restoration Hardware provides this service free for members (membership costs $100 but includes perks like 25% on full-priced items and 20% off sale items). These companies employ certified designers who will incorporate your existing furniture into a plan that features your brand of choice, so you don’t need to utilize a company that specializes in nurseries. If you’ve picked out the crib, they can do the rest—rugs, curtains, wall color, and more!

Make sure to capture all the sweetest moments of baby in their gorgeous new room—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.

Our world has changed a lot in recent years. Things parents only dreamed about having delivered to their doorstep just a few years ago are now a reality. Likewise Seattle families can now rent all kinds of stuff that makes life easier and a little less expensive. It kind of makes you wonder, why buy big ticket items if you’re only going to use them once in a while? Whether you’re looking for a private swimming pool to help you stay cool on Seattle’s hottest days, unicorns for parties, free museum passes or adorable sleepover supplies, our list of unique things to rent is here to help.

A Truly Unique Ride

It might seem like a dream, but unicorns are real. Sort of. Whether you are looking for a guest star at your kid's next birthday party or are looking for a perfect model for a special photo portrait, there's a pony for you. Dreamland Ponies has a whole fleet of unicorns to choose from including solid white, rainbow, mini, pony, full-size and everything in between. They are available for hand-led pony rides at their home in Maple Valley or your home. They can bring the ponies to just about anywhere from a private residence to a local park. They will dress up the pony to fit your party theme from Pegasus to a western cowboy theme. And yes, they do offer "grown up" parties as well, but your kids will never forgive you (although, they don't have to know, right?)

According to Dreamland, all of their ponies are "super sweet, gentle, safe, sparkling clean and healthy." You may book up to a dozen different ponies at a time! The service providers also donate a portion of all pony party proceeds towards rescuing horses and ponies in need and other therapy services for children and seniors with chronic and terminal illnesses.

Online: dreamlandponies.com

Related: Let's Party! Backyard Birthday Rentals for Every Kind of Kid

A Swimmingly Great Spot

Swimply.com

While it would be nice to own your own swimming pool, the investment might not be worth the actual splash time your family would use it. That's where swimply.com comes in. Their business model is similar to AirBnb but for pool owners and the people who would like to rent them. The website features hundreds of private pools available to rent right now, including a large handful in the Seattle area, like this one which charges a weekday rental fee of $63 an hour for up to 10 guests. Just like the homes and owners that offer them, each pool and setting is uniquely different. Some come with all of the bells and whistles (think: large patio with picnic tables, barbecues, playgrounds, pool toys, private bathrooms). Rentals range from $49-$149 per hour, and a few even allow up to as many as 40 guests during the rental. Sounds like a birthday party in the making. 

Good to Know: You will need to reserve your spot ahead of time, but often arrangements can be made for the same day. Some pools will require you to rent it for more than one hour. 

Online: swimply.com

Related: Stay Cool at Seattle's Top Splash Spots

Every LEGO Set Ever

NetBricks was launched in 2015 with the goal of providing an exceptional LEGO-building experience to kids (or their parents, or both) who might not be able to afford every set they want. They are LEGO fanatics themselves, so they understand what LEGO-maniacs want. They have hundreds of LEGO sets of which to rent from on a subscription basis. Pick the set and they'll send them out to your family one set at a time. Start with one, build it, send it back and they'll send another one to your residence, just like the old Netflix movie rental model! ("It's a constant flow of fun" they say.) Or, go for the Pro Membership Experience where NetBricks will send multiple sets at one time and get another new batch 30 days later. And so on, and so on...

NetBricks offer sets that are new, hard to find or retired and range from "Junior" to "Master Builder Academy." Sets offered include the "The Simpson's" House (2523 pieces), "Star Wars" Death Star (3803 pieces), the famous Tower Bridge of London, England (4287 pieces) and many others. 

Good to Know: NetBricks plans start at $24 a month (plus shipping) to $65 a month (including shipping). 

