Skip to content
  • Home
  • Events
    • Events
    • Event Submission
    • Play Dates
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post Your Job
    • Job Dashboard
  • Store
    • Store
    • Downloads
    • A Workbook for Creating Healthy Relationships for Children
    • Cart
  • Childcare
    • Childcare
    • Childcare Catalog Submission
  • Blog
    • Blog
    • Video Blog
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
  • My Account
Login/Register

Tag: activities

Easter Kids Activities

CHILD, FAMILY FUN, GAMES, HOLIDAY

Easter is a time for joy, family, and of course, excitement for the little ones! So, let’s get them hopping with fun and engaging Ester Kids activities that will make this Easter one to remember!

Visit our Easter shop

The Classic: Egg-cellent Egg Decorating

This timeless activity sparks creativity and allows kids to personalize Easter eggs. Get messy with traditional dyes, paints, markers, or even glitter! You can also explore natural options like using onion skins or beet juice for vibrant colors.

This Easter try decorating eggs with:

  • decorator kit
  • onion peal
  • vinegar
  • whipped cream
  • baking soda

Let’s Get Crafty

Craft time is a fantastic way to unleash your child’s inner artist.

Paper Plate Bunnies: Cut out bunny ears from construction paper and attach them to decorated paper plates for adorable bunny faces.

Sock Bunnies: Upcycle old socks into cuddly bunny friends! Fill them with rice or cotton, tie a ribbon around the “neck,” and add felt ears and googly eyes.

Egg Carton Chicks: Transform empty egg cartons into a charming chick family. Paint them yellow, glue on construction paper beaks and eyes, and add fluffy cotton tails for extra cuteness.

Visit our Easter shop

Get Active: Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza – Easter Kids Activities

An Easter egg hunt is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Hide eggs around the house, garden, or local park, and let the hunt begin.

Some fun ideas you might like

Add an educational twist by writing clues on the eggs leading to the next hidden one.

Create a bunny map with all hidden eggs

Count all the eggs and make your little ones count while they collect the eggs

Sensory Play: Exploring the Easter Basket

Fill a sensory bin with shredded paper, Easter-themed toys, plastic eggs, and colorful beans. Encourage your child to explore the textures, hide and find objects, and use their imagination to create Easter-themed stories. What a great Easter Kids Activities!

Bake & Decorate: Bunny-Shaped Treats

Bonding over baking is a perfect way to celebrate Easter. Use cookie cutters to make bunny-shaped cookies or cupcakes, and let your kids unleash their creativity with frosting and sprinkles.

Planting Seeds: Growing Joy

Get your kids excited about spring by planting seeds! Choose vegetables, herbs, or flowers, and let them experience the joy of nurturing life. This activity teaches responsibility and connects them to nature’s cycle.

Remember, the key is to have fun and create joyful memories with your little ones.

Happy Easter!

Visit our Easter shop

See more Easter Art

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in Child, Family Fun, Games, HolidayTagged activities, kids

Role Play for Kids

CHILD, PARENTING

Role play for kids is a fun and engaging way to learn new things, develop their social skills, problem-solving abilities, and use their imaginations. Children naturally master many skills necessary for their development through this form of play. Typically, children choose their own activities, and your role as an adult is primarily to provide support.

Role Play for Kids

Many parents make the mistake of wanting to direct their child’s play. While guidance can be helpful, It’s far more beneficial for your child to be able to develop skills independently.

They learn skills like:

  • Communication: Expressing ideas clearly, actively listening to others, and engaging in collaborative conversations.

  • Problem-Solving: Thinking critically and finding creative solutions to challenges within their chosen scenarios.

  • Connection with the World: Exploring different perspectives and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Amazon Find

Here’s how you can support your child’s role play:

Find it on Amazon

  • Set the Stage: Provide props and costumes that fuel their chosen role. Specifically, if they’re fascinated by butterflies, create wings or a butterfly garden setting.

  • Become a Listener: Actively listen to their stories and ideas without interrupting or dictating the play. Additionally, ask open ended questions.

  • Follow Their Lead: Let them guide the play and explore their interests without imposing your ideas or expectations. On top of that, become a part of their game.

Tips for Role Play for kids:

  • Let kids take the lead and choose the roles they want to play.
  • Encourage kids to be creative and use their imaginations.
  • Provide props and costumes to make it more fun.
  • Play along with your kids and have fun!

Amazon Find

Ideas:

Find it on Amazon

Chef: Kids can pretend to be chefs and cook different dishes. They can use props like pots, pans, and ingredients to make it more realistic. 

