Fall means cooler weather, changing leaves, pumpkin spice, and my most favorite, Halloween. Halloween is such a fun day, especially for kids. And with fun holidays come fun activities! Take some time to try some of these out with your kids this year to help pass the time while waiting for Halloween to arrive. 

1. Pumpkin Painting or Pumpkin Carving. This is a staple of Halloween for most people, but I know many others who don’t do it every year. Go to a pumpkin patch or buy one at your local grocery store. Try something new with the carving or painting! Painting pumpkins is a great sensory activity too! The Artful Parent has some great ideas if you decide to paint instead of carve your pumpkin. 
2. Jack O’Lantern Calm Down Balls from Little Bins, Little Hands are a great idea for some stress relief! They’re made with a balloon and filling (can be rice, beans, etc).
3. Spider Ice Cubes. Making spider ice is fun for parties or to just scare someone! Add those cute little spider rings to an ice cube mold, filled with water, and voila! 
4. Themed Treats. It isn’t Halloween without Halloween themed treats! ActivityVillage.co.uk has some super fun desserts to make. These are great to do together as a family! 
5. Play Spooky Tic Tac Toe. Smashed Peas and Carrots uses some crazy cute painted Halloween Rocks to play this traditional game. What an adorable idea! 
6. Kid-Friendly Halloween Pong. As much as us adults love to play beer pong, this is a similar game for kids using cauldrons and pumpkin candies. Playground Park Bench shows how to set it up. Such a simple yet fun game! 
7. Spidey Hair Salon. If you like to play hairstylist with your kids, then this activity is perfect for Halloween! Simple as That shows you how to turn a bun into a spider with just 5 supplies! 
8. Turn Your Home into a Haunted House. Haunted houses are great for the older kids (and maybe a few younger ones) – so why not turn your house into a haunted one? Do it Yourself gives you some great ideas on how to do just that. Who knows, maybe you can even sell tickets and make your costs back!
9. Spook Your Neighbors. Have you ever been spooked? No, I don’t mean scared! I’m talking about when someone delivers a Halloween gift to your door, rings the doorbell and runs away! Preparing spook gifts with your kids can be a fun activity, and they can even help you ring the doorbell before running away.
10. Watch a Scary Movie. Scary movies are always a fun activity. I guess they don’t have to be scary, just Halloween movies. Country Living put together a fantastic list of must see Halloween flicks. 

So much to do, so little time. Halloween will be here before you know it!

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Ghosts may give you goosebumps. Monsters may give you nightmares. But if you’re on a strict budget, nothing may be quite as blood-curdling as the price of a good Halloween costume. Never fear! If you take a look at your existing resources, you might be able to put together a Halloween costume without spending a dime. These costume ideas use items many people already have in their wardrobes.

4 Last-Minute Idiom Halloween Costumes via Club Crafted

This isn’t just one costume but FOUR convenient costumes! We’ve included them on the list because they require very little effort and minimal materials. In fact, most of them can be constructed with simple items you may already have around the house, like construction paper.

Easy Ice Cream Cone Costume via Club Crafted

Club Crafted is back at it again with this awesome ice cream cone costume. This costume idea makes the list because it is so sweet and you can adjust the project to use very few materials. For this costume, you construct a simple cone hat out of brown craft paper and draw sprinkles onto a white dress. If you don’t want to permanently alter a dress, we think it would work well to cut out sprinkles from construction paper and stick them to a dress with double-sided tape.

Costumes From Your Closet // Lumberjacks via Lovely Indeed

We put this costume on the list because so many people can put together in a flash. Do you have a pair of jeans? Do you have a plaid shirt? Great! Then you have a lumberjack costume ready and waiting in your closet. Extra touches like a pair of boots, a hat, and/or suspenders can give the look a finishing touch.

Strawberry and Banana Halloween Costume via I am Style-ish

This is a mommy and me costume, but we’ve included it in the list because it would be so easy to apply the same basic idea to any number of costumes. The idea is that you wear one color associated with a fruit (in this case, a strawberry and a banana). With just some slight doctoring, you can easily transform that look into a fruit costume. Plus, if you use double-sided tape instead of fabric glue, the changes you make to the clothing don’t even need to be permanent.

Picasso and Painting via The House That Lars Built

This is another costume designed for a mother and child to wear together, but it would work for any pair. We think that the results look brilliant, but the real reason we’ve included it on this list is that it would be easy to use as inspiration for another costume using materials you already have on hand. Just consider a painting you can recreate with what you already own. One person can dress as that painting while the other dresses as the painter.

Before you rush out and splurge on a costume, look at the items you already have. What other costumes can you think of that use things you already own?

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This time of year, you can buy cute baby costumes at a huge array of major retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Costco. While these costumes are undoubtedly adorable, you might be in the mood to craft a unique costume for your precious bundle of joy instead. These DIY baby costumes offer plenty of cuteness with a more personal touch:

Gumball Machine Baby Halloween Costume via The Darling Days

We’ve included this adorable gumball machine costume on the list because it is crafty without being complicated. While it contains multiple components, you don’t need to be able to sew to put it together.

Old Lady Baby Costume via Just Simply Mom

There’s something undeniably funny about dressing a baby as an old person. But the real reason we’ve included this costume on the list is that it is so versatile. When it’s not Halloween, you can still dress your baby in most of the components of the costume without it looking too costumey.

Gnome Costume via Adventure in a Box

Garden gnomes are already pretty cute on their own. But put your baby in a garden gnome outfit, and it may be cuteness overload! This costume makes the cut because not only is it adorable, but you can also use thicker clothes to construct a warmer costume, making it appropriate for cooler climates.

Baby Scuba Diver Costume via I Love My Kids Blog

We’ve included this costume on the list because it is such a clever way to incorporate your baby’s pacifier into a costume. In fact, the pacifier pulls the whole costume together! Plus, this project uses a lot of components you may already have in your house, so it might be more affordable than store-bought costumes. If you want to dress up, too, it would be so cute to wear a shark costume!