Online: netbricks.biz

 

A Picture-Perfect Sleepover

Daydream Teepee

Hosting that sleepover party at your place just got a whole lot easier because Daydream Teepee delivers everything you need to make it a smashing success. The centerpiece of this delivery service is the individual A-frame tents where kids will slumber (if you’re lucky). Each party package comes with expertly-styled set-up that includes airbeds, sheets (and liners), fairy lights, trays and all the color-coordinated banners and cushions needed to make the sleepover space Pinterest worthy. There are seven kids themes to choose from, each one as detailed as the next. And when it’s all over, the team comes back to whisk everything away, fairy-godmother style. It’s the dreamy rental you need for your next bash.

Online: daydreamteepee.com

Related: 9 Unusual Sleepover Spots for Families (& Groups)

Passes to Seattle's Best Museums, Zoos & More

Kids at the butterfly garden at Woodland Park Zoo over Memorial Day weekend when it reopns
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/WPZ

You know about Free First Thursdays and Free Last Fridays, but sometimes you want to check out your favorite Seattle museums on your terms. Make it happen through the Seattle Public Library, where you can reserve free passes to the Seattle Children’s Museum, The Museum of Flight, MOHAI, even the Woodland Park Zoo (and more!) with just a few clicks. Passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance of your visit (passes go quickly so reserve them as early as possible), and each pass includes at least two admissions but many include up to four.

If you’re a King County Library cardholder, you can reserve passes through their system. This is a great spot to snag free passes to BAM, KidsQuest and the Seattle Aquarium, to name a few. Families can reserve up to two museum passes per month (with the exception of KidsQuest and BAM that only allow one every 90 days) and can sort by museum or date to make their plans.

SPL passes online: spl.org

KCLS passes online: kcls.org

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Seattle's Free & Cheap Museum Days

Powerhouse Pollinators

Steve Utaski

We’re buzzing with excitement over this Seattle rental service—mason bees. When it comes to pollinating flowers and crops, they get the job done (at a rate 100 times that of honeybees), and you can help them do it by renting a mason bee kit to host in your yard. It’s as easy as hanging up your mason bee block, letting the bees do their pollinating thing and waiting for them to lay eggs in the block, that you then mail back. Those eggs are shipped to farmers around the country where they’re used to pollinate some of your favorite foods like blueberries, cherries and almonds.

The coolest part of this rental kit is the experience you give your kids. Mason bees are docile and non-aggressive, so stinging isn’t something you have to worry about. That means your kids can watch the bees work and lay their eggs, packing them with mud, mason-style. It’s a fascinating interactive experience that directly connects kids with the foods they eat and the eco-system around them. Just think how different those cherries, pears and blueberries will taste to them this summer!

Good to Know: Although Rent Mason Bees 2022 season is over, you can keep the 2023 season in mind. Pick up takes place in March and the kits get returned in June.

Online: rentmasonbees.com

Everything You Need to Camp

camping gear families can rent is spread out on the ground including sleeping bags and backpacks
Back 40 Outfitters

If you're itching to take the kids for a night in the great outdoors, but don’t know where to start when it comes to gear—no problem. Get everything you need for the perfect car camping or backpacking experience from Back 40 Outfitters. Simply choose your camping adventure and they’ll pack a kit that has the equipment you need to make it successful. Car camping kits ($270-$440) include your tent, sleeping bags, air mattresses, a kitchen kit, cooler and more. All you need to do is reserve the perfect campsite. Plus, with pick up/drop off locations in Kent and South Seattle, you can easily grab your stuff on the way out of town. Yep, it’s that easy.

Good to Know: You can add on extras like sunshades and pillows to make it that much easier. Just bring your crew and your sense of adventure.

Insider Tip: If you're planning to camp in one of Washington's amazing state parks, you can rent gear and have it delivered to your door or straight to your campsite. Another super easy option.

