Food Fun Family

How to Stay Connected as a Family: Tips for Families with Active Kids

Lolli — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 17:43:02 +0000

Many thanks to Fruit Shoot® for sponsoring today’s story and for reminding me to look at all of the amazing things about being a mom of teenagers. All thoughts are my own.

I’ve got four very active teens between the ages of 12 and 17 (plus one older daughter no longer a teen). They’re all involved in after school sports, music lessons, youth groups, clubs, competitions (including barbershop singing and competitive cubing!) and more. We’re on the go all the time. And by “all the time” I mean that I feel like I live in the car between the hours of 3:30 and 9:30 PM.

Forget weekends! We are usually double and triple scheduled. There’s never a dull moment at our house! Sometimes it’s difficult to find times when the whole family is together, but we try to squeeze in as much family time as possible. Here are just a few tips that we have used to keep our busy and active family connected.

How to Stay Connected as a Family: Tips for Families with Active Kids

Calendaring is key – With 6 different schedules to manage, the only way to make it work is to write everything down on a calendar. Luckily, we have three drivers in the house right now, because we often have to utilize all of them to get everyone where they need to be!

Take advantage of the car rides – I often wish I didn’t have to spend so much time driving kids to and fro, but I’ve come to appreciate those car rides. Whether there are two of us in the car or all six of us, we try to make the most of that time that we have together in a confined space. Car rides are great for conversations!

Don’t give up on the family dinner – Even though finding a time when all of us are home at the same time, the family dinner is still an important daily tradition in our house. I might not cook a gourmet meal every night, but we always sit together at the kitchen table to eat our food together.

Sunday is family day – With so many things going on during the week, I really look forward to Sunday, which is a family day. We don’t go sports or clubs or play dates or errands. It’s all about church and spending leisurely time together as a family. I love that we often migrate towards the family room and sit around reading or chatting together, unplanned.

Utilize multiple communication channels – Now that the kids are teenagers, there are so many new ways to communicate with them. I embraced the texting trend several years ago and have found texting a key element to keeping the lines of communication open with my teenagers. But as much as I love staying connected through phones, texts, and social media, nothing beats face to face time.

What are some of your best tips for staying connected as a family?

It’s My Thing

Lately, I feel like there is so much pressure for kids to do everything…and not enough time for them to just be kids. As my kids have gotten older – with one child married, one graduating high school in a few weeks, one learning how to drive, and two still in middle school – I’ve wished that they could stay young and carefree and innocent for just a little longer. I miss lazy Saturday mornings of sleeping in and watching cartoons.

Fruit Shoot® has recently launched their “It’s My Thing” campaign, which “champions individuality, celebrates self-expression and empowers kids to indulge their adventurous sides and let their personalities shine.” I appreciate this goal so much, especially as a mom of teenagers and one soon-to-be teen. My kids are each unique – so much so that it continues to surprise me – and I love to celebrate their individuality.

We recently discovered Fruit Shoot® – a delicious beverage made with real fruit juice and no high fructose corn syrup. The design of each bottle – with a re-sealable sports cap – makes Fruit Shoot® perfect for families like ours that are constantly on the go! It’s an added bonus that we LOVE the way they taste!

What Makes Fruit Shoot® so Amazing?

No artificial flavors
Made with real fruit juice
No high fructose corn syrup
Varieties made with real sugar, as well as no sugar added
Ergonomically designed for your child’s hand
Re-sealable sports cap

Fruit Shoot® comes in several delicious flavors:

Regular flavors made with real sugar (no high fructose corn syrup!): Strawberry & Raspberry, Berry Burst, Pink Lemonade, Orange & Mango
No sugar added flavors (no high fructose corn syrup here, either!): The NEWEST flavor: Fruit Punch, Wild Berry Grape, Apple

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Which flavor would your family want to try first? We LOVE Strawberry & Raspberry and Orange & Mango and can’t wait to try the newest flavor – Fruit Punch!

Connect with Fruit Shoot

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Visit the Fruit Shoot Facebook page.
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Kings Dominion: What’s New for 2017

Lolli — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 14:31:06 +0000

I was invited to a media preview of the new Planet Snoopy expansion at Kings Dominion during opening weekend for the 2017 season. I spent the day at the park with two of my kids and enjoyed a special lunch with the other members of the media and their families. We received admission and lunch, but no other compensation was received.

Kings Dominion is a premier amusement park just outside of Richmond, Virginia. With more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, there’s something for everyone! Check the website for hours and ticket information.

