We recently took a family road trip to the Poconos with our three boys. It was a 4-hour drive from where we are in NY to PA, but we were excited to make the trip after being stuck at home with COVID a few weeks prior during a long winter break.

The boys were eager to get outside, play games, and possibly go snow tubing for the first time — I was just excited to spend quality time as a family in a new setting. Over the past few years, being stuck at home and delaying new adventures was the unfortunate norm. So I’ve been on a journey to try and do a little more each season.

When I heard about Woodloch Pines Resort, I was extra excited. Not only is it an all-inclusive resort, with accommodations, meals, and an array of activities for all ages — toddlers to grandparents— its mission is to bring family and friends together through great meals, fun games, and wholesome entertainment — exactly what our family needed to connect.

The resort is set in the Poconos Mountains with pristine lake views. We stayed in the Springbrook building — in a room that accommodates up to 6 guests with two beds and a sofa couch. It was a short walk from the main lobby and dining facilities, and the building is adjacent to the pool complex.

I couldn’t wait to start making new memories with my kids because family vacations or weekend trips weren’t something we ever did in my childhood — so now, my inner child was grateful for these experiences.

We arrived late afternoon Friday and were given a list of activities. Downloading the Woodloch app was also strongly encouraged to access maps, meal options, and more activities (although most included activities don’t require sign-ups).

Family Activities at Woodloch

During our stay the resort offered a variety of 30 fun-filled activities to choose from, conveniently arranged throughout the day with morning, afternoon, and evening options for all ages.

Some of the individual contests and games varied each day, with new scavenger hunts, contests, and crafts for the little ones but also regularly scheduled activities like go-carts, skating, archery range, bumper cars, bocce courts, mini golf, playgrounds, swimming and more.

After the long drive, we couldn’t wait to get started.

The boys went straight for the go-carts, starting with the “junior go-carts” for younger kids and then moving up to the “viper go-carts” as they met the minimum height requirements. It quickly became a favorite. I was surprised by how much of a thrill it was making those sharp turns around the track; the ride lasted a good amount of time. So much fun racing with each other and letting go!

Afterward, we took some time to slow down explore the pristine grounds, and unwind in our rooms before dinner.

One thing I appreciated about the resort was that the fun didn’t stop after dinner. That evening we played some good-old family games and trivia in a version of Family Feud with other guests. The hosts provided each team with whiteboards and dry-erase markers so all families could play at the same time.

Although we didn’t win, we played well and had a great time working as a team. While we called it a night around 10 pm, night owls could stay around for the ongoing fun including a silent disco party!

The next day’s lineup included bumper cars, swimming, and a Broadway-style family show, but first, we decided to grab skates and make our way onto the rink together — a new adventure for the kids and me! The rink was synthetic so we struggled to keep our balance with lots of laughs getting up and down trying a new activity as a family.

In between meals, they couldn’t get enough of the outdoor adventure playground — I was pleasantly surprised by how much time they spent using their imaginations, weaving through webs, tunnels, and rope bridges. It’s set up like an obstacle course that allows them to get creative in play!

Before dinner, we decided to warm up and head to the indoor pool complex — connected to our building.

I was impressed by the super clean pool water and areas to splash around in. While Dad and our oldest worked up a sweat in the sauna, the rest of us ventured over to the splash zone and water slide area which was a blast! I’m not a big water slide person, but I gladly joined in when my youngest asked me to go on after him. It’s funny how the kids are so adventurous and help adults feel like kids again!

After some time in the hot tub for the adults, we followed the kids over to the water play area for younger kids. The area is meant for toddlers, but because it cleared out during this time, they went over and loved it.

Although the rainy weather and lack of snow meant no Winter Olympics or snow tubing, we still had a blast. Plus, we were super appreciative to have access to the shuttle when the downpour started!

Sunday morning we were set to head home early, but not before visiting the adorable bunny, calf and lamb at the Petting Zoo and getting some pony rides!

