Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

The Least Messy Tie-Dye Project You'll Ever Do

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 07/30/2020 - 3:23pm

This simple tie-dye trick eliminates much of the mess!

Has your kid been begging to tie-dye all summer? I know, I know: It's one of those messy projects on par with homemade slime. But, I've got a secret trick for how to tie-dye shirts, and all sorts of items, in a pretty mess-free way.

It's called ice tie-dye, and I have to say, tie-dye items always seem to bring that cool kid chic (what's old is new again, right?), but ice tie-dye brings cool to a whole new level. As the ice melts with the dye, it creates a unique watercolor effect. Also, the dye melts into a container, containing the mess and making it easy to toss. Read on for a fun new trick on how to tie-dye with the kids and create your own wearable works of art.

Family Fun Night: 10 Screen-Free Activities to Entertain Your Crew

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 07/26/2020 - 2:00pm

Serve up some fun with a DIY pizza party. Photo by the author

Family fun night doesn't have to revolve around ordering pizza cueing up a family-friendly movie. Whether your family is ultra-competitive and ready for a board game battle or wants to curl up and camp out under the living room lights, we've got 10 fresh family fun night theme ideas. All it takes is a little preparation—and inspiration—to build a memorable night at home. This list gets the kids to surrender their screens and join in on the action.

For more family fun inspiration, be sure to check out our Stay-at-Home Guide, which is packed with hundreds of boredom busters.

How to Make Ice Cream At Home in 5 Easy Steps

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 07/14/2020 - 11:05am

Learn how to make homemade ice cream for a tasty activity with the kids!

You don’t need a fancy ice cream machine to make delicious homemade ice cream. We can show you how to make ice cream at home in a plastic bag, or a mason jar if you want to be a little extra.

These two homemade ice cream recipes take just 5 to 10 minutes and in just a few steps. Homemade ice cream is one of our favorite edible science experiments for kids, and the perfect anytime activity in our humble opinions, but especially fun during the summer.

Use these recipes as a base to add other flavors and ingredients. Experiment with mint, chocolate chips, or fresh cut fruit like strawberries.

How to Make Summer Camp at Home Actually Fun (Free Printable)

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 07/12/2020 - 2:30pm

Camp games tend to get everyone laughing!

We all know that summer camp 2020 looks a little different, but the fun doesn't have to be canceled. If you're hosting "summer camp" for the kids at home or in your backyard this year—also sometimes known as mom-camp or dad-camp—we've got some hacks for you so everyone enjoys it and parents don't drive themselves mad.

Although it may look like all fun and games, the best summer camps allow time and the space for children to explore personal interests and build confidence while providing a loose routine. With a few simple guidelines, you can hack your way to a fun summer camp schedule with camp games, arts and crafts, and even a cool name for your brand-new camp.

And if you're still searching for a week or two of in-person or virtual summer camps in 2020, check out our chock-full Camp Guides.

Epic East Coast Road Trip Ideas for Summer

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 06/26/2020 - 12:04pm

Hike Champlain Mountain in Acadia National Park for majestic views. Photo courtesy Maine Office of Tourism

Pick your playlist, fill the cooler, and load up the trunk, it’s time to hit the road for an epic road trip this summer. Nothing says “family vacation” quite like piling everyone in the car and heading off for a classic family road trip. Quirky roadside attractions, beautiful scenery, and a ton of togetherness is the stuff that makes for enduring childhood memories.

Travel from Maine all the way to the Carolinas with these 15 East Coast road trip ideas that will keep your family cruising the coastline all summer long.

Don't forget to come prepped with these road trip games for kids and a device loaded up with podcasts.

30 Summer Day Trips in Connecticut To Take with Kids in 2020

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 06/24/2020 - 12:08pm

The outdoor grounds of the Mystic Seaport Museum are open for exploring. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

When you live in Connecticut and within a short drive of great beaches, state parks, and amusement parks, every summer weekend is an opportunity for a quick, easy family day trip with kids. Here, we've collected ideas for outings to attractions that are open or operating in 2020, usually with some extra restrictions or precautions (in line with Connecticut's reopening plan) to keep visitors safe.

Click through each link for more information and inspiration—whether you are looking to explore Connecticut's natural beauty, historic treasures, or thrills and chills (courtesy of a water slide or roller coaster). Remember to bring your trusty face masks and hand sanitizer along with your sense of adventure. Find even more summer activities in our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.

Top National Parks for Summer Vacation with the Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 06/19/2020 - 7:02am

The gorgeous wide-open spaces of Yosemite National Park reopened to visitors with restrictions. Photo courtesy of NPS

Road trip it this summer to one of our gorgeous U.S. national parks where kids can hike, swim, camp, and generally explore the outdoors. You can get back to nature with a little planning—and an online reservation.

But some are maybe wondering: Are national parks open? Actually, yes, many of our national parks are in the early phases of reopening for the busy summer season, meaning some lodges and campgrounds are once again accepting reservations. The National Park Service covers 84.6 million acres, making it easy for all of us to maintain social distance if we pick our trail and camping spot carefully.

Best Inflatable Pools, Bounce Houses and Backyard Toys—All Kid-Tested

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 06/13/2020 - 1:06pm

Set up a kiddie pool and mega sprinkle for backyard summer fun. Photo by Ally Noel

There is a ton of inflatable and pool fun to be had this summer right in your backyard. Climb, splash, and slide in these bounces houses, kiddie pools, and water slides. These inflatables will take backyard fun to the next level and provide hours of outdoor entertainment during a summer of mostly staying at home. And no, they haven't all sold out—yet!

For more backyard fun, check out these 25 Water Games for Kids to cool everyone down. Still need some summer activities? You'll never be bored if you keep handy our Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas with 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids.