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0 In 2021/ Memories/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Minnesota

Peek into our Weeks (March 2021)

I know that it’s nearing the end of April … but here’s a look back into what our family was up to in March!

Checking off an item on Paul’s Bucket list

We had a free day and it was COLD outside…so we made a visit to the REPTILE and AMPHIBIAN Zoo. It’s a small place but we enjoyed watching the staff feed several of their reptiles. Paul was able to check something off his bucket list: Hold a giant Boa Constrictor. (Paul has all kind of UNIQUE things on his bucket list!)

Checked off “hold a giant boa” from Paul’s bucket list

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A Real Date Night

Ted and I have a favorite date night spot and it’s been closed for most of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. We were so excited to get a real in-person date night when Colita re-opened! Quarantine date nights were sweet, but it’s so nice to finally get out of the house and go to an actual restaurant!

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Classic Clark

Clark comes in each night banged up and usually muddy. I was looking at his legs in astonishment and asking how he has so many marks and scars on his legs. This was his response:

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A ‘shell’ of a tradition

When I was a child, my mom came home from a trip to Florida with a bag of white seashells. Together we painted them and gave one to each person in my class.

On a recent trip to Marco Island, I spotted the same white shells and happy memories flooded my mind. I knew I had to carry on the tradition. The boys and I had so much fun painting shells and giving them away!

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An afternoon at Como Zoo with a bunch of boys

We spent a few hours at Como Zoo and Conservatory (click here to read about it), then played at the park across the street. We stopped at DQ on our way home.

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School Daze

The boys are finally back in school full time. I’ve been teaching and had so much fun getting to be in their classrooms! I taught Clark’s class and was Luke’s reading teaching. Next week I’ll get to be Paul’s teacher. I’m grateful that the boys get excited about me teaching. It gives them something to look forward to, and I look forward to it as well! BONUS: Shields are no longer required.

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Wrigley Updates:

Muddy March

This is our first spring with a dog and WOW – puppies get DIRTY!!!! Dogs gravitate toward the mud more than boys do! We’ve been giving Wrigley baths daily, sometimes multiple baths each day. Wrigley likes bath time ALMOST as much as he likes to play in the mud.

Wrigley had his first visit to the groomer and he looked SO different that we thought the groomer may have given us the wrong dog. The boy decided to ‘test’ Wrigley to see if it was really their dog. They watched to see if he’d respond to his name, then made him do all the tricks they taught him. After he passed his ‘test,’ they were finally convinced we had the right dog.

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A visit to Oklahoma

The boys and Nana

We visited family and friends in Oklahoma for spring break. I’ve got the world’s best in-laws who open up their beautiful home to us and take such good care of us when we visit. It’s also so fun for me to be with my sisters and let the boys play with their cousins. We also got a night out with some old friends.

Night out with old friends

Thanks for reading! Please subscribe if you’d like to follow our adventures!

4 In 2021/ Free stuff/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Minnesota

Why Como Zoo and Conservatory Should Be on Your Twin Cities Bucket List

One of my favorite places to visit in Minnesota is Como Zoo and Conservatory.

Not only is it historic and beautiful, but it’s FREE (though donations are appreciated).

The animals are nice and they are definitely what lure my children here, but my favorite part is the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

The Conservatory was built in 1915, and is one of the few remaining original Victorian style glasshouses in North America. Inside are two acres of beautiful flowers and greenery ‘under glass.’ The display inside the conservatory changes five times a year, so you never know what beauty you’ll encounter when you visit.

Because of Covid, they are asking everyone to book tickets online in advance (there is no charge for the tickets). This is one of the few Covid changes I like, because it means there are only a select number of tickets they give out each day, so it’s not crowded! (Click here to reserve your space.)

The animals came before the conservatory. Como Zoo started in 1897 when the city of St. Paul was gifted 3 deer and created a fenced in area to keep them.

Como was the first zoo in the world to successfully hand raise Siberian tigers.

Besides tigers and deer, there are many other animals to observe and enjoy. Luke loves the Arctic foxes and penguins, George’s favorites are the monkeys (we all like the monkeys). Paul likes the sloth and fish, I love the birds and giraffes, Clark liked the cougar and giant Polar bear.

The Como Zoo has exhibits inside and outside, so you can enjoy this place all year long.

In the summer, be sure to visit the beautiful Japanese Garden:

After your visit to the zoo, plan to visit the fun playground across the street. There are plenty of tables, perfect for a picnic.

Como Park

The state’s oldest Dairy Queen dates back to 1947 an is just a mile away. (720 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113) This is a fun way to end a spectacular day!

como Dairy Queen

Click here for a peek into one of our visits to Como Zoo and Conservatory! What animals do you spot?

Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket list!

Click here for a peek into our visit to the amazing Mill City Museum

Click here to read ’24 Family-Friendly Places to Visit in the Twin cities’

4 In 2020/ Christmas/ Family/ Free stuff/ Games/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado/ Things to do in Minnesota

41 Final Wintertime Activities for Quarantined Kids (Part 3)

I’ve created 101 things to do in quarantine.

Click here for the first 30 (Part 1)

Click here for the second set of 30 – all FREE! (Part 2)

Today I bring you the final 41, for a total of 101 ideas for wintertime and quarantine fun!

1. Build a Marble Maze / Labrynth

George creating his game called “The Ultimate Maze”
  • Your kids can use an empty box.
  • Glue straws to the bottom to create a maze.

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2. Card Games

Play a card game with your family after dinner.

A lady I enjoy listening to, raised four amazing sons and swears by the power of spending time with your kids around the table – not just eating, but staying to play games. She said the boys didn’t always want to play, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. Playing together opens up conversations you may not normally have. Games make you laugh and connect in a new way.

  • Some good options: Go Fish, Memory, Uno
  • My kids and I love Skipbo and Rat-a-tat-Cat (Best for ages 7 and up)
  • You can learn a NEW card game. My boys and I just started playing “Garbage” – it’s an easy game we learned on Youtube.
  • When I was a child, I entertained myself by playing Solitaire. Perhaps your kids can learn this one too!?
  • My kids don’t always want to play a card game, but I often ask them to play just ONE game. They forget how fun it is until they start playing.

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3. Try winter gardening

Click here for ideas

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4. Make snow slushees

  • If you have milk and sugar, your kids can make their own ice cream!
  • Click here for recipe!
  • Scoop fresh snow, pour any drink on top to turn it into a SLUSHEE!

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5. Minute to Win it Games

Click here to read the ten fun games to play with your kids!

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6. Create “Ramp Races”

A really fun and simple activity that can act as a physics lesson and opportunity for an experiment. Make a simple ramp using cardboard or a piece of wood, and roll different objects down: measure how far they go, how fast they roll, or hold races between different kinds of balls to see which wins!

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7. Go Fishing With Magnets

  • Create “fishing poles” using pencils, string, and magnets.
  • Place a variety of items in a bin–some magnetic, some otherwise–and let them go to town exploring the concept of magnetism! 

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8. Draw self portraits

self portrait
Luke age 5
  • Have your kids look in the mirror and do a self portrait!
  • Be sure to have them write their name and age. It will be fun to look back on this when they are older.
  • You could have them repeat this every year around their birthday to see how their drawings improve! 

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9.  Make a Flip Book Animation

Kids can learn how to make a flipbook animation in less than 5 minutes. All you need is a pen and a stack of paper, or even better, a sticky note pad. This video is a great and very quick tutorial

Here is one of my son’s first flip book, using index cards:

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10. Create paper airplanes

Click here for ideas

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11. Sledding

If you have snow like we do, this is fun for all ages!

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12. Skiing

Luke learning to ski and LOVING it!

Skiing requires gloves, you can wear a mask, it’s outdoors and fairly easy to stay ‘socially distant.’ Many ski resorts have special rates and lessons for beginners.

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13. Play with shaving cream

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14. Have a make your own pizza and family movie night

Click here for some of our family favorites

Click here for a simple 3 ingredient pizza recipe!

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15. Take a winter walk

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16. Play Bingo! or Zingo!

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17. Make one of a kind ornaments

Click here to read how!

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18. Make a comic strip

Read the Sunday comics to your kids, then make your own!

Click here for this printable comic strip outline.

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19. Stop Motion

  • Download a stop-motion app for your kids and let them make stop motion videos

Here’s a video my 10 year old made:

https://youtu.be/PwXNusWmltk

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20. Learn and/or Practice an instrument

  • Piano, keyboard, xylophone, harmonica, recorder or drums…make it a family band.
  • Look on Youtube for free lessons.

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21. Pour Paint

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22. Rock Art

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23. Play with marshmallows and toothpicks

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24. Make Special Snacks

  • Take a cupcake holder and put a different snack in each section
  • Make Circus Sundaes – Ice Cream, Animal Crackers, Syrup, Whip Cream and a Cherry On Top!

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25. Blow Art

  • Pour droplets of paint on paper
  • Allow kids to “blow” air through the straw to make a cool pattern
blow paint

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26. Play Follow The Leader

  • Have each child take a turn being the leader
  • Walk all around your house
  • Do jumps, turns, stop to hug dad, etc.

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27. Mess Free Coloring

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28. Playfoam Game

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29. Go Retro with Lite-Brite

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30. Become an author

  • My fourth grade teacher once gave us the title “The Entire City Lends a Hand” and had the class each write their own story.  Read a rendition of that here.
  • Give your kids a title/prompt and let them write! 
  • Title ideas: 
    • If I were President…
    • Undersea Adventure… 
    • You Won’t Believe what Happened! 

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31. Got Toilet Paper?

toilet paper

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32. Have your children create a scavenger hunt for each other!

  • Give them a treat to hide for their sibling
  • Have them create clues to search the house and find it!

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33. Memorize a verse together

  • I find SO much comfort in knowing Scripture by heart and being able to quote it when I’m feeling fear.
  • Learn a verse together with your kids.
  • Click here for 12 great verses.

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34. Draw it

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35. Butcher Paper Family Table

  • Roll a large sheet of paper across the dining room table or counter top or coffee table.
  • Set markers in a jar on top of the table.
  • Draw Christmas scenes, hand prints, rainbows, etc.

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37. Fashion Plates or Action Plates

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38. Make salt dough ornaments

Salt dough ornaments

My sister made these with her girls (ages 5 and 8). They turned out so cute. I am going to make some with my boys.

Click here for step-by-step instructions.

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39. Get a job or Help a Neighbor

Both working and serving can boost your mood!

If you have kids who are 8 and older, they can earn money or serve their neighbors by shoveling, cleaning up leaves, or helping any other outdoor task.

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40. Find a place to explore!

Though there are some places that are closed for Covid, you can still find a new place to explore with your kids!

You can look at the website “Only in your State.”

If you are in Tulsa, Oklahoma, check out The Gathering Place or RedBud Nature Preserve.

