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Kid Activities

50 Kids Birthday Party Venues In Memphis, TN

November 11, 2019 by Stacy Craft 2 Comments

A huge list of  50 kids birthday party venues in Memphis, TN to help you throw the best party for your child this year.

50 Kid's Birthday Party Venues in Memphis, TN for every budget and interest

Recently I was trying to plan my child’s birthday party and the same 2 or 3 places came to mind. I was burned out on some of the usual spots and wanted something a little more unique. 

These party ideas really have something for everyone! Cooking parties, painting parties, active parties to get all those little wiggles out and so much more. 

Ready for the biggest list of kids birthday party venues in Memphis, TN? You are in the right spot. Wow your guests this year with a unique and special party. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

50 Kids Birthday Party Venues In Memphis, TN

Here you will find a ton of different kids birthday party venues in Memphis, TN for every budget and interest.

We will start with small businesses or locally owned franchisees that are in the Memphis area and finish with some chains that are always popular with kids. 

Cooking/Baking Parties

If your kiddo likes to cook, bake or just likes to eat fun treats, these ideas will make for a great birthday party.

Crave Sweets – You can rent the bake shop out on Sunday’s for a special bakery party.  Your kids will get to decorate fancy cookies and learn from a real baker. 

Rental fee is $100 and then $15 per child. They will also send their “cookie lady” to your house and you can avoid the $100 fee and do your party on a Saturday instead of just on Sundays. 

Donut Hutt – We attended a party here this summer and it was really fun. The kids get to make their own donuts from start to finish. Rolling dough, cutting them out, frying them, adding icing and of course sprinkles!

The minimum age is 4 for this party in order to ensure safety in the commercial kitchen. Parties start at $250 and include pizza, drinks, a donut cake and the kids get to take home the donuts they made. 

La Tea Da Tea Party (@ Frost Bake Shop) – You can choose between a Princess Tea Party or a glamour party. The girls will play dress up, do make up and nails and have a fancy tea party complete with Frost treats. The party costs starts at $335 for 8 girls. 

Frost Bake Shop – Kids will enjoy decorating mini cupcakes during this sweet party. They will frost, sprinkle and decorate their own mini pull apart cupcake cake. Parties start at $250 for 10 children.

Fino’s – We love Fino’s! And I had no idea that they did kid birthday parties! The kids will make their own pizzas for this fun and hands on party. My kids also love the big chalkboard wall to doodle on while they wait.  

Active Sports Parties

When I take my kids to a birthday party, there is one goal. For them to be worn out after the party! I like it when they fall asleep in the car before we even leave the parking lot! 

These businesses offer those type of birthday parties! And the party host will do all the work for you. So you can sit back, relax & watch those kids use up all of that extra energy that they always seem to have. 

Sega Gymnastics – Enjoy active activities like trampoline, jumping into the foam pit, obstacle course and a huge inflatable. Cost is $130 for the party and $4 per child. I love this one because it is more affordable if you have a lot of people to invite (like a whole kindergarten class!). 

We did my child’s birthday party at this location this year and were very impressed. The party is well structured with lots for the kids to do.

The staff at Sega was awesome and the helped with every step of the way (even offering to help carry food and presents to the car)! I would highly recommend a party here.

Believe Gymnastics (Formerly River City) – Jump, balance and climb during this exciting birthday party. Parties start at $250 for 10 kids. 

Collierville Arts Academy – They have several different options for active and pretend parties that will please a variety of kids. Options include a tutu cute ballerina party, Disco Dazzle party, Jedi Adventure and a Pirate Party! Prices start at $250 for 16 kids. 

Cordova Skating Center – Take it back old school! Skating parties are fun and a great way to wear those elementary school kids out! This is another one that is pretty affordable. Parties start at $129.90 for 10 guests. 

The kids will skate and then get time in the birthday room to eat some cake & ice cream and open presents. 

Ballet on Wheels – A one hour dance lesson is taught to up to ten kids before enjoying refreshments that you bring. Parties start at $165. 

Little Gym – An instructor will lead the kids through a fun party at the Little Gym! Prices start at $260.

YMCA Millington – Choose and indoor or outdoor swim party! We have been to an outdoor party here and they have a pretty cool slide and the party has lifeguards as well which is nice for your piece of mind because birthday parties are always a little hectic. Parties start at $200 for 24 people.