Online: back40outfitters.co

Your Very Own Garden

vegetables and flowers grow in a Seattle P-Patch garden, one of the weird things to rent in the city
Allison Sutcliffe

Maybe you don’t get quite the right sun. Or your postage-stamp city yard won’t support the garden of your dreams. Whatever the reason, you crave fertile space where you and the kids can grow veggies, herbs and flowers. So why not rent some through the city’s P-Patch garden program? With 90 gardens throughout the city and over 3,000 plots, totaling 15-acres of grow-able land, you’re sure to find a garden spot that’s right for you. Can you dig it?

Good to Know: These plots are in high demand, so get your name on the interest list sooner rather than later.

Online: seattle.gov

Tools You Need to Complete "That" Project

iStock

If you’re used to checking out books from your local library, get ready for something different. Seattle is home to five tool lending libraries that (you guessed it) lend tools to members for free or next to nothing. Like a library, tool libraries require a membership. Once you’ve joined, members have access to the library inventory where (between the five) you’ll find every tool you’ve ever needed and them some, including typical household tools, garden and automotive tools, even odds and ends like juicers and sewing machines. Memberships are free, but most suggest a donation between $20-$60 with flexibility, as each library is committed to making tools are accessible to all community members. Additionally, each library has different rental limits, but a week is pretty standard.

Good to Know: The West Seattle, Southeast Seattle and Capitol Hill tool libraries have workshop space members can use too. And many of these tool libraries host fix-it workshops where people can bring broken appliances, toys and clothes in need of mending in an effort the keep them out of the landfill and practice sustainability.

Northeast Seattle Tool Library
10228 Fischer Pl. N.E.
Seattle
Online: neseattletoollibrary.org

Southeast Seattle Tool Library
4425 MLK Jr. Way S.
Seattle
Online: setools.org

Capitol Hill Tool Library
1552 Crawford Pl.
Seattle
Online: sustainablecapitolhill.org

West Seattle Tool Library
4408 Delridge Way S.W.
Seattle
Online: wstools.org

Ballard Tool Library
7459B 15th Ave. N.W.
Seattle
Online: ballardtoollibrary.org

PNA Tool Lending Library
6615 Dayton Ave. N.
Seattle
Online: phinneycenter.org

—Jeffrey Totey &  Allison Sutcliffe

French fries are delicious. They are also world record holders

You’ve consumed a fry or two in your day, but we’re betting you’ve never had one as long or eaten them as fast as some of the world record holders. Read on to learn a few fun facts about french fries, perfect for dipping in and out. When you’re done, check out our list of fun facts for kids.

1. The most considerable helping of fries was served at Twin Oaks Farms in Eagle, Idaho on Sep. 20, 2014. It weighed 1003 lbs. It used 1256 lbs. of raw potatoes and 110 gallons of oil to fry them up.

2. In many parts of the world, French fries are known as American fries.

3. The world’s longest French fry is 34 inches, discovered at Taffy’s Hot Dog Stand in Buffalo, NY by diner John Benbenek in July of 2010.

4. Thomas Jefferson is said to have requested that the White House chef, a French man, prepare for him “potatoes served in the French manner” for a dinner party. These are believed to be some of the first French fries in the United States. The year? 1802.

5. Here’s a fun fact about French fries—the Belgians eat more fries per capita than any other European country.

6. Hugh Rutherford of Oakland, CA set a record on Aug. 25, 2011, for eating a medium-sized order of fries (from Burger King) in a record-breaking one minute and 46.40 seconds. In 2013 in Hamburg, Germany, a woman known only as Caroline E. ate 20 french fries in 2 minutes, and 21.70 seconds without using her hands.

7. We call potatoes spuds after the spade-like tool once used to harvest them by hand.

 

Looking at life from a different perspective can be a challenging lesson to teach young children. But this is how you can help your child shift their mindset from being focused on the center of self, to an observer of the world around them. This can be done through play and invites the possibility to engage others, objects, and landscapes in a creative way. Playing with perspective supports the notion that we are not limited to seeing things from one viewpoint. We can go beyond our limitations of what we see by using the inventiveness of our imagination.

