For Families Eyes Only

Not just any old walk. The sun is shining and hopefully we've seen the last of winter. Now's the perfect time to plan some fun family activities. Here's one...

Go on a nature walk.

This is especially appealing to younger kids, so you can get away with simply walking around your neighborhood, or the community park. Carry a pad and pencil, bring some water, and some snacks. Ask your kids to name animals and birds as they see or hear them. Write them down (and which child found them), then have everyone describe what they see... the colors, shape, and type of creature. Do the same thing with insects, and trees, and flowers. Trust me, you will be absolutely amazed at what your children will see and hear, what will catch their attention. Read the rest of this entry »

What Are Your Favorite Family Hobbies?

Think about it... which hobby can involve every family member, regardless of age (almost) or ability? The first family hobbies favorite that pops into my mind is photography.

Anyone can participate, from toddlers on up. Believe it or not, some of the best images are shot by the first timer. Their instinct is to photograph what catches their eye... they react instantly instead of planning for it.

And, it very nearly doesn't matter what kind of camera, either... as these images clearly show.

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Are your favorite spots for family vacations becoming too crowded, or too expensive?

Check out these resorts... they just may become your family's new favorite resort vacation spot!

Educational Ideas For Family Summer Vacations

by Evvie Meier

With summer quickly approaching, many sun-starved travelers are enthusiastically planning their favorite beach vacations. For travelers who crave the white sand and ocean breezes but dread the crowds and hassle of popular beaches, skip the busy beach areas and head to a quieter beach without the crowds.

Old Stand-By: Myrtle Beach, S.C.; New Destination: Topsail Beach

East coasters looking for some peaceful fun in the sun can trade-in the chaotic Myrtle Beach for the laid back Topsail Beach.

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What kind of a family games room does your family want?

Don't be afraid to dream big, my friends... you may be surprised at just how do-able a state-of-the-art, tricked-out family room may be!

Check it out...

Creating the Ultimate Home Game Room

By: Joe Schmieder

Creating the "Ultimate Home Game Room" isn't as hard as you may think. "Ultimate" doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive game room either. It just means it's ultimate for you, your family and your friends.

The basics for every game room include "games & signs". That's all it takes to create your game room. Of course some organization is also needed, you don't want a mess of posters, pub signs and neon signs taking up your walls.

Creating Your "Ultimate Home Game Room"

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If you've lost count of those rainy weekends and holidays that spoiled your children's fun, try these rainy day games for kids.

Just a little preparation now will bring a 'thumbs up' from your kids when they're stuck indoors later on. It won't cost much... in fact, you probably already have everything you need for indoor games and rainy day fun. Nor will it cost you very much of your valuable time.

Give yourself a break, and your kids a lift... be prepared for the next rainy day with these fun activities and family games for kids:

Record familiar sounds... Give them an inexpensive tape recorder to record the sounds made by rain, thunder, a doorbell, a ringing telephone, bathroom shower, buzzing of a fly, creaky stairs, someone snoring. With their fertile imaginations, they'll come up with an amazing tape.

Find someone who can put the recording on a CD or DVD, along with a little intro by your kids. You'll not only preserve a wonderful memory, but create a timeless gift for their grandparents.

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