Putting together a cute costume for your baby doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. These 4 DIY baby costumes prove it!

You might also like:

• Fun DIY Group Halloween Costumes
• DIY Couples Halloween Costumes

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With many restaurants shuttered and others offering only takeout and delivery, a lot of families are eating more home cooking these days. While a home-cooked meal can be satisfying and nutritious, you and your family might be missing popular restaurant dishes. But you don’t have to miss some of your favorite foods just because you’re eating at home! These nine restaurant copycat recipes taste enough like the real thing to satisfy cravings.

Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino via Insanely Good Recipes

If you need your Starbucks fix, this recipe might be just what you’re looking for. While many Starbucks are open for at least drive-through orders, we included this recipe on the list might be quicker and easier than waiting in line.

Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls via Noshing with the Nolands

Cinnamon rolls have become smash hits during quarantine, but it might be harder to enjoy your favorite cinnamon roll of all: the Cinnabon cinnamon roll. We chose this ooey-gooey copycat recipe because we think it will help fill the void if you can’t make it to a Cinnabon location.

Olive Garden Breadsticks via Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts

Olive Garden breadsticks are downright addictive, which is why this recipe makes the list. While they take some work to make, they can transform a dinner of soup and/or salad into an Italian-style feast.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter via Confessions of Parenting

Looking for a spread to take rolls, bread, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes to the next level? Then this sweet butter is for you. We couldn’t resist including this recipe on the list because it is so easy to make, but it can really transform your meal.

Panera Mac and Cheese via The Cozy Cook

Mac and cheese is one of Panera’s most popular menu items, and for good reason! This rich, satisfying dish is irresistibly creamy and delicious. We included this recipe on the list because we think it will satisfy most people’s comfort food cravings.

Easy KFC Coleslaw via Bake Me Some Sugar

With summer cookouts right around the corner, we couldn’t resist including this copycat version of KFC’s beloved coleslaw. This creamy coleslaw with hints of sweetness and tanginess might be the perfect side dish.

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits via The Anthony Kitchen

Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits have a huge cult following, which is why we’ve included this indulgent recipe on the list. These cheesy, buttery treats may be a side dish, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be the star of the dinner table.

Crispy Baked Orange Tofu via Nora Cooks

We’ve included this recipe for all our vegan friends! This dish has similar flavors to Panda Express’s popular Orange Chicken, but it doesn’t have any of the meat. If you’re not a fan of tofu, we think it could also be delicious with cauliflower.

Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Copycat via Sweet & Savory Meals

Cheesecake lovers flock to The Cheesecake Factory for its mouthwatering desserts. This recipe makes the list because we think it could be a great treat after a family dinner.

What restaurant dishes are you missing right now? Tell us what you’re craving in the comments section below!

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You might not be able to jet off on an around-the-world adventure, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take your taste buds on an international tour! Noodles & Company has a globally-inspired menu of pasta dishes, and right now, they’re selling Family Meals to give your family a taste of the world.

Family Meals cost $40 and are intended to serve four people. Each Family Meal comes with four entrees and 1-2 appetizers. Family Meal options include Zoodles & Caulifloodles, Italian Classics, Mac Pack, Asian Bowls, and World Flavors. Family meals are not eligible for substitutions and/or modifications.

You can purchase a Family Meal online and pick it up at your favorite Noodles & Company location. And don’t forget to join Noodles Rewards to start saving up for freebies!

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When you’re on the go, you may get hungry. If you’ve had a bad day, you might crave its comfort. When you need a quick meal for your family, it may be the easiest solution. Fast food is undoubtedly appealing. But if you have dietary restrictions, getting fast food isn’t always so simple.

Fast food restaurants can be particularly challenging for vegetarians. With so many chains focusing on serving up burgers, finding a plant-based alternative can be tricky. Luckily, these five top fast food options have your back with great vegetarian options when you’re on the go!

Taco Bell

When it comes to fast food, Taco Bell is like a vegetarian’s dream come true. The restaurant offers multiple vegetarian options. Not only that, but they also have a separate vegetarian menu to make it easier to browse their offerings. Taco Bell is also pretty good at customizing, so if you see something you want but it has meat, you might be able to switch it out for beans.

Options include:

• Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme
• Power Menu Bowl – Veggie
• Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito
• Spicy Potato Soft Taco

Subway

Since Subway allows you to customize your sandwich toppings, it’s quite vegetarian-friendly! The Sandwich Artists usually don’t change gloves between sandwiches, but if you ask them nicely, they generally will. Many of Subway’s bread options are also vegan. Check out the full list at PETA.

Subway has also tried out a number of exciting vegetarian fillings, including meatballs and falafels, but sadly, these options have only been available at select locations.

Options include:

• Veggie Delite Sandwich
• Veggie Delite Signature Wrap
• Veggie Delite Chopped Salad

Burger King

While vegetarian burgers have been popping up on many fast food menus, Burger King has had a veggie burger on its menu for years. However, it recently got a lot of attention for switching to the popular Impossible Burger. The Burger King website even specifies that a non-broiler cooking method is available on request.

Options include:

• Impossible Whopper
• Garden Side Salad
• French Toast Sticks

Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.

Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. are owned by the same company and have similar vegetarian options, though the exact offerings vary slightly. Which chain is more prevalent depends largely on which part of the country you live in.

Options include:

• Beyond Breakfast Sausage Biscuit
• Beyond Thickburger
• Beyond Famous Star with Cheese

Chipotle

It’s hotly debated whether or not Chipotle actually classifies as fast food, but it’s quick and convenient, so it’s worth mentioning. Chipotle makes it easy to customize your dish, which works well for people with dietary restrictions. You can customize tacos, burritos, salads, and more.