My family and I love Kings Dominion! We spent many summer days at Kings Dominion last year, and I am shocked that the park is open for the 2017 season already.

We lucked out with the weather the day that we were there. Our spring weather has been all over the place, but we couldn’t have ordered better weather if the forecast worked that way (perfectly clear, blue skies and nicely warm but not hot). The time passed a little too quickly, but we had a blast.

During our media preview, we learned about 4 fabulous new features for 2017.

This year, Kings Dominion is making room for more fun, more laughs and more thrills will the Planet Snoopy expansion that includes 3 new thrill rides for kids. Also expanding the Planet Snoopy experience includes a new event space and upgraded food and beverage locations.

Kings Dominion will also be adding free park WiFi for guests and introducing FunPix, a fun and easy way to capture, collect, and share photos while you’re at the park. And last but not least, Kings Dominion has introduced the Pre-K Pass, which allows parents to get free passes for the entire season for their preschool-aged kids.

Free WiFi Throughout the Park!

This is a new feature that the entire family will appreciate! Kings Dominion is now equipped with free WiFi – no password or login required. Now you can play all day and not worry about eating through your phone’s data. We tried it out, and it was fast and smooth to use. No connection problems at all!

More Fun at Planet Snoopy

This spring, Kings Dominion has introduced three brand new Rides in Planet Snoopy:

Kite Eating Tree: Charlie Brown’s kite is stuck in a tree. Can you help get it down? This ride will take you up to see if you can grab it, then gently bring you down. Children of all ages will laugh and smile on this ride that takes them in the air and then gently drops them in a jumping, vertical descent.

Sally’s Sea Plane: Kids and their parents join Sally as she flies through the sky on this crazy airplane adventure that rotates and rises into the air.

Peanuts 500: Start your engines! Burn rubber through a circular speedway towards the checkered flag. Hang on through the turns – they’ll make you giggle! Children and their parents can pick their car and hit the track!

Pre-K Pass

To celebrate the opening of 3 new Planet Snoopy rides, Kings Dominion is offering free admission for ages 3-5 with the Pre-K Pass! Now your little ones can join in the fun with no extra cost! Find out how to get a Pre-K Pass for your little one here!

FunPix Photo Pass

Whether it’s on a ride, with Charlie Brown or at one of the park’s photo spots you’ll have plenty of pictures to remember your visits by. With the new FunPix All Season Photo Pass ($44.99) you’ll be able to look back at all the photos you’ve collected from the entire season. You can also get a Single Day Digital Photo Pass for $24.99.

Take advantage of your photo pass at multiple locations throughout the park, including:

On-ride photos
Roaming photographers
Peanuts character photos
Photo spots

About Kings Dominion

The idea for a family amusement park north of Richmond, Virginia and south of Washington, D.C., began as a dream in 1971. A site was selected in Doswell, VA in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic to build the 400-acre park. The design of the new park was similar to Kings Island near Cincinnati, OH, using similar rides, attractions and themes including a 315-foot-tall Eiffel Tower replica and twin-track, racing roller coaster.

With more than 60 rides, shows and attractions Kings Dominion has everything you need to create lifelong memories. Thrill-seekers will get their fix with one of the East Coast’s largest collection of roller coasters – 12 in all – including Intimidator 305, which stretches 305 feet tall and screams at more than 90 miles per hour. Families will delight in the zany rides at Planet Snoopy, featuring Snoopy and the entire PEANUTS gang.

Find out more about Kings Dominion at kingsdominion.com.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Lolli — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 21:13:18 +0000

I can’t believe how quickly the holiday season crept up on us this year. As much as I don’t feel ready for Christmas, I am beyond thrilled that it is here. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. Granted, I’m not a huge fan of cold or snow, but the holiday season – the treats, the music, and the festive spirit – can’t be beat.

It’s the end of the year and time for our last printable scavenger hunt for kids. It may be harder for kids to head outside to play with their neighborhood friends, but it’s still important for kids to be up and active.

I love how scavenger hunts get kids active and having fun. So print off this month’s scavenger hunt, grab a few pencils, and get active!

(Click HERE or click the image above to download the PDF version of this scavenger hunt!)

How to use this Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable

Get ready to search for all things related to Christmas! The best thing about this scavenger hunt is that it can be played many different ways – use the printable list as a guide and make the game your own. Simply print off as many sheets as you need, and then go have some fun!

Single-player game: race against the clock! See how many of the items on the list you can find in 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Look in the house for as many items as possible, or find things that aren’t at home in a magazine or book.