If you live in Colorado Springs, CO – click here for ten great places to hike with kids.

If you are in Minnesota, click here to discover the Arboretum, the Eloise Bird Sanctuary, and more!

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41. If all else fails…let them be bored! 

Being bored is a natural part of life as a kid. Try not to offer an immediate solution to their boredom and see what they come up with! It’s often in times of boredom that children show their greatest creativity!

Click here to read 20 gifts that Minnesota gave the world. I’m guessing most inventions were made during the long, dark winters in Minnesota.

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Thanks for reading!

If you missed part 1 of this series, click here!

Click here for 30 FREE wintertime activities for kids!

Click here for 55 more ideas for quarantine fun!

Here’s a video I created to show you some great gift ideas for kids:

21 In 2020/ DIY/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Minnesota

30 FREE wintertime activities for quarantined kids! (Part 2)

Last time I posted 30 ideas for wintertime fun (click here to read that post).

Today’s post includes 30 more ideas for wintertime fun in quarantine – and they are ALL FREE!

1. Have a “What’s in the Box?” Challenge

George and Clark: What’s in the Box Challenge
  • Cut holes a in box
  • Choose an item to put inside
  • Allow someone to reach their hand inside the box and “guess” what it is.
  • Take turns finding items to hide, then guessing “What’s in the Box?”

Here’s a video my boys made of this challenge:

https://youtu.be/n1m4k1ktuIo

2. Build a Fort

  • Put blankets over your dining table – or
  • Use boxes, or pillows and blankets.
  • Read a story in the fort!
  • Go on a Bear Hunt
  • Decorate the fort with Christmas lights!

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3. Take a ‘virtual’ tour of a museum:

Click here for museums with virtual tours

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4. Pick up a free kit from Home Depot and build something together

battleship
  • Home Depot has created take home kits for kids
  • Go to customer service to ask for one for each of your kids
  • My 11 and 9 year old were able to follow the simple instructions and build a battleship on their own. I helped my 6 year old.
  • After my boys built their boats, they played with them in the bathtub.

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5. Draw Pictures

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6. Play “Jump the River”

  • Place two strings an inch apart.
  • Have everyone “jump” across.
  • Keep spreading the strings apart until everyone falls in the ‘river.’

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7. Play Ball Games

  • Put a kid-friendly twist on that classic shooting game H-O-R-S-E by using smaller balls and setting up bins, buckets, and pots around the house or yard.
  • Take turns making shots. If a child makes it, the next child has to try to make it from the same spot.

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8. Play “Would you Rather?”

Click here for questions!

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9. Play Hide and Seek

  • Hide a stuffed animal. Say “hotter/colder” when they are getting close or further away.
  • Also, try playing in the dark with a flash light.

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10. Have an Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Pinterest has lots of ideas

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11. Have a Dance Party!

  • Turn on some upbeat music and ask your kids teach you dance moves. Try whatever moves they show you!! 
  • Then turn on your music and teach them a dance – perhaps the Macarena?!

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12. Practice “manners!”

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13. Write letters to family or friends

  • Send joy in the form of a picture or a letter!

14. Make a timeline of your child’s life

  • Make a timeline of each child’s milestones.
  • If possible, get some pictures from each developmental stage, and tape or pin them to the appropriate place on the timeline.

15. Tickle tackle

  • Stay on your knees in the middle of a room.
  • Kids try to run past me without getting “tickled and tackled!”

16. Plan a family vacation or a DREAM vacation

17. Play dress up

  • Whether it’s super heroes or princesses, kids enjoy “make believe!”

18. Make shadow puppets

Click here for some ideas!

19. Match up your socks, roll them up, and have a sock fight

20. Exercise!

I don’t know about your kids – but my kids NEED to burn energy in a healthy way or they start getting mischievous! Sometimes we will set a timer and everyone has to run or MOVE or jump for 5 to 20 minutes.

Occasionally, a child does a lap around the house (inside or outside) if they are misbehaving.

21. Learn how to tie cool knots

Click here to watch and learn!

22. Homemade Tap Shoes

Sorry parents, this one’s noisy! It’s so easy, though, and will keep your kids busy!

  • Simply tape a coin to the bottom of your child’s shoe. Voila, homemade tap shoes!
  • Get them to come up with a tap-dancing routine, rehearse it and record their final performance (bring your own earmuffs!)

23. Mystery pictures

  • WooJr has TONS of fun and free printables for Kids.
  • The “Mystery Grids” are fun for kids – they won’t know what they are coloring until it’s finishe

24. Paint nails or pictures on a cardboard box:

25. Clean!

Chores are one of the best mediums we have for teaching kids about being part of a family, and about belonging, significance, and teamwork. 

Lynn Lott

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26. Take a free art class

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27. Play Hangman

This game has been around for over 100 years. Teach your kids how to play! Use their spelling or vocabulary words and call it “HOME SCHOOL!”

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28. Play charades or try the “Heads Up” app

  • Even little ones can play charades. Whisper what you want them to “act” out and let the sibling(s) guess.
  • The Heads Up app is lots of fun for kids who can read.

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29. Make paper snowflakes

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30. Learn some Old School Hand Clapping games like ‘Miss Mary Mack’

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Click here to read my previous post of 30 wintertime activities to do with your kids. The post includes some fun Christmas gift ideas!

Click here for 41 fun family ideas for winter in quarantine!

Click here for some fun MINUTE TO WIN IT games!

