Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

30 Easy Paper Crafts for Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 11:15am

A coat of paint turns a simple plate into a work of art.

If there is one crafting material that you can never have enough of, it’s paper. We always keep a hefty supply of construction paper, card stock, tissue paper, paper plates, and toilet paper rolls in my house. When bedecked with a little glue, some colorful paint, and a few googly eyes, plain paper can be transformed into almost anything, from a fire breathing dragon to a sparkly unicorn. What's more, paper crafts are typically affordable, and are a great way to work on fine motor skills.

From a toilet paper roll monster to a construction paper crown, these 30 paper crafts will keep the whole family happily crafting all year long. Check out our list of 100 arts and crafts projects for more ideas for sparking creativity at home.

How to Make a Mask Lanyard or Chain So Your Kids Stop Losing Them!

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 09/14/2020 - 10:45am

This DIY project for kids is right on-trend for 2020 back to school!

Between mask breaks, outdoor play, lunchtime, and snack time, our kids take their masks on and off at least a couple dozen times a day. Each time the masks come off of their face, there is the potential for it to get trampled on the ground, shoved in the bottom of a backpack, or lost and never to be seen again. These handy DIY beaded and ribbon mask chains will allow your kid to keep their mask safe and easy to access.

As we all embark on the weirdest school year ever, adding one of these DIY mask chains to your back to school supplies list might just be essential. It's also just a fun at-home family activity that works those fine motor and design skills.

29 (Mostly FREE) Learning Resources, Apps, and Games for Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 09/10/2020 - 11:08am

These free online classes and educational resources are perfect for homeschoolers and homework help.

There are countless websites and apps that can supplement kids' school curriculum through interactive games and other resources.

From museum tours and National Geographic deep dives to coding classes and reading apps, we've rounded up some of our favorite—and mostly completely FREE— online learning resources for kids. We've included options for preschoolers, elementary-age kids, middle school, and even high schoolers.

Find more online classes, games, and resources in our Virtual and Online Guide for Families, or after school learning is done, have hands-on fun with the boredom busters in our Kids Crafts and Activities Guide.

How to Make Oobleck: A Less Messy, More Gooey Slime

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 08/25/2020 - 11:43am

If slime scares you, maybe try making Oobleck!

Oobleck is ooey, gooey, science fun. Even the youngest scientists can get hands-on STEM experience with this non-Newtonian substance.

It's a bit similar to slime, but Dr. Seuss fans will know that Oobleck gets its name from the book, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, which dates prior to the slime craze. It only takes two ingredients to make Oobleck, so roll up your sleeves and let's get started on creating this state-changing substance.

Need more at-home science experiments and activities? Check out Mommy Poppins Guide to STEM Activities, from solar ovens to DIY rock candy to preschooler-friendly science.

How to Make a Solar Oven for Baking S'mores Outdoors

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 08/18/2020 - 11:38am

This solar oven science experiment offers one tasty reward: ooey, gooey s'mores.

This simple science experiment yields delicious results. With a pizza box, some tin foil, and plastic wrap, you can harness the sun’s power to cook up a storm. Solar ovens are the perfect way to spend a sunny day and sneak a little science in at the same time.

One of our 64 Easy Science Experiments for Kids, solar ovens are a great way to get first-hand experience working with thermal energy while repurposing some trash from pizza night.

10 East Coast Beach Camping Sites from Florida to Maine

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 12:02pm

The Key Largo Campground in Florida is located on 40 acres of tropical foliage. Photo courtesy of the campground

Nothing is better than gathering up your loved ones and spending the night under the stars. With an extra dose of vitamin sea, beach camping brings your family adventure to the next level. Spend your days exploring the coastline and your nights around the campfire listening to sounds of waves gently crashing against the shore.

From Maine all the way down to Florida, the East Coast offers some of the most epic beach camping spots whether you choose tent camping or an RV trip. Find more family adventures in our US Travel Guide.

Outdoor Classes in Connecticut for Kids in 2020

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 08/07/2020 - 12:33pm

Its always better to make a beautiful mess outside! Photo courtesy of MoCA Westport

Eager to beat the boredom and get kids back to learning, exercise, and expanding their horizons (safely), many Connecticut parents are looking for outdoor classes that meet in the fresh air. Luckily, many art, music, and nature programs are taking their classes outside to comply with COVID-19 safety standards, so kiddos get to have fun while keeping germs at bay. From backyard music with a seasoned teacher to a mommy-and-me farm program, these outdoor classes are sure to keep kids engaged while they enjoy sunshine and socializing.

For high-quality virtual classes that kids can enjoy at home, check out our Poppins@Home programming, all accessible online.

Essential School Supplies for Whatever This Year Brings Us

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 08/06/2020 - 12:07pm

Time to stock up for an unpredictable school year!

Whether your kids are returning to the classroom, distance learning, or following a hybrid model, back-to-school shopping looks a little different this year, including stocking up on school supplies. If you're still waiting for your school to send out an official school supply list, or just want to know how to set up the homeschool, we've put together a shortlist of essentials for the 2021-2022 school year.

Whatever your school plan is for this year, this list has all your bases covered. From face masks to at-home school supplies and organizational tools, we’ve rounded up all the things needed to have a happy and healthy school year. Find more ideas in our Back-to-School Guide.