Food and Meal Options at Woodloch Resorts

One of the highlights of our trip that I absolutely can’t stop raving about was the food. Not just the fact that all the yummy meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner were provided, but that every single family member could equally partake and have something safe to eat. We are an allergy family — two of our boys are on a gluten-free diet, which isn’t always so easy to accommodate. They’ve had some unfortunate contamination, getting sick eating out. It was such a delight watching their faces light up being able to choose from a variety of food they enjoy eating — the kid’s gluten-free dinner menu included favorites like burgers, pizza, pasta, nuggets, fries, and a variety of desserts. But their absolute favorite was breakfast — pancakes, waffles, and more that they typically miss out on! The resort can accommodate special diets and handles the food with great care. It’s something that I hope more resorts will take into consideration.

Meals don’t require a reservation, but you must enter the main dining room within the hours listed to grab your seat — when we arrived each family had a designated table to use during their stay which was great to know we always had a spot.

A few of my personal favorites (as a non-allergy eater) are Scandinavian pancakes, Belgium waffles, acai fruit bowls, bacon, eggs, potatoes, shrimp tempura, salmon, and the most amazing turkey and cheese sandwich on a croissant — all delicious!

Visit Woodloch Year Round

Although it wasn’t without hiccups getting there with our three competitive boys, the experience was well worth it. As my firstborn put it, “This was worth the 4-hour car ride, Mom!”

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive place to visit with your whole family — immediate or extended, make sure to add Woodloch to your list. Although we visited at the end of winter, they are open all year long and offer even more fun and outdoor activities during the summer months. It is an ideal place to unwind, play, and connect with loved ones.

It’s no wonder Woodloch is a family favorite, voted #1 all-inclusive family resort in the Poconos by USA Today, and recently in the running by Newsweek.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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Brachiosaurus, Triceratops and T.Rex! Those are just a few of the many dinosaurs your kids will be calling out when you visit a kid-friendly attraction, The Dinosaur Place.

Nestled inside the Nature’s Art Village, sits the popular 60-acre dinosaur outdoor adventure that makes an unforgettable day trip for kids who love dinos.

We recently had a chance to visit the popular destination spot with our three dinosaur-obsessed boys — and when I say obsessed, I’m not exaggerating (they own almost every dinosaur figurine imaginable…including these parent-approved models!!)

What a Day Trip at The Dinosaur Place Includes

Dinosaur Trails

The Dinosaur Place hosts 40 life-sized dinosaurs over 1.5 miles of kid-friendly nature trails. The pristine Southern Connecticut woodlands has a Jurassic era vibe filled with fun adventure, education and exploration for the entire family!

Once you make your way through the gift shop entrance, you will encounter all the glory of the dinosaur park, starting with greeting Tyrannosaurus Rex. From there into the park, you’ll begin to see some of your favorite dinosaurs.

Down one of the first trails past the massive Brachiasaurus, you’ll spot dinos hidden throughout the woods…some perfectly camouflaged between trees and dinos your kids are sure to recognize (but ones with names you can barely pronounce) like Spinosaurus, Euoplocephalus and Parasaurulophos.

You’re future Paleontologist will even get to guess what dino objects are contained in the “What am I?” educational activity boxes scattered throughout the trail, giving them a chance to compare shapes, sizes and textures of a variety of natural objects including dinosaur teeth.

Further down the path, you’ll make your way to Raptor’s Bay – a 7-acre man-made lake that includes a rumbling volcano — a site to see for sure!

While the biggest attraction are the life-sized dinosaurs you’ll encounter on your journey, you can easily make a day trip out of your visit. Because beyond the actual dinos, here’s what else you get during your visit:

Monty’s DINO-Sized Playground

With your entry you get access to Monty’s Playground — a playground designed for children of all ages. Kids can play inside, outside or whichever way they choose in the jungle gyms. The playground includes a 3 foot tall climbable Pachyrhinosaurus (thick-nosed lizard) skull and Connecticut’s first Evos® playsystem — a 3-D design with various ways to enter, exit & play throughout it.