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My next post will include the final 30 activities for wintertime and quarantine fun! Subscribe so you don’t miss that post!

3 In 2020/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Minnesota

Exploring Minnesota: Eloise Butler Garden

Last Saturday was a beautiful fall day, so we decided to explore a new spot in the Twin Cities – the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. Founded in 1907, the Wildflower Garden is the oldest public native plant garden in the United States!

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There is no charge to explore and hike, but there is a minimal parking fee.

Most days the park is staffed by naturalists and volunteers who are happy to tell you what’s blooming, where to explore, and to answer other questions you may have about birds or flowers.

There were ‘scavenger hunt’ sheets available for kids at the entryway, and my boys loved being on a ‘hunt!’

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The boardwalk was so really cool.

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Once inside, there’s a marked out “trail” for you to walk. I was grateful for this because I have a tendency to get lost if I’m allowed to wander aimlessly. The marked trail is less than a mile and even our youngest son walked all the way through without complaint. (There is also a longer trail for you to explore, but we took the short cut.)

There were so many things to enjoy – different trees, small animals, lots of birds and so many plants. The signs throughout the gardens teach you about the various wildlife.

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Eloise Butler Garden and Bird Sanctuary is beautiful and I look forward to exploring it in the spring when the flowers are blooming!

It’s open April though October – but click here for more information on this spot!

The Walker Sculpture Garden is close by, so I recommend you visit that place next.

If you want to read about another beautiful place to explore, read this post about the Minnesota Arboretum.

Click here for my Minnesota Bucket list.

5 In Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Things to do in Minnesota

Spend a fun-filled day with kids in Jordan, Minnesota (just outside the Twin Cities)

I love exploring the unique places that each state has to offer. Recently, we had an amazing time in Duluth. I’ve also written about the great things to do in Lakeville. Of course, nearly everyone knows about Mall of America. However, one place I’d never heard of until I moved to Minnesota, was the quaint town of Jordan. Jordan is only about 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities.

I’d heard there was a giant candy store in this town, but did some research to see what else there was to do. I was surprised to find some really unique things for families.

Start your day with a visit to the American Ninja Warrior Grassman Park.

Address: 1132 Stonebridge Path, Jordan, MN 55352

It’s a FREE and FANTASTIC place to go and get some FUN exercise.

There are two obstacle courses – one for younger children, and another for older children. There are timers on both courses. Your kids can push the button to start a timer, run the course, and push another button to end the timer. Children and adults of all ages can have fun (and burn lots of energy) at this park!

Next, stop by Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store!

Address: 20430 Johnson Memorial Drive, Jordan, MN 55352

Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store has so much more than candy. You will also find fresh pie, savory snacks, bottles of pop, and puzzles. It’s sensory overload, but absolutely worth a visit.

You may want to set the expectation for your kids (and maybe yourself) about what they can spend BEFORE you enter the store. The candy is on the pricey side. It’s easy to drop LOTS of money here!! I told my boys they could spend $5 each – so they had to get creative and pool their money to get the candy they wanted.

BRING CASH or a checkbook! They do not accept credit cards.

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After having fun at the candy store, burn some of that sugar high off at the nearby Lagoon Park.

Address: 300 Park Dr. Jordan, MN 55352

This park has shaded picnic tables, a playground, a splash pad and even a beach. Across the street is a beautiful waterfall. The best part – it’s all free!

We brought and ate a picnic lunch, then played at the fantastic park for the rest of the afternoon.

Lagoon Park
Jordan

If you are considering a visit to Jordan, here is what I’d recommend you bring:

  • Cash for the candy store
  • Water shoes, a towel, and a swimsuit for Lagoon Park
  • A picnic lunch
  • Sunblock or bug spray
  • Beach toys (optional)

Is there another unique town in Minnesota that we should visit? Leave me a comment!

Here’s a video of Clark (age 10) trying the American Ninja Warrior Course:

Here’s a video of my 6 year old trying the course:

Here’s a peek into another awesome thing to do in the Twin Cities – The Como Zoo!

Here’s a peek into our day at the Mill City Museum.

Here’s my Minnesota Bucket List.

Here’s a peek into the multi-million dollar Minneapolis Mansion!

Here’s a peek inside the magnificent Minnesota Arboretum!

3 In 2020/ Family/ Food/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Review/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

A Perfect Weekend in Duluth

It was Ted’s Birthday weekend and we wanted to get out of the Twin Cities and do something fun. A visit to Duluth had been on our Minnesota Bucket List for two years – so we booked a place to stay and invited some friends to join us for the weekend up north. (Bonus, our friends used to LIVE THERE – so they knew all the best spots to visit!!)

We arrived in Duluth on Friday around noon and started the weekend in Canal Park. We walked through a few of the quaint shops and got to the end to see the massive lift bridge. Every 30 minutes, the bridge lifts to let boats come into the Harbour from Lake Superior. You can click here to find the ship schedule.


We ate lunch at Grandma’s Restaurant because:

  1. People recommended it and
  2. It’s next to the lift bridge
Notes on Grandma's Restaurant: I didn't love the indoor 'vibe' of this restaurant, but getting a seat by a window or on the upstairs patio makes it nice! The food was pretty good, but not amazing. The reason to go here - LOCATION! I'd only go back if I had an outdoor table that overlooks the bridge. 
Lunch at Grandma’s Restaurant

After lunch we ordered ice cream to share from an old caboose that is now an ice cream shop.

Then we walked to the lighthouse at the end of the loooong pier. My boys were amazed that Superior is really a lake and not an ocean.

