Tag Archives: Fun Things to Do At Home with Kids

April 5, 2021 · 9:49 am

Bring the Fun Home from…DC Area Farms

Animal encounter at Frying Pan Farm

[Note: This post was written by KFDC contributor Katie Winter, an educator and local mom of two young children.]

 

As the weather warms up, local farms are opening their gates for visitors. Many of the farms have opportunities for kids to see animals, explore tractors and other farm machinery, romp in play areas, and run around in open space. Recently, our family enjoyed visits to Frying Pan Farm and Great Country Farms. (You can find even more farms in this post about Easter inspired activities.) And below are some ideas of ways we continued the farm fun at home!

Farm Sensory Fun!
Sensory bins are a great way to have your little ones use their hands to learn and explore the world through senses.   Grab some farm animal figurines and create some farm sensory bins like the ones below. (Here are some larger farm animals for smaller hands.)

 

Farm Animal Washing Station from Coffee Cups and Crayons

 

Farm Sensory Play from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

 

CREATION STATION!

Here are some simple farm crafts to try with your kids.

Paper Plate Farm Animals from The Keeper of the Cheerios

 

Popsicle Stick Tractor from Hunny, I’m Home!

 

No Bake Sheep Grahams from Dancing Through the Rain

 

READING RECS!
My children love farm books year-round. Even before my kids could say words, they would be able to mimic farm animal noises. Grab some barnyard buddies or finger puppets and act out some of your favorite farm stories! Better yet, have your kids try!

Moo, Baa, La La La!

Chicks and Salsa

Goodnight Tractor

Big Red Barn

Mrs. Wishy-Washy’s Farm

 

 

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Filed under Animals, DC, Farm, Home Activities, Maryland, Spring, Virginia, Weekdays, Weekend

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March 22, 2021 · 6:46 am

Bring the Fun Home from…The Cherry Blossoms

(Note: This post was written by KFDC contributor Katie Winter, an educator and local mom of two young children.)

 

While many of the 2021 cherry blossom festivities may be different this year, there are still many ways to celebrate and learn about the iconic flowers at home!  Check out this KFDC post about ways families can celebrate the 2021 cherry blossom season, this new one about seeing blooming cherry trees at a local spot, and read on for cherry blossom-inspired activities at home!

The start of spring excites our kids to get outdoors and see the beauty of nature.  Cherry blossoms and budding flowers can be seen all around the DC area this time of year.  Many locals will find them at their local parks or even in their own backyard.  Have a future gardener at home?  Here is a great Flower Garden Building Kit that will encourage endless pretend play indoors.  Ready to plant your own at-home garden?  Try this Flower Growing Kit!  Below you will find some craft ideas and books to get your little ones engaged in the season!

CREATION STATION!

After you’re done admiring the flowers outside, make some at home!  These crafts require minimal materials — most of which you can, hopefully, find around your house.

Cherry Blossom Windsock from iHeartCraftyThings

 

Popcorn Cherry Blossom Tree from Glued to My Crafts

 

Cherry Blossom Art from Recycled Soda Bottle from Alpha Mom

 

Egg Carton Flower Craft by Glitter on a Dime

 

Easy Flower Candy Recipe by Shugary Sweets

 

READING RECS!

Time to freshen up your child’s bookshelf with some captivating flower books! Whether learning more about cherry blossoms and other Japanese traditions, or admiring beautiful flower illustrations, these books are a great way to kick off conversations about this time of year, featuring cherry blossoms or other springtime flowers. All of them fun and informative reads for little ones!

Planting a Rainbow (Ages 0-3)

Cherry Blossoms Say Spring (Ages 4-8)

Spring: A Pop-Up Book (Ages 2-5)

The Big Book of Blooms (Ages 3-8)

The Tiny Seed (Ages 3-8)

Pinkalicious Cherry Blossom (Ages 4-8)

Cherry Blossoms and Paper Planes (Ages 4-8)

Flowers (Ages 4-8)

Thea Stilton and the Cherry Blossom Adventure (Ages 7-10)

 

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Filed under 2021, Art, DC, Educational, Indoor Play, Maryland, Seasonal, Spring, Virginia

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March 9, 2021 · 2:55 pm

Bring the Fun Home from… Green Spring Gardens

(Note: This post was written by KFDC contributor Katie Winter, an educator and local mom of two young children. A brand new regular feature, Bring the Fun Home from…  will  highlight places around the area, many of them already covered on the blog, and offer ideas to tie in the outing with activities at home.  We hope you and your little ones enjoy it! )

 

Make some Leprechaun Lookers and head over to Green Springs Garden to search for some lucky four leaf clovers along with other neat features throughout the grounds!  As the weather warms up and flowers are starting to bloom, Green Springs Garden is an ideal place to visit.  The grounds are comprised of 26 different areas, most of them small gardens, but also a historic house, ponds, an overlook, and some delightful surprises. Read this KFDC post for more information about the park. And check out the craft ideas and books below to continue the fun at home after your visit!