“MAZE”asaurus

Deeper into the woodlands you’ll also discover a “MAZE”asaurus — a giant complex maze kids must navigate through carefully to escape. (I’ll admit I did get a little dizzy myself in there chasing after the kids, but all twists and turns lead to a slide down T.Rex’s open mouth – talk about excitement for the kids!)

T.Rex Tower

Within the play area, you can’t miss the two-story enclosed tower (socks-required) which features new fun in each little room. Get in line so kids can climb throughout the obstacle filled tower, swing across the zip-lines, bounce around and slide down for more fun — my boys didn’t want to leave!

Splash Pad

Worried about the summer heat during your trip? Well, within the Dinosaur Place sits New England’s largest Splash pad — a zero depth water playground for kids to cool off from the summer heat (just be sure to check hours as it was closed the first time we were there closer to closing time). It accommodates children of all ages with a separate play area perfect for infants to toddlers and dinosaur-themed features including a water cannon and dumping buckets!

Monty’s Munchies or the Ice Cream Shop

Working up an appetite? Grab a bite to eat at the outdoor food area Monty’s Munchies — selling hamburgers, hotdogs and pizza. Just be sure to check the hours. While you can only purchase food seasonally, you can always pack a lunch bag and take a break at the various picnic tables on site.

You can even end the day with some ice cream behind the park.

And if you’re planning a trip to The Dinosaur Place this summer grab this voucher for a FREE milkshake just for our readers! It will be an extra little treat from us so you can sit back and relax!Thanks to the folks at The Dinosaur Place for providing us complimentary tickets during our visit. If you’d like to learn more and plan a trip this summer, be sure to visit them here for all the details!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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Babies under 6 months of age need to be careful under the sun’s direct rays, and older babies can’t always participate in all the fun summer activities toddlers pursue.

Each of my three kids were in that newborn phase at about 1-6 months throughout the hot summer days, so I can understand first-hand how frustrating it is to feel like you can’t do anything with baby in the heat.

Venturing out with an infant during 80-90 degree weather, wasn’t something I particularly looked forward to each year. I mean, not only was it difficult to breastfeed under the sweltering heat, but it was also incredibly stressful planning ahead and chugging along all those summer essentials baby would need to be comfortable all day.

But with time, I found a few things that were perfect for keeping baby cool in the heat and helping him partake in those fun summer days.

Related: Genius Tips for Keeping Baby Cool at the Beach

So if you’re looking for things to do with a baby this summer, I thought I’d share some easy play ideas for moms looking to enjoy time with baby right at home.

The ideas below work great when you need activities to do with babies under 1 up to even 2 years old. Some of these can be done outside (water activities!), while others can be done inside during those extra hot days when you need a reprieve from the sun. Enjoy!

Easy Baby Activities for Summer

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Baby activities to do outside at home

• When you’re looking to keep baby cool right at home, nothing beats an inflatable kiddie Pool.
• You can even take the ball pit outside and add some water for even more fun!
• Another fun way to keep baby cool while stimulating the senses is a simple homemade water blob!
• Let baby explore his or her artistic side safely, with some edible paint outside.
• Don’t drive all the way to the zoo just yet — explore your backyard and you’ll see the zoo that exists right before your eyes!
• Melt some colorful ice with baby using the heat of the sun!
• Or try a taste-safe ice painting activity that works for babies too.
• Make music and movement in the backyard.
• Set up a little water table and watch how baby pours water and splashes about.
• Keep it simple, with one of our favorites — blow bubbles together!
• Take baby for a stroll down the block in a shaded stroller ready with a portable fan you can strap right on!

Baby activities to do inside during summer

• Grab a baking tray and let baby splash a couple toys around inside during tummy time.
• Let baby cool off indoors with some fun Sensory Ice Play.
• If ice isn’t your thing, let baby have a “car wash” indoors. Just grab a bin, toy cars, and fill with baby-safe soap and water.
• Read with baby in the air conditioned house.
• Make use of that kiddie pool and convert it into an indoor ball pit on the days that are just too hot to get out. This one makes a perfect baby ball pit!
• Bring the toys to the tub and cool off indoors!