Group scavenger hunt: If you have enough players, divide into 2 teams. Each team works together to find the items on the list. Reconvene at a specific time to compare what each team was able to find.

Get creative! Some items are easier than others to “collect” as participants search for things on the list. Let the kids think of alternative methods of “collection” such as taking a picture, drawing a picture, or having an adult initial next to an item on the list. See ideas for gathering clues below.

Broaden your search area. With parental permission/supervision, teams can ask neighbors for help gathering scavenger hunt items. Maybe you don’t have a cupid at home, but a neighbor does. Make sure that kids know to only go to houses where they know the people that live there, and always bring a buddy along.

Methods of gathering “clues:”

Each person or group has a small bag and collects as many items inside the bag as the can in a set amount of time. At the end, everyone shows off the item they’ve collected.

Each person or group has a digital camera (phones, ipod, etc) and snaps a picture of each item they find.

Simply check off each item on the scavenger hunt paper as it is found or have another person act as a “witness” and initial the paper to verify that an item was found.

Use your imagination! Let the players decide the rules!

Be sure to check out my other scavenger hunt printables.

© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.

6 Things to Do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Lolli — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 12:00:32 +0000

My family and I spent last weekend kicking off the holiday season at Hersheypark as part of my Sweetest Moms ambassadorship. Our park admission and some activities were covered by Hersheypark, but all thoughts are my own.

Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane began Friday, November 11th and is open on select dates through Sunday, January 1, 2017. For operational hours and dates visit www.Hersheypark.com.

Tickets are only $19 and free for kids 2 and under.

I highly recommend bundling up and bringing layers when you visit the park during the holiday season. It’s kind of fun to take a break from our normal summer visits and enjoy the park fully decked out for Christmas. There are festive lights everywhere, Christmas music playing around every corner, and…refillable Hershey’s hot chocolate! It doesn’t get much better than all the hot chocolate you can drink (note: souvenir hot chocolate mugs can be purchased at most of the food vendors throughout the park and can be filled for free on the first day or for 99 cents after the first day. I recommend buying the mug as soon as you get to the park!).

Here are 6 things to do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane:

Enjoy 5 Fabulous Roller Coasters

Bundle up and enjoy 5 of Hersheypark’s fun and fabulous roller coasters: Cocoa Cruiser, sooperdooperLooper, Wildcat, Wild Mouse, and Laff Trakk. There are a ton of kids rides open as well.

Meet Santa and His Reindeer

Santa is available at Hersheypark (near the Kissing Tower…just follow the signs!) for pictures and the obligatory “gift discussion.”

You can also schedule breakfast or lunch at Hersheypark Place. You get a delicious meal and entertainment from Mrs. Clause and her friends, singing, story telling and a treat for everyone 12 and under. There are tons of photo opportunities with Santa himself. Reservations are required.

Santa’s 9 reindeer (including fan-favorite, Rudolph) are also available for a visit. You can ask the reindeer’s special handlers any question you can think of. We learned a lot about reindeer antlers (did you know that they get a new set of antlers EVERY year and that you can tell reindeer apart by their antlers, which are totally unique from other reindeer?).

A Music Box Christmas

A mysterious music box found in Grandma’s attic brings the magic of Christmas to life in this delightful show that “kids” of all ages will enjoy! Expect lots of dancing and songs and a special, sparkly surprise at the end! A Music Box Christmas can be seen at the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre at Hersheypark.
Presented by Capitol BlueCross

NOEL (“Nights of Extraordinary Lights”) at The Hollow

NOEL, a breathtaking light show featuring more than 200,000 dancing lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas music, is something you can’t miss on your winter trip to Hersheypark! Shows are every half hour starting at 5 PM (when the park is open). Note: there are a few different shows, with a unique variety of holiday tunes, so be sure to check back a few times during the night.

Christmas Candylane Storytime

Join one of Santa’s elves for a holiday story at the Cookie Workshop, located in Kissing Tower Hill.

Weeknights: 6 & 7:30 PM
Saturdays & Sundays: 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 6 & 7:30 PM
Dec. 24, 31 & Jan. 1: 2:30, 3:30 & 4:30 PM

Rudolph’s Skating Pond

Enjoy “ice” skating on Rudoplh’s synthetic skating pond. You can rent skates for a small fee (I believe it was $2 or $3) right next to the reindeer stables.