Builder: Kids can pretend to be builders and construct different things. Also, they can use props like blocks, tools, and blueprints to make it more realistic. 

More Role Play for Kids

Fairy Tale Characters: Kids can dress up as their favorite fairy tale characters and act out scenes from the story. They can use props and costumes to make it even more fun. What’s more, you can turn playtime into a creative adventure by letting them change the ending of their favorite story into their own unique fairy tale fantasy!

Superheroes: Kids can create their own superhero characters, moreover alow them to come up with their own superpowers. Furthermore, they can then act out stories about their superheroes saving the day! 

Amazon Find

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Animals: Kids can pretend to be different animals and explore their habitats. Surely, they can move like the animal, make animal sounds, and even create a story about their animal character. 

Teacher and Student: Kids can explore different learning environments and practice their communication skills. In addition they can use props like a chalkboard, books, and pencils to make it more fun. 

Doctor and Patient: Kids can take turns being the doctor and examining the patient. On top of that, they can use props like a stethoscope, bandage, and thermometer to make it more realistic. 

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in Child, ParentingTagged activities, kids, parenting

Favorite Christmas Books for Kids

CHILD

A Magical Journey into the World of Christmas Books for Kids. As the festive season approaches, homes are adorned with twinkling lights, the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air, and a sense of anticipation builds for the joyous moments to come. For children, Christmas is a time of boundless excitement, filled with the promise of gifts, laughter, and cherished memories. And what better way to capture the magic of Christmas than by curling up with a heartwarming storybook?

Find Favorite Christmas Books for Kids

Children’s literature has a remarkable ability to transport young minds to enchanted realms, where reindeer soar through the night sky, mischievous elves prepare for Santa’s grand journey, and the true spirit of Christmas shines brightly. These enchanting tales not only spark imagination and creativity but also instill valuable lessons about kindness, generosity, and the enduring power of love.

All books are clickable, easily choose your favorite to purchase it from Amazon

Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon

These are just a few of the many wonderful Christmas books that await your child’s discovery. As you gather around the fireplace or cozy up in bed, let the magic of these stories transport you to a world of wonder, where the spirit of Christmas shines brightly.

www.nanniesandmommies.com

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in ChildTagged activities, books, kids

Spending quality time with family

FAMILY FUN, PARENTING

Spending quality time with family is essential for having a strong bond and closer relationship. It can help bring people together, strengthen the connection between family members, and create happy memories. Quality time with family can also be beneficial to overall mental health and wellbeing. Taking the time to spend time together can lift spirits, increase happiness levels, and even reduce stress.

Spending quality time with family

Volunteer

Find it on Amazon

As a parent, you have the opportunity to show your children the power of volunteering and create strong bonds with them. From soup kitchens to animal shelters, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference in your community. Whether it’s through short-term projects or longer commitments, volunteering is a great way for families to connect while teaching important values. Spending quality time with family for a good cause.

Set goal together

When you and your family set a new goal together, it can be an incredibly powerful way to strengthen the bond between you. Working together towards a common purpose helps create a sense of unity, loyalty, and dedication that enhances the connection you already have. Plus, it’s also very rewarding to experience accomplishing something as a team and good quality time! 

Find it on Amazon

Take a silly pictures together

Find it on Amazon

Gathering the entire family for a fun and silly photo session is an incredible opportunity to create enduring memories. Whether it’s around the dining table or in front of an iconic landmark, photography brings people together, allowing you to capture and share those precious moments. Get imaginative with poses and think outside the box when it comes to creating the perfect picture. Consider choosing a theme or a favorite movie to capture those extraordinary moments.

Play Theater

Set aside dedicated time with your kids to create a play. Get your costumes ready, choose a scene, write a script, or even try improvisation moments. Encourage your kids’ imagination to flow and cherish the special memories that will endure for a lifetime.

Find it on Amazon

Time for picnic

Going on a picnic is also a great way to enjoy the nice weather and quality time together. Head to your local park or beach and pack a meal with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Have some fun playing sports, flying kites, or just lounging around while talking and enjoying each other’s company in the sunshine.

Find it on Amazon

Cook meal together

Find it on Amazon

Another awesome way to have fun together is cooking a meal as a family. This can involve each person taking on specific tasks like chopping vegetables or assembling dishes according to recipes. You could even make it educational by teaching kids how to measure ingredients precisely and explain why certain spices are used.

Let children rule the day

Giving children a chance to take the lead can be an exciting experience for everyone. It allows them to think creatively, collaborate with one another, and make decisions that affect their environment. Allowing children to rule the day can also help teach them important social and problem-solving skills as they learn to work together. 