Bartlett Rec Center – Rent the indoor pool for swimming and then get access to the party room for food and cake that you can bring. A fun option for a winter birthday when the kids still want to swim! 

Kroc Center Memphis – Enjoy a fun swim party at the Kroc Center. 

Germantown Athletic Club – You can choose between the indoor or outdoor pool or a party in the gym on the basketball court. Parties start at $225 for members. 

Golf & Games – Putt Putt golf, arcade games, pizza and drinks are included and parties start at $152 for 8 kids. 

ATA Karate Memphis – Enjoy a lesson in Martial arts! Parties start at $249 for 40 kids! So if you have a big party, this might be the way to go!

Creation Station – (Temporarily Closed due to COVID) The ultimate indoor play place! This party is only available to Bellevue Baptist members and the rental fee is $100.

But if you are not a member, don’t forget that you can just go and use this indoor play area for free anytime. Check out everything you need to know about this free play space here. 

Atoka Railroad Station – So this is right outside of Memphis but still close enough and super cool so it had to be included. I just love it! A great small town feel. 

 Mini golf, train, ferris wheel, rock wall, bumper cars and bounce houses! Parties start at $209.

The Yard – The yard is located in Arlington and a party consists of 60 minutes of turf play where you can choose up to two sports (football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, whiffle ball, kickball, dodgeball). At $289 for up to 20 kids, it is a good deal!

Creative Parties

If your birthday kid loves painting, building and imaginative play, you are going to want to pick one of these places for your next party. 

Bricks and Minifigs – This lego themed party is a lego lovers dream. The kids will build their own cities with the Legos and race cars on the special track. Weekend parties start at $160. 

The Art Project – A unique and fun art free play experience. Kids create and have fun with glitter, paint, play dough and more. You can say yes because you leave the mess! Check out our fun day at the Art Project here to see what it is all about! Parties start at $265 for 12 kids. 

And bonus – they have alcoholic beverages available for purchase for your adult guests (beer). 

Little Studio on the Square – Kids will create their own 11×14 painting during this guided instruction class. You can choose the painting theme that best fits your child’s personal interests. The party also includes professional photography and a digital library. Pricing starts at $300 for 12 kids. 

Seize the Clay – Choose a pottery piece, paint and party. Parties start at $200 for 8 kids.

Pinot’s Palette – Choose your favorite painting and the instructor will teach the kids how to paint it, step by step. 

Pigtails and Crewcuts – Choose between girly spa and princess parties or pirate and superhero parties! Parties start at $299. 

Jumpin’ Jellybeans – My kids love this place. The biggest ball pit you have probably ever seen and tons of spots for creative and pretend play. And mama loves how clean it is! Parties start at$600 on Saturdays. 

Rec Room – A great option for older kids. A space full of arcade games and video games. 

Unique Memphis Locations

There are birthday party venues in Memphis, TN and then there are parties that you literally could only have in Memphis! These are unique and special venues specific to the Bluff City for a one of a kind celebration.

The Memphis Zoo – Enjoy seeing all of your favorite animals with your friends and then use the party room to have snacks/cake and open gifts. Prices start at $375 for Zoo members. 

The Children’s Museum of Memphis – CMOM is such a fun spot for kids to not only play but also to learn. Parties start at $300 for members and can vary depending on if you would like to include a ride on the grand carousel or the splash pad in your party. Be sure to check out the 7 insider CMOM tips before you go. 

Shelby Farms – You can rent a party room to use to celebrate at Shelby Farms. You can purchase a party room and splash pad party package. And since it is a public park, you could also just play at the amazing playground and have a fun picnic party! Prices for the private room start at $180. 

Memphis Botanical Gardens – Play at My Big Backyard for a one of a kind birthday experience. This is one of our favorite play spots in the Memphis area. Parties under a Canopy rental start at $275. 

Memphis Fire Museum – The Memphis Fire Department holds a special spot in the heart of our family! My Dad, Grandfather and uncles were all MFD. And my little boy loves to dress up like a firefighter so we might have to try this out for his 3rd birthday.

The museum is located in downtown memphis and has more fire trucks than the birthday boy could ever dream of!

The children’s area of the museum has a spot where the kids can pretend to drive a fire truck, slide the fire pole and play simulations in the arcade. Parties start at $225. 