Photo courtesy of Hershey

What are you most excited to do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane? Be sure to check back, because I’ll be bringing more family-fun coverage of our trip, including our stay at Hersheypark’s Camping Resort, our appearance on Hershey’s Kitchens Live, and fun things to do at Hershey’s Chocolate World.

© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Lolli — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 11:00:47 +0000

It seems like yesterday that our air conditioning was cranking because the weather was still stifling hot, the kids were enjoying the last few carefree days of summer, and the leaves were all green.

Suddenly – seemingly overnight – the weather is crisp and cool, the kids are busy with their school year schedules and activities, and the leaves are all turning gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow.

I love the fall! The colors, the weather, and my birthday. There’s so much about the fall to love!

To celebrate the fall’s first big holiday, I’ve pulled together a fun, Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. I love finding things for kids that get them up and active, and interacting with other kids.

So print off this month’s scavenger hunt, grab a few pencils, and get active!

(Click HERE or click the image above to download the PDF version of this scavenger hunt!)

How to use this Halloween Scavenger Hunt Printable

Get ready to search for all things related to Halloween! The best thing about this scavenger hunt is that it can be played many different ways – use the printable list as a guide and make the game your own. Simply print off as many sheets as you need, and then go have some fun!

Print:
PDF version of the HALLOWEEN scavenger hunt
Jpeg version of the HALLOWEEN scavenger hunt

Single-player game: race against the clock! See how many of the items on the list you can find in 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Look in the house for as many items as possible, or find things that aren’t at home in a magazine or book.

Group scavenger hunt: If you have enough players, divide into 2 teams. Each team works together to find the items on the list. Reconvene at a specific time to compare what each team was able to find.

Get creative! Some items are easier than others to “collect” as participants search for things on the list. Let the kids think of alternative methods of “collection” such as taking a picture, drawing a picture, or having an adult initial next to an item on the list. See ideas for gathering clues below.

Broaden your search area. With parental permission/supervision, teams can ask neighbors for help gathering scavenger hunt items. Maybe you don’t have a cupid at home, but a neighbor does. Make sure that kids know to only go to houses where they know the people that live there, and always bring a buddy along.

Methods of gathering “clues:”

Each person or group has a small bag and collects as many items inside the bag as the can in a set amount of time. At the end, everyone shows off the item they’ve collected.

Each person or group has a digital camera (phones, ipod, etc) and snaps a picture of each item they find.

Simply check off each item on the scavenger hunt paper as it is found or have another person act as a “witness” and initial the paper to verify that an item was found.

Use your imagination! Let the players decide the rules!

Be sure to check out my other scavenger hunt printables and check back soon for MORE fun throughout the year!

© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.

5 Smile-Worthy After-School Activities To Do With Your Kids #GoldfishMoments

Lolli — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 20:25:56 +0000

As my kids have gotten older, one thing has become certain: it’s harder than ever to find time to bond with them. We always seem to be on the go. Afternoons and evenings are often hectic with homework, practices, and dinner prep. Carving out family bonding time really does need to be deliberate.

The good news is, regardless of the age of your kids, it’s possible to find bonding moments and create memories together on even the busiest of days. And guess what? None of these ideas are anything new. They are probably the things that you’re doing already…so give yourself a pat on the back for being an awesome parent.

5 Smile-Worthy After-School Activities To Do With Your Kids #GoldfishMoments

Cook Together – Dinner needs to be made (they keep expecting me to feed them. Every night!) so why not make it a bonding AND a learning experience? I learned to cook by helping my mom prepare dinners when I was young, and my kids have grown up learning their way around the kitchen by my side. I love to cook, and it gives me great pleasure to see my kids enjoying it, too. Not only does cooking together give you and your child some great bonding time, but you each come away with the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve accomplished something that is helping the whole family (it doesn’t hurt when it tastes yummy, too!). Tip: encourage licking of fingers, flour on the nose, and flicks of water on the neck. In other words, let loose on your silliness and share some laughs and some learning.

Take a Walk – The late afternoon/early evening is my favorite time to talk a walk, but walks are much more fun with a walking buddy. We have a few silly walking games that we play together. One of our favorites is “Pick a Make.” We each start our walk off choosing a make of car (ie, Kid #1 chooses Ford, Kid #2 chooses Chevy, and I choose Toyota). As we walk, we tally up the number of cars of our own make that we find. The one with the most tallied cars seen gets bragging rights. Bonus if I get to hold someone’s hand while we walk.