Summer activities for baby to do outside, nearby the home

• Visit an aquarium to introduce baby to life under the sea!
• Visit your local library for story time.
• Go on a nature walk in your neighborhood so baby can explore all the sounds and sights that surround you.
• Enroll in a baby yoga class.
• Try a baby swim class.
• Join a local baby gym.
• Find a mommy and me playgroup.
• Visit a children’s museum.
• Let baby swing and slide on the playground.
• Take a trip to the beach and learn how to keep baby cool.
• If a beach trip is out of the question, visit a splash pad nearby — perfect for little ones!
• Treat yourself (and baby) to a little ice cream after a long hot day to stay cool!

Related posts:

Keeping baby cool in a car seat this summer

How to survive the summer months with a baby

Best baby activities for winter

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post The Best Summer Activities for Babies appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

At the 2-4-year-old range, little kids love working with paint, glue, scissors and construction paper — all the easy to find and readily available supplies. So focusing on arts and crafts that use these materials is best and provides tons of fun without getting too messy. The result will be a fun playful experience for your toddler AND a cute art piece to decorate the home with.

Related: Finding Dory Printable Valentine

If your kids are looking for some hands-on motor activities in addition to crafting, you can find a good mix of ideas below including fun sensory exploration with play dough, water and more.

So whether you want to make a simple Valentine craft for your toddler to proudly display on the fridge or just keep your toddler busy as the weather gets colder and you’re left looking for timely play ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day, click on the tutorials below to get some inspiration to create whatever it is your heart desires.

Handprint Valentine heart & printable // Mommy’s Bundle

Bouquet of love heart flowers // Toddler Approved

Easy heart sun catcher // Happiness is Homemade

Footprint salt dough heart craft // Red Ted Art

Hole-punched hearts // No Time for Flash Cards

Fingerprint hearts picture frame // Mommy’s Bundle

Tissue paper heart craft // The Kindergarten Connection

Easy “eye heart you” Valentine // Mommy’s Bundle

Tie dye coffee filter hearts // Meaningful Mama

Heart puzzle Valentine // Mommy’s Bundle

Bow and Arrow Valentine craft // Mommy’s Bundle

Straw blown hearts card // The Imagination Tree

Love bug Valentine craft // Mommy’s Bundle

Alphabet heart matching game // Toddler Approved

Shake painting for Valentines // No Time for Flash Cards

Valentine play dough activity // Little Bins for Little Hands

Valentine’s day cookie cutter stamping // Parenting Chaos

Love potion Valentine activity // Mommy’s Bundle

Click on the image below to share with your friends!

>DOWNLOAD THESE FREE VALENTINES LOVE NOTES FOR KIDS

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Find more Valentine’s activities to create with your kids…

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post 18+ Fun Valentine’s Crafts & Activities for Toddlers appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

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And when I say EASY, I mean easy enough to set-up with the materials we already have around the house — because loading three kids in the car in the winter is a REAL struggle.

So whether the boys want to stay indoors and try some sensory play and painting, or want to burn off energy outdoors, having quick ideas in mind makes life so much more manageable.

Read: Energy-Burning Video Game for Little Kids

Check out some of our favorite indoor and outdoor winter activities below!

Winter Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Snow sensory bin

When it’s just too cold to play outside in the snow, let the kids play with pretend snow for a fun sensory experience!

Easy icicle craft & activity

For kids who love to make a little mess with glitter or salt, this easy icicle craft is great for learning about the cold winter season.

Tape-resist winter painting

Let your toddlers create a beautiful winter art piece using tape and washable paint.

Bubble art activity

Practice those fine motor skills while creating a unique art painting using bubbles!

Easy moon sensory activity

When you need a really, really EASY sensory activity just grab some aluminum foil and watch the kids have a blast learning about the moon phases.

Obstacle course

Let the kids run around the house with a DIY obstacle course. Use some masking tape to create a fun path they can follow; small toys they can hop over and tunnels like this awesome one they can crawl through. So, so much fun!