KFDC Tip: If you can’t make it to the gardens, have a St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt in your own backyard.  Hunt for some four leaf clovers or grab these lucky coins and hide them for your little ones to find.

 

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CREATION STATION!

I’ve rounded up some fun St. Patrick’s Day and spring crafts to try at home. The activities below require minimal materials — most of which you can, hopefully, find around your house.

Leprechaun Lookers from Love Your Littles

 

Shamrock Craft from A Little Punch of Perfect

 

Blooming Paper Flowers from the STEM laboratory

 

Pasta Flowers  from Typically Simple

 

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READING RECS!

Books are a great way to expand on children’s experiences.  Every few weeks I try to switch out my sons’ books to go along with holidays, current events, and/or the season.  I’ve found that this increases their excitement for reading and provides them with more background knowledge than I could have imagined. It’s also an easy way to celebrate those occasions and keep our reading fresh!  Here are some books for little ones that celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the start of spring.

That’s What Leprechauns Do (Ages 4-7)

Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase (Ages 4-8)

When Spring Comes (Ages 4-8)

There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Clover (Ages 3-5)

How to Catch a Leprechaun (Ages 4-10)

Baby Loves Spring! (Ages 1-4)

The Tiny Seed (Ages 3-8)

St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning (Ages 4-9)

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring (Ages 4-8)

Spring: A Pop-Up Book (Ages 2-5)

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt (Ages 5-8)

What Grew in Larry’s Garden (Ages 4-8)

 

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Filed under 2021, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Outdoor, Seasonal, Social Distancing, Spring, Virginia

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March 20, 2020 · 6:05 pm

The Weekend: March 20-22


For the second week in a row, this regular Thursday post is not like the others. Where you usually find a round-up of weekend events and activities instead is a recap of the latest KFDC posts, plus a mix of links around the Web, all of which hopefully will be of some help during this unusual time. Happy Weekend!

*KFDC POSTS TO HELP DURING THE CORONAVIRUS*

* Articles, Posts, Memes, and More Relevant Links for Right Now
This mix of links posted last weekend was a quick way of relaying some practical information, offering suggestions, and providing some smiles and laughs.

* What to Do on the Weekdays At Home During the Coronavirus
The title might say it’s for the weekdays, but certainly the suggestions for kids’ activities can be enjoyed on weekends, too.

* Tips for Parents During this Social Distancing Time at Home (that Don’t Involve the Kids)
Some of these ideas especially for parents may actually be better for the weekends, especially for moms and dads who are working from home during the week. Since we can’t dine out, see shows, go to events, or visit many local places, we’ll have more time at home — and this post has suggestions to help make the most of it. Yes, the kids will be home more, too, but parents could take turns giving each other their own time while one hangs with the kids.

* Virtual DC Activities & Experiences for Kids at Home During the Coronavirus
If kids can’t get to some of their favorite local places and activities during this time, you can bring the experiences to them — virtually. From webcams featuring the cherry blossoms and zoo animals to special live streamed programs especially for kids to online tours of iconic spots, there are a bunch of ways to access DC and keep your crew entertained while you #optinside.


*MORE GOOD STUFF*

* DCist offers motivation to stay in with one-star Yelp reviews of DC monuments.

* I recommend reading this article by an Italian mom under lockdown.

* It’s official: DC Public Schools will be closed and distance learning will take place through April 24.

* Humans of New York Quarantine Edition has begun, sharing happy stories, just getting them in a different way. Start reading them here.

* Just watched Grand Budapest Hotel (for the second time, which I realized after I was partly into it). Like every Wes Anderson movie, it’s brilliant.

* Consider ordering take out this weekend to support your favorite local restaurants.

* Get some new family, kid, or adult games and puzzles to make your inside time more fun. Labyrinth has an amazing selection and is open for pick-up and delivery, to boot.

* Funny, but true? 😂

* Trevor Noah ❤️


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