Options include:

• Sofritas Bowl
• Veggie Salad

For the sake of this article, we consider “vegetarian” free from meat, meat-based flavoring, and gelatin. Note that some restaurants may use the same preparation surfaces and/or fryer oil for both vegetarian and meat-based dishes. If you are concerned about cross-contamination or have a meat allergy, we recommend asking your local chain about their preparation policies and procedures.

What are your favorite vegetarian fast food options? Let us know in the comments section below!

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If you’re lucky enough to have a Chuck E. Cheese near you still, your child can enjoy a great bonus for staying on top of their summer reading list.

Before you get too excited, it’s important to note that the company that owns Chuck E. Cheese filed for bankruptcy protection and some closures are planned. You may want to check with your nearest Chuck E. Cheese to see if they’ve been affected.

But if luck’s on your side and your location remains open, Chuck E. Cheese has a Reading Rewards program in both English and Spanish. Simply use the free form to mark which days your child reads. Once they’ve read for two weeks, you can turn in the calendar at a participating Chuck E. Cheese location to receive 10 free Play Points with any food purchase.

Reading is fun to begin with, but playing games for free as a result of your efforts can take that fun to the next level!

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Traveling to remote destinations, exploring unknown lands, and saving the world may seem like an intense way to spend the summer. However, for avid readers, it’s just business as usual. Reading is an immersive experience that allows kids to explore ideas and experiences that they may never encounter in real life, and summer is the perfect opportunity to dive right in.

For some children, reading is always fun. Sadly, others don’t enjoy it. But whether your child loves reading or dreads it, there are ways to make it more enjoyable. These seven ideas can transform your child’s summer reading into an experience to remember.

Read Together

Reading alone can get lonely, especially for extroverts. But if you join your child, you can help them along while enjoying some special one-on-one time. Even if you and your child want to read independently, reading your respective books together in the same room can seem a little more social.

Build a Fort or Nook to Read In

A cozy reading space can give kids a place to get away from it all and focus on their books. And if that space is reserved exclusively for reading, they may be eager to pick up a book just so that they can hang out in their special space. Want to make the area even more appealing? Consider decorating with atmospheric lighting, like LED curtain lights.

Put Together a Remote Reading Group

When you read a book you like, sometimes you just need to talk about it. That’s why adult book clubs are popular, and that’s why you might want to start a virtual reading group for your child! Your child and their friends can read the same book at the same time and then meet up via video conference to discuss what they liked about the book, what confused them, and what they think the main characters should have done differently.

Join Summer Programs

There are tons of summer reading programs that reward children for achieving their reading goals, and children can sign up for as many as they’d like. For instance, there are reading rewards programs through local libraries, Pizza Hut, Books-A-Million, Chuck E. Cheese, and more. External rewards might give kids the extra push they need to hit the books.

Let Them Explore Their Interests

Kids get enough assignments in school that they probably don’t need more during the summer. Letting children decide for themselves what they feel like reading can help keep them motivated and even excited to read. Plus, exploring their interests now may give them a better idea of what subjects they may want to study more down the road.

Take It Outside

Reading is often considered an indoor activity, but it doesn’t have to be! Enjoying a good book outside on a nice day can be the best of both worlds. Kids can enjoy fresh air and sunshine while exercising their imagination.

Don’t Try to Force Them

One of the fastest ways to zap the joy out of any activity it making participation a requirement. Think of it this way: spending a day binge-watching Netflix is fun under normal circumstances, but if you were told you had to watch all day, you’d probably feel trapped. The same is true of children and reading. If they feel like they have a choice in the matter, they may enjoy it. However, if they feel like they have to read, it just becomes another chore.

What do you do to stoke your child’s love of reading? Let us know in the comments section below!

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For many families, camping trips are the highlight of the summer. Once you own camping gear, it’s an affordable break from everyday life. But since some of us are so used to getting entertainment from screens, keeping everyone on the trip engaged can be tricky. That’s where these classic camping activities come in! Having plenty of activities ready to go can help fill any downtime and keep the trip super fun. Looking for entertaining ideas? Try out these seven activities on your next camping trip!

Flashlight Tag

Flashlight tag is just like regular tag, except for the person who is designated as “it” tags someone by shining a flashlight on them. There’s also an element of hide and seek since you might want to start the game by having participants hide. To be safe, you may want to play while there’s still some daylight left and set parameters so that no one wanders too far away from camp. While the game isn’t ideal for younger children, they could team up with an adult and hide together.

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are a fun way to explore your surroundings. Just make a list of different things you might find near your campsite, like pinecones, moss, or a heart-shaped rock, and start the search! No need to take the items with you, you can simply check them off the list to see who can find the most. Don’t have any ideas of what to include on your scavenger hunt? Try one of the printable lists from The Crazy Outdoor Mama!

Improv Games

Ever seen “Whose Line Is It Anyway”? Then you know what improv games are, and you’ve seen what sort of comic hilarity can ensure. While your family may not be as funny as the experts, improv games can still be lots of fun. Plus, you don’t need to plan ahead or bring any special supplies. Just pick your favorite option from the Encyclopedia of Improv Games and prepare to laugh.

Board Games

Sure, you’ve probably enjoyed your fair share of board games at home, but have you ever brought them along on a camping trip? Even familiar board games can seem fresh and new when you change up the setting. You could play from the comfort of your tent, or take the game outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Singing

Singing is a standard camp activity for good reason! Everyone can participate, it’s easy, and it can be supremely enjoyable. You can sing any of your family’s favorite songs as a group. Need accompaniment? If someone in your family plays an instrument, you’ll basically have your own band. Otherwise, you can play karaoke tracks on your phone or perform acapella.

Stargazing

If you live in a city, lights from street lamps, cars, and businesses may make the night sky look duller. Camping in a rural area is the perfect opportunity to witness how brightly stars truly shine. Your family could identify constellations or try to spot a shooting star. Don’t forget to make a wish!

Learning New Skills

There are lots of skills that can come in handy. Even if you’re an expert camper, you probably haven’t mastered them all yet. During your next trip, you could work on picking up a new skill that will come in handy on future camping trips, like tying knots, starting a campfire, or building a shelter from scratch.