Epic pillow fort

Let your little ones enjoy some imaginary play with a pillow fort around your couch — they can pretend to be lions and tigers in a cave or explorers hiding out!

Crash Pad

Going stir-crazy? Let the kids jump around on pillows and blankets for an easy crash pad experience.

DIY bird feeder for kids

When the kids need a little more stimulation, grab some bird seeds and peanut butter and help them create simple bird feeders they can hang outside to watch and feed nature’s beautiful creatures.

Paper roll rocket ship craft

Get crafting with some toilet paper rolls, glue and colored paper to make these easy rocket ships your kids can entertain themselves with all day.

DIY indoor play area

Running out of ideas for indoor winter activities? Create your own kid gym or play area stocked with balls, slides, swings, and your favorite ride-on toys to really help kids burn off some energy instantly!

Want more indoor activities for kids?

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Fun Winter Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

RELATED: Beach Essentials for Baby and Toddler

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Build a Sand Castle.

There’s nothing better than a good old sand castle — it seems to be a rite of passage for annual beach visits in our family. Plus building one requires lots of shapes — the perfect use for those shovel-pail and other assortment of beach toys toddlers love! You can buy one on sale here.

Bring a Kiddie Pool.

Is your little one not quite ready to splash about in the ocean yet? No worries. Take the kiddie pool to the beach! Just add some ocean water to the pool for hours of entertainment for your baby and toddler. This is one of our favorite ways to introduce our kids to the water.

RELATED: Pool Toys Every Toddler Will Love

Write in the Sand.

Teach your kids their ABCs as they roll around in the sand! There are so many ways to have fun with this activity: use your feet to write out the different letters and have your child mimic you; use your fingers to practice writing their name and have your child trace the letters with their fingers; or use sticks as a writing implement!

Make Ocean Pools.

For kids who enjoy the calming sensory experience of pouring and sifting water and sand on the beach, making ocean pools is another really fun activity.  The simple idea here is to dig a small hole and have your child fill it with buckets of water. They will enjoy the repetitive motions of pouring and playing with water and can add some more excitement by mixing rocks and seaweed to the pools for pretend play cooking. This shovel set is perfect for an activity like this!

Chase Waves.

We all know how much toddlers love running. So why not continue the fun at the beach? If your child is a bit out of his or her comfort zone in the water, help them adjust by playing “water tag”. Playing is easy. Have your kid chase waves into the water and then watch them run away when those big waves come crashing back. This is also a great way to tire them out and ensure a long nap afterwards ;)!

Collect Seashells.

Grab a bucket and go on a little hunt for seashells! Look for them in the sand and on the shore to gather an array of different shells your toddler can later decorate or use in sensory play at home.

RELATED: Ocean Beach Sensory Bin

Make a Sea Creature.

You can call it a sand monster or a mermaid depending on what your child prefers, but this is another beach activity your little ones will love. Use a shovel and pail to gather up sand, water, rocks, shells, seaweed (for the hair) and whatever else you find to create a unique, texture-rich sea creature.

Throw Rocks.

With every trip to the beach our kids love the opportunity they get for tossing rocks into the ocean. The “plop” sounds splashing into the water is something every toddler enjoys hearing. So (as long as there aren’t any swimmers in the way) let your kids throw some rocks and enjoy it while they can!

Skim board.

This may seem a little challenging, but if your kids are interested (and like to live on the wild side like my boys) skim boarding will be a really fun activity for them to try at the beach. Plus, it’s better to start early when they’re fearless!

Swim like a Fish.

Sometimes kids just want to sit by the water’s edge and wait for the waves to come rushing in. A fun game for those shore-hangers is what we call “swimming fishy”. Your toddler can pretend he/she is a fishy (facing towards or away from the water) by kicking their legs (tail) while they sit at whatever water level they’re most comfortable in.

Toss a Beach Ball.

This is a classic beach game kids of ALL ages will love! Simply grab an inflatable beach ball and let your kids toss it around in the air. You can start with a basic 2-player game or get the whole family involved for a volleyball game.

Try a Scavenger Hunt.