Looking through a different lens can also help to shift a negative state of mind as it interrupts the way we see our surroundings in the immediate moment. Think of different perspectives as a cognitive brain exercise, in order to see things from a different aspect, we have to look outside the box and help shift attention from self to others. It is a social and emotional skill that requires empathy and understanding.

This activity can also be used as a tangible emotional self-regulation tool, pick up the butterfly and go for a walk when emotions are heightened, to take a look at life from a different angle.

Materials You Need to Craft Your Own Butterfly Perspective Lens: 

  • Recycled box

  • Black Marker

  • Box cutter

Directions to Make the Butterfly Perspective Lens: 

1. Cut out one side of the box

2. Draw the shape of a large butterfly

3. Cut out the wings of the butterfly

4. Take your butterfly on a walk, discover the world through a different perspective

5. What do you see?

Check out the easy-to-follow video here!

Do you have a story you’d like to share with our readers? We’d love to hear it! Sign up to contribute your story on our Voices Network.

Hi! I am an author, founder and educator. I have a Bachelor of Media Communications, Bachelor of Elementary Education Degrees as well as an Early Childhood Montessori Certification and in the process of completing a Master of Education. I live between New York and Byron Bay. I'm the mama of Grace, Theodore and Little Dude! 

Discover new ways to enjoy the outdoors! The National Park Service’s Junior Ranger motto is “Explore. Learn. Protect.” And that is exactly what your 4 to 13-year-olds get to do! Explore national parks in the Bay Area; Learn about the park’s natural wildlife, landscape and history; and Protect those parks so we can trek through them for years to come! After completing a series of activities (like counting rings on a fallen tree, word games and deciphering secret codes), kiddos can earn an official Junior Ranger patch and a Junior Ranger certificate. Keep reading to find out exactly which parks offer this cool program. And we’ve included a few virtual options as well!

How it Works

It’s simple! Go to one of the parks listed below. Pick up the Junior Park Ranger book at the visitor center (or sometimes you can download and print from home). Have fun doing all the activities and then turn in your completed book to a park ranger and get your badge and/or certificate. And the best part is that it’s FREE  and available year-round.

Where to Go!

Muir Woods National Monument

Spend time in the forest! Follow the directions in your book and then chat with a ranger about your time in the park. Discuss what you learned and what you’re still curious about. And then Wala! Your kiddo gets a badge and a certificate and you are now the proud parent of a Junior Park Ranger! Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 4-11+
Website: Muir Woods National Monument

Marin Headlands

Travel just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the wonders of nature in the Marin Headlands. Learn about ocean ecology, the history of the inhabitants of years past and how to study animal scat! Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 6-12
Website: Marin Headlands Visitor’s Center

photo by Alcatraz Cruises

Alcatraz Island

Explore one of the most iconic prisons in the United States. Dive into the mystery and unique history of this national park. Are you ready to become an Alcatraz Jr. Ranger? Get the book here! Follow the map and complete the exercises along the way! Books are also available on Alcatraz Island at the Dock Information Station. And if you can’t make it to Alcatraz, don’t worry. You can visit virtually using the Jr. Ranger Photo Gallery and an Alcatraz Ranger will send your little one a badge!
Best for Ages: 4-12
Website: Alcatraz Island

Fort Point National Historic Site

Explore the fort. Learn about its incredible history. And protect the fort’s beauty and environment so that generations can enjoy it for years to come! Try a scavenger hunt, interview a ranger and learn about the day in a life of a soldier (Fort Point defended the Bay after the Gold Rush and through World War II). Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 4-11+
Website: Fort Point National Historic Site

Photo: annie-spratt via unsplash

China Camp

This Junior Ranger program searches for birds that live and visit China Camp’s shorelines and oak woodlands. You might find hummingbirds, raptors, shorebirds and waterfowl. Kiddos will also get an up-close peek at nests and feathers. Don’t forget your camera! The program will be guided by naturalists/educators Suzanne Mirviss and Paula O’Connell. And good news! All kids must be accompanied by an adult—so you can join in on the fun as well! Register Here
Best for Ages: 7-9
Date: April 9, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Website: China Camp
*Pro-tip: Weather can be temperamental—layers work best! Snacks are welcome and water is encouraged.