Lichterman Nature Center – Choose 2 live animals to see during your instructor led guided activities. After the party, you and your guests are welcome to stay and explore even more. Prices start at $220. 

Memphis Redbirds – If you have a birthday during baseball season, you can spend your birthday at the field! The party includes hot dogs and drinks and of course the baseball game. They will even announce your child’s birthday during the game! How cool. Prices start at $225 for ten people. 

Memphis Grizzlies – Want to enjoy your favorite NBA team for your birthday? I thought this was a different idea for a party! Prices are per person and start at $17 and vary by game. 

Farm Animal Parties 

If your birthday boy or girl loves animals, you will want to check out these party places!

Priddy Farms – Only available during the month of October. Enjoy the pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, bounce houses, haunted woods (young kid friendly), and train rides. Pricing is $10 per kid and $2 per adults plus a $50 flat fee. You can bring in whatever food you would like making this an affordable option if you have an October kiddo. 

Maple Grove Farm – Petting farm, moon bounce, climbing wall, hay rides and horse back rides will entertain the kids at this party. Packages start at $325. 

Menagerie Farms – All the regular farm activities plus fun additional activities like milking a goat, gem mining and special characters. 

Happy Times Farms – Travelling petting zoo, rides and games. 

Bridge at ChrisLeigh Farm – Offers Amazing Race parties for all ages. Contestants search for clues on 15 acres of our farm and sometimes must complete a challenge in order to receive the next clue. The farm is located in Lakeland, just off I-40, exit 20.

Travelling Parties 

These companies will travel to your location for private parties. 

Game Truck Memphis – They bring the TV’s, Xbox, PlayStation and Ninetendo Switch consoles to your home for this travelling video game party. 

Magic Mr. Nick – A magician that will come to you and perform magic tricks for your party! What a fun and unique birthday experience. 

Fairys and Frogs – For $115 they will send a face painter to the location of your choice to paint 19 faces. They have all kinds of cute designs like animals, flowers, unicorns and superheros. I don’t know about you but my kids absolutely love when they can get their face painted. 

Popular Chain Party Locations 

These businesses are located in the Memphis/Shelby County area and are good options to consider for a kids birthday party venue.

Chuck E. Cheese – Chuck E. Cheese can be a fairly affordable option for a child’s birthday party. Check out these 4 ways to save on a party here. 

Pump It Up – A night full of jumping and climbing in these big inflatables. Prices start at $279.

Main Event  – Games, bowling and pizza make this a party that is great for kids of all ages. 

Urban Air – I like this spot because they have a good mix of things for older kids to do but also have a nice sized area that works well for toddlers. Prices start at $225 for 10 children. 

Incredible Pizza – Packages starting at 14.99 per person. 

Dave & Busters – Food, games and fun make this a great spot for a birthday party. 

Jumping World – A trampoline party is always a great option to wear the kiddos out! The weekend party packages start at $250 and include drinks and pizza for the party. 

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Another popular trampoline party location.

Get Air Memphis – Yet another trampoline birthday party destination. 

Malco Theatres – Enjoy a movie with your friends and then time in the party room for treats and gifts. Room rental is $50 and then $12 per person which includes a drink and popcorn if you have the party before 3 pm. 10 guest minimum.  

Autobahn Speedway – Race on the indoor speedway for a fast paced birthday celebration. Packages start at $495 for 10 racers. 

Hopefully these kids birthday party venues in Memphis, TN and surrounding areas help you to plan the perfect party this year for your child! 

Now that you have the party location picked, don’t forget the party favors! Here is a cool and personalized idea to avoid the junk in those treat bags!

Have you had an awesome kids party in Memphis? Do you own a small business that offers parties for children? Let me know in the comments so I can add you to the list! 

50 Children's Birthday Party Celebration Ideas for A Fun and Magical Day

Filed Under: Featured, Kid Activities, Play Tagged With: birthday party, kids, Memphis, TN

DIY Snow Pants for Kids

February 14, 2021 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Make these easy DIY snow pants for kids before the snow hits! You will only need a few common household items and about 15 minutes of time! 

DIY No Sew Snow Pants for Kids

It is snowing as I write this and I’m thrilled! We live right outside of Memphis, TN and snow isn’t exactly the norm. We usually get some kind of winter weather once or twice a year but it is rarely significant snow fall. 

