Category Archives: Family Fun

Get ready for summer with these classic movies

We think summer is the best time of year. We love the longer days, warm weather, activities with family and friends, beach vacations, and everything else that comes with it.

So with Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s no doubt that your schedule will be full of activities and social events. Now is the perfect time to take one last day to relax, and get into summer mode. We can’t think of a better way to do that than to put on your favorite summery pajamas, grab a snack, and binge-watch classic summer-themed movies. For some, these flicks will be full of nostalgia and for others unfamiliar with the titles, it’s a peek into simpler times. Here are 8 of our favorite classic summer movies that are sure to get you ready for all the fun the next few months are sure to bring.

Grease

Grease (1978) – Danny and Sandy. Need we say more? This American classic will bring back so many memories and have you singing along with all your favorite characters from Rydell High.

Summer School

Summer School (1987) – Freddy Shoop (Mark Harmon)is a gym teacher ready for his summer vacation in Hawaii. When he is told he can either teach summer-school English or lose his job, he ends up teaching a group of less than motivated kids not only their curriculum but also a little something about life.

Meatballs

Meatballs (1979) – This movie, about a not-so-typical summer camp stars Bill Murray as Tripper Harrison, Camp North Star’s head counselor. If you’ve ever been to a summer camp, you’ll probably be able to relate to some of the craziness and hijinks the campers and counselors take part in.

Sandlot

The Sandlot (1993) – A perfect ‘for all ages’ summer sports movie, this coming-of-age story is centered around Shy Scotty (Tom Guiry) who moves to a new town and how a little league baseball team helps him adapt.

Caddyshack

Caddyshack (1980) – You’ve never seen a country club like Bushwood. The all-star cast including Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, and Ted Knight will keep you laughing through the entire film and you might even think about taking up golf!

Jaws

Jaws (1975) – Ok so maybe not the best movie to watch if you’re taking a beach vacation this year but Jaws is one of those classic movies you can watch over and over and it will teach you that when someone says get out of the water they mean it!

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing (1987) – Ahh the memories. You’ll have the time of your life singing and couch dancing along with this summer classic. And don’t forget “Nobody puts Baby in the corner.”

Vacation

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – Hit the road with the Griswolds for their mishap-filled summer vacation. It will make you realize that the little hiccups we may encounter on a road trip aren’t so bad after all.

Dazed and Confused

Dazed and Confused (1993) – Before they were A-listers, Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey star in this coming-of–age comedy about what the last day of school might have looked like in the 70’s.

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The Endless Summer (1966) – This is one of the earliest surfing movies and is sure to become one of your favorites. If you’re not traveling this summer this film is the perfect substitute as it takes you all around the world looking for the perfect wave. The scenery is amazing!

The list could go on and on, but if we named all our picks you’d never leave the couch. Instead, take a day, watch to your heart’s content, and then go enjoy the best season of the year!

 

8 Activities you can do after your Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving is here. It’s time to get together with family and friends and start the holiday season off and celebrate all that we have to give thanks for. Once the turkey, stuffing, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and pie have been consumed, it’s very easy to plop down in front of the TV with the remote in hand and just veg out. How about instead of doing nothing, consider some of these ideas to will keep you busy and active for the rest of the day.

Dishes

Clean up. More than half of American households do not completely clean up after their Thanksgiving meal. It’s easy to put all the dishes in the kitchen on a full belly and say “I’ll deal with that later.” Why not just get it all done? You’ll have nothing to worry about the next day and you’ll be ready to do your Black Friday shopping or just enjoy a bonus day off of work. If you engage all your guests it takes no time at all, and the conversations can keep rolling while you all do dishes.

Decorating Holidays

Decorate for the holidays. A huge meal can make it hard to get motivated, but if you start decorating for the holidays after your meal, you not only help your digestion by keeping your body moving, but you’re transitioning right into the spirit of the season. You don’t have to do it all, but staying active prevents that tryptophan from kicking in and putting you down for the rest of the day.

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Take a walk. If you’re fortunate to have nice weather on Thanksgiving, take advantage of it. In many parts of the country, the cold wind and snow of winter will be taking over soon so get out, get some fresh air, some vitamin D, and as a bonus, you’ll walk off some of those calories you just ingested.

Twister

Play games. There are plenty of games to keep you active without overdoing it. Think Twister, charades, corn-hole, or a friendly game of football.

TG Crafting

Work on holiday crafts. After Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect time to get the family’s creative juices flowing. Put on your matching family pajamas, pull out the supplies crate, and start your holiday crafting. You’ll be glad you did once the hustle and bustle sets in and you suddenly realize you’ve run out of time to do all those things you planned to do.

Christmas Cards

Get started on your holiday cards. If you plan on sending holiday cards this year, after your Thanksgiving meal is a great time to get the ball rolling. With expected post office slowdowns this year, starting sooner than later will get them in people’s mailboxes on time and you won’t have to rush to get them done.

Voulenteer

Volunteer together. Consider heading to a shelter or soup kitchen to help serve meals to people who may not be as fortunate as you are. If you don’t have a shelter in your area, perhaps you have an elderly neighbor or friend who may not have family to spend the holiday with. Bring them a meal, spend some time with them, and maybe even help them out with some simple chores around the house like raking leaves or cleaning up. They will be thankful for you and that is what this holiday is all about.

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Prep for Black Friday. Supply shortages and high demands may make your shopping a bit more difficult this year. If you plan in advance and have a strategy for what you need, where you’re going to get it, and set an actual schedule, your holiday shopping adventure will go much more smoothly.

We hope these ideas motivate you to have a full, fantastic Thanksgiving from the time you get up until the time you hit the sack. We all have plenty to be thankful for so let’s make the most of the day.

From all of us at The Pajama Company Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

 

Five Fabulous Ways to Enjoy Fall Football

Fall is many people’s favorite season. Whether it’s the cooler temperatures, the changing of the leaves, or everything pumpkin spice there’s something about fall that is just warm and inviting. It’s also the time when football returns to stadiums, living rooms, and sports bars all across the country.  Regardless if it’s the Friday night lights at your local high school, supporting your alma mater, or cheering on your favorite professional team, one thing is certain; Americans can’t get enough of this exciting sport!

Going to an actual game and watching in person is something every fan should experience at least once, but it can be very expensive and not practical on a regular basis. It can be just as fun (and with fewer hassles) to get creative on your own and set up the ultimate football lover’s experience. We’ve got 5 great ideas for doing just that!

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Set up a backyard living room. Fall temperatures are perfect for hanging out in the backyard with a bunch of snacks, a TV, and your family to watch your favorite team. You’ll get fresh air, you can make all the noise you want, and you don’t have to worry about long bathroom lines! Once the neighbors see how much fun you’re having, don’t be surprised if they bring over their own chairs to join the party!

Homegating

Homegait. One of the best parts about going to the stadium is the pre-game tailgating. The smell of grills cooking and the sound of fans getting ready for the day’s showdown are exhilarating. Recreate that in your own driveway! Invite your friends and neighbors over, set up a big TV, and get the grill going. Make it a potluck where everyone brings their favorite tailgating dish and you’re on your way to a party they’ll talk about all season!

Radio Listen

Listen on the radio. Believe it or not, back in the day, not everyone had a color TV – or A TV for that matter. Take a step back in time and just listen to the game while using your imagination to visualize the action on the field. The announcers that call the games over the radio airwaves are outstanding at making sure you feel the excitement and understand every detail of every play. Make a day of it by taking a drive to see fall foliage while you listen.

Sports bar

Visit a sports bar. There’s something about being surrounded by a bunch of strangers all rooting for the same team that really instills a sense of community. Many sports bars offer drink and food specials so you don’t have to do the pouring or cooking. You can just sit back and watch the plays while others do the work

Family

Have a football pajama party. Weekends are for winding down and there’s no better way to relax than staying in your PJs all day. Order Pizza, plop down on the couch, and get ready for some football. With no distractions, you won’t miss any of the important plays or game winning touchdown!

How do you do football? Tell us here in the comments of head over to our Facebook page and tell us there!

Bring everyone together on National Family Day

With more summer behind us than ahead, it’s time to make the most of the remaining summer days we have before fall sets in. The first Sunday of August is National Family Day. It was created to encourage us to enjoy the waning summer days with the people we hold dearest to us.

This day urges families across the country to focus on family relationships. Although we probably don’t need a reminder about how important family is, we all tend to get caught up in the busyness that everyday life brings.  Many times it’s difficult to bring entire families together, so when we get the chance to connect with those closest to us; it’s the best gift we can give ourselves. On August 1, 2021, make time to spend with your family. Here are just a few ideas for family bonding opportunities.

Walk

Enjoy time outside. If the weather permits play outdoor games, go for a walk, visit the zoo, have a picnic, or anything else that gets you outside and moving. You’ll spend a wonderful day together, and also get some beneficial exercise.

Family Lunch

Visit grandparents or other family members. We see the immediate family that lives in our households every day, but how often do we see Grandma, Grandpa, a married child, or a special aunt or uncle? Family reaches far and wide, so go visit, take them to lunch, or bring a special meal to them. Anything that brings you all together is the purpose of the day.

Family Cooking

Try a new recipe together. A great way to bring family together is in the kitchen. Have some recipes that you’ve been dying to try but just simply haven’t had the time? This would be a great opportunity to do it. Not only do you get everyone involved in the cooking process, but you spend quality time together making an incredible meal you all can enjoy.

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Have a pajama day. The best days are when everybody stays in their pajamas all day and takes part in fun activities at home. Work on art projects, have a movie day, have your own mini at-home spa day, or whatever else you can dream up. The best part is that you never have to get out of your pajamas!