Find it on Amazon

No matter what your family decides to do for fun, make sure that everyone’s needs are taken into account so that everyone can have an enjoyable experience. Quality family time should be engaging and full of laughter! So take advantage of every opportunity you get to spend some extra special moments with your loved ones. Cheers to spending quality time with family!

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in Family Fun, ParentingTagged activities, kids, parenting

Easter Art for Kids

CHILD, GAMES

Happy Spring! I love this time of year! The weather, the blooms, the baby animals. It’s such a happy season! Spring always means that Easter is around the corner. Easter art for kids is always so colorful and adorable. Here are some top picks of Easter art for kids. 

Easy Easter Art for kids

Eastern Eggs

Not every parent is a craft! These ideas are perfect for the busy parent who doesn’t have a lot of bandwidth to craft with their child.  An added bonus–  these Easter art ideas use materials that you likely already have in your home! 

Easter Egg Pom Pom paint 

Grab some construction paper and cut in an egg shape. Get out some paints and some little pom poms and let your little little Picasso get to work! If your little one doesn’t like messy fingers, you can use clothespins to hold onto the pom poms. This activity is great for building fine motor skills for younger children! credits: sassydealz.com  

Pom Poms

Easter Bunny Craft 

Goggly Eyes

For this craft you need a paper plate, some cotton balls, glue, and some white and pink paper for the bunny ears! First, have your child cover the paper plate in cotton balls.Then, cut out two ear shapes and tape to the back of the plate. Finally, brainstorm together some materials from around the house that you could use for whiskers and eyes. (Think:pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, yarn, goggly eyes, buttons, etc.). It’s always fun to see what our kids think up! This Easter art could also turn into a mask for kids!  credits: simplytodaylife.com

Handprint Bunny

This handprint bunny is a super easy Easter craft for kids! And it’s also a great keepsake! Simply trace your child’s hand on construction paper, then cut out. Fold down two fingers to create the bunny arms, cut off the middle finger and voila – you have your bunny! Older kids will enjoy creating their own bunny faces, while younger children may need a little help.  credits: www.onelittleprojectatatime.com

Footprint Carrot

Find it on Amazon

This footprint carrot is also a great keepsake! Kids love to look back at their art projects, especially ones where they can see just how much they have grown. For the footprint carrot you need paper orange, green, and white paper and orange paint. Have your child step in paint, or “paint” the bottom of their foot, then have them carefully step on the white piece of paper. Cut out the footprint and glue to orange construction paper in a carrot shape. Add some greenery on top. An adorable and easy Easter craft for kids!   credits: craftymorning.com

Easter Art Projects

The following are Easter art ideas for kids that may be a little more time consuming, or require a two step process. 

Easter Egg Rocks  

This is a great art project that can keep giving and giving. First, go on a nature walk with your kids, looking specifically for egg shaped rocks. Then, it is time for some water play! Give your rocks a bath to make sure they are clean. While they are drying, pick out pastel colored paints. Choose a color to paint each rock entirely. Once the base color has dried, add designs in other colors! Use q-tips and small paint brushes to create fun and unique designs for each rock. Once the rocks are dry, they can be used as decoration, or can be hidden for an Easter Rock hunt! credits: www.projectswithkids.com

Rock Painting

Salt painted Easter Eggs      

Egg Race

For this art project you need card stock, Elmer’s glue, salt, and watercolors. Draw an egg shape on card stock, including different designs on each egg. Trace over everything with glue, then add a liberal amount of salt, fully covering all of the glue. Allow to dry and gently dump off excess salt. Then dab on watercolor paint to color your eggs! The outcome is a beautiful, puffy looking art piece- a perfect addition to Easter decor for the season! credits: atteslilacsandlullabies.com 

Egg Carton Hatching Chick     

These cute little egg carton chick’s are super simple to make, plus a fun way to recycle egg cartons. Put goggly eyes on pom poms, add beak and feet. Cut egg carton for nest or chicken hat. Stretch this activity by filling these cute chicks with jelly beans or pastel colored m&m’s. Deliver the chicks to neighbors or friends in the area to get them in the spring mood.   credit: craftymorning.com

Amazon Find

Egg Carton Chick Gift   

Another cute little egg carton chick’s idea. Cut egg carton into small shells and glue two together and create cute chicks. Add beak, feet and fill with pastel colored m&m’s. Share the Easter love with the little cute carton Chick. Easy to make and fun to share. credits: practicallyfunctional.com

Edible Easter Art

The following are Easter art ideas for kids that may be a little more time consuming, or require a two step process. 