Turn Errands Into Mini Dates – Errands are not always the most fun activity, but they’re inevitable, so we try to make the most of them. If I need to run to the store to get some milk or to the bank to get some cash, I take a kid along with me and we add in something fun – an ice cream cone from the drive-thru, a special treat at check out. And don’t forget the value of turning up the volume and playing an impromptu game of car karaoke!

Watch Your Favorite Show Together – Sometimes everyone just needs to chill after school. School days take a lot out of kids (and work days take a lot out of me!). I love grabbing a favorite snack and snuggling on the couch together as we enjoy a favorite sitcom together. It doesn’t take lots of planning, and we get to rejuvenate after the long day.

Play a Board Game – We have a huge collection of board games and card games, and we love to gather on the family room floor and play together. It’s during those times when we’re sprawled out on the carpet when we start sharing memories of the day with one another. We laugh and we joke and decompress.

What are some of your favorite activities to do with your kids?

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Do Goldfish® crackers bring smiles to your family’s faces like they do to ours? Share your Goldfish® Tale on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #GoldfishTalesPromotion and you could win awesome prizes (the Contest Prize is $1000!). Each month has a new theme, and October’s theme was just announced as “SPOOKY.” Check here for super cute examples, contest details and official rules.

© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.

Kings Dominion BBQ & Brew Fest 2016

Lolli — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 20:00:37 +0000

This past Saturday, three of my kids and I headed south to Kings Dominion for BBQ & Brew Fest. All I had to do was mention BBQ tasting and they were ALL IN. This post is sponsored by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.

What is BBQ & Brew Fest?

It’s simple! BBQ & Brew Fest is a three weekend-long festival celebrating great BBQ and local craft beer. Guests can sample everything BBQ, from chicken to brisket to pork to ribs (and don’t forget the sides and desserts!). Guests 21 and over can enjoy signature craft brews from some of the area’s local breweries. All that BBQ pairs perfectly with entertainment from live bands. BBQ and Brew Fest runs Saturdays and Sundays, August 6 through August 21.

Where is BBQ & Brew Fest?

The BBQ & Brew Fest is set up at Kings Dominion along Candy Apple Grove. It’s easy to browse the different food offerings (all within a short walking distance around Candy Apple Grove) and then grab a shady spot to eat and listen to live music.

There is no separate admission fee for BBQ & Brew Fest – anyone in the park can enjoy. All food items are $5.00 each (except for watermelon cups which are $3.00 and strawberry shortcake parfaits which are $4.00); you can either pay cash or purchase sampler cards for $5.00 a piece. They’ve even got a discount card for $20.00 that get you 3 BBQ tasting cards and 2 brew sample cards.

Sample size (5 oz) pours of beer can be purchased for $3.00. Full size (20 oz) pours are $8.00 each.

The BBQ & Brew Fest Menu

The Pit
? Moonshine Pulled pork slider with smoky BBQ sauce and spicy pickles
? Beef Brisket Slider with BBQ sauce and spicy pickles

Tastes from the Tower Food Truck
? Redneck Eggroll with “white BBQ sauce”
? Loaded tater tots with pulled pork, cheese sauce, jalapenos and sour cream

BBQ Fiesta
? Loaded moonshine pulled pork “walking taco” bag
? BBQ chicken tacos

BBQ Island
? Hawaiian style grilled teriyaki beef slider with chive mayo and pineapple coleslaw
? Jamaican style jerk BBQ chicken quarter with Jambalaya Cornbread fritter and mango salsa

The Dogs
? Virginia Oinker dog (dog wrapped in ham, topped with BBQ pork and chopped bacon) and BBQ brown sugar baked beans
? Grilled hot dog topped with BBQ pork, coleslaw and jalapenos with BBQ brown sugar baked beans

Mac ‘N Cheesy
? BBQ pork and mashed potato “parfait” with macaroni and cheese
? Candied bacon blt served with BBQ macaroni and cheese

Southern ‘N Sweet
? Moonshine bratwurst with blackberry jam
? Southern style banana pudding

The Halligan Bar and Grill:

“Chicken Shack” BBQ
? Memphis Style BBQ Chicken Slider
? “Wings of Smoke”
? “Bird Dog”
? Sides: Cole Slaw, Cucumber Salad

Beef Country
? Texas Style Beef Brisket Slider
? Bacon Wrapped Brisket Bites
? “Texas Bull Dog”
? Sides: Cole Slaw, Macaroni salad

Carolina BBQ
? North Carolina Style Pulled Pork BBQ Slider
? Baby Back Ribs
? The “Dog Pound”
? Sides: Cole Slaw, BBQ Baked Beans

Fire Truck Smoker with Whole Pig Roasted on Saturdays

The BBQ & Brew Fest Brewers

I’m not a beer-drinker, so I can’t speak to how great the beer tasting was, but people sure seemed to enjoy it! The list of brewers is different each weekend.

