Search Results for: blog big fun in the big apple

Winter the Fun and Frugal Way

Winter is a great time to have some frugal fun. Reduce your entertainment budget with the following ideas. Fun in the Snow If you are lucky enough to have snow in your region this winter, then you can have a ton of free fun such as: Putting water and food coloring into spray bottles, then creating snow art. Will you create the Mona Lisa or Bart Simpson? Building a snowman or two. Have a family contest for the biggest, most creative or funniest creation. You can also gift someone a homemade snowman kit. Just provide an old hat, charcoal briquettes, … Continue reading →

Seasonal Fun for Families on a Budget

What family doesn’t enjoy spending quality time in the great outdoors soaking up the fantastic fall weather? Most of us would love to explore the far reaches of the country during this most magnificent time of the year, but not all of us have the financial resources to do so in a grand way. Luckily, you don’t have to be rich to enjoy the wealth of natural gems offered this time of year. Instead of dropping hundreds of dollars on a family getaway, consider sticking closer to home and attending free local fall-themed festivals, such as: California: Fortuna’s annual Apple … Continue reading →

Apples Are Awesome!

I love all four of the seasons that we have here in Vermont, but I must say that if I were pressed to pick a favorite, Fall would be the one that I like best. Now that I have children, I am able to share my love of all things autumn with them. Number one on my to – do list for this fall was apple picking. Last Friday, my dad came to town for a visit. I thought that apple picking would be the perfect way for us all to spend an afternoon together. Unfortunately, none of the apple … Continue reading →

Simple Summer Fun

Summer does not have to include trips to the beach or Disney to entertain the kids. Preschoolers are easy to please when it comes to fun. They still have the ability to use their imagination to make up for the imperfections of a backyard vacation. Simple Summer Fun Ideas: Backyard Picnic: Lunch can be made delightful with a picnic! Grab a blanket, paper plates and cups, and a simple fare of fruit, sandwiches, and veggies. Fruit kabobs are sure to get you a mom of the year award. Just get some skewers and add on melon, apple, peaches, bananas, and … Continue reading →

The Fear of the Big Tube Slide

Last time I wrote about a wonderful day our family had at a local park. It was too cold for the now dry wading pool, but the rest of the park was dressed majestically in its best autumn splendor and satisfied our outdoor eyes far more than a window ever could. It was lovely. We packed a lunch and set out for a lovely afternoon. What was missing, though, was courage. Well, that’s not entirely accurate. Let’s say: “experience.” What was missing was experience. After playing for a while on the swing set and the toddler level slides and toys … Continue reading →

The Big Tube Slide

Yesterday my family and I went to a new-to-me park. My wife and son had been there previously with an aunt a nephew. The last time they went they were treated to a bustling park full of children and parents and activity. Part of this was because it was in the hot months of summer, and this particular park has a water feature. Wading pools and spraying water always draw lots of attention in the heat. Amazing times were apparently had during that day I wasn’t there. I heard about it for a couple of days from my son. He … Continue reading →

The Big Stick at the Park

Like most people living in a city or suburb we have a park within walking distance. It’s got big grassy fields, a swing set, a playground, and even a half basketball court and a place to play tennis. How did we get so lucky? It’s really a great place to take a short walk towards. A chance to get outside a little bit. Breathe some fresh air. Look at the leaves on the trees. Smell the roses. It’s also a great place to stay for a while. As a former child myself, it’s a place to remember how much energy … Continue reading →

Make Learning Fun

If you have kids, then you know that getting them to study is not always a walk in the park. However, a sunny stroll in a national park could put learning in a whole new light. The same could be said for any educational destination that promotes hands-on learning. If you are looking for ways to make learning fun for your reluctant student, consider visiting: Independence Hall: A trip to Pennsylvania is not complete without a pit stop at Independence Hall where kids can learn about America’s founding fathers in a unique tour. Philadelphia’s Ghost Tour is a fun and … Continue reading →

Holiday Decoration Family Fun

Who says you have to spend a fortune creating festive holiday decorations for your home? With a little effort and some creativity you can make a variety of seasonal decorations without breaking the bank. Here’s how: Christmas Card Collage: During the holidays, most people receive dozens of Christmas greeting cards. Instead of stacking the cards in a pile or tossing them into a basket, consider cutting out your favorite images, and creating a collage. You can even add small embellishments such as buttons, ribbons or silk flowers for a one-of-a-kind piece of holiday artwork. Gift Stacks: Fake out your kids … Continue reading →

Cupcake Fun on Earth Day

Do you really need a special occasion to enjoy a cupcake? If you are a tree hugger with a sweet tooth, then your day has come. New York’s favorite bakery—Magnolia—is helping to save the planet one cupcake at a time. Beginning today and running through Thursday, April 22nd, the world-famous pastry shop is offering special Earth Day cupcakes at all four of its Big Apple locations. According to the folks at Magnolia, for every cupcake purchased, the bakery will donate $1.00 to The Nature Conservancy’s charity, Plant A Billion Trees. The sweet treats sell for $3.25, and no, they are … Continue reading →