Easter Bunny    –  Marshmallow craft 

Draw a bunny on a paper. Trace a bunny drawing with glue and add marshmallows! A cute, easy, and yummy way to celebrate Easter with kids! Placing the marshmallows along the line is great fine motor skill practice for young kids, and you can guarantee they will be enthusiastic participants in this craft!  credit: classymommy.com

Easter Bunny House

Easter House

We’ve all heard of gingerbread houses, right? This is an Easter version! Use Easter inspired ingredients to make a wonderful house for a peeps bunny! So fun and yummy too! credit: www.itsalwaysautumn.com

Easter Egg Rice Krispie Treats

Fun idea to make rice krispie treats and form them into an egg shape using a plastic easter egg coated with cooking spray! Hollow out the middle and add yummy treats in the middle of the egg krispie treat. credits:   makelifespecial.com

Frosted Krispies

Bunny Lollipop            

Lolly Pops

This is a super simple Easter craft turned treat for kids! First, grab a package of lollipops. Then simply wrap two together to look like bunny ears and add a bow and fluffy white cottontail (via a pom pom). Such a cute treat to pass to friends or share with classmates at Easter time! credit: www.smartschoolhouse.com

Religious Easter Art 

Easter is an important holiday for those who are religious. A great way to help kids grapple with the Easter story is by engaging them in a tactile way. Easter art for kids that reflect the Easter story can be really powerful. 

He is Risen 

Materials needed for this craft are mainly paper, glue, scissors, a hole punch, and paper fastener.  This is a craft that will likely need some parent support as it can be a little tricky to get just right. Find template: nontoygifts.com 

Resurrection Garden        

This Easter art project for kids recreates Christ’s tomb using some basic garden supplies and grass seeds. It’s a tangible and tactile way to discuss new life and growth. credits: sweettmakesthree.com

Easter Art for Kids and Parents too

Easter Egg Dye   

(with natural dye colors made with everyday ingredients)  

The ultimate Easter art activity for kids is dyeing eggs! Yes, there are tons of egg dyeing kits out there. And sometimes just buying the box kit is enough! But, if you have a few hours to kill, these Easter eggs dyed with natural ingredients like beet,onion, turmeric, hibiscus, cabbage, ad beet kvass are incredibly gorgeous. Plus- just think of all the learning your kids will get– food exposure, color mixing, etc. credits: mommypotamus.com  

Egg Dye

Easter Egg Dye with Stencils    

Spring Stencils

(Natural ingredients and flower stencils) 

These Easter eggs dyed with natural ingredients and stenciled with flowers and plants are beautiful! Using flower stencils is perfect for the spring season. This is a great way to get our kids outside, in and interacting with the natural world. Enjoy! credit:  nourishingmyscholar.com

Take what is useful, and leave the rest

Well-there’s the roundup of fun, different, easy, tasty Easter art for kids! Remember that these are suggestions for activities to set up for your child, but if this isn’t your thing, skip it! There are so many suggestions for ways we can “best” mother, and no one has time/energy/interest for it all! 

Happy Spring, Happy Easter!

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in Child, GamesTagged activities, games, kids

10 Free Family Activities in the Bay Area

LIFESTYLE

Getting out of the house as a family is more important than ever with many families still dealing with at-home school or work. But finding fun things to do together can get expensive! Here are ten free family activities in the Bay Area that won’t break the bank but will give you and your little ones lasting memories. 

1. Go biking at Stafford Lake Bike Park 

Find it on Amazon

Stafford Lake Bike Park is a kid-friendly The 17 acre park also features a single track loop trail as well as pump tracks and gravity trails for those who are looking for more extreme biking. Even if you and your kids are totally comfortable on a bike, you can get some fresh air and good exercise!

2. Learn about nature with Wildcare

Do you want to take your kids out into nature but want a specialist who knows the outdoors like the back of their hand? Look into Wildcare. Your kids can get a free education on local wildlife and fauna, learning to spot and name their wild care animals. 

Find it on Amazon

3. See the sea lions and walk the pier

Find it on Amazon

One of the best benefits of living in the Bay Area is seeing the sea lions! Play tourist for a day and visit San Francisco’s historic waterfront community. At the Fisherman’s Wharf, you can eat local seafood and walk up and down the 150 year old pier. 

As you walk along, check out the sea lions sunbathing in the sun at Pier 39. Kids love watching them bark and swim in the bay.