Another way to keep kids active and busy at the beach, is via a beach-themed scavenger hunt. Pick a few essential beach items like seashells, seaweed, rocks and have your child find them. They can use a pail to collect all the goodies and show them off to mommy and daddy.

Play, I Spy Game, Beach Style.

Similar to a scavenger hunt is a search and find type beach activity. I like to differentiate the two, because one is more active than the other. It’s helpful to throw in an “I Spy” type activity to help kids recognize essential beach elements without having to actually get up and gather them. So you could yell out things like “I spy sun glasses” or  “I spy pigeon”  and “I spy a boat” type phrases and have your child point them out. (This is great if you have other children to attend to and need to be seated!)

Go Fishing.

When the kids have had enough running around and want to try to a more sedentary game in the water, try fishing! Simply grab a small net and bucket and let them go at it. Sometimes you can catch minnows right by the water’s edge so the kids don’t have to go in past their knees!

And if they’re more keen on staying out of the water, this magnetic fishing set that comes with an assortment of fish can be used right in the kiddie pool!

Heading to the beach now?  Get our printable checklist of activities to do with your toddler  right below!

                                                                       You may also enjoy:

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post 14 Super Fun Beach Activities for Toddlers appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

As curious little animal-loving boys, they have a particular fascination with sharks (amongst other creatures), so I knew I had to put together a fun little kids activity for shark week. Something quick and effortless, but perfect for their sensory play needs.

RELATED: Ocean Beach Sensory Bin

That’s when a shark-infested sensory bin came to mind.

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To get started, we gathered a few very basic supplies of whatever we had in house.

I grabbed a long, yet shallow storage bin we purchased here that is ideal for sensory play. After gathering rocks from the yard, we filled the bin with water and added a few of these cute little plastic trees to decorate the ocean floor.

I also added a little blue food coloring to make it even more exciting for the boys. Seriously that color change made things so much more interesting. My kids kept ooing and ‘ahhing’ over it. The little things :).

Finally, we added the sharks. We love the Schleich brand sharks because they are super durable and can withstand the rough play of toddler and preschool age boys. You can get the one we own at Amazon.com or even this cute little set that comes with a cage and underwater diver my kids would’ve gone nuts over!

My 4 year-old added a little turtle and brave little “sea diver” to fight off the sharks.

Look at those jaws! What a scary close-up of the vicious sea creatures.

The boys had so much fun watching the ripples in the water form and listening to the splashing sharks. They eventually added a bunch of other animals too – some dino-like critters I can’t even name to be honest!

Definitely a great way to entertain them while simultaneously teaching them a thing or two about sharks. I should definitely do more of these sensory bins, since they can have such a calming effect and help wind kids down after a hectic day!

Please share the image below with someone you think would love this activity!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Shark Sensory Bin: An Easy Shark Week Activity appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Memorial Day weekend, otherwise known as the “unofficial” start to summer is around the corner. And we all know what this means: more time spent outdoors to have fun and splash about in the pool or at the beach!

So now that my 2 and 4 year-old have comfortably mastered basic pool and water safety, it’s time to kick it up a notch and help them actually learn to swim.  Personally, I like the idea of introducing kids to the water as early as possible for safety reasons…because we all know how curious babies and toddlers are!

Did you know that according to the CDC, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1-14? As a mom to small children, that is a frightening statistic!

So what better time than the present to start educating kids about water safety, especially with National Learn to Swim Day here. This day (started by SwimWays in 2012!) serves as a reminder to parents and caregivers to promote water safety and raise awareness about the invaluable lesson of swimming — because it could literally save their lives!

To get our little ones ready to swim, we are focusing on the 5 key areas below, this summer.

1. Start in shallow water.

I know how intimidating a large in-ground pool may appear to a toddler who is just “getting their feet wet” when it comes to pool safety. So don’t overwhelm them. Start teaching little ones to swim in shallow water, so they can reach the ground with their feet. This will both help them feel more comfortable, and also help thwart any fears of going under without mommy or daddy to save them!