However, that is about to change! Later today and into tomorrow we are expecting up to 8 inches of snow! Ahh! I love it. 

But when you live in the South and don’t get frequent snow, many people are not prepared with the proper clothing. All day yesterday, I watched the neighborhood Facebook pages flood with parents in search of snow bibs, snow pants, boots and sleds! 

Some people got lucky and found a used option but many weren’t able to find the gear. Most retail stores around here don’t carry a large inventory (if any) of that type of winter clothing. 

And since I have two kiddos that I know are going to spend days in the winter wonderland coming our way, I set out to find something. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

DIY Snow Pants for Kids

3T Boy in Homemade Snow Pants

If I am being honest, I searched Amazon and every retail store around first and had no luck finding snow pants for my kids. 

So this morning as it started snowing, I figured I needed to get serious about coming up with something. I saw a few people saying they were going to layer their kids up like our moms did to us in the 80’s and send them out. 

I’m ok with that but then I started remembering how I would come in from the snow soaking wet as a kid. And since the Weather Channel says it currently feels like 1 Degree (yes one) outside, I wanted to at least attempt to keep my kids as dry as possible. 

That is where the DIY Snow pants for kids come in and save the day! You can make these with common household supplies and just a few minutes. 

They may not keep the kiddos bone dry but it will be much better than just cotton or fleece layers! And while they won’t win a fashion contest, your kids will be more comfortable with these pants on!

What You Need For DIY Snow Pants for Kids 

Kroger Bags & Toddler Jeans

Here are the supplies that you need to make water resistant snow pants:

  • Bags – You can use ClickList Bags from Kroger, Target Pick Up bags or a Garbage bag (outdoor bags would work best)
  • Scissors 
  • Duct Tape 
  • Sharpie
  • A Pair of Your Child’s Pants (I used Jeans) 

How To Make Homemade Water Resistant Snow Pants for Children

Making the DIY snow pants for kids is quick, easy & cheap. 

To make the pants, start by cutting your bag along the seams. You want the bag to lay flat. Do this for a total of 2 bags. 

Cut Grocery Bag

Best Bags by Size

  • Kroger ClickList Bags – Toddler Sizes (Probably up to size 4T)
  • Target Drive Up Bags – Child Size (Probably up to size 7 or 8)
  • Black Garbage Bags – Youth – Adult 

A few more notes on bags. Don’t use regular grocery bags. They will be too thin. They ClickList or Target Driveup bags are thicker and will be more durable. 

If you don’t have these or a black outdoor garbage bag, a kitchen garbage bag is probably your next best choice. A cheap disposable tablecloth could work as well. 

Creating a Template 

Place the two flat bags on top of each other. Next, place the child’s pants on top of one of the bags. 

Using the Sharpie, trace around the pants leaving about 1 inch extra space between the pants and the line that you are drawing. This extra space is important to ensure the pants fit over the layers. They will also shrink up a bit when you perform the next step. 

I didn’t add enough at the waist on the example below and had to redo them because they were too tight. Don’t make that mistake and give yourself some wiggle room. You can always make it more snug if you need to with tape. 

Trace jeans with Sharpie

*If you are using the black trash bags, you may need have someone hold the pants while you cut (skipping the Sharpie step). Otherwise, a white chalk marker would work if you want to trace the pant outline if you have one on hand. 

Cutting the Disposable Snow Pants Out 

Remove the child’s actual pair of pants that you traced, leaving just your bag with the drawn on template and the 2nd bag directly underneath. 

Take care to ensure that your bags stay lined up and cut through both bags following along the lines of your template. These DIY snow pants for kids are pretty forgiving so if you don’t get it perfect, don’t worry. 

Garbage Bag Template for Snow Pants

No Sew Snow Pants for Kids

Now it is time to “sew” those pants up. Bring in the duct tape! 

Start on one side and apply pieces of duct tape along the side. Place the tape about 1/2 inch from the edge and then wrap it around the other side. 

As you make your way down, overlap each segment slightly to ensure a good seal. 

In the crotch area, you may have to cut a few small pieces to make it work. I also added an extra piece of tape there to reinforce. 