How do you infuse your camping trips with fun? Let us know in the comments section below!

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During summertime, the risks you think about most might be mosquito bites, sunburn, and running out of lemonade. But those probably aren’t the biggest summer dangers. Each year, thousands of people require medical attention from fireworks-related injuries. What’s more, fireworks spark thousands of fires. Even if you set the fireworks off safely and manage to avoid injuries and fires, the loud noises could prove problematic for individuals in your neighborhood with PTSD or sound sensitivity, and they could also be bad for local animals.

But with many public fireworks displays canceled as a result of COVID-19, families may be looking for ways to celebrate at home. These seven fireworks alternatives can be just as fun as the real thing!

Wands

If you love the idea of letting your kid wave around a sparkler, a wand can be a wonderful alternative. A wand with streamers or ribbons on the end may be particularly fun since children can experiment with how the ribbons move. Don’t have a proper wand lying around? No worries! This tutorial from Somewhat Simple is quick and easy.

LED Balloons

Want to light up the night? LED balloons can be just as dazzling as fireworks! With or without helium, they’d add some sparkle to any Fourth of July Party. If you use them outside, just be sure to keep them tethered to avoid littering. These LED balloons by Zodight come in a pack of 10, so you can spread them out around your space.

Light Shows

A light show might be just what you need to get the party started! That’s because party lights or light projectors can create a festive ambiance. While you’ll need to put a little money into buying a system, you can use it over and over again! Plus, this disco light by COIDEA is super affordable.

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks can provide a very similar experience to sparklers. However, unlike sparklers, glow sticks usually last all night. Just be sure to monitor your children and discard broken glow sticks quickly since the liquid inside could cause irritation or chemical burns if it gets out of its casing. Need to replenish your glowstick stockpile? This pack of 400 (!) glow sticks from Glow Minds should last you a while!

Bubbles

If you just need to see something burst in the sky to feel like it’s the Fourth of July, blowing bubbles might be the solution. You and your kids can see how bit you can make them, try to catch them, or pop them with your fingers. This 12 pack of bubble wands from Joyin Toy might be fun for the whole family.

Silly String

Spraying silly string can be so much fun! If you want to make it especially festive for the holiday, you might try using exclusively red and blue. You can often find silly string at dollar stores or party stores. If you’re ordering online, Target has packs of two cans with red and blue string.

Science Experiments

Half of the fun of setting off fireworks is seeing what happens! You can accomplish the same thing by conducting science experiments with your children. There are even science experiments designed to look like fireworks. We think this glowing fireworks experiment from Growing A Jeweled Rose would be a memorable way to celebrate.

If you choose to set off fireworks anyway, don’t forget to read through the National Safety Council’s tips first. How are you planning on safely celebrating Independence Day this year? Tell us your plans in the comments section below!

This post contains affiliate links, which help support this site at no extra cost to you. Please read our disclosure policy here.

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The 4^th of July is just around the corner! I’ve found that décor for this patriotic holiday can be harder to find and when you do it never seems to be exactly what you’re looking for. Over the years, I have started to make some of my own 4^th of July décor and many things that I’ve made are so easy and so cute that everyone at your 4^th of July Party will be asking you where you bought them!

Take a look at some of these DIY 4^th of July décor ideas and see if you like any enough to make them yourself!

• DIY Lanterns via Thrifty Décor Chick. All you need is a mason jar, some sand, a flameless tea light and a small American flag and you are on your way to making these adorable lanterns. Use them as centerpieces or as a welcoming entryway display.
• Clothespin Wreath via Preciously Paired. This may look complicated but it really is very easy. This takes approximately 60 clothespins depending on the wreath ring you purchase. This is a fun craft to do with kids and can be stored easily for years to come.
• Patriotic Flower Pot via LollyJane. I’ve made this pot and used star stickers. This is fun because you can choose to cover the pot completely or leave it splotchy for a more rustic look. Another great one to do with the kids. You can even give each person their own pot so it reflects their individual style!
• No Sew 4^th of July Table Runner viaCassiesmallwood. This table runner is adorable and so easy to make. I love this because you don’t have any limits. You can use burlap or fabric as your base runner and then go from there. I love the look of the bandanas on this! Best part? No sewing!
• Monogrammed Paint Stick Flag via Living Rich with Coupons. This DIY calls for paint sticks, but you could definitely use popsicle sticks if you’re okay with smaller flags.
• Paper Lanterns via The Crafting Chicks. This one is 100% kid friendly. I love having some type of craft at my parties for the kids to be able to make something to take home. This is perfect for that.
• 4th of July Sparkler Centerpieces via Freutcake. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Pineapples painted red, white, and blue, add a couple of sparklers you’ve got yourself a unique centerpiece!

Whichever way you wish to celebrate Independence Day, you can now do it in style with your DIY décor.

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If you are like me, you love entertaining. The 4^th of July is always such a fun holiday to entertain and is honestly one of my favorites. Barbequed food, fireworks, yummy desserts, and so much fun.

I always have such a hard time deciding on something different to make for a 4^th of July Dessert and over the years I have compiled a list of easy patriotic desserts to make and I’m sharing them here with you today!