Family Pic

Take a family portrait. Family picture day used to be an annual tradition. Nowadays however the idea of a portrait seems to have fallen by the wayside. Bring it back in style with a good old-fashioned family picture. Plan your outfits, gather everyone at a designated location, and take lots of shots. You’ll all be together while creating a keepsake that everyone will treasure forever.

museum

Visit a museum. You never want to stop learning something new and the incredible museums we have in this country are the perfect place to pick up knowledge in. Make it an educational adventure and the Marvel at the things everyone will learn.

However you choose to spend the day, the most important thing is that you are enjoying quality family time, making memories, and hopefully you’ll want to do it more than once a year.

Planning a Summer Backyard Camping Adventure

This weekend marks the official start of summer. The kids are out of school and it’s time to start finding creative ways to keep them entertained. June is National Camping Month so many families pack up their cars and campers, head out to campgrounds, and enjoy the great outdoors. If camping is something that you’ve had on your radar but haven’t yet taken the plunge because of time commitments or a limited budget, why not consider escaping to your own backyard campsite to get your feet wet?

Camping is a great way to escape computers, phones, and TV’s, get some fresh air, and teach kids a different way of doing things. Plus, you avoid what is sure to be an extremely crowded season in the campgrounds. Backyard camping is also economical and with proper planning, you’ll even forget you’re at home as you sleep under the stars. To make sure your at-home getaway feels authentic, here are eight things you’ll want to include in your plans to ensure success.

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  1. Have rules. These should be followed by adults and children alike and should include things like no electronics – put them in a non-accessible place in the house, limited access to the amenities in the house (ie: you can only go in to use the bathroom), and full participation from everyone which includes set-up and tear-down. Camping can be a great adventure and quite educational if everyone is 100% in.

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  1. Put safety measures in place. Although camping in your backyard is a much more controlled environment than trekking out into the wilderness, safety should still be your #1 priority. Have a way to extinguish the campfire, make sure the area is free of things someone could trip over in the dark, employ proper lighting –including nightlights and flashlights, have bug spray readily available, and check the area for poisonous plants.

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  1. Create a campsite. If you don’t have tents, there’s no need to spend a lot of money to buy them. Create makeshift shelters with sheets, blankets, or tarps. Make sure to keep the kids involved in the building process so they will have the satisfying feeling of accomplishment and pride in what they have created.

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  1. Set up sleep accommodations. The shelter is ready and it’s time to set up sleeping arrangements and even though there are no comfy beds, you can still be comfortable sleeping outdoors by using air mattresses, yoga mats, or cots. Keep in mind that you don’t have the luxury of a climate-controlled home, so also plan for cool nights and dewy mornings with extra blankets, cozy socks, and warm pajamas. Here are some of our favorite camp themed pj’s.

Campfire (1)

  1. Build your campfire spot. Have the whole family gather sticks for kindling to get your fire going and make sure you have bigger hardwood logs on hand to keep it roaring. If an in-ground fire pit is not an option you can buy a portable fire pit that will serve the purpose. Also note: It’s important to know the burning regulations in your area beforehand to make sure you aren’t breaking any rules.

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  1. Plan your menu. For each day you camp, you’ll want breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks. You can look online for all kinds of yummy campfire recipes, but if you want to stay the traditional route think foil pack meals, roasted hot dogs, campfire pies, and of course S’mores. Eggs and bacon are easy to do with a cast iron pan and one-pot meals can easily be heated over your open flame. Don’t forget a cooler to keep everything from spoiling. Remember, you’re not really at home, so the fridge isn’t an option.

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7. Keep everyone entertained. Make a list of fun activities to partake in once you put your pajamas on and gather around the campfire. You can tell stories (ghost stories if age appropriate), sing songs, or play campfire games. This is when your family will really bond and have quality time together. It’s also when so many memories are made so make sure to take pictures!

Stars (1)

  1. Observe the nature around you. Camping is all about taking in the beauty that Mother Nature has given us. During the day, participate in bird watching (a bird book can be a fantastic reference guide), have a nature scavenger hunt, or learn about the foliage that grows right in your own backyard. At night you can identify star constellations or listen to wildlife sounds and try to figure out what they are.

Whether you camp for one night or a whole weekend, having happy campers is the ultimate goal. We hope these pointers will make for fond family memories you’ll treasure for years to come!

 

10 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Pajamas!

It’s already June and that means Father’s Day is just a few short weeks away. Dad works hard for the family and deserves this special day dedicated to him! This year, plan a fun pajama-wearing day at home doing activities that you plan and execute so he can just sit back and enjoy the family time together.  Here are 10 great ideas to get your wheels spinning towards pulling off the most perfect Father’s Day ever.

BIB (1)

Breakfast in bed. It’s the most important meal of the day so do it up right with a homemade breakfast served up to dad in bed. You’ll want to make sure you make plenty of food because he’s going to need a lot of nutrition for the rest of the day’s festivities.

bagtoss

Have a Cornhole