4. Free fishing days

Bay Area Free Fishing Days! The Bay Area offers tons of piers and shorelines perfect for a fun, family outing. No license needed, just grab your bait and a sense of adventure – who knows, you might just catch the big one! See a wild life government site for free fishing days!

Find it on Amazon

5 more Free Family Activities …

5. Free days in museums

Several Bay Area museums open their doors for free on weekdays throughout the first week of the month, typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Expect crowds, so plan your visit for an early arrival to maximize your free museum experience, here are some ideas:

Find it on Amazon

  • Discovery Museum in Sausalito the first Wednesday of every other month
  • Exploratorium – The Exploratorium participates in the Discover & Go program, offering families free admission to over 35 Bay Area cultural attractions through local libraries.
  • SF Botanical Gardens – Free for SF residents everyday, all day

6. Presidio events

From kite festivals to interactive art installations and DJ dance parties, there’s always something fun happening. Explore the Presidio’s event calendar and get ready for a day filled with laughter, exploration, and creating unforgettable family moments.

Find it on Amazon

7. Fortune Cookie San Francisco

Find it on Amazon

Visit the Fortune Cookie Factory and witness the magic of how these iconic fortune cookies are made. Your curious crew will be amazed by this unique process, and everyone can enjoy a fresh, delicious cookie. It’s a fun and educational experience that’s perfect for a family day in the city by the bay! What more, you can create a very own city movie.

8. Hike the Golden Gate Parks 

A perfect free family activity is taking the kids out for a full day of hiking on the gorgeous trails surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge.

You can check here to see all trails. Many offer amazing views of the bridge, waterfront, Alcatraz or unique views of wildlife and green forest terrain. 

Find it on Amazon

9. Beach Clean Up

Find it on Amazon

Taking the kids to a beach clean up is great for two reasons: they get to do something good for their community, and they get to go to the beach! 

There are many groups that offer beach cleanups. Here is one by the Pacific Beach Coalition. Sign-up and parking are completely free, all you need to bring is yourself, your kids, and some gloves and a bucket! 

10. Marine Mammal Center 

The Marine Mammal Center just north of Golden Gate Bridge is the world’s biggest marine mammal hospital–and it’s totally free!

You and your family can watch as veterinarians help adorable harbor seals, sea otters and more. They also have exhibits to learn more about the ocean. In the area there’s also amazing trails that overlook the Pacific ocean. For one day become a veterinary.

Find it on Amazon

Hopefully these ten free family activities have inspired you! Whether it’s creating narratives, inspiring love for nature and fresh air, or just hanging out together in your neighborhood, I hope you try out some of these ideas and let us know.

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in LifestyleTagged activities, Bay Area, kids

Budget-friendly Summer Activities

FAMILY FUN

School is out, and the kids are restless. You really want to get them out of the house, but everything is so expensive. Don’t worry, there are plenty of budget friendly summer activities out there.

Go Hiking

Find it on Amazon

Look for trails that are rated easy or beginner level. These will be easiest for kids to navigate. To make it even more memorable, hike to a waterfall or other local landmarks. Carefully consider the length of the trail, remember that getting to the top is only half the journey. You still have to hike back down. 

Make sure the kids wear sturdy, lace-up shoes with socks. Long pants will help protect little legs from scratches, scrapes, and unwanted bites. A hat will help shade the face, but don’t use it as a substitute for SPF 50 or above sunscreen.

Go for a Bike Ride

Kids love to ride bikes, and it is even more fun if mom or dad goes with them. If you don’t already own bikes, consider a bike rental shop or purchase some through a secondhand store or yard sale. Bicycles are a great investment because they are an excellent form of exercise and enjoyment for people of all ages.

If there is nowhere near your house to ride, find a bike path at a park or nature preserve. Be sure to wear helmets and closed-toe shoes. Little riders might also require elbow pads. Be sure to slather on the sunscreen and carry bottled water for hydration during summer activities.

Find it on Amazon

Attend a festival or concert

Find it on Amazon

Many communities offer free outdoor concerts or movies during the summer months. Just bring a blanket or lawn chairs, some snacks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you’re going to be out after dark, make sure you bring along mosquito repellent. Stop by your dollar store and pick up some glow sticks or glow necklaces to make it even more fun for the kids.

Cool off in a pool or spray park

Find a community pool or spray park close to home. Most charge a very nominal admission fee during the summer months, and whatever you spend will be worth it to get the kids out of the house and cooled off. Be sure to check the rules about water shoes and flotation devices. If you have a baby, make sure you have swim diapers or a waterproof diaper cover.  Bring along plenty of bottled water and sunscreen.