We walked back to our hotel to check in, then watched the trucks and tractors working behind the hotel – setting huge boulders in place and creating a large walkway along the lake. Each semi could only hold three boulders. After we watched them work for awhile, we drove to Park Point Beach, which is about an eight minute drive from Canal Park. The drive takes you across the lift bridge – which was fun, and the drive to the beach is nice because you get to enjoy viewing a wide range of homes along the lakefront.

When we arrived at Park Point Beach, we stood to observe the powerful lake and unique beach – full of soft sand and huge, heavy logs that had washed onto the shore. The lake is always VERY cold and since it was late in the day, we weren’t planning to swim. However, the chilly air, the cold water, and lack of swimsuits, did not stop the kids. They were playing in the waves within minutes of our arrival.


After time at Park Point, we went back to the hotel to dry off and change, then walked to dinner at Canal Street Brewery. The restaurant has a great vibe, and huge windows overlooking the lake. Ted ordered a salmon salad and I had a grilled chicken sandwich with brie and asparagus. The boys ate burgers. We all enjoyed our meals and would definitely go back.

After dinner, we let the kids swim in the hotel pool, then we enjoyed s’mores on the hotel’s back patio.

We’d been watching the weather for several days preceding our trip, and the forecast showed rain and lightning all weekend. Clark asked if we could pray and ask God for nice weather so that we could explore outdoors. Thankfully, Friday was nice! It was warm during the day and just a little chilly at night. After getting into bed Friday night, it rained and thundered all night – but the storms were over by morning! Saturday’s weather was perfect for exploring.

We started the day with breakfast in the hotel, then drove about 45 minutes north along Lake Superior to Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Gooseberry Falls was SPECTACULAR!

It was one of the most amazing ‘playgrounds’ we’ve ever explored. There are so many trails to hike, but we spent hours just playing in the water. 

Gooseberry Falls Tips:

  • Wear water shoes! (See recommendations below) The falls are wet and rocky and you’ll want to get in the water and explore. Click here to see a great pair I found for my husband for only $15.
  • Wear comfy clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.
  • There are two large parking lots – if one is full, there is one just beside it. Both were nearly full when we left, but it didn’t feel overly crowded because the State Park is SO large!
  • If you are bringing children, I recommend following the trail to the LOWER FALLS. We started at the UPPER falls and found it was DANGEROUS for young, curious children. Our kids wanted to get really close to the edge of the falls, and could have easily fallen over. There is nothing to stop them. In fact, the day we were there, two children fell over the falls and had to be life flighted out. At the time of this post, all I know is that they are injured, but still alive.
  • Pack some snacks and a water bottle – All the hiking and water play will make you hungry!
  • 20-30 minutes before you leave, call to make a reservation at the world famous Betty’s Pies. We tried to eat there, but there was too long of a wait. They told us we could call in advance to save our place in line.


We happened to see a sign that said Grand Superior Grille as we were leaving the falls, and stopped here for lunch. The restaurant has sweeping views of the lake, and a well-priced menu. We practically had the place to ourselves and couldn’t believe more people weren’t there. The food and environment were fantastic. George said this was his favorite restaurant we went to all weekend because of the nice environment and good food.

Behind the restaurant is a phenomenal rocky coast.

Skipping rocks


Next, we drove to Brighton Beach but only stayed for a few minutes because it was way too packed. As an alternative, we went to Lester Park. It’s not a beach, but has trails to hike, a playground, and the best part – a beautiful creek to play in. The kids absolutely loved it and could have stayed and played in the creek for HOURS!

Lester Park Tips:

  • For a calm place to play, use the creek to the left of the playground.
  • The first creek you see (close to the parking lot) is usually filled with teenagers. Walking a little farther in, is a much better place for kids to explore.

We talked them into leaving by promising ice cream. I was hoping to go to the historic Portland’s Malt Shop, but we drove by and saw a super long line, so we went back to our hotel and walked to Dairy Queen. While we ate our ice cream, we walked back to the Lift Bridge. The boys enjoyed chasing pigeons and sea gulls, and climbing on the rocks along the coast. 

For dinner we ordered pizzas and salads from Vitta Pizza.

Notes on Vitta: Their food is fantastic! I shared an amazing salad with Ted and a couple different pizzas (both SO good). The kids loved the pizza too! I sat inside the restaurant while waiting for our food, and wouldn't recommend eating inside.  It's crowded and the seats are uncomfortable. However, the food is perfect for take out.  (Rating 5/5)

While the dads took the kids swimming, my friend Mary and I got to enjoy a little quiet time to catch our breath and chat. After dinner, the mamas took the kiddos to bed, and Ted went out with Mary’s husband to rent electric scooters and enjoy some guy time.

The weather was amazing ALL day and I’m so thankful! We got to pack in SO much fun!

Sunday morning we went to a quaint coffee shop called Perk Place. I had the most delicious latte called ‘Honey Bear.’ It’s made with a little cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. We drove around the Congdon area to see some of the historic, ornate mansions. We also drove through the downtown area and saw the famous Duluth Trading Company.

Did you know that Duluth once had most millionaires per capita than any other US city? People gained their wealth from the Iron Mining and logging industry.

Our next stop was the GORGEOUS Enger Park. This park has:

  • A Japanese Garden with a large bell you can ring,
  • Many paths to explore and rocks to climb
  • An incredible view of Duluth, the harbor, lift bridge and Lake Superior
  • A tower with nearly 100 steps and about 5 levels. There are 360 degree views on each level

After exploring the park, we headed home with happy hearts. It was an incredible weekend, full of fun adventures with good friends.