1. Red White and Blue Rice Krispy Bites via Two Sisters. This is just a small twist on your standard rice krispy treat recipe and so easy!
2. Mixed Berry Mini Trifles via Hello Little Home. These are so good. The best part about this recipe is you can switch up a lot of the ingredients. Instead of lady fingers, you could do pound cake or angel food cake. Instead of blueberries you could do blackberries. Love the versatility of this recipe.
3. Red, White, & Blue Ice Cream Sandwiches via Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. Probably the easiest dessert to create with kids. You buy already made ice cream sandwiches, add a stick and some patriotic sprinkles – voila!
4. Patriotic Cookie Bars via Butter with a Side of Bread. These are best to make the night before to allow for the icing to set. Great idea for a large group because they make enough to fill a 9×13 pan.
5. Very Vanilla Cupcakes via Holly’s Cheat Day. These are a really scrumptious homemade vanilla cupcake that you can decorate with fun store purchased décor, candy, or sprinkles. This recipe is very easily made with store purchased box mix for the cupcakes if all you would like to focus on is the decorating.
6. Patriotic Popcorn via Two Sisters. Most people may not consider popcorn to be dessert, but this popcorn definitely is. Mixed with candies this popcorn is so addicting you won’t’ want to share it with anyone else.
7. Firecracker Jell-O Dessert via Kid Friendly Things to Do. These firecrackers are ones you will want to eat! Red and blue JELL-O with a dollop of whipped cream and some licorice. An easy dessert that both adults and children will love.
8. 4th of July Brownie Bites via Real Food by Dad. You could use brownies you purchase at the store or make your own, but a very quick dessert nonetheless. I would leave the green stems off the strawberries personally so it’s truly just red, white, and blue.
9. Red, White, & Blue Cookie Dough Dip via Raising Little Superheroes. Who doesn’t love eating cookie dough (don’t worry, it’s eggless so completely safe to eat!)
10. Firecracker Marshmallows via Kid Friendly Things to Do. This is perfect for the kids. Easy for them to make, small and perfect for them to eat.

I hope you found yourself something to make this year! Patriotic Popcorn is something I make and alter for every holiday and there is never any left. Whatever you decide to make, I’m sure it will be fabulous!

Have a wonderful and safe 4^th of July!

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Hamburgers are standard 4th of July fare, but if you don’t feel like getting out the grill, we don’t blame you. Thankfully, your family can still enjoy this cookout classic without the work of having an actual cookout. Wendy’s has several hamburger options on its menu, and right now, you can even snag a free kids’ meal with your purchase when you order through the mobile app.

Kids’ meal options include either chicken nuggets, a hamburger, or a cheeseburger. They also come with a drink, a side, and a toy.

This offer is valid at participating locations through July 5. To claim it, download the app, sign in, click the offers tab, select the deal, and then click “use in mobile order.” Terms and conditions apply.

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It’s time to flex your flag-waving arm because the 4th of July is upon us. While so many public celebrations are canceled, your at-home festivities can be just as fun-filled and patriotic. These eight ideas can ensure you still get all the fun even without the big festivities.

Have a Cookout

Cookouts are a classic way to celebrate the 4th of July. If you already have all the grilling tools you need, having a cookout with just your family can be convenient and affordable. While you can enjoy classic cookout foods like hamburgers and hot dogs, trying something new could add a fun twist for the celebration.

Watch Something Patriotic

Streaming services have done some heavy lifting during the coronavirus crisis, but they’re still invaluable when it comes to having fun at home. For the 4th of July, watching patriotic movies or TV shows may feel especially celebratory. This year, you might want to check out “Hamilton” on Disney+, which is a smash-hit musical that focuses on the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

Learn About American History

Sure, you may remember a thing or two from history class, but you probably don’t remember all the details. Learning more and sharing what you learn with your family can be a fun way to recognize why we celebrate. Some TV channels air series covering American history in honor of the holiday. Want to celebrate with a Netflix binge? Check out “Turn: Washington’s Spies.”

Do Patriotic Karaoke

Every family member deserves a moment to shine, and karaoke gives ample opportunity. Your family will undoubtedly recognize quite a few patriotic tunes even if they don’t know all the lyrics, so patriotic karaoke can be both fun and educational. Plus, finding songs isn’t hard. This Patriotic Songs Karaoke playlist on YouTube gives plenty of options.

Make Crafts

If your family loves crafting, it can be a wonderful way to celebrate any holiday at home. And the 4th of July offers an abundance of crafting options. Really, anything red, white, and blue or with stars and stripes could seem festive.

Decorate!

The right decorations can turn your home into the ultimate 4th of July party space. Red, white, and blue streamers and balloons can do a lot, but your homemade craft projects may also come in handy.

Transform Your Yard Into a Waterpark

Going to a real waterpark may be out of the question, but that doesn’t mean your own backyard can’t become the waterpark your kids have always dreamed of. Plus, you can use things you already have on hand, like your sprinkler, a kiddie pool, and/or a slip and slide. You can also get creative and put together your own fun attractions, like this DIY Kiddie Car Wash from Mom Endeavors.

Make Red, White, and Blue Treats

There are lots of festive foods perfectly befitting the 4th of July, but red, white, and blue foods really look the part. And putting together colorful treats doesn’t need to be hard. Strawberries and blueberries are in season and look beautiful in a fruit salad or on a dessert. Don’t forget that it may get hot out! Making some red, white, and blue popsicles may be the perfect way to beat the heat.

What are you doing to celebrate the 4th of July safely this year? Share your plans in the comments section below!

The post 8 Ways to Celebrate 4th of July at Home appeared first on Couponing 101.

Holiday weekends are always prime time for sales. While 4th of July sales don’t get as much love as Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday sales, they may very well be the best time to get good prices for the next few months.

This year is no exception! In fact, with the future of Amazon Prime Day uncertain, you may be even more eager to take advantage of 4th of July sales. Luckily, there are some amazing deals, so grab a cool drink, ready your credit card, and check out these 10 sales.

Best Buy

Best Buy is hosting an appliance sale to celebrate the 4th of July. Customers can save up to 40% off select appliances. Plus, customers who buy two appliances that total $999 or more get a $100 gift card. Those that buy two or more select Samsung appliances receive a $200 gift card.

Costco

Costco also offers 4th of July Appliance Savings that customers can enjoy online. Most of the deals are only available for Costco members, and the prices are valid while supplies last. The sale ends on July 8. Shoppers can save on some of the most popular brands, including Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, KitchenAid, and GE. Not only that, but select appliance packages are an additional 10% off at checkout.