Find it on Amazon

Go to the park or playground

Find it on Amazon

Spend a morning at the park or playground. Try to go before the day gets too hot and the crowds get too heavy. Be sure to bring drinks and snacks. Hats and sunscreen will help protect sensitive skin. Sturdy shoes are best to minimize trips and falls. It’s not a bad idea to take a few bandaids and some antiseptic, just in case so you can enjoy fully summer activities.

Visit the zoo

In most major cities, the zoo has special days and times with reduced admission prices. Contact your zoo to find out the best day to go. To help save money, bring in bottled water and a healthy snack. Have your child draw their favorite animal, or figure out what type of footprints a certain animal leaves behind. Before your trip, buy an animal sticker book from the dollar store and let the kids create a zoo memory book in an inexpensive photo album or handmade tagboard booklet.

Find it on Amazon

Make tie-dyed clothing

Find it on Amazon

This is a great activity to do on a warm summer day. Use white socks, underwear, or t-shirts the kids already own if you are on a strict budget. Inexpensive tie-dye kits are available at certain fabric retailers and big box stores. If buying dye is out of your budget, make your own dye from grass clippings, crushed flowers, coffee grounds, grated carrots, or canned beets. Soak the clothing in a soda ash solution before applying dye for a long-lasting design. Rubber bands or tightly wound string can be used to create the folds and wrinkles where the dye will penetrate. 

Go Fishing

Each of the fifty United States has a youth fishing day for children to learn angling skills and develop a love of nature. Check with your local wildlife resources agency to learn where and when the next youth day will take place. Many of these agencies also have extra life jackets and fishing gear to loan out if you don’t have your own. Keep in mind that any adult accompanying the children may be required to purchase a license.

Find it on Amazon

Set up an at-home museum

Find it on Amazon

Using photos of famous artwork as inspiration, kids can recreate these masterpieces and hang them throughout the house. Use construction paper or tagboard and glitter to make gilded frames. Allow the kids to use a variety of media types including crayon, marker, paint, string, noodles, or anything else they can imagine. Consider inviting friends or family members to come visit your museum of fine art.

Visit a local factory or business

Kids are fascinated to see how things are made. Many local businesses will allow you and your children to take a tour if you call ahead and schedule it. After the tour, have kids recreate the process at home using drawings or cardboard boxes and toy props. Older kids can create a timeline type comic strip or write a paragraph about what they saw during their new summer adventure and activities.

Find it on Amazon

Decorate the driveway or patio

Find it on Amazon

Use sidewalk chalk, finger paint, or poster paints to create a work of art in your driveway or on your patio. Challenge kids to make the largest design, the smallest design, the most realistic design, the design with the most colors, and so on. Don’t worry if it gets overwhelming and the kids get messy. It all washes off with soap and water. 

Create shadow art

Use long pieces of butcher paper and water-based markers to create shadow pictures. You can have a child sit or lay on a piece of paper and trace the outline of their body, or you can place different toys on the paper and put it in a sunny location. Have the kids draw the shadows that appear on the paper, then add details to create a lively scene. Plastic dinosaurs and other animals work great for this activity. Make sure the kids wear sunscreen since they will be outdoors during their summer activities.

Find it on Amazon

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in Family FunTagged activities, kids

The Best FREE Museums in the Bay Area

FAMILY FUN, LIFESTYLE

Free Museums list! Here are some of the best ideas for museums in the Bay Area! Treat your kids out to a special day See below for names and days of no-cost entry for San Francisco area museums. Times and dates might change.

Asian Art Museum

3D Pen to create art

May is Asian and Pacific Islander History Month and there’s no better way to celebrate than going to see one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world.

FREE first Sundays of every month. Pop over here to plan your visit. 

Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin St
San Francisco, CA 94102

Bay Area Discovery Museum

Bay Area Discovery Museum is a museum built for curious little minds. They have many exhibits, specializing in interactive how-it-works models and outdoor exploration. 

FREE first Wednesdays of every month for Bay Area Residents. 

Currently they require reservations for their free Wednesdays, which you can see listed here. 

Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA 94965

Create own Story

California Academy of Sciences

Find it on Amazon

The California Academy of Science has many interactive exhibits for science lovers, such as their natural history museum, rainforest, planetarium, or aquarium. 

FREE general museum admission four Sundays a year. See here for the next upcoming free dates.

FREE weekend dates for SF residents, based on your Bay Area zip code. Look here to see when your free day would be. Children under 2 always get in for free.

Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118

Cantor Arts Center

Formerly known as the Stanford University Museum of Art, this museum offers insightful art exhibitions for patrons of all ages. Best of all, it’s a free museum!