San Francisco Maritime Park

Pick up your Junior Ranger activity book at one of three locations. Learn about a fleet of historic vessels and visit the maritime museum. At the same time, complete the activities and then find a park ranger who can review your kiddos hard work and award them with a well-earned Junior Ranger badge. Books are also available for download here for 5-8 yeard olds and 9-12 year olds.
Best for Ages: 5-12
Locations:
Hyde Street Pier, Foot of Hyde Street/2905 Hyde Street
Municipal Pier (Aquatic Park Pier)
Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building (Maritime Museum), Foot of Polk Street/900 Beach Street
Website: San Francisco Maritime Park

Photo: toki-doki via creative commons

Point Reyes Junior Ranger

Come to Point Reyes and pick up your Junior Ranger book at one of the park’s visitor centers. Explore the history of the Coast Miwok (people who call this area home) and learn about marine life (especially elephant seals and gray whales). When you finish your Junior Ranger book, return it to one of the visitor centers to get sworn in as an official Junior Park Ranger and receive your Junior Ranger patch. Too much time exploring to finish the book while you are in the park? Complete it later and mail it here: Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Reyes National Seashore, 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA, 94956.
A ranger will check your work and mail the book back to you with a patch! Can’t make the trip to Point Reyes? Become a Virtual Junior Ranger!
Best for Ages: 5-12+
Website: Point Reyes National Seashore

 

Virtual Opportunities

Dual Language

Initiated in the summer of 2020, close to 10,000 people participated in Virtual Junior Ranger Programs. Because they were so successful, the staff decided to continue the programs. And now—a dual language Junior Ranger program is available online. Check it out for yourself! And click here to access six different modules to complete at your own pace.

Beach Buddies Junior Ranger Book

The Beach Buddies Jr. Ranger book features Petey Plover, a cute little bird with a brown Ranger hat. Petey guides you through fun activities that teach you how to keep your beaches clean and safe in fun and easy ways.  Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 6-10+

Virtual Junior Ranger Railroad Explorer

Ready to become a railroad explorer? Learn more about the transcontinental railroad, which helped link the United States from coast to coast! Complete this book, check your work and complete the pledge in the back of the book.

Junior Ranger Sounds Explorer

Meet Lucy, the listening owl. Follow her as you explore the sounds of the park, learn the science behind those sounds and appreciate why we need to protect those sounds. Complete this book, check your answers with this key, have a parent sign the certificate to become a Junior Ranger Sounds Explorer. To find out more about natural sounds and why sounds matter, check this out!
Best for Ages 5-10+

Junior Ranger in Space

Co-designed with NASA, click here to access the Spaceflight Explorer Jr. Ranger book. Complete with math and matching puzzles, thinking questions, spot the difference photos, scrambled words and anagrams, children will learn about the Moon, space vehicles and national parks. Take the pledge, make your own badge, and show off your certificate proudly!
Best for Ages: 5-8

Junior Ranger Angler

Let’s go fishing! Get your booklet here! Learn about fishing, aquatic life and safety while you meet fish, learn about different types of fishing and get to know the gear. Parents, check their work and then scroll to the bottom of this page to print a badge.
Best for Ages: 5-12+

Junior Ranger Scientist

Explore magnificent caves, learn what cave scientists actually do and start protecting our natural environments and the things that make caves special! Complete this booklet and send it to this address: Jr. Cave Scientist, GRD-Academy Place, PO BOX 25287, Denver, CO 80225. Via mail, you will receive your booklet, a badge and a personal letter to your little explorer.
Best for Ages: 5-12+

