(This post has been sponsored by Miller Ferry.  All opinions are my own.)

Are you in need of a little getaway? A day trip may be just the thing!  With so many people cancelling their extended travel plans, taking a day trip is a great way to get out and create some family fun!

Last week, Dan, the kids and I spent the day at Put-In-Bay and it was a perfect getaway.  Put-In-Bay is located on South Bass Island in the western basin of Lake Erie, near Sandusky, Ohio.  (There are plenty of options for overnight and extended stays, but we made it a day trip!)

Before we left, I scouted out what to do on the island.  With an assortment of restaurants, shops, caves, parks and family activities, I knew we wouldn’t be hurting for things to do.  But in the end, we discovered five ideas that will make the most of any family day trip.  Check them out below!

1. Try something NEW.

There is something fun and bonding about scouting out a new place or trying a new activity together.  Our kids had never been to the island before.  And even though I had been there about 30 years ago (ouch!), it still felt new and was extra enjoyable as we explored together. 

Our day started with a trip on the Miller Ferry.  The ferry takes travelers and their cars (if desired) to both Put-In-Bay and Middle Bass Island.  Taking the ferry was a treat and a fun way to start our adventure.  The wind blowing in our hair, the warm sun and beautiful lake . . . it was a gorgeous fall day for a ferry ride.

Peter and I loved watching the logistics of loading and unloading the vehicles!  Miller Ferry was incredibly efficient and we find that kind of thing very cool.  (Yes, we are weird like that.)  

This seagull flew with the ferry on the road home at the end of the day.  He was funny to watch but made us a bit nervous every time he flew over our heads since we were on the outer part of the deck.  Thankfully, we didn’t go home with any extra souvenirs!

2. Do something that is PURE FUN.

At times, I am guilty of loading up our day with either strictly educational activities or things that fall under my agenda.  But I love it when we include something that is just pure fun, something I know the kids will wholeheartedly enjoy. 

One of our “pure fun” activities was hanging out at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center.  We played miniature golf at their War of 18 Holes (a play on words for the involvement Put-In-Bay had in the War of 1812 – see #4).

We also raced through their Fort aMaze’n.  I LOVE mazes and this one did not disappoint, except for the fact that the kids beat me.  But hey, they were running! 

One of the central activities at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is going into the cave itself.  We were excited to check out the stalagmites and stalactites in this half acre cave!  

BONUS TIP:  One thing that I so often forget about is keeping our eyes open for a fun playground and Put-In-Bay had an awesome one.  The kids turned it into a timed obstacle course and another kid even joined the challenge.  While they enjoyed time here, I hit up the stores in the center of town and did some shopping!

3.  Get out and explore NATURE.

Do you ever feel like your kids need to get outside more and enjoy nature?  Put-In-Bay has several lovely sites to do just that.  I don’t know what it is about being near the water, but I find it especially enjoyable to be out in nature and enjoying God’s creation at the lake.  At Put-In-Bay, you’ll find several wildlife and park areas, including a State Park.  We visited the Massie Cliffside Preserve, hiking through the woods to get to this beautiful spot.  

Wouldn’t you like to hang out here for a bit?  

4.  Add in EDUCATIONAL VALUE.

We love to learn . . . just about anything.  And since we started homeschooling three years ago, I am always on the lookout for those add-ins to a fun day that allow us to grow and learn. 

Put-In-Bay has fascinating historical ties to the War of 1812.  Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry used Put-In-Bay/South Bass Island as a base of operations during the war.  His amazing defeat over the British was a key event leading to the end of the war.  Perry Monument, the 352 foot granite structure, is a reminder not only of the naval battle but also the peace that has lasted for more than 150 years. 

We spent time walking around the monument and also in the Visitor Center which offers many displays and a 15 minute movie telling the riveting story.  As a national park, the site is staffed with Park Rangers who are a wealth of information!  Learning about the island’s history added so much to our trip.  

Yes, that is us in a golf cart next to the Perry Monument which takes us to . . . 

5.  Blend ACTION with RELAXATION.

 So often I end up with all or nothing when it comes to action or relaxation.  But finding that middle ground really does make for a more enjoyable day.  Our day was full of activity with the hike, the monument, and the Family Fun center.  The relaxation came in simply touring around the island on our golf cart.  (That was a first for us too!)

Just up from Miller Ferry’s location on the island is E’s Put-In-Bay Carts where we picked up our golf cart.  It was a nice short walk and couldn’t have been more convenient.  My kids were thrilled that we were assigned to the Mandalorian golf cart (see below).  And what a treat is was to be trekking around the island via golf cart!  (It was a bit weird at first to be driving a golf cart on the road with cars, but the carts are all road-ready with seat belts and turn signals.)  I loved driving it; it took me back to my days of working at the golf club.

Special thanks to Katrina at Miller Ferry for inviting us, and to Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center and E’s Put-In-Bay Carts.  Please find more information for Put-In-Bay and these companies below.

Miller Ferry | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Official Put-In-Bay Website | Facebook | Twitter

Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center

E’s Put-In-Bay Carts

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Busy.  We’re all busy.

I used to have this image of family life that was slow and relaxed . . . anything but busy.  But now I am not so sure that it is truly possible.  Maybe it is the kids’ ages.  Maybe it is my responsibilies.  Maybe it is the world we live in.

It is easy to get wrapped up in all our commitments, activities and running the life of a growing family.  I don’t know about you, but I can feel weighted down by everything there is to get done.  And sometimes in the midst of all the busyness, I can miss connecting with my kids.  Being more deliberate about finding fun and simple things to do breaks the busyness of our family life.  These things allow us to connect, grow and have fun.

Breaking up busy is about finding the fun, making the moment a time of connecting with your child, and creating memories!

It is in these moments that I can feel less busy.  I can pause the sand in the hourglass and hear the laughs, see the smiles and touch the hearts of my children. 

I have put together a list of activities that have worked for my family.  These are things that break busy and squeeze in special moments.  One word of advice:  Do NOT try to do them all.  Pick one and start there.  See how you feel in the moment.  Watch how your kids respond.  My hope is that you’ll capture a precious few moments with your kids that break up your busy and create lasting memories.

(This post contains affiliate links.)

10 Simple & Fun Ways to Break up Busy for Your Family

1. Write in a Journal Together.

We call ours a Dialogue Journal (a la my daughter’s 2nd grade teacher).  One of my elementary school teachers called it a “Me Book.”  Whatever you decide to call yours, corresponding with your child in a journal can be so much fun (and something that is easy to hold on to for years to come).

In our journals, I wrote a prompt/question on each page for my kids to answer.  Once answered, I write back responding to their journal entry and sharing my answer to the prompt as well.  I used these journal prompts from Journal Buddies.

The Benefits:

• Learning more about your child (from interests to thought processes).
• Encourages your child to open up.
• Gets your child writing!
• Your child can learn little unknown things about you as well.
• Builds your relationship as you share answers and thoughts with each other.

2. Listen to an Audio Book in the Car.

Go on imaginary adventures together by simply by listening to an audio book while you drive around town.  This one only takes a trip to your library and will provide hours of fun for your family.

My family has enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia most of all.  We have been thrilled by the adventures of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy.  We fell in love with the lion, Aslan.  We were saddened when Peter and Susan were no longer allowed into Narnia, only to be repeated when Edmund and Lucy became too old.  We were annoyed by Eustice, but ecstatic when his character began to transform.  We talked through scenarios.  We dreamed about what we wanted to happen.

It was an escape . . . together.  Every trip in the car, even 10 minute errands became a clamoring for the next bit of our story.

The Benefits:

• Sharing an adventure together (and shared experiences form bonds).
• Allows you and your children to develop critical thinking skills as you try to figure out what will happen next or how the story will end.
• Exposes your family to various works of literature.
• Requires no extra time in your day, but utilizes the time you are already in the car.

3. Learn Something Together.

A month ago, my kids and I had the opportunity to hear a NASA engineer and an astronaut speak at a local event.  It was fascinating.  The three of us enjoyed learning all about Curiosity, a Mars rover and the incredible feat of landing on the planet.

Whether you are learning facts or a skill, I have found when I can share in a journey of learning with my kids, it makes the moment so valuable and FUN.  Ask your kids what they would like to learn about?  My son wants to learn to draw.  My daughter wants to learn about geology and to bake, sew, tie knots and more.  Clearly, I have more to tackle with my daughter. 

What would happen if you sat down with your children and took 30 minutes to learn something with them?  Here is what would happen >>

The Benefits:

• Models and promotes a lifelong love of learning.
• Allows you and your children to share in the learning process together.
• Gives your child a special time with you.
• Creates natural opportunites to experience failure, grow and learn to persevere.

4. Pause to Play a Game.

There are times when things are busy, the kids seem to be at each other and the “to do” list is long.  It is time to stop everything and play a game together.  The kids need to see Mom break from the busyness and take a moment to connect and have fun.

The Benefits:

• Serves as recreation for the whole family.
• Puts Mom at the kids’ level of play – something special for the kids.
• Creates opportunities to win and lose, encourage others and handle disappointment.

5. Stop for a Spontaneous Quick Treat.

Even on those days when things have been crazy, pure delight is created when I tell the kids that we are stopping for a quick treat.  It is painless and it is usually inexpensive.  My favorites are $1 ice cream cones or Frosty’s!

The Benefits:

• Breaks up the busy with something fun and unexpected.
• Creates joy and memories!
• Allows you to feel the fun with your children.
• Can be combined with your busyness of running here and there.

6. Read Aloud with Your Kids.

Sometimes on a busy day, I feel like we are all running in different directions.  But there is an amazing feeling of pushing the pause button and taking 15 minutes to read together.  I cozy up on the couch.  My daughter snuggles with the dog and my son grabs his drawing book and lays on the floor drawing and listening to our story.

Now I must be honest, there are many times when we can’t stop at 15 minutes.  There certainly have been those evenings when my voice has become hoarse from reading for an hour to an hour and a half with my kids.  But it is so much fun as a mom to hear your kids (especially at upper elementary ages) clammor for you to keep going.

Our latest read alouds have been:  Greenglass House, Book Scavenger and currently, Wonderland.

The Benefits:

• Models and promotes a love of reading.
• Like the audio books, allows for critical thinking and fun as you and your kids try to figure out what is going to happen.
• Creates great memories of relaxed time with YOU!

7. Go an Adventure.

Whether it is a family hike, a bike ride or a trip to a cornmaze, find something active you can do as a family.  Maybe you can eat dinner at a park or find a geocache.  Look for something in your area that you have been wanting to try and do it.  I have been more deliberate about finding the fun things in our area to do and we have had so much fun.  Honestly, I find such fulfillment in taking the kids to do these kinds of things.

The Benefits:

• Promotes family bonding.
• Creates memories.

8. Watch Silly Videos.

Whether you have a few minutes or half an hour, there are a million funny and entertaining videos out there on YouTube.  My kids love funny animal clips, blooper reals and Zach King‘s magic videos.  One of our favorite channels as a family is Good Mythical Morning with Rhett and Link.  Some go a little too far for my preference, but their “Will It _(taco, s’more, milkshake, etc___?” are funny.  My favorite video is their Spicy Pepper Challenge.  Our family feels like we have gotten to know Rhett and Link through their show and enjoy checking out their latest content.

The Benefits:

• Creates opportunities to laugh and have fun together, breaking up the busy and a fast-paced family life.
• Has the potential to create a “family thing” where you regularly follow a channel.

9. Share in a Devotional Time Together.

One thing the kids and I have developed a habit of doing before school is sharing in a devotional together.  Now granted, there are opportunities all the time to talk about the Lord, faith and spiritual matters, but this formal time is foundational to growing their faith.  We have worked through The Lord’s Prayer, The Dig for Kids – Proverbs, The Dig for Kids – James and are currently working through Long Story Short and Jesus Calling for Kids (this one is good for supplemental but I wouldn’t use it alone.)

The Benefits:

• Teaches your children about faith.
• Models the importance of a relationship with Jesus and knowing His Word.
• Provides opportunities to discuss a variety of topics from a Christian worldview.
• Establishes habits of carving out daily devotional time.

10. Serve Together.

Some of my favorite times as a family are when we are doing something to help others.  It allows us to think beyond ourselves and take action.

Whether you are writing notes of encouragement, visiting someone, giving to the needs of a familly or helping to tear down tables after an event, serving together puts a busy life in perspective.

The Benefits:

• Teaches the value of helping others.
• Promotes selflessness.
• Bonds your family as you serve together.
• Can expose your children to others in need.

So there you have it, my friends.  Ten ideas to help you break up busy and savor the moments with your family.  Which will you choose to start today?  It is more than worth it!

Until next time,

Kristen

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Do you have a Mario fan in the house?  This theme was perfect for my son’s 10th birthday.  Here is the fun!  (And check back next week for the amazing scavenger hunt we played – the boys LOVED it!)

(This post contains affiliate links.)

Super Mario Party Ideas

What does it take to plan a Super Mario Brothers party for a bunch of 9 and 10 year olds?  Good food, a fun activity and of course, plenty of time playing video games.  In our family room, we set up two tv’s with a Wii and a Nintendo 64.  It was fun to see the kids really get into the N64 with the game I loved playing so much as a kid.

If I had to pick just two decorations to BUY for a Mario Brothers Party, they would be 1) the yellow question mark boxes and 2) this brick wall backdrop.

The boxes were great for decoration and our scavenger hunt.  (They can also be used as favors.)  The brick wall backdrop gave the perfect look for our favorite Brooklyn plumbers and you get a lot in the pack.  I only used a fraction.

When setting up your buffet, pull from Mario’s colors of red, blue, green and yellow.  I used a green table linen, blue plates, red napkins and green spray-painted PVC pipes.  Themed captions are always fun to add to a backdrop.  I made the “Let’s Go” banner with my Silhouette Cameo.

Pick a Fun Mario Brothers Menu!

Our menu included:

• Mario’s Italian Pizza
• Luigi’s Garlic Breadsteaks
• Bowser’s Vexing Vegetables
• Flaming Fire Balls (Cheese balls)
• Princess Peach Rings
• Yoshi Eggs (Malted Easter Eggs)
• Tryclyde Treats (Twizzlers)
• Mushroom Cupcakes

I usually like to make my own icing, but not when dealing with large amounts of red or blue.  For these two colors, I am happy to buy a tub of pre-made icing.  The white circles are white chocolate melting discs.  Mushroom, anyone?

I bought a set of Mario Brothers clipart on Etsy to make the sports drink labels, the venus fly trap flag for the green striped straw as well as the scavenger hunt clues.  I love how it all came out!

In the red treat bags were stick-on mustaches and a chocolate mustache (made with this mustache mold).  At the end of the scavenger hunt, the boys discovered a large star pinata and filled up the bags with candy.

Here is my Mario getting so big.  Happy Birthday kiddo!

Shop Amazon for Mario Brothers Party Products:

>>Check out our Super Mario Brothers Scavenger Hunt next >>

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