August 6 – 7

Bold Rock Hard Cider — Nellysford (Nelson County), VA

Brother’s Craft Brewing — Harrisonburg, VA

Legend Brewing Company — Richmond, VA

O’Connor Brewing Company — Norfolk, VA

Old Bust Head Brewing Company — Faquier County, VA

Strangeways Brewery — Richmond, VA

August 13 – 14

Ardent Craft Ales — Richmond, VA

Devils Backbone — Roseland, VA

Midnight Brewery — Rockville, VA

Chaos Mountain Brewery — Callaway, VA

Center of the Universe — Ashland, VA

Starr Hill Brewery — Crozet, VA

August 20 – 21

Bold Rock Hard Cider — Nellysford (Nelson County), VA

Steam Bell Beer Works — Chesterfield, VA

Isley Brewing Company — Richmond, VA

Hardywood Craft Brewery — Richmond, VA

Kindred Spirits — Richmond, VA

The BBQ & Brew Fest Entertainment

I love live music, so this was perhaps my favorite part of BBQ & Brew Fest! We loved the Pat Russel Band, and wish we could be there every day of the festival to hear all of the other live entertainment!

8/6: Pat Russel Band
8/7: Inside Out
8/13: Moonshine Society
8/14: Red Light Rodeo Allstars
8/20: The Mashup
8/21: Little Country

Also catch Chainsaw Chix each day at 2:00pm, 3:15pm and 6:30pm. They were fascinating to watch!

I loved everything about our experience at Kings Dominion BBQ & Brew Fest, except for the weather. It was almost too hot to do anything at all. When we weren’t sampling the BBQ and listening to Pat Russel Band perform (in our shady spot), we were refilling our souvenir cups or ordering frozen treats to try to cool off. Unfortunately, because of my son’s stitches, we weren’t able to get wet (how mean would it have been to leave him while we went down a water slide or two?!) but we still had a blast on a couple of our favorite rides.

We’re definitely putting BBQ & Brew Fest on our calendar for next year!

© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.

Summer Games Scavenger Hunt Activities for Kids

Lolli — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 01:04:08 +0000

When I was growing up, watching the Summer Games (ie, the “games that shall not be named”) on TV every 4 years was EVERYTHING. As in, everything stopped and we watched the events all day, every day. I was fascinated by all of the summer sports.

I am so excited about this year’s Games in Rio, partly because my kids are actually into a few of the sports that will be represented in the Games…and partly just for nostalgia’s sake. My oldest son is a runner (both cross country and track & field) and three of of my kids spent the last 2 months swimming competitively. I know that they’ll be glued to the swimming and running events this year.

To celebrate, I’ve pulled together a fun, ACTIVE scavenger hunt. Instead of searching for things, they’ll be checking off things that they DO.

So print off this month’s scavenger hunt, grab a few pencils, and get active!

(Click HERE or click the image above to download the PDF version of this scavenger hunt!)

How to use this Summer Games Scavenger Hunt Printable

This scavenger hunt is a little different than my others. Instead of hunting for things, you’ll see how many of the activities on the list you can do! You can put on your own Summer Games. Make it a party, invite a few friends over and have fun with it! Simply print off as many sheets as you need, and then go get active!

Print:
PDF version of the SUMMER GAMES scavenger hunt
Jpeg version of the SUMMER GAMES scavenger hunt

YOU make your own rules. Do each “event” in order, as a team, or compete side by side. There are no rules. Just have fun!

Be sure to check out my other scavenger hunt printables and check back soon for MORE fun throughout the year!

© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.

10 Safety Tips for Pokémon GO Players

Lolli — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 13:05:12 +0000

Pokémon GO is a new mobile game unlike any other. Yes, the kids and I have been enjoying playing it together like so many other families.

Pokémon GO requires players to go outside to play and get the full experience of the game. This has led to a slight problem, though. Tons of people are aimlessly walking around trying to catch Pokémon, staring at their phone screens…seemingly unaware of their surroundings (like busy streets and other people). I am shocked at how many people are going out late at night (especially when I hear of kids going out alone in the dark!) or going to remote places without a buddy.