Junior Ranger Night Explorer

Here’s the booklet! Try the “exploring with your Senses” and the “Take a Planet Walk” sections. Complete as much of the book as you can. Sign the book and take a look at your well-deserved virtual high-five.
Best for Age: 5-12+

— Nicole Findlay and Garrick Ramirez

RELATED STORIES

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Those darn darts from your kiddo’s Nerf blaster are everywhere. Now you don’t need to crawl around the carpet, picking up each individual piece of foam from the floor.

The Nerf Elite Dart Rover is the toy cleaning tool you need right now. The Dart Rover looks like a mini lawn mower, but doesn’t cut down your carpeting. Instead, the River picks up those pesky little Nerf darts with a simple swipe.

photo: Amazon

Instead of a one by one pick-up process, this genius machine lets you grab up to 100 darts at a time. Along with the super-picker up potential, the Dart Rover also comes with non-slip wheels (which are perfect for your non-carpeted floors) and an adjustable handle. A mesh net basket catches darts as they fly off the floor and into the Rover.

Built for kids ages eight and up (and moms and dads too!), this grabber gadget gives your child the chance to clean up their own Nerf-tastrophy—instead of you playing the role of dart keeper.

This quick catcher retails for $29.99. Nab The Nerf Elite Dart Rover online at Amazon.

—Erica Loop

 

RELATED STORIES

26 Musical Instruments You Can Make at Home

11 Math Games That Equal Tons of Fun

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The new Clifford The Big Red Dog movie shows kids the magic that can happen when you love big. By making your pet Clifford-size at CliffordSizeYourPet.CliffordMovie.com and sharing the photo, you can win $100 to use toward a trip to the movies to see Clifford The Big Red Dog! Entering is as simple as sharing a photo!

Here’s how it works: Once you upload or snap a pic of your pet, the background will be cropped out so you can place a larger-than-life photo of them in one of Clifford’s favorite NYC locations. Head to CliffordSizeYourPet.CliffordMovie.com to get started!

How to Enter:

Option #1: Post a photo of your pet edited with the tool at CliffordSizeYourPet.CliffordMovie.com to a public account on one of the following social platforms: Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and include #LoveBigContest in the post.
Entries must be shared between November 2 and November 10 and the social media account you share from must be set to public.

Option #2: Post a photo of your pet edited with the tool at CliffordSizeYourPet.CliffordMovie.com in the comments of the contest post on the Tinybeans Facebook page.

See the official rules here.

For your next painting session, challenge your little ones to skip the brushes. Believe it or not, there are countless ways to paint without paintbrushes, using everything from balloons to fly swatters. Your budding artists will get a kick out of these off-the-wall ideas. Keep reading to get inspired.

Pick a Pinecone

No Time for Flashcards

For this simple activity, No Time for Flashcards switches a paintbrush for a pinecone. It’s all about experimenting with the materials and seeing what happens when you roll the pinecone around. At the end of it, you’ve got some pretty cool abstract art too!

Let’s Roll

Childhood 101

Kids can make their own wrapping paper with this cool idea from Childhood 101. Gather up a bunch of different textured items from around the house to make different prints, like bubble wrap, rubber bands and mesh bags.

Brick by Brick

Pink Stripey Socks

If you’ve got a LEGO lover in your family, they’ll be obsessed with this craft from Pink Stripey Socks. They can start by making a design out of blocks, then dip it into paint and stamp it on paper. They can also experiment with using individual bricks as stamps—the sky’s the limit.

Bubble Painting

Artful Kids

Little ones love bubbles, so it’s not surprising that they’d also get excited about bubble painting. Artful Kids has the scoop on three different ways to paint with bubbles. They’re all fun and easy, and don’t require a ton of supplies.

