Category Archives: Fun

From arts and crafts to great games to play on Family Night, you’ll find it all here in the Families.com Family Fun Blog!

Simple Sanity Savers

Believe it or not, summer vacation just started for students attending Chicago public schools.  Last fall’s highly publicized teacher strike, which affected nearly 400,000 students, forced kids to stay in school through the end of June. But, now they are free and can join the rest of their compadres in making the most of summer… or what’s left of it. If you are looking for ways to keep your kids busy during their break from school consider the following simple and affordable projects: FLOWER POWER Rather than letting fresh flowers go to waste after they’ve sat pretty in a summer … Continue reading →

Fourth of July Fun for Less

Celebrating America’s birthday doesn’t have to send you to the poorhouse.  By opting to party at your own home this holiday, you can save money and still have fun.  To cut down on food and beverage costs, consider having a potluck and asking each guest to bring along a favorite dish to pass. Edible American Eagles Ingredients: One package of Oreos 1/2 cup white chocolate One dozen large marshmallows One cup of finely shredded coconut 12 cashews Black icing Directions: Melt the white chocolate in a bowl in the microwave. Spread the shredded coconut in an even layer on wax … Continue reading →

Have Fun Repurposing School Supplies

Forget about packing lunches; unpacking my kid’s backpack on the last day of school has got to me the worst mom job ever. The sheer volume of crud that is shoved into that Scooby bag is mind-boggling.  While I’d love to dump the contents of the entire bag into the trash, I am far too frugal to let even the smallest pencil stub enter the garbage if it can serve a purpose somewhere in our home. If you are looking to save money this summer, don’t give into the temptation to dump your child’s old school supplies.  Rather, sort through … Continue reading →

Simple Summer Fun

After an extended school year, brought about by using too many snow days in the winter, classes are officially over for kids in my neck of the woods. And by woods, I mean fenced in backyards where parents can let their kids roam free before cabin fever sets in. If you are looking for simple projects to keep your kids entertained during the endless days of summer, consider the following: Fluorescent Slime Materials: Glow-in-the-dark paint Elmer’s glue gel Borax Hot water Directions: Combine one cup of hot water with a cup of Borax.  Stir until the Borax won’t dissolve anymore. … Continue reading →

Fun with Father’s Day Photos

No matter where you plan to spend Father’s Day, don’t forget to take your camera along to document the memories.  The photos you snap at the beach, park, pool or right in your backyard can be transformed into touching mementos of Dad’s special day. Take aim at Dad and the kids frolicking in the waves, burying each other in the sand or searching for bugs along a nature trail.  Shoot from unique angles rather than traditional ones and don’t be afraid to experiment with different exposures.  More importantly, ditch the posed shots of Dad standing static with Junior and Jane … Continue reading →

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

Nothing says, “Happy Father’s Day!” quite like the smell of fried chicken… or any type of chicken that Dad didn’t have to cook himself. To honor the man of the house on Sunday, consider combining some of his favorite foods in one dish.  By incoporating a variety of Dad’s beloved ingredients you are sure to create a winning Father’s Day meal. The following recipes are not only affordable, but they’re also simple enough for even young children to help out with.  What’s more, because the ingredients are kid-friendly Dad won’t have to deal with a table full of whining offspring as he digs into dinner on … Continue reading →

Fun and Affordable Dad’s Day Gifts

He may say that all he wants for Father’s Day is a long nap, but if you have young children at home, they’ll want to give Dad more than some quiet time on Sunday. Put your kids’ energy and enthusiasm to good use by having them assist you make the following easy, affordable and fun Father’s Day gifts: POTATO STAMP SHIRT Materials: One white t-shirt Large piece of cardboard Bag of large potatoes Cookie cutters (use shapes that will match dad’s interests, including dogs, trains, stars, sailboats, hearts, balls, or letters that spell out special words, such as “love” or … Continue reading →

Have a Kickin’ Kindergarten Graduation Party

They may be little, but graduation day is still a big deal for kindergarteners.  Young kids love to celebrate and while mastering the ABCs and 123s may not compare to earning a college degree, it warrants some type of ceremony. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank honoring your little graduate.  Rather, keep the shindig simple by selecting a theme that yields itself to inexpensive fun.  For example: Books:  Ask your child’s teacher what books the kids read in class during the course of the academic year.  Then, select a few titles and incorporate them into the theme.  You … Continue reading →

Budget Graduation Parties

In 1996, the late, great American novelist Nora Ephron shared the following pearl of wisdom with Wellesley College’s graduating class:  “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” Ten years into the future, not every student will be able to remember the commencement speech given on graduation day, but he will likely recall the party celebrating his academic achievements.  Fortunately, you don’t have to go bankrupt hosting a summer shindig for your graduating student. By incorporating these affordable elements, you can give your grad a rad party he will remember for years to come: Open House:  … Continue reading →

Affordable DIY Grad Day Decorations

Pinching pennies is no fun; however, finding ways to create memorable graduation day decorations without breaking the bank is sure to bring a smile to your face. Instead of getting despondent about not being able to afford expensive embellishments for your graduate’s party, consider buying budget items and jazzing them up at home.  For example, rather than splurging on pricey banners from the store, make your own at home using your laptop and printer.  You can personalize the look by choosing a fun font and some festive images that will enhance the commencement theme. Another way to save on party … Continue reading →