FREE admission for all, however it does require timed tickets due to COVID. 

Tresidder Memorial Union
2nd Floor
Stanford University

Build own Art

Cartoon Art Museum

Wall Art

Get entertained and educated at the Cartoon Art museum, which features panels and artwork from cartoons, comics and more. 

FREE Museums visit first Tuesdays of every month. Children under 5 always get in for free. Click here for more info. 

Cartoon Art Museum
781 Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

Contemporary Jewish Museum

The CJM is a great non-collecting museum of Jewish culture, art, and heritage collections.
This museum is great for audiences of all backgrounds.

FREE First Tuesdays of each month. Children and teens under 18 get free entry always. 

Contemporary Jewish Museum
736 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Create Art

Exploratorium

Science Kit

Explore light, shadow, and colors with this playful interactive art museum. They offer visual and physical exhibits perfect for any artsy or scientific brain.

FREE day once a year. Current day is set for Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020. Check out their calendar for other free online events.

Exploratorium
Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street)
San Francisco, CA 94111

Museum of Craft and Design

Get your hands ready for all sorts of craft workshops and engaging design displays. 

FREE Museums visit first Tuesday of each month. (EDIT: the museum had to adjust their hours and they will offer another free day in the near future)

The museum gives free admission to EBT holders, first responders, and military personnel and their families. Children under 12 get in for free. Check here for more detailed info. 

Museum of Craft and Design
2569 Third Street 
San Francisco CA

Bird House

Oakland Museum of California

Craft Set

Gather for incredible art, powerful exhibitions, engaging late-night events and community parties at the Oakland Museum of California. 

First Sundays of the month are free with a suggested donation of $5. You can check here for their many free museum day policies. Children under 8 always get in for free. 

Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak Street
Oakland, CA

San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo is a 100-acre zoo with over 250 different species. They have themed exhibits, such as the Australian Outback to the African Savannah. They also offer a children’s zoo. 

SF Zoo used to offer FREE Wednesdays each month. Those services are currently suspended due to COVID, but keep checking here for updates. 

San Francisco Zoo
Sloat Blvd. & Great Highway
San Francisco, CA

Animal Craft

SF Botanical Garden

Flower Art

Get some time out in nature at the beautiful San Francisco Botanical Garden. There are 55 acres of themed oases showcasing plants from all over the world!

FREE for SF Residents with ID. 

Also FREE everyday from 7:30am-9am, every first Tuesday, or Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years Day.

San Francisco Botanical Garden – Golden Gate Park
1199 9th Ave 
San Francisco, CA, 94122

SFMOMA 

Experience incredible contemporary art at the SF MOMA. They have world-class art exhibits, outdoor sections and spaces for kids to enjoy.

FREE on specific community days and family days (for up to two adults and a minor under 18). Check their calendar for upcoming dates. Children under 18 always get in for free. 

You can also explore their 45,000 square feet of public space at no charge.

SF MOMA
151 Third St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Window Art

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Puzzle Art

Yerba Buena Center is a contemporary art museum featuring visual and performative arts. Check it out for exhibitions on culture and local communities. 

FREE First Tuesdays of each month. 

Yerba Buena Center
701 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

We hope you enjoyed our list of free museums in the Bay Area and share with us how was your experience.

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in Family Fun, LifestyleTagged activities, Bay Area, kids

Spice up the Playground: How to Play with the Chinese Jump Rope

CHILD, FAMILY FUN, GAMES

Jump rope is one of the classic children’s games, but there are more ways to play than you might remember! Read through this guide for instructions on how to play this fun new twist on the old-school game. Mix exercise with skill and luck, no batteries needed!

Find it on Amazon

Chinese jump rope and it’s a little different than your average jump rope. This is one long elastic band, about three meters, with no opening. Because there are two ropes, this is like a double-dutch jump rope (with two ropes). 

Step 1: 

  • Begin with at least 3 players, ages up six or up. 
  • Start by having two players stand facing each other.
  • Then, they will take the rope, and place it around their ankles. The rope will look like a rectangle.

Chinese Jump Rope

Step 2:

Start Jumping

  • The third player will begin to step into the square, jumping over the lines. 
  • How they jump is up to the player! They can jump one side at a time, both ropes, or make their own complex jump patterns.

Some options are:

  • Jumping with both feet at the same time, trying to get the rope in between their feet.
  • Jumping between the ropes, then jumping on the ropes
  • Jumping only on the ropes
  • Turning around and back
  • Twisting the rope around your ankle and then jumping out, landing on the ropes. 