I’m thrilled that I finally got to see Duluth. There is so much history and beauty in that city – hills and large rocks, cool buildings and restaurants, falls and creeks, and of course, Lake Superior. 

Here are a few things we missed this trip, but hope to see and do during our next visit:

Where to go:

Where to Eat:

Did I miss something? Leave a comment and let me know your Duluth favorites!

I had a hard time finding water shoes in a store before we left, but I found these cool ones online for a great price!

Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket List!

Click here to read: 20 gifts that Minnesota Gave the World!

Click here to read 15 fun facts about Minnesota!

3 In 2020/ Games/ Inspiration/ Motherhood/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

3 Fun Backyard Games to Play with Family and Friends

Are your kids saying “I’m Bored?” 

Are you needing to ‘de-stress’ a little? 

Here’s an idea for you: Take your kids to the backyard and play a GAME together.

Playing with your kids lowers your stress level and strengthens the bond with your kids!

Here are 3 games to play:

  1. Select one person to be Mr. or Mrs. Fox. This person will stand with his or her back to the rest of the players.
  2. All other players line up on the other side of the yard/field. The players take turns asking Mr. Fox what time it is. The fox will then respond with a time, such as 3 o’clock. The players must then take the same number of steps forward (in this case, 3 steps). These steps may be as large or small as the players wish, no matter how close they get to the fox.
  3. Whenever the fox decides, she or he may yell in response to the question, “It’s LUNCHTIME!” When this happens, the fox will turn around and begin chasing the players with the intent of tagging one.
  4. The players should run back to the starting line where they are safe. Once the fox tags someone, that person becomes Mr. or Mrs. Fox.

Optional Twist: Similar to Sharks and Minnows, after each round, the person who gets tagged JOINS the first Mr. Fox. The number of foxes chasing players increases until there are no longer any players. Then it’s time to start the game with a new fox!

See my kids playing in the video below!

Thanks for the game idea Homefront Magazine.

  1. Two teams line up opposite each other.
  2. The first team agrees to call one player from the opposite team, and chants, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send (player’s name) on over!”
  3. The person called runs to the other line and attempts to break the chain (formed by the linking of hands).
  4. If the person called fails to break the chain, this player joins the team that called Red Rover. But, if the player successfully breaks the chain, he may capture either of the two players whose link was broken by the dash, and bring them back to his original team.
  5. Teams take turns calling out Red Rover and challenging a player on the opposing team.

Alternately – if they break the chain, they join hands with that line. We played this version in the video below.

  1. “It” holds the ball and all the other players circle around him. 
  2. “It” then throws the ball straight up in the air while calling out a name. 
  3. While the player is catching the ball, all other players scatter and get as far away as they can from the person catching the ball. 
  4. The player whose name was called must catch the ball and yell “SPUD!” 
  5. The players who are running away must then stop in their tracks when they hear the word SPUD.
  6. The player with the ball takes 3 steps in the direction of any person, then tries to throw the ball and hit one of the other players. 
  7. If the player hits someone, then that player he hits becomes “It,” if he misses, he is “It.”

Variations: 

  • If a player who’s name was called catches the ball without letting it bounce, they can then throw the ball in the air and call another name. Then that player must run back and try and catch the ball. 
  • If the person takes 3 steps and misses someone, they can take 4 more steps and try and hit another player.  

Here’s a video of all three games. Stay tunes for some silly scenes at the end!

Click here to see 55 activities to do with your kids in quarantine!

6 In 2020/ Family/ Free stuff/ Motherhood/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado/ Things to do in Minnesota

Summer Fun Unleashed: Beat Boredom with These 55 Kid-Approved Activities!

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🌞☀️ Summer Fun Alert! 🌞☀️ Are you ready to banish those dreaded words, “I’m bored,” from your kids’ vocabulary this summer? 🎉 I’ve put together the ultimate list of activities guaranteed to keep young minds engaged, bodies moving, and creativity flowing all season long! From outdoor adventures to indoor escapades, there’s something for every kid to enjoy. Let’s dive in and make this summer the most memorable one yet! 🚀

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Note: I put this list together during the 2020 lock down and it came in handy when my son and got Covid and had to spend two weeks in quarantine. When we were finally ‘free” he said:

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“Mom, I’m sad that quarantine is done. We made so many memories.”

Luke, age 7

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Thankfully, the lockdown is long gone, but this list remains incredibly useful for those moments when boredom strikes and you’re in need of some inspiration! Plus, it’s an added bonus that you’ll make ‘so many memories’ along the way!!

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1. Draw a Picture and/or write a letter

Paul

Set out Pencils, markers, water color, or crayons and blank paper or coloring books.

Draw pictures and write letters to family and friends!

Click here to purchase a “How to Draw” book on Amazon.

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2. Read a book

  • Go to the library and allow your kids to explore!
  • Find books that will pique your child’s curiosity.
  • Most early readers (and pre-readers) enjoy comic-strip style books. 
  • Set a timer so your kids know that it’s “reading time.”
  • Ask an older child to read to a younger child  – or –
  • Read a few pages of a chapter book to your kids. The “Who Was” series is great!
  • My 12 year old son and I recently finished Front Desk and he LOVED it and kept asking me to read more.
  • We read Little House on the Prairie in 2020 and laughed at how similar the “little house life” and “quarantine life” are!