Leave Openings

Remember to leave the bottom open for the feet to go through. Around the waist, I put a piece of tape on each side to create a hem of sorts just to create a little extra durability but don’t seal it shut. 

How Much Do Homemade Snow Pants Cost 

Making them with the Kroger or Target bags costs virtually nothing. I had all of these items on hand at home. Since I was reusing the store bags, my only real cost was the few pieces of duct taper that I used. 

When you compare that to the snow pants that I was looking at online, I easily saved $30-$100 per child! 

How to Wear the Snow Pants

Testing DIY Homemade Water Resistant Children's Pants

Here is how I’m planning to use these DIY Snow Pants for kids. 

We will put on a base layer of leggings or long underwear. Next, the homemade water resistant snow pants. After that, we will layer on a big pair of sweatpants. 

Putting the 2nd pair of pants over the homemade snow pants should hold them up. But if you are having trouble keeping them up, you could always add a couple of loosely placed duct tape pieces to create a more snug fit. 

Just make sure you layer up! These homemade pants will help to keep you dry, not warm. 

Want More DIY for Kids? Check out this DIY Slip N Slide for Preschoolers. 

15 Min Easy DiY Snow Pants for Kids

Filed Under: Featured, Kid Activities, Play Tagged With: diy, kids, Snow Pants

60 Free Books For Kids By Mail

January 27, 2021 by Stacy Craft 4 Comments

You can sign up for a program that will send 60 free books for kids by mail from the time of your child’s birth until their 5th birthday!

60 Free Books for your Child - Before their 5th Birthday

Getting 60 free books for kids by mail is made possible by Ms. Dolly Parton herself! As a fellow TN gal myself, I just love me some Dolly. 

Her love for reading and children was the inspiration for her Imagination Library. She started the library in 1995 & by 2016 she celebrated sending out 1 million free books out to children per month. Per month! 

This program is such a great outreach and it is free to any child regardless of income through the age of 5! 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

60 Free Books For Kids By Mail

Free Children's Books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

So how does this program work to get 60 free books for kids by mail? Keep reading for all the details on how to grab these free books and my experience with the program. 

Let’s start with my experience. I learned of this program when my daughter was 2 and signed her up immediately. We enjoyed the books until she aged out of the program. 

My second child is now on his 3rd year with the Imagination Library. It is also interesting to note that I don’t think we have ever gotten a duplicate book, even with having had two kids in the program over the last few years. 

It is such a fun treat to go out to the mailbox and have the kids find something new to read waiting on them. And honestly in a world of bills & junk mail, I don’t mind seeing a new book in our mailbox either! 

Who Can Sign Up? 

Residents of the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland can sign their child up to receive free books! There is a link on the website to make sure that the program is in your area. 

What Age Should My Child Be To Receive Imagination Library Books? 

The ideal age would be as soon as the child is born. Dolly’s program starts at birth and continues until your child’s fifth birthday. 

If you are just learning of this program, you can still sign up any child that is under the age of 5. 

How Many & What Kind of Books Will My Child Receive? 

The number of books that your child receives in the mail will depend upon when you sign up for the Imagination Library program. If you sign up at the time of your child’s birth, your child would receive 60 free books by mail by the time they are 5. 

If you sign up later, your child will receive one book per month until they turn 5. 

We have received all types of books since signing up for the Imagination Library program. Some of the books are very well known and popular classics. And other times we have received books that I was not familiar with but that we have enjoyed as much or more than the more well known authors. 

Age Appropriate Content 

The monthly book is tailored to your child’s age which provides them with engaging content to listen to as you read. 

How Do the Free Books Arrive?

Each month you will receive one book per child wherever you receive mail. We are in the United States so our books are delivered by the United States Postal Service. 

Each book is wrapped in a plastic covering to keep it protected from weather elements and other damage during the shipping process. 

Most of the books that we have received have been paperback books filled with plenty of colorful pictures. 

Where Do I Sign up For 60 Free Kids Books by Mail? 

You can check to make sure that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available where you live here. 

Assuming that the program is available in your area, you will fill out a short form and then should receive your child’s first book within 30 days. 

Value of the Imagination Library Books Sent to You for Free

I pulled a few of our books off the shelf that we got from Imagination Library and checked them on Amazon to see what their value is if you bought them.