There are so many good things about Pokémon GO, like helping people get out and get active, but there are many things that worry me about how so many are playing the game, so I gathered these 10 safety tips for Pokémon GO players. This way you can continue to catch ’em all….without having to worry.

Play with a Buddy

Perhaps my best advice is this: don’t play alone! There are stories of criminals luring people to a remote pokestop with the intent to rob or even kidnap. Pokémon GO is more fun when played with friends, anyway, and there is safety in numbers. When visiting pokestops or gyms, it’s always a good idea to bring along another person or two. Remind kids that it’s never, EVER ok to follow someone they don’t know anywhere, even if there’s a promise of a rare Pokémon.

Look Up & Be Aware

You don’t have to constantly stare at your phone’s screen to play Pokémon GO. You can put your phone in your pocket with the app still on and it will vibrate to alert you when a Pokémon is near you (you can also go to Settings and select “Battery Saver” to put your app on battery saver mode whenever you turn the phone upside down. This helps preserve battery a ton!). When you remember to look at your surroundings instead of your phone screen all the time, you won’t accidentally walk into another person or into the middle of the road…..or a ditch where you could twist an ankle. Always watch where you’re walking.

Catching a Pokémon

If a Pokémon pops up on your screen, you do not have to be right next to it to catch it. You just need to click on the Pokémon, and it stays with you until you can catch it. Many people think you need to be next to a Pokémon to capture it, and has lead to people walking into busy roads, which isn’t safe! Always, always move to a safe spot to catch a Pokémon and never step into (or stay in) a dangerous situation just for the chance to catch a new, rare Pokémon.

Bring Supplies

Walking is a huge part of this game. If you are planning on going out for awhile, bring some supplies. Pack a backpack with things like water to stay hydrated, snacks, phone charger (since the app eats up your phone battery), etc. If you are playing at night add in some supplies like a flashlight and maybe bring something to protect yourself, like pepper spray. But remember – your most important supply may be the friends you bring along!

Dress Comfortably

Since walking is a big part of this game, you’ll want to make sure you are comfortable. Comfy shoes are a must as well as making sure you are dressed for the weather. If rain is in the forecast (or if you live somewhere where rain can happen any day, any time, make sure you have an umbrella and enough battery power to call home if a ride is needed.

Watch Out

If it is late at night, it is probably best to avoid Pokéstops that have lures on them, as there have been cases lately of people using them to lure people to specific spots for criminal intent. Don’t be persuaded by the fact there may be a special Pokémon in a certain area that is suspicious and don’t let others pressure you into going into any suspicious areas. If it doesn’t feel safe, stay away. Remember that there is safety in numbers and public places and daylight are always better than remote places and the dark of night time.

Be Courteous

Pokéstops can be in random places….one of the weirdest so far that we’ve heard of is cemeteries. Remember to be respectful, wherever you are catching Pokémon, whether it’s a park with young children or a cemetery or a church. It is best not to be loud and boisterous since not everyone plays the game, especially in cemeteries where people may be there to grieve or churches, where people are going to worship.

Stay off of Private Property

Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do if you weren’t playing Pokémon GO. Remember that Pokémon can be found on private property, but that does not mean that you suddenly have permission to enter that private property to catch it. If it seems appropriate, you can certainly ask the owner’s permission to enter their property, but it’s important to remember to be respectful of people’s time just as much as you are respectful of their time,

Don’t Play and Drive

Yes, this has probably been said a million times, but it cannot be stressed enough. Just like texting and driving, it is NOT safe to catch Pokémon while driving, and you should never do it. It is just common sense and hopefully not too many people will have to be hurt before players will realize how dangerous playing while driving is.

In-App Purchases

This is more of a safety tip for your bank account. It mainly applies to you if your children are playing on your device. Make sure to log out of your App Store account before you let them play because in Pokémon GO, you can make purchases. There have been a lot of coincidences where kids accidentally purchase extras within the app and they end up costing you A LOT of money.

This new game is a fun and inventive a way to get avid gamers active outside. Even people who never play video games love it! It has built its own community and is altogether really fun. But it is important to be safe no matter what.

Do you have any safety tips you could add? Have you played Pokémon GO yet? Share in the comments!

© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.

Kings Dominion KidsFest

Lolli — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:22:34 +0000

Two of my kids and I were able to visit Kings Dominion this past weekend for KidsFest and we had a blast! This post is sponsored by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.

Kings Dominion is welcoming back its wildly successful KidsFest for a second year and you are invited!