Freeze Paint

Learn with Play at Home

Popsicle painting could be the coolest way to paint… literally. With this simple idea, freezing paint is not only a fun setup process, but it’s pretty easy to clean up, too. It's a perfect project for indoors, but the icy paint also works great on the pavement outside, too! For more info on where to pick up those handy popsicle sticks, head over to Learn with Play at Home.

Crafty Combs

No Time for Flashcards

New combs are the best way to get clean, clear pictures, so be sure to hit up the Dollar Store before trying your own version of this bright idea from No Time for Flashcards. The drop and drag skills needed can be tackled by even the tiniest artist, making this a great weekend project—the whole family can join in on the fun!

Splatter with Swatters

Munchkins and Moms

Art is definitely not what comes to mind when you imagine a fly swatter. But, with the right supplies (butcher paper, tape, a wall and willing swatters) you’ll see creativity flying around in a few seconds flat. You’ll be Lord of the Flies all afternoon. Zip over to Munchkins and Moms for the how-to.

Cotton Ball Crafts

Domestic Mommyhood

The family supply of cotton balls will be in major need of replenishment after trying this project, but it’s worth watching your tiniest creator get in on the action. Ideal for toddlers on up through preschool, using clothespins and cotton balls is an excellent lesson in fine motor skills; and it helps the littles keep colors separate! Find out what you can use if you don’t have a muffin pan handy, over at Domestic Mommyhood.

Bust a Few Balloons

Growing a Jeweled Rose

Pop Art just got literal. To re-create, add balloons to poster board carnival-style, and let the kids pop to it. While this scores pretty high on the mess-o-meter, the fun factor is also sky high. Want to know how it’s done? Artistic mama Crystal explains how to get just enough paint in every balloon over at Growing a Jeweled Rose.

Create with Condiment Bottles

Fun at Home with Kids

Squeeze a little more fun out of the afternoon by mixing up a batch of microwave puffy paint. We love the recipe and tutorial perfected by Asia of Fun at Home with Kids. We really love the condiment bottles that are used as both paint container and applicator, rolled into one.

Sponges as Stamps

Buggy and Buddy

You’ll be pulling a few out anyways, so why not use sponges to make art? Create shapes and characters, or keep it simple with one style. We can’t get enough of the adorable ode to Very Hungry Caterpillar spotted over at Buggy and Buddy.

Use Baking Tools

Mama.Papa.Bubba

There’s nothing cookie cutter about this creative use of everyone’s favorite baking tool. Instant stamp-like prints (perfect for filling in later!), easy handling for little hands and one-step cleanup make this idea from Mama.Papa.Bubba a sweet way to fill an open afternoon.

Use Things that Vroom

Craftwhack

Make tracks for the toy box and pull out the biggest, baddest monster truck, right on down to the teeniest, tiniest sports car, and watch your kids zoom their way into creativity (extra points for making vroom noises while they paint!). Cleaning up the tires may take a little more time, but the twofer on artistic and imaginary play can’t be beat. We like how mom Jeanette over at Craftwhack set up her little painter for an afternoon of colorful tread-burning fun.

Fun with Food

Gabby Cullen

They’ll have a whole new appreciation for veggies after this project. First, slice apples, potatoes, bell peppers, celery (you can even use broccoli!) or any other fresh food you find in the fridge. Then, give each kid their “stamp” and watch as they dip and print. You can even talk about why each print looks just so, adding a little science to their art.

—Susie Foresman & Gabby Cullen

 

RELATED STORIES:

DIY Finger Paint! Try This Recipe for Baby-Safe Non-Toxic Paint

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If you’re new to the world of finding someone to watch your baby, read and bookmark these interview questions to ask a babysitter. From their experience and certifications to availability and flexibility, these nanny or babysitter interview questions will give you a better picture of whether this is the right babysitter for you. You’ll also find helpful tips on how to conduct a babysitter interview.