Here are the books I checked:

  • Violet the Pilot
  • The Rabbit Listened
  • I Wonder
  • Police Officers on Patrol

The books ranged in price but were generally anywhere from $8.99-14.99. That means that even if every book that you got retails at $8.99, you would get a value of $540 in books if you signed your child up at birth. 

Wow! Such an awesome service to encourage literacy in our kids. 

Donating the Books When Done

This is not necessary as the books are yours to keep. However, whenever my children have outgrown the books that we have received, I love to donate them to schools, churches or other preschool programs. 

Donate to the Imagination Library

Speaking of donations, if you are looking to make a charitable donation this year the Imagination Library accepts monetary donations. 

The Dollywood Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

Do you plan to sign up for 60 free books for kids by mail through the Imagination Library? 

Check Out these Educational Kid Sensory Bins you can do at Home!

  • Rose Petal Tea Bin
  • Sand & Ocean Bin
  • Edible Cereal Baking Bin
  • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bin
  • Flower Garden & Planting Bin

Filed Under: Featured, Kid Activities, Play Tagged With: Children, Dolly Parton, Free Books, Imagination Library, kids

Sandy Beach and Ocean Sensory Bin

June 25, 2020 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Bring a day at the beach home with this fun play theme.

A sandy beach and ocean sensory bin is great for toddlers and preschool aged children.

Kinetic Sand & Ocean Foam Sensory Bins

This time last year we were enjoying a week on the beach for a family vacation. But since COVID cancelled our vacation this year, we have all been dreaming of the beach. 

So we brought the beach  to our backyard with this sandy beach and ocean sensory bin. This small world brings all your favorite parts of the beach to your home. Dig in the sand, let your dolls lay out and get some sun, and watch dolphins swim in the deep blue sea! 

Your kids will love this activity that transports them to a virtual vacation. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Sandy Beach and Ocean Sensory Bin

My kids love sensory bins. They are a great way to get the kids to step away from electronics and play the old fashioned way. 

Over the years, we have created lots of easy activities for toddlers and preschoolers to play with like a Vegetable Soup water table activity, cookie cereal no bake kit, and planting flowers and seeds.

So they totally knew what to expect when I said we were going to play with a sensory bin.

But this sandy beach and ocean sensory bin actually uses two different bins so that was a little different. One bin is for the beach and the other is for the ocean. 

I separated them for a couple of reasons but the main reason was just to protect the sand from possibly breaking down from the water. 

Here is what you need to do to create this day at the beach play activity.

Creating The Beach Play Scene

Sandy Beach Sensory Bin Materials:

  • Kinetic Beach Sand 
  • Bouncy Ball 
  • Small Dolls (Mini Barbies or even Wooden Dolls) 
  • Paper Umbrellas 
  • Tin Beach Bucket
  • Wooden Scoop Shovel
  • A couple of Pieces of Fabric for Beach Towels 

Sandy Kinetic Sand Beach with Dolls

Most of these items you probably have at home or can find something similar. 

I had to buy the beach Kinetic sand but everything else we already had from other toys or past sensory bins that we have done. 

The bouncy balls make great doll sized beach balls! 

Some of our Paw Patrol figurines even came along because Marshall wanted to go on our beach trip too!

Blue Ocean Foam Bin

The DIY ocean foam bin is made with just a couple of items that you probably have in your cleaning closet or pantry. 

Toddler Playing with DIY Sensory Ocean Foam

To Make the Foam:

Add the following to a medium plastic mixing bowl:

  • 1/3 cup of water
  • 1/3 cup of Blue Dawn Dish Soap
  • 1 Tablespoon Corn Starch
  • A few drops of blue or teal food coloring

Using a hand mixer, mix, mix, mix until the foam is thick and foamy and large in volume. 

You can transfer the DIY ocean foam to a flatter sensory bin or just serve it up for play in the mixing bowl.

If you have some ocean animal figurines or boats, those are fun to add to the sea.

Playing With The Activity

The best thing about an invitation to play activity is that you put it together and give it to the kids. 

There is virtually no instruction needed. I typically just tell them what it is (here is a beach and an ocean) and then tell them that they can start playing. 

If the kids get stuck, I will try and give them an idea to get the creative juices flowing.