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3. Tell/ write a story

  • My fourth grade teacher once gave us the title “The Entire City Lends a Hand” and had the class each write their own story. Read a rendition of that here.
  • Give your kids a title and let them write! 
  • Title ideas: The first day of school! Best Vacation Ever, If I were President, Undersea Adventure, You Won’t Believe what Happened! 

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4. Make a book

Buy blank books from amazon or use a notebook you have on hand.

Have your kids write a little each day about what they are doing during the summer. (It will be interesting to look back on these journals in the future!)

Another option: Have your kids write 1 thing they are grateful for each day. 

Be sure to have them add the date and their name.

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5. Start a Gratitude Journal

Thinking about our blessings and what we are grateful for is extremely helpful in building resiliency! I researched journals a few months ago and decided to purchase this simple one for George. I’ve loved watching him open this up (without prompting), and write what he’s grateful for!

Research suggests that keeping a gratitude journal can boost your health and happiness.

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6. HOME EC – Cook together 

Making pancakes with Paul
cook
George making his favorite treat!
  • My boys love helping make any type of dessert. But they are also good “sous” chefs – peeling potatoes and carrots, etc.
  • Teaching kids how to cook builds confidence in them and is a huge help once they know what to do.
  • Here is an easy recipe for – Personal Pizzas

Here’s a post about the benefits of cooking together

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7. Balloon games

  • It’s crazy how much joy a simple balloon can bring.
  • Blow up balloons and work together to keep them from touching the ground.
  • Use a string/rope/crepe paper across the living room and play “tennis” or “volleyball.”
  • Use a tennis racket outside with a balloon.
  • My son’s love this balloon rocket from amazon!

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8. Go Park Hopping!

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9. Clean together

My sister’s daughters (ages 4 and 7) – She says the girls enjoy the tactile nature of finding the clips, reading them, and then putting them in the container when completed.
  • There are so many benefits to giving your kids household chores and teaching them to clean! 
  • Some bigger things we are working on together – the basement, baseboards, and cleaning our cars.
  • Smaller things the kids can do – a junk drawer, the pantry, baseboards, wiping lower cabinets, all door handles, appliance handles, pulling weeds, folding and putting away laundry, bathroom, bedroom, their closet, and loading/unloading dishwasher.
  • I offered my kids a quarter to whoever could wipe down the baseboards and bring me back the dirtiest wet wipe.

Click here for a “chore chart” idea!

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10. Dino Dig

My boys love uncovering a treasure, your kid will too!

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11. Make some homemade gifts

Friendship bracelets are back! (Thank you T.Swift)

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12. Play Hide and Seek

Take turns hiding – or – Hide a stuffed animal. Say “hotter/colder” when they are getting closer or further.

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13. Play bean bag games

  • Toss back and forth
  • Toss in buckets, pans, or boxes
  • Play “keep away!”
  • For bean bag toddler games, CLICK HERE.

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14. Scavenger hunt

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15. Puzzles

  • Do a Puzzle together
  • Puzzle races: 1. Time your kids and see how fast they can put a small puzzle together. 2. If you have two 50-100 piece puzzles, race to see who can put them together faster.
  • Optional Money-saving tip: Trade puzzles with your neighbors or buy some used ones! Dollar store sells some too!
  • Get a new puzzle from Amazon, or trade with friends.

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16. Paint by Sticker

This sticker book has over 5000 5-star reviews! I got this for my son for Christmas and I see why it has so many positive reviews. We love it! The pictures turn out so pretty you could frame them!

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17. Sidewalk chalk

  • Lay down and trace each other – then decorate with clothes, faces, etc.
  • Write a verse or word of encouragement for passers-by
  • Use tape and color in the spaces like stained glass (pictured above)
  • Color rocks around your house

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18. Create an Indoor or outdoor Obstacle course

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19. Have a Spa Day!

Facials, paint nails, do hair, etc.

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20. Spot It

This is a fun game for kids ages 4 and up!

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21. Don’t Eat Pete Game

Click here for instructions

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22. Play games with a Jump Rope

  • Do competitions to see who can go the longest without tripping. It’s great exercize and FUN!
  • I definitely recommend you purchase the segmented jump ropes (pictured above). We bought several so we could all jump rope together.

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23. Build with legos or megablocks

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24. Do a craft together

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25. Memorize a poem or verse together.

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26. Build an arcade game out of boxes.

Clark created a game called “Hit It” – Targets for Nerf Guns

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27. Play with Cheerios

  • Allow your kids to string Cheerios or Fruit Loops for an edible necklace
  • Stack cheerios on Spaghetti noodles
  • With older kids – turn this into a race!

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28. Play a board game  

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29. Spike Ball

spike ball
  • My son Clark just got this game for his 11th birthday. My boys love it. It’s best for ages 8 and up.
  • When it’s too cold to play outside, this game can be played in a living room or basement.

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30. Play charades or download the HEADS UP app

  • Even little ones can play this game. Whisper what you want them to “act” out and let the sibling(s) guess.
  • The Heads Up app is lots of fun.

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31. Build a fort

  • Put blankets over your dining table – or
  • Use boxes, or pillows and blankets.
  • Read a story in the fort!
  • Go on a Bear Hunt
  • Decorate with Christmas lights!

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32. Create or Buy Kinetic Sand or Play Doh

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33. Exercise! 

  • Follow a youtube exercise video
  • Family Bootcamp
  • Run around your house for 5 or more minutes. I don’t know about your kids – but my kids NEED to burn energy in a healthy way or they start getting mischievous!
  • If we are outside, I challenge my kids to a foot race so that we can BOTH burn energy and get exercise.