Cost Plus World Market

Through July 27, customers can save up to 50% off during Cost Plus World Market’s storewide clearance event. There are deals across product categories, including food, clothing, kitchen items, decor, furniture, and more.

The Home Depot

Like many of its competitors, The Home Depot has its own 4th of July appliance deals. Shoppers can save up to 40% off select special buys. Additionally, customers get instant savings when they buy multiple appliances. You can save $50 when you buy two appliances, $100 when you buy 3 appliances, $200 when you buy 4 appliances, $300 when you buy 5 appliances, and $600 when you buy 6 appliances.

IKEA

IKEA is always a great place to get budget-friendly home furnishings, but the IKEA Summer Sale takes it to the next level. Shoppers can enjoy up to 50% off select sofas, FEJKA artificial plants, and LED bulbs. They can also get up to 40% off select upholstered beds and up to 30% off select outdoor furniture and accessories.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s is celebrating the 4th of July with deals on some of its most popular product categories, including appliances, bath, tools, grills, furniture, paint, and more. The appliance sale is particularly popular, offering up to 40% off. Customers can also enter a promo code for additional savings on appliances based on how much they spend.

Macy’s

The Macy’s July 4th Sale offers 25% to 60% off select summer styles. There are deals across the product categories, including women’s clothing, men’s clothing, children’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and home goods.

Overstock.com

Overstock.com is having a 4th of July blowout with up to 70% off thousands of items and free shipping. You can find deals on furniture, rugs, bedding, home decor, lighting, mattresses, window treatments, clothing, and more.

Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club is hosting a July 4th Home Event with savings on popular home items, like furniture, mattresses, appliances, and bedding. Most of these deals are only online, and we spotted some that are up to 50% off.

Wayfair

Wayfair is having a July 4th clearance event with up to 70% off. There are sales on furniture, rugs, mattresses, wall art, storage solutions, bedding, decor, pillows, outdoor play items, appliances, and more.

Terms and conditions apply, prices and offers are subject to change, and quantities may be limited. When you shop online, don’t forget to check Rakuten to see if you can snag an additional percentage back on your purchases. Rakuten has a summer savings event going, so you might even be able to get 3x the normal percent back at some of your favorite stores.

The post Top 10 4th of July Online Sales (2020) appeared first on Couponing 101.

For many Americans, summer isn’t complete without a trip to a theme park. Things are much different this year, and a lot of people have already canceled their summer travel plans due to COVID-19. However, some diehard theme park fans may choose to hit the parks anyway. If you’re planning a trip to a theme park during the pandemic, you’ll need to be prepared for a far different experience. We’ll highlight a few things to keep in mind before you depart.

Each Park Has Its Own Policies

Before you travel to any theme park, you should look into its most recent policies regarding disease prevention. Most major parks will now require guests who are two years old and above to wear a face mask except when they are eating or drinking. You may also need to make a reservation ahead of time in order to enter the park. Since policies vary between parks, we recommend visiting your favorite theme park’s website for guidance.

Everything is Subject to Change

Situations are changing rapidly. Since we learn new information every day, existing policies may change at any time. If you’re planning a theme park vacation, you may want to pay careful attention to any new information your theme park of choice puts out leading up to your trip.

It Won’t Be a “Normal” Theme Park Experience

If you’ve been to theme parks before, you may need to adjust your expectations before going during COVID-19. Some guests may enjoy the extra space provided by lower crowd limits and social distancing, but a lot of what gives theme parks that magical touch may be missing.

Some Rides, Attractions, and Restaurants May Be Closed

Try not to get your heart set on anything, because even if a park is open, some things may still be closed. Since most theme parks plan to operate at a limited capacity, maintaining the same staffing levels as before COVID-19 may not be economically feasible. That means some things may need to stay closed until parks can resume normal operations.

Special Events May Be Canceled

Families often flock to fireworks, parades, and special events, but check your favorite theme park’s website before making any plans. Along with limited capacity, many theme parks are canceling things that would encourage a large crowd to gather, like fireworks, parades, and special events.

You May Be Denied Entrance

Most major theme parks will now screen guests’ temperatures each day before they enter the parks. If you or anyone in your party has a fever, you may not be allowed into the parks. Additionally, many parks currently use a reservation system, so you may need to plan ahead to snag a spot.

You’ll Probably Get Hot

Most of the biggest theme parks in the United States are in warm climates. Since you’ll be expected to wear a face mask for the duration of your visit, you may feel even hotter than usual. Special products to help you beat the heat, such as mini fans and cooling towels, may become your new must-haves. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!

If you suspect you or anyone in your party has COVID-19, has been exposed to the virus, or doesn’t feel well, the CDC asks that you stay home. While canceling your trip may seem like a downer, it’s a lot worse to spread the disease to others. Stay safe, and keep others safe!

The post 7 Things to Keep in Mind if You’re Visiting Theme Parks This Summer appeared first on Couponing 101.

Reading is rewarding in and of itself, but kids often like a little extra motivation to fuel them as they plow through their summer reading lists. This year, Books-A-Million is hosting a free Summer Reading Adventure with superstar children’s author Dav Pilkey to give children an extra push to hit the books.

To participate, kids simply read four books from the Summer Reading Adventure section, keep a log, and write a little about each book. You can print the log online or pick it up in-store. Once your child has completed four books, you can take them to the nearest Books-A-Million location to turn in their log for a free “Dog Man” baseball cap (while supplies last).

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Some schools are already back in session for the summer, while others eye opening in the fall. There’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding what the future of education in America will look like, but many parents may be left with a difficult decision: whether or not to send their children back to school. Several factors might play a role in your decision. We’ll share some of the most important things to consider as you weigh your options.

Your Family’s Health

There’s a lot we don’t know about COVID-19, but the CDC reports that some people are thought to be at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms than others. These risk factors include asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, and several other health conditions. If your child or anyone in your household suffers from one or more of these ailments or you’re concerned about the potential health risks associated with sending your child back to school, you might want to talk with your doctor for help assessing the potential health risks.