Some example for play prompts with this bin might be:

  • Take the dolls for a swim
  • Build the biggest sand castle 
  • Bury treasure in the Sand 

Digging In the Sand 

Using the shovel and bucket was a big portion of what my kids enjoyed. They dug in the sand, filled the bucket and tried to make sand castles. 

My 6 year old also spent some time playing pretend with the dolls on the beach. 

Playing with Kinetic Sand Sensory Bin

What Is Hiding in the Ocean 

The 2 year old really enjoyed the ocean foam bin. Probably because that was the messier of his two options! 

I prompted him to hide some of the objects in the ocean. He then used his shovel to find and fish out the items. 

An extra bin or bowl of fresh water is helpful to have around for this side of the bin. We used it to wash off toys and hands before going back to the sand side. 

Digging for Animals in the Ocean

Playing Together 

If you have 2 kids, you will like the sandy beach and ocean sensory bin because it encourages play time jointly but there are 2 separate bins. 

So the kids can play pretend together but they both have their own space to engage with the different materials. 

Helping to eliminate disagreements! We all need that right? 

Do your kids talk about their birthday year round? Celebrate their un-birthday with this idea.

 

Filed Under: Featured, Kid Activities, Play Tagged With: beach, invitation to play, ocean, sand, sensory bin

Weekly Summer Schedule for Kids

May 31, 2020 by Stacy Craft 3 Comments

This themed weekly summer schedule for kids has activities for every day of the work week to keep children busy.

Weekly Summer Schedule for Kids

Summertime brings a more laid back schedule for a lot of us. No more packing lunches, homework and getting kids ready for school. 

But the dreaded “I’m bored” statement may start early and you will want to be prepared. 

I’m not saying you should plan every minute of every day. I actually think it is great for kids to be bored sometimes because it encourages them to get creative and find joy in something that they orchestrate. 

However, it helps me to have a general idea of something that I can direct the kids to do either while I’m working or that we can do together as a family. Something that I don’t have to think much about and that I can rattle off or set up quickly. 

And just like meal plans help in the dinner rush, a weekly summer schedule for kids is a great way to have some ideas up your sleeve to get kids up, active and having fun during the summer months. 

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Weekly Summer Schedule for Kids

Make your days a little easier with a plan for the long days of summer. 

These theme days will help you create a weekly summer schedule for kids that is fun and active while keeping things simple for you. 

Merry Monday 

Kids got a case of the Monday’s? Make it a Merry Monday by doing something nice! Help a sibling with a task, write a letter or draw a picture for a nursing home, help a neighbor. 

Another fun way to be merry is to find something to celebrate! An unbirthday would be a great way to have fun on the cheap. Make a cake, sing Happy Birthday. Make birthday cards. You could even let the kids find a gift around the house to wrap up for each other!

Typical & Tidy Tuesday

Just like I don’t believe in planning every hour of my kid’s summer, I also think a “down” day is good for kids. 

This is just a day to chill. Entertain yourself, tidy your room, help with a chore around the house. 

If cleaning all day is not your kid’s idea of fun, you can also take a twist on the “typical.” Go back to the old school typical days of summer. 

Build a fort, play in a sprinkler or with the water hose, play outside, color a picture, or play hopscotch. Just good old traditional fun. 

Work Out/Water Wednesday

Wednesday is another that has 2 options depending on your mood or schedule. 

You can do all kinds of thing with this day! 

Ideas for Kid Work Out times:

Complete an episode of Cosmic Kids, take a bike ride, head to the park to play, take a nature walk or create an obstacle course for the kids to complete. 

Ideas for Water Wednesday: 

Go swimming, play in a sprinkler or splash pad, try this awesome slip N slide hack for young kids, make vegetable soup in your water table, or try out one of the best backyard water toys for kids. 

Try It Thursday

This day is all about trying out something new. 

Test out a new recipe, make a craft or complete an at home science experiment. 

Fun Friday 

After a long week, a fun day is a great way to end the week with a bang. 

Go on an outing to the zoo or a museum. Grab a special treat like ice cream or even just a candy bar at the gas station that the kid’s get to pick. 

Have a play date with a friend or take a trip to the playground.

Need More Kid Fun? 

Summer Activities to Do With Kids As a Working Mom 

Rose Petal Tea Sensory Bin

The Best Sports Toys for Toddlers

 

Filed Under: Featured, Kid Activities, Play

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