Things To Do This Summer Part 1: Places to Go

Summer is here which means that kids are out of school and looking for ways to be entertained. If you’re looking for different ways to keep your kids entertained then we’ve got you covered. We’re starting with a list of different places that you can take the kids for some summer fun but we also have lists to share with you for rainy days and sunny days that you can expect to see soon.

With the amount of time that summer offers, exploring new places and making memories is an easy thing to do as long as you know where to go. Here are some ideas to help you and the kids make some wonderful memories this summer.

1. Dino Tracks

    Daily from June 5, 2013 – December 31, 2013

    Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA

The hunt for dinosaurs begins here! Step into their footprints, hear and feel their footsteps, and come face-to-face with some of the dinosaurs who made them. Focusing on fossil discoveries, the exhibit engages visitors of all ages in trying out hands-on scientific study methods and getting down on the ground to put their new skills to work. For more information click here.

2. Look Listen Touch
    Daily from February 16, 2013 – December 16, 2013
    Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA

The Museum will offer Look Listen Touch, a guide for young children to explore the Museum's New England Forests, in the Zofnass Family Gallery. Pick-up the exploration flyer at the front desk or in the gallery and learn how to help your child experience nature in a multi-sensory way. For more information click here.

3. The Wonders of Butterflies and Dragonflies

    July 27, 2013

    Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick, MA

Discover the amazing number of dragonflies and butterflies that make Broadmoor home! Just what is a damselfly? How do dragonflies survive the winter? Come find out this and more! For more information click here.

4. Preschool and Toddler Wednesdays
    June 5, 2013 – December 18, 2013
    Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA

Go every week for a special preschool and toddler program. Enjoy a story, meet a live animal, and get creative with a supervised craft activity -- all geared especially for little ones aged 3 and under. For more information click here.

5. Davis Farmland and Mega Maze
    145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA

Every season is different in New England, and at Davis Farmland, you'll find that every season is special and unique. Whatever the season, the day belongs to your family at Davis Farmland. It's hands on FUN for everyone! For more information click here.

6. Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton
    455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA 02301

Fuller Craft Museum is a dynamic environment where craft is experienced through exhibitions, education, outreach, and collaboration. Explore the materials, techniques, and artistic expression that challenge the perception of craft, while honoring the achievements of the past. If you’re a Children’s Museum in Easton member you have reciprocal membership with the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton.

Up Next: Rainy Day Activities

Quick, Easy, Healthy! (Recipes for the summer!)

Inspired by Rolie Polie Guacamole (a kid-friendly band whose songs promote healthy living – check here for more info) the Children’s Museum in Easton has decides to put together a 3-course menu for healthy barbecue eating! These recipes are both good for you and easy to make with your kids. Get ready for some no-fuss food and a full tummy!

Course 1: Instead of chips and crackers, opt for a healthier dipping option!

Fruit Dip:  Original recipe here!

            Ingredients:

-          8 oz. cream cheese (you can use light to make it healthier if you choose)

-          2 cups of frozen whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip/Cool Whip  works wonders!)

-          ½ cup marshmallow cream (Fluff!)

-          ¼ cup unsweetened pineapple juice

Directions:

1.      Help your kids blend together the cream cheese, marshmallow cream and thawed topping. Add enough pineapple juice to make it dipping consistency. Chill for 1 hour.

2.      Pick your kids’ favorite fruits, cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter!

 

Course 2: Kabobs are easy, customizable, and on a stick…what more could your kids ask for?

            Kabobs: Original recipes here!

            Ingredients:

-          Pick any meats you want! Lean meats like chicken are tasty and rich in protein. Choose one or a combination of meats!

-          Three or four colorful vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, onions, carrots, new potatoes, bell peppers or cherry tomatoes

-          Wooden skewers

Directions:

1.      Have the kids choose their favorite meats and veggies.

2.      Help them put it on wooden skewers.

3.      Place the kabobs on the grill.

4.      Cook the kabobs over the grill until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

5.      Take the kabobs off, let them cool a little, and enjoy!

6.      (Optional) Add some spice with different dipping sauces or even adding fruit!

Side Dish! “Mom’s ‘Healthier’ Pasta Salad”: This side offers a traditional summer side dish with a healthier twist using whole-wheat pasta, provolone cheese and kid-friendly veggies; you can even use the homemade dressing to dip your kabobs in! This might be hard for your kids to help out on, but it’s definitely worth trying out on your own! Check it out here!

Course 3: A sweet, cool dessert for the hot summer days, minus all the fat and calories!

Popsicles:

Ingredients:

-          Your kids’ favorite fruit juice!

-          Fun shaped ice trays:

o   You can find popsicle trays at your local Target or WalMart OR you can find a lot of really cute ones online! Check out these intricate ones at amazon.com here:

http://www.amazon.com/Hog-Wild-Idea-Kitchen-Pops/dp/B00169P36K

Directions:

1.      Help your kids pour their favorite juices into the molds

2.      (Optional) Add some blueberries to freeze in the pops for a nice surprise!

3.      Place gently in the freezer until frozen through

4.      Check that the pops are frozen, take out and eat before they melt!

** If you want a creamier popsicle option, try the Can’t Be Beat Banana Ice Cream Pops! (A recipe from Sneaky Fitness by Missy Chase Lapine)

            Can’t Be Beat Banana Ice Cream Pops:

           

            Ingredients:

                        - 1/2 cup low-fat milk

                        - ½ cup vanilla (or banana) yogurt

                        - 2 large bananas

                        - 2 tablespoons sugar

                        - (optional) ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ideally “mini”

           

            Directions:

1.      Blend all ingredients except chocolate chips in a blender until smooth.

2.      Pour equal amounts in popsicle molds.

3.      Drop about one tablespoon of chocolate chips into each pop, if desired.

4.      Insert stick.

5.      Freeze for at least 3 hours.

 

We hope you enjoy these kid friendly recipes! Remember, all of these are generally easy to make and customizable so your kids are bound to love them! Make them for a family party, a barbecue, or just to spice up a regular summer day.

Don't forget, these healthy eating recipes were inspired by the messages Rolie Polie Guacamole sings about! Check them out at http://www.roliepolieguacamole.com/ and stop by the Children's Museum in Easton on July 25th at 10am for a concert put on by the band!

We hope to see you at the Children’s Museum soon! Let us know what you think.:)