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34. Play some backyard games

  1. Duck Duck Goose 
  2. Balloon Bounce – Kids lay down (or sit down) and have to work together to keep balloon(s) in the air. 
  3. Red Rover, Red Rover
  4. Red Light, Green Light
  5. Tag

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35. Have a unique conversation

conversation starters

Has months of summer left you with nothing else to talk about than how bored you are? Then you NEED this set of cards.

Each card asks interesting questions for your family to answer or discuss. My kids ask for us to pull the cards out whenever we sit down to eat. One time my kids were eating alone and my oldest son pulled the questions out to ask his little brothers. I LOVED listening to their conversation!

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36. Have a “What’s in the Box?” Challenge

what's in the box
  • Cut holes a in box
  • Choose an item to put inside
  • Allow someone to reach their hand inside the box and “guess” what it is.
  • Take turns finding items to hide, then guessing “What’s in the Box?”

Click here to watch the Egly boys’ challenge. They’d love for you to subscribe to their channel.

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37. Homemade Tap Shoes

Sorry parents, this one’s noisy! It’s so easy, though, and will keep your kids busy.

Simply tape coins to the bottom of your child’s shoe. Voila, homemade tap shoes.

Get them to come up with a tap-dancing routine, rehearse it and record their final performance (bring your own earmuffs).

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38. Look at old photos

Take out your photo albums or pull up pictures on your computer and enjoy!

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39. Build a Marble Maze / Labrynth

Your kids can use an empty box.

Glue straws to the bottom to create a maze.

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40. Card Games

Playing “Garbage”
RataTat Cat – fun family card game!

Play “War” with the classic deck of cards.

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41. Play “Minute to Win It”

Click here for 10 fun games to play with your family

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42. Practice an instrument

Piano, keyboard, xylophone, harmonica, recorder or drums…make it a family band. Look on Youtube for free lessons.

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43. Blow bubbles

bubbles

Make some bubbles using dish washing soap, water, and sugar (for consistency).

Or check out these “bubble gloves” on amazon.

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44. Make a flip motion animation book

Kids can learn how to make a flipbook animation in less than 5 minutes. All you need is a pen and a stack of notecards, paper, or a sticky note pad. This video is a great and very quick tutorial.

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45.  Play Simon Says or Follow The Leader

  • Have each child take a turn being the leader
  • Walk all around your house 
  • Do jumps, turns, stop to hug dad, etc.

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46. Ice excavating

Place some toys in a bowl of water and Freeze. Let the kids dig them out.

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47. Build a volcano

Click here for instructions

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48. Make Ice Cream

If you have milk and sugar, your kids can make their own ice cream! Click here for the recipe!

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49. Nerf guns

Shoot at targets – I made some targets with construction paper and held them in place with play doh.

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50. Jokes

Get a joke book from Amazon, or search for kid’s jokes on the internet and entertain each other!

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51. Create Salt Dough Figures

Click here for instructions

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52. Play “Would you Rather?”

Click here for questions!

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53. Create “Ramp Races”

A really fun and simple activity that can act as a physics lesson and opportunity for an experiment. Make a simple ramp using cardboard or a piece of wood, and roll different objects down: measure how far they go, how fast they roll, or hold races between different kinds of balls to see which wins!

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54. Leaf or Texture rubbings

Find leaves, grass, and other flat-ish items and put them under paper. Color over them.

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55. Take an aimless drive.

  • Listen to a podcast or the radio.
  • Go through the drive through for ice cream or dinner.

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CLICK HERE FOR 20 more ideas

Bonus Idea: Create a “I’m Bored” Jar:

  • Print the 55 options listed above, cut apart each idea, and put them in a container. If your kids say ‘I’m Bored’ – have them pull a paper from the jar and complete that activity.
  • It’s OKAY for your kids to be bored and figure it out too! Boredom leads to creativity! Clark was bored when he created his own Cardboard Arcade!
  • Boredom leads to new inventions. I look forward to what will be thought up during this quarantine!

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Do you have an idea? Leave a comment!

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*I am an Amazon Affiliate, so I make a small percentage off of Amazon links I share if you click through and purchase, without any additional cost to you.  Thank you for your support in this way! 

3 In 2020/ Family/ Free stuff/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Don’t Eat Pete!

Here’s a fun and easy game to play with your children or grandchildren.

It’s also an activity I leave out for the babysitter.

What you need:

Any small snacks (cereal, candy, tiny crackers, peanuts, raisins)

1 piece of paper and a writing utensil

To do:

  1. On a sheet of white paper, draw a large grid – nine squares.
  2. Put a number on each square.
  3. Put a small snack on each square.
  4. Have ONE person leave the room.
  5. Have another person choose which square is “Pete.”
  6. Ask the person who left the room to come back. He or she eats one snack at a time. When they grab the snack that is “Pete,” everyone screams:

“DON’T EAT PETE!”

Their turn is over.

Repeat as many times as your kids are interested!

Parenting tip:

Are you having a hard time getting your kids to eat certain foods? Cut it into SMALL pieces and use it on the game board.

You can turn this game into LUNCH!

  1. Cover the game board with a piece of plastic wrap.
  2. Cut up small pieces of a protein of your choice, fruits, and vegetables.
  3. Play!

Interested in more games for kids?

Click here for a WOULD YOU RATHER game!

Click here for many more ideas!