Fun for All

It can get very complex! As players grow more comfortable with the ropes, they can try more difficult patterns. 

Step 3:

Some patterns

Now the other two players can sing or recite nursery rhymes. See how long the third player can last jumping over one or both ropes. 

The jump rope will start to move up the two players’ legs and torsos, making it harder and harder for the third player to keep jumping. 

Challenge each other to see who can last the longest or jump the highest!

Step 4:

Keep going!

This elastic rope is long, making it long enough for more players to jump in. Try with a fourth person or switch places. 

If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor activity that will get them thinking and exercising, look no further. This elastic rope is a great collaborative tool, getting them to work together to think of unique and challenging jump patterns. 

Let’s Jump

While it’s great for kids, parents can play too! Download some ideas on how to play this Chinese Jump Rope game FREE PDF


Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in Child, Family Fun, GamesTagged activities, games, kids

7 Resistance Band Exercises You Can Easily Fit into Your Schedule

LIFESTYLE

Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or a total beginner, a resistance band can be a great tool to make your workouts more effective. They are lightweight, durable bands that, as you might’ve guessed, add a little resistance to your movements. 

Resistance bands for anyone of any level. Unlike dumbbells or kettlebells, they’re easier on your joints and can help with targeting more specific muscle groups. The goal is to increase tension, but you’re still relying on your body’s natural weight. 

RESISTANCE BAND

More and more people are working out at home. Buying equipment can get expensive–and they take up space. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to weight sets, consider resistance bands. Because they’re small and flat, they’re easy to store or pack. This can be great if you’re low on free space or want to maintain your routine while traveling. 

Here’s a 7-step resistance band routine that you can start today! These exercises can be done individually or all together. You can repeat as many times as you like, creating your very own resistance band workout! 

Find it on Amazon

1. Squat Jumps x10

Find it on Amazon

  • Place the resistance band on your thighs, right above your knees.
  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and squat down. Make sure your knees don’t go past your toes. You should feel this in your glutes and thighs. 
  • Jump forward about a foot. Pause if you need so you don’t lose your balance. Then jump back the same distance. Stay low in your squat. This counts as one rep. 

2 . Glute Kickbacks x10

  • With the resistance band around your thighs, place your elbows and knees on the ground. 
  • Keeping your knee bent, lift one leg into the air. Try to get it as high as you can.
  • Slowly bring your leg back down. This counts as one rep. 
  • Repeat with the other leg for 10 reps.

Find it on Amazon

3. Fire Hydrant x10

Find it on Amazon

  • Start with your hands and knees on the ground. The resistance band will stay around your thighs. 
  • Lift one leg out sideways, opening up from your hip. Imagine a dog lifting its leg near a fire hydrant!
  • Bring your leg back down to starting position. This counts as one rep.
  • Repeat with your other leg for 10 reps.

4. Bridges x15

  • Lie on your back with arms on either side and the resistance band above your knees. Place your feet firmly on the ground with your knees in the air. 
  • Squeezing your glutes and abs, push your bum off the mat and into the air, lifting your hips off the mat. Your body will make a straight line from shoulders to knees. 
  • Hold for one second then relax back down to the mat. This is one rep.

Find it on Amazon

5. Single Leg Bridge x10

Find it on Amazon

  • Stay lying on the mat with your hands on either side and the band still around your thighs.
  • This time, bring one leg up straight into the air. Don’t bend at the knee.
  • Lift your hips off the mat like you would for a normal bridge. Squeeze your abs and glutes and lift until your body is in a straight line.
  • Hold for one second and relax your torso back down. Your leg will stay in the air. This is one rep.
  • Switch legs and repeat for 10 reps.

6. Clams x15

  • Lie on your side with one arm under your head. Your other arm can rest on the mat for balance.
  • Keep your legs bent and your feet together. 
  • Slowly lift your top knee up into the air, squeezing your glutes. Don’t move your foot. You’ll feel a stretch in your hips.
  • Bring your leg back down to meet your other knee. This counts as one rep.
  • Turn onto your other side and repeat with the opposite leg for 15 reps.

Find it on Amazon

7. Plank Jacks x15

Find it on Amazon

  • Place your resistance band around your ankles. Start in a plank position with your elbows on the ground and your feet close together. Remember to keep your body in a straight line.
  • Jump your legs out apart, about shoulder-width apart. 
  • Then jump back so your feet are together again. This is one rep.

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you. 

Homepage
Homepage
Posted in LifestyleTagged activities, mom, nanny

Posts navigation

Newer posts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

© 2026 Nannies and Mommies, all rights reserved.