Your Ability to Homeschool Your Child

Obviously, you want to keep your child on track educationally. If you don’t send your child to school, you’ll need some sort of homeschooling solution. Even if you enroll them in a program that provides instruction, someone will need to be home to supervise them. You’ll also undoubtedly need technology to support remote learning, like a computer and a stable internet connection. If you haven’t had any trouble for the last few months, homeschooling may be a good option.

What Homeschooling Resources Are Available in Your Area

Will teachers provide remote instruction? Will you get lessons from outside resources? Or will it be up to you to put together instructional materials? If there are ample resources available, keeping your children at home may be a little easier. However, if you’re left to fend for yourself, homeschooling may be difficult to manage. This may be especially true if you also have a full-time job.

How Your Child Learns Best

Some children learn well on their own, while others do better in a group setting. If you’ve been shocked at how quickly your child has been learning while school was canceled, homeschooling could keep that ball rolling. But if your child’s progress virtually stopped during quarantine, going back to in-person schooling may have some appeal.

How Widespread the Virus is in Your Area

Virus numbers can change extremely quickly. But if you’re thinking about sending your child back to school, looking at the data may make a difference. Even if your part of the country seems safe to you, you might want to check the numbers regularly. If a superspreader arrives, cases can explode in no time.

Your School’s Plans

Knowing how your child’s school plans to handle the pandemic may make it easier to decide what to do. While the CDC has issued considerations for schools, what each school district actually does may ultimately depend on state regulations and/or decisions made within the district itself. While some schools may have strong plans in place to inhibit the spread of the virus, others may be tempted to go back to business as usual.

The decision won’t be easy, but you can make the best decision for your family by carefully weighing your options.

The post When Should Kids Go Back to School This Year? appeared first on Couponing 101.

ALDI is always one of our favorite places to shop for groceries and stock up on the essentials. But ALDI Finds take the deal hunt to the next level! These limited-time offers may include food, clothing, home goods, toys, plants, and other items. They often don’t last long, but there are some great deals if you bring your shopping A game.

Starting June 24, you might be able to snag some fun outdoor items from your favorite ALDI location. Here are some of our favorite finds:

• Banzai Water Slide Assortment – $16.99
• Bestway Candy Delight Lounge or Rainbow Ribbon Tube – $5.99
• ZURU Bunch O Balloons – $6.79
• Intex Gator Play Center – $28.99

Quantities are limited. Prices may vary by location.

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The weather is warming up, so you might be getting eager to beat the heat. Since COVID-19 still a concern, though, some of your favorite ways to cool off during the summer might not be options this year. But you don’t have to go to a crowded pool or a movie theater to stay comfortable. These seven ideas will help you chill at home.

Use a Fan

If you don’t have air conditioning or it’s just not powerful enough, a fan might be your new best friend. And there are tons of fan options to suit virtually anyone’s needs and preferences. Some folks might prefer ceiling fans, others might like large box fans, and others may prefer small personal fans.

Wear Breathable Fabrics

If you’re wearing clothes that don’t allow airflow, your body heat is probably trapped against your skin. This could get a little steamy at any time of year, but it is usually most problematic in summer. Cotton and linen are often prized for their breathability, but you can also find other fabrics crafted for cooling.

Take a Cold Shower

A cold shower can be a quick and refreshing way to cool off. You might not want to stay in long, but just getting wet can help. Using cold water provides instant cooling, but the water evaporating off your skin will provide a continued cooling effect.

Stay Hydrated

Even if you don’t consciously feel thirsty, ensuring you stay hydrated is important during the heat. Not only can drinking water regularly help prevent dehydration, but it can also give you an instant cooling sensation. After all, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a cool glass of water on a hot day!

Cover Your Windows

Many windows are prone to leaks. If your home is a comfortable temperature inside but it’s hot outside, leaving your windows uncovered may be letting your cool air escape. What’s more, the bright sunlight might also be increasing indoor temperatures.

Just shutting your blinds or curtains might help. But if they just don’t seem to be doing the job, you can also buy special energy-efficient window treatments.

Don’t Heat Up Your Kitchen

Cooking and baking create a lot of heat, and that heat has to go somewhere. If you can avoid cooking on hot days, your home shouldn’t get as hot. Plus, eating a sandwich or salad might keep you a bit cooler than eating something fresh from the oven.

Open Windows Strategically

If you don’t use air conditioning, you might be tempted to leave your windows open during the day to keep the air circulating. However, that might not keep your house as cool as possible. Temperatures are usually lower early in the morning, so you might be able to keep your house more comfortable by opening up early and closing the windows before the day really heats up.

During hot weather, always be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illnesses. The CDC has a helpful list of warning signs. How do you stay cool during the summer? Share your favorite tricks in the comments section below!

The post 7 Ways to Stay Cool at Home This Summer appeared first on Couponing 101.

Here is your Sunday roundup of free printable grocery coupons. Just click, print and save before you go grocery shopping for the week!

Coupons powered by Coupons.com

Remember to read the coupon carefully so you know what it applies to and when it expires. Certain stores will allow you to double coupons or stack coupons on top of in-store sales, so don’t be afraid to ask!

This post contains affiliate links, which help support this site at no extra cost to you. Please read our disclosure policy here.

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A lot of summer camps have been canceled in light of COVID-19. Even if your child’s favorite summer camp is running, you might not be comfortable sending them this year. But keeping kids engaged for the duration of the summer is a herculean task, and there’s no shame in seeking outside help.

That’s where online summer camps come in. They pack in fun and learning without any in-person activities. These six free online summer camps might be just what you’ve been looking for to keep your summertime living easy.

Camp Wonderopolis

Camp Wonderopolis focuses on fun STEM and literacy-building activities. There are five main camps your kids can enjoy.