What is KidsFest? I’ll tell you! KidsFest is the most fun, family-friendly weekend(s) EVER at Kings Dominion! Yes, even big kids like mine LOVED KidsFest! KidsFest takes place at Planet Snoopy and is a celebration of all things kids-related, from concerts and crafts to activities, shows, and so much more! KidsFest started this past weekend (7/16-7/17) and next weekend (7/23-7/24) from 12pm to 5pm.

PLUS – (this is exciting!) Everyone Pays Kids Price when you buy your tickets online to come during KidsFest.

We started our KidsFest day at the Imagination Movers concert – front row, center stage. It was a blast! Yes, it was HOT but at least we were sitting and out of the sun for a little while. Imagination Movers put on an energetic, fun show – perfect for all ages!

One of our favorite experiences of the day was the Cirque Imagine acrobatics show. Not only were the performers super talented, but they were funny, too! We especially loved the cool auditorium that provided a welcome rest from the heat!

You can see Cirque Imagine at the Kings Dominion Theater from June 18 – September 5. Shows are Tuesday – Friday, Sunday 2:00, 4:00, 6:00 and
Saturday 2:00, 3:30, 5:30, 7:00.

KIDSFEST ENTERTAINMENT

The entertainment during KidsFest ROCKS! This was our favorite part of last weekend’s visit for sure! We rocked out during the Imagination Movers concert from our front row, center seats, and even had a free meet and greet with the Movers themselves afterwards! My daughter bought a hat and had all 4 Movers sign the rim. She may be 17, but it was “best day ever!” quality!

Imagination Movers – Get ready to move and groove with the Imagination Movers! Join us in the PEANUTS Showplace for two free concerts at 1pm and 4pm on Saturday, July 16. (PAST)

Choo Choo Soul All Aboard! – Choo Choo Soul will be performing at the PEANUTS Showplace on Saturday, July 23 at 1pm and 4pm

Power UP! Dance Party – Shake it and groove it at our Power UP! Dance parties! 12:00pm-1pm & 2:30pm-3:30pm.

Mad Science – This is not your typical science education show! Join Atomic Ali and learn more about science in a fun and interactive way. At PEANUTS Playhouse 12:30pm-1:00pm & 2:45pm-3:15pm.

Animal Education Show – Enjoy this wild show full of different animals. Get your questions ready — this engaging show will teach you all about the starring animals and their habitats. At PEANUTS Playhouse 2:00pm-2:30pm & 3:30pm-4:00pm.

Party with the PEANUTS Gang – Hang out with the PEANUTS gang! Join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang to celebrate your day at Kings Dominion. Take a break and party with them daily at 2pm and 5pm at the Snoopy Fountain!

Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular – End your day of fun with Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular! Take in the vibrant light and music extravaganza from the International Street fountain to the Carousel. 10pm-Closing

BONUS: The Kings Dominion Clown Band is not a KidsFest-only event. I recommend enjoying them everyday! They are so much fun and FUNNY! These are clowns that will make your kids laugh and clap and dance along to the music (not run away in fear!). Watch for their shows – they roam around the park so you never know when you’ll see them!

KIDSFEST ACTIVITIES

Kids of all ages can enjoy a ton of free activities (included for free with park admission), including crafts, a visit with the Hanover Fire Department and a chance to climb inside a real fire truck, Lola the CLown an her amazing balloon animals, and coloring pages (you can even print off your own pages to color at home!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RIDES

Of course, a day at Kings Dominion would not be complete without your favorite rides! There are rides for ALL ages at the park – my big kids like the thrilling rollercoasters, but I’m more fond of the Carousel and Peanuts Turnpike!

Get Kings Dominion tickets HERE…and don’t forget to grab the amazing deal for KidsFest next weekend. Remember – everyone pays kids prices when you buy online!

POKEMON GO AT KINGS DOMINION

Kings Dominion is a gold mine of Pokestops and Gyms. We played while walking around the park and standing in line and had SO MUCH FUN working on OUR Pokemon collection together (yes, we have one game that we work on as a family). We found a ton of new Pokemon that we’d never encountered before, and we collected so many items at Pokestops that our storage was at capacity. Kings Dominion is a great place to play Pokemon GO as a family!

Connect with Kings Dominion

Website: https://www.kingsdominion.com/ #KDFirstTimer
Facebook: facebook.com/kingsdominionva
Instagram: @kingsdominionva
Twitter: @kingsdominionva

© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.