Chicago Architecture Foundation Save the Date! The details are still coming together, but Open House Chicago is scheduled to take place on October 15 and 16, 2022. Sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Open House Chicago provides behind-the-scenes glimpses and tours of many of Chicago's architectural gems. The free(!) public event runs throughout the weekend. Feeling spontaneous? Great! No reservations are needed. Just ... [ Read More ]
Winter STEM and STEAM Fun in February
We're adding to our series of guides to seasonal STEM fun! There are special STEM days all year long and we're working to compile them into family-friendly bits that will help guide your family activities, whether for homeschool, supplementing, or work with youth groups. Use these February STEM themes to guide your winter study, reading, and fun You can find the STEM in any day. For example, you can make these crystal hearts for Valentine's ... [ Read More ]
Easy April Fools Pranks for Your Family
Nobody in my family likes to be the butt of a joke, so we keep it light on April Fools Day. In fact, we rarely prank each other. When there's a sensitive child involved, even good-natured hijinks are as likely to cause tears as laughter. So I tread lightly. That said, have four family-friendly April Fools tricks up my sleeve. Well, three, but the fourth one was funny enough for me to include with a warning. Four Family Friendly April Fools ... [ Read More ]
Build a DIY Toy Car with an Empty PURELL Hand Sanitizer Bottle
I’m pleased to bring you a fifth activity, a DIY toy car from a plastic bottle, as part of my relationship with GOJO Industries, the makers of PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer. In the previous sponsored posts, I’ve shared how to make seed balls, craft dazzling sun catchers, create a candy construction challenge, and mix up a batch of oozy slime. GOJO and I believe in the power of creative experiences that put hands first. PURELL® Hand ... [ Read More ]
How to Make Marshmallow Dreidels
The first night of Chanuka (Hanukkah, etc.) is rapidly approaching. If you're looking for a fun dessert for the kiddos at your family's holiday party, these easy to assemble marshmallow dreidels are just the thing. How to Make Marshmallow Dreidels Supplies Hershey's Kisses Marshmallows (the giant ones are extra fun, but regular size will work) Pretzel sticks Food-safe markers A clean mug with hot water Steps Insert the ... [ Read More ]
How to Summon a Spider
Are you looking to hold a scary Halloween party without a lot of gory stuff, and maybe even not much emphasis on Halloween? Host a Spider Party! I'm not a huge fan of arachnids, but like all of nature's creatures, they have their place. Plus, I enjoy learning about the natural world and sharing that knowledge with others. My boys were in pre-K when I hosted a spider party did this, but the concept will work for elementary school classroom, as ... [ Read More ]
Egg-splosive Painting Fun!
Last year we prepared a lot of blown eggs. That is we pricked a small hole in the top and bottom of raw eggs and blew out the innards to create hollow eggshells. I can't recall what my goal was, or if there even was a goal. But Easter came and went and I still had several empty eggshells sitting around. My niece was over for a visit and we decided to use the shells for new form of art--egg painting. As in painting with eggs, not on them. Egg ... [ Read More ]