Personal Questions

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These interview questions will help you learn more about the babysitter's personality and whether they meet your basic requirements.

1. How would you describe yourself?

2. What do you like to do in your free time?

3. Did you grow up around younger kids (siblings, cousins, neighbors)?

4. What is your availability? Do you have time constraints that would prevent you from staying later if necessary?

5. Do you have reliable transportation? What kind?

6. Do you smoke?

7. Would you be comfortable taking a drug test?

8. How much do you charge?

Experience Questions

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These questions can help you determine whether this babysitter has the necessary experience.

9. Describe your babysitting experience. How long were you with each family? What ages were the children?

10. What are your favorite and least favorite parts about babysitting?

11. How comfortable are you with changing diapers?

12. What are your methods for putting a baby down to sleep?

13. What was your scariest/most challenging babysitting situation? How did you respond?

14. Do you check on babies while they sleep? Why or why not? If you do, how often?

15. Do you have first aid and CPR training? If so, when were you certified? If not, would you be willing to get it?

16. Do you have references I can contact?

Scenario Questions

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These interview questions will give you an understanding of how well prepared this babysitter is to care for your child.

17. The baby starts choking; what do you do?

18. You are getting ready to give the baby a bath when you smell smoke; what is the first thing you do?

19. You and the baby have been playing when you notice that she starts rubbing her eyes and crying. What do you think that means, and how do you respond?

20. The baby just had a blowout in his diaper. Explain how you handle it.

Interview Tips

1. Call the references your babysitter gives you.

Ask them questions like:

  • How well do you know the sitter?
  • Has he/she worked for you specifically as a babysitter? If not, what was his/her role?
  • Is he/she punctual?
  • Is he/she dependable?
  • How did he/she handle a difficult situation while caring for your child?
  • Would you hire him/her again?
  • What three words would you use to describe him/her?

2. Check out the person on social media.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and other social media sites are great ways to find out if the persona your babysitter is portraying to you is the one they portray to everyone else. Google is also a handy tool to find out the inside scoop on your prospective babysitter.

3. Discuss your expectations.
Do you expect your babysitter to perform household tasks (folding laundry, doing dishes and taking care of light housework) while working for you? Do you have a strict eat & sleep schedule you want the sitter to follow? If so, communicate that during your interview. Having crystal-clear expectations will help you both as you gauge whether this is a match.

4. Request a trial run while you're home. 
Schedule a time for the babysitter to watch your baby while you're home. You can evaluate how the babysitter interacts with your baby, if they use common sense, how their diaper-changing and feeding skills are and their general demeanor and confidence with babies. It will also help you determine if your baby responds well to the sitter.

Sarah Blight

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You bought a new slip ‘n slide, you stocked up on craft supplies and you have a shelf full of books to keep your kids entertained this summer—or so you’d hope. No matter how prepared we are for summer, at some point every parent hears those dreaded two words: I’m bored. Luckily, the internet has an endless supply of entertainment and Families.Google has made it easier than ever for families to find the stuff that’s both enriching and fun. Keep reading to see how three moms are using Google’s Digital Fun resources this summer:

Natasha D’Anna

Natasha’s twins love being creative together, whether it’s doing nail art, reading the same books or exploring crafts on YouTube. Google’s Digital Fun resources make it easy to find ways to be creative as a family, including virtual tours of museums, I Spy games and online coloring books.

 

Chelsi Eiselstein

Yes, summer just started, but we all know how back to school sneaks up on us. Chelsi is helping her soon-to-be Kindergartener get in the learning mindset this summer with STEM activities from Families.Google, including math tips from Sesame Street and videos about science and space.

 

Vera Sweeney

Families.Google has digital fun for kids of all ages, which is perfect for Vera—who is always on the lookout for things that her eight year old and thirteen year old can enjoy together. As a fun family bonding activity, Vera’s kids can learn music through Chrome Music Lab or solve a virtual puzzle together!