2. Practice kicking.

Because kicking is such a crucial skill for swimming, you can help kids master this skill by sitting them at the pool’s edge and letting them go at it. Then they can easily practice those skills in the water with some support.

3. Submerge.

This might not be a baby or toddler’s favorite part, but it’s one they will have to practice if they are truly learning to swim. When we first took our now 4 year-old to beginner swim classes, they would have each child jump into the water for a 1 or 2 seconds to learn to manage their breathing. You’ll want to practice full submergence with your kids so they will learn to hold their breath underwater.

4. Teach them to float.

Have your child lay on their backs across your outstretched arms. Support their body in the water and encourage them to relax and stretch out their arms and legs. This will take lots of practice, but focusing on making them feel comfortable and relaxed will help them learn to float, which is an essential part of learning to swim.

5. Use a quality float.

To really hone in on any area or skill required to learn to swim, you’ll want to make sure you have a reliable swim float that will help your baby and toddler practice water skills in a safe, confined space…because for most kids, making that full transition from kiddie pool to swimming pool is naturally going to take some time.

One float that I’ve seen moms everywhere use AND one that we are happy to own is the SwimWays Baby Spring Float — the single best float on the market today!

This brightly-colored float is amazing and perfect for beginner swimmers for so many reasons!

For starters, it helps support babies 9 months to 24 months to stay comfortable and happy in place. It also provides the added support babies need as they practice balancing, kicking and paddling.

As a parent, I love the fabric-covered inflation for maximum durability and know my child will sit comfortably in the mesh seat. The float also has a removable canopy for sun protection.

The float has a low center of gravity, safety valves and separate air chambers to ensure security at all levels. For floating reliability, the Baby Float includes a sewn-in patented inner spring around the outer edge for stability while in the water.

You can purchase the Baby Spring Float and other SwimWays products.

Anything I missed? How are you getting your kids ready for the pool this summer?

This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central. I received products to facilitate my review.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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But then you remember the task ahead of you is real: dividing your time and attention between the baby, toddler and other kids. This is especially true when it comes time for entertaining the little ones ALL AT ONCE.

It’s not always easy to find activities that both baby and toddler can partake in. Typically babies and toddlers don’t have the same interests and aren’t quite on the same skill level. That’s when life calls for a little creativity.

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Read at home or visit the library

Reading to children of any age is one of the best activities you can do together as a family. You can read at home with the kids any time or when you’re ready to brave it and head out the door with more than one kid in tow, the local library makes a great destination. Story time in a public setting like this, however, works best if your baby isn’t incredibly mobile yet. Sit the baby on your lap, or put that baby sling to use while you take in the story with all your children.

Related: Why You Need a Baby Carrier With Second Baby

Get your groove on

Don’t underestimate the power of some fun tunes when it comes to keeping baby and toddler entertained! Simply find a way to incorporate music into whatever activity you’re doing. Turn the music up and start dancing, find a show with their favorite music, or make your own beats with musical instruments!

You can start with a basic music set that includes maracas and drums (buy here) or upgrade to this Melissa & Doug set as your kids’ musical interests expand!

Blow bubbles

This is a favorite for children of all ages, especially little ones! Toddlers will get a kick out of chasing and popping bubbles and even practicing the art of blowing, while babies will love to track bubble movements with their eyes and feel the sensation on their face. Such a hit indoors and outdoors, any time of the year.

Related: Easy Bubble Art Activity for Toddlers

Play with toys on the floor

You don’t always need a fancy pre-planned activity to get the kids involved. Occasionally, it will suffice to simply grab a bunch of toys, arrange them on a blanket and let imaginations get to work.

Babies can explore the different textures and sensory stimulation around them, while toddlers enjoy some pretend play with mommy nearby!

Make food art

Not afraid of a little messy play? It can be super beneficial developmentally to both kids. Strip down your baby to the bare minimum: diapers and bib and set some pudding or applesauce in front of them to explore. Have your older child explore other foods like fruits and vegetables and help them create funny faces and practice their color skills.

Chat up a storm

Have you ever just sat down to talk to your baby and toddler? Ask your toddler questions and then help him start a conversation with baby. This is a great activity to help your little one learn fundamental language skills, even if they can’t yet talk!

Take a walk

If you are blessed to live in warm weather year round, this is an activity you can add to your list every day. Consider a walking trail or even taking a nature walk around your property, if you have it. Walks are great for everyone, but especially toddlers and babies when it’s time to wind down.

Related: How to Get Your Baby & Toddler to Nap at the Same Time

Go to the local zoo

Find your nearest zoo, animal farm or aquarium and make a day trip with the kids (and bring a friend to help too!). Toddlers will love to see their favorite animals in real life, while baby can enjoy the new sights and sounds.

Try sensory play

We are big fans of sensory play for a number of reasons, but mainly because of how much our kids love sensory-based activities. Exploring different textures and objects with favorite toys tends to have a calming effect on our rambunctious toddler and helps baby with sensory stimulation and development.

Some of our favorite sensory play activities include a dinosaur sensory bin and a winter snow sensory bin.

Get outside

In need of some fresh air? The kids will surely appreciate it. Getting outside for some seasonal fun can do wonders for children. Whether it’s jumping in leaf piles, splashing in the kiddie pool or playing in the snow, toddlers are bound to crave some outdoor time! As for that little baby in your arms? They can join in the fun by watching their big brothers/sisters and mimicking what they see.

What is your favorite activity that baby and toddler can do together?

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

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I am so happy to be here at Ana’s blog to share my fun Pom Pom magnet tutorial for the kids!

I love doing crafts with my daughter — especially the quick and easy type that provide tons of fun while my very naughty toddler boy takes a nap.  Some of our favorite crafts include this fun hairband and valentine’s wreath.

Anytime we’re crafting, my goal is always to keep the number of supplies to a basic few and use them for multiple crafts. That way we don’t end up buying a ton of supplies for every project we do.

In the spirit of Spring, we decided to make a dragonfly and butterfly magnet. Not only is it a super easy and quick craft, but it also includes magnets — something virtually every kid likes to play with!

What’s even more fun is when kids can make their own magnets like these pom pom ones.

You can also easily extend this to make a caterpillar or frog…the possibilities are endless. The best part is that the magnet crafts can also be used as toys separate from a magnetic surface.

Materials for pom pom magnets

• Pom poms (various sizes and colors)
• Craft sticks
• Pipe cleaner/chenille stems
• Googley eyes
• Magnets (see note in step 5)
• Quick dry glue

How to Make Pom Pom Magnets

Step 1

Start with the craft stick and glue the pom poms in a row. Use a larger one for for the head and then smaller sizes for the body. Use any colors you like.

Step 2

For the butterfly, twist the chenille stems into M-shapes to create the wings. Insert and glue the ends of the wings onto the craft stick between the pom poms. For the dragonfly, make four little teardrop shaped wings and glue.

Step 3

Glue the googley eyes to the head. You can also add any pom pom decorations on the wings. My daughter added little rainbow pom poms all around the butterfly’s wing. You could also twist in some colorful chenille stems between the wings to add more color and decorations.

Step 4

Cut one chenille stem and twist them to create the antenna for the dragonfly. Glue to top of the head.

Step 5

Add the magnet to the bottom of the craft stick.

Note: I had used an adhesive backed magnet which came off a few hours later. I ended up using some superglue to reattach it. I think in future I would pass up the magnetic strips with adhesives and get the round ceramic magnets and glue them directly using super glue or hot glue. This will be a step for the grown ups though.

Thats it! The beautiful and colorful pom pom butterfly and dragonfly magnets are ready! Both the kids loved “role-playing” with the magnets on their magnetic chalkboard and just pretending to fly them around the house.

Anika blogs at Little Free Monkeys where she shares all the projects in her life – from woodworking to little crafts with the kids as she works on her biggest and most important project of all – creating a warm and loving home for her best friend/husband and her 2 “little monkeys” (5 year old girl and 2 year old boy).

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

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