Symphony of Wonders focuses on music. Kids can choose from six tracks, including Production and Composition, Science and Math, Health, Instruments, Careers, and History and Culture. Build Your Own Wonderocity centers on construction and engineering. Flex Your Wonder concentrates on health and wellness topics. Mission to Wonder focuses on space exploration and technology. Connect with Your Wonders has six tracks: Wonder Observatory (astronomy), Wonder Laboratory (chemistry), Wonder Zoo (zoology), Wonder Woods (biology), Wonder Dig Site (geology), and Wonder Amusement Parks (physics).

Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors has countless free online courses with live instruction. There are options for kids ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade, and the courses span a wide array of topics so that kids can explore their interests. To narrow your options, you can also filter by class size, grade level, subject, and class times.

Here are a few options your kids might love: YEEOOW!: The Science of Bites & Stings, Ni Hao! Introduction to Mandarin Chinese, Hands-on Home Science Lab, and Presidential Secrets.

Numerade

Numerade offers free STEM sessions led by expert instructors. These camps are most appropriate for high school and advanced junior high school students. Topics include SAT prep, precalculus, calculus, chemistry, and physics. Lessons are broken down into clips to make them easier to digest. They’re also a great way to get a leg up on courses they’ll be taking this fall.

K12

K12 has two free summer programs, but they are so popular that one has already filled up. If you act fast, though, students from 8th through 12th grade can still sign up for Introduction to Virtual Reality, which starts July 6. They’ll learn the basics of virtual reality and develop the skills to put together their own virtual reality world.

Wide Open School

Wide Open School has virtual summer camps for kids from preschool through 12th grade. To get started, select the “we’re a family” button and choose your child’s grade group.

There are so many options to choose from, and there is a new theme every week. Depending on your child’s age group, activities may cover reading and writing; arts, music, and DIY; math; science; social studies; life skills; and more.

Camp Kinda

Camp Kinda is designed for kids in grades kindergarten through 8. The program runs through September 1, and you can hop in at any time. Every day, there are 3-4 hours of activities to engage participants. These activities revolve around a weekly theme, like weather, graphic novels, and sports. The program focuses on topics kids are already curious about, so it shouldn’t feel like homework.

How are you keeping your kids busy and engaged this summer? Let us know in the comments section below!

The post 6 Free Online Summer Camps for Kids (2020) appeared first on Couponing 101.

Once donation centers opened back up after quarantine, they were inundated with items. After all, with nothing else to do, cleaning out your closet started to seem like a good (and maybe even fun) idea. But that led to a problem: warehouses filled up too quickly and many stores were forced to close to donations.

If you cleaned your house and put aside gently used items to donate, you might not have anywhere to donate them. Luckily, JCPenney partnered with Give Back Box to make it easier. You can pack gently used clothing and household items in any box you have lying around, print a free shipping label, and send it off. When you print the label, you can even choose to receive a receipt so that you can deduct your donations on your taxes. Now that’s a win-win!

The post JCPenney Give Back Box: Declutter and Donate by Mail appeared first on Couponing 101.

Regardless of your age, a sense of accomplishment is a wonderful thing. And it’s even better if meeting your goals means earning a free pizza.

This year, the popular BOOK IT! Reading Program by Pizza Hut has transformed into Camp BOOK IT! Through June, July, and August, parents can help track their children’s reading progress. And once your child meets their goals, they earn a certificate for a free Personal Pan Pizza! We’re pretty sure it will taste like success.

But it doesn’t end there! BOOK IT! also has tons of free activities, printables, and reading trackers to help your child get the most out of their summer reading.

Enroll today to get started!

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Rainforests are home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna anywhere on the planet. These complex ecosystems are as beautiful as they are intriguing, so it should come as no surprise that many children love to learn about them. With World Rainforest Day coming up on June 22, there’s no better opportunity to teach your kids more about rainforests.

Rainforest-themed crafts are one of the most fun and colorful ways to explore the rainforest from the comfort of home. These six craft projects can transform your living room into a jungle and your day into an adventure.

Colorful Macaw via I Heart Crafty Things

We love this colorful macaw project because there is so much room for creativity. There are over a dozen species of macaws in a wide range of colors that your children could try to replicate, or they could just come up with their own unique color schemes. Since the project uses a pattern, it’s also good tracing practice.

Paper Chain Python via The Craft Train

Many kids love any excuse to put together a paper chain, which is why we selected this craft. It is a fun variation on a standard paper chain, and the finished project is a snake that can bend and move. While this project uses a pattern, kids could also make it by hand with some careful coloring and cutting.

Monkey via Artsy Craftsy Mom

Monkeys are among the rainforest’s most entertaining residents, so most kids love watching them in zoos. This craft project brings the fun home! We couldn’t resist including it on the list because the legs and arms are movable, so kids can reposition their monkeys into entertaining poses.

Origami Frogs via Itsy Bitsy Fun

At Couponing 101, we love crafts that double as toys or games. That’s why we chose this project—these origami frogs can actually hop. Kids can enjoy the construction process, but once the crafting is done, they can also play with their new frogs. This project even includes ideas for fun games!

Rainstick Music Instrument via JDaniel4’s Mom

Equatorial rainforests typically receive over 80 inches of rain each year, lending to their biodiversity. We selected this rain stick project because it simulates the sound of rain using common materials you may already have in your house. Kids can also get creative when selecting materials to see what sounds they make.

Jungle Trees via My Kid Craft

A rainforest is nothing without its trees! This project makes our list because it uses so few materials, but when combined, they make wonderful little trees. If you’re looking for a larger-scale project, a few of these trees paired with some of the animal crafts would look like a miniature version of a rainforest! And if the trees just aren’t big enough for what you have in mind, try using paper towel rolls instead of toilet paper rolls.

As always, don’t forget to supervise your children while they craft. While these projects are child-friendly, kids can be incredibly creative in finding new ways to injure themselves. Selecting projects that you know your child can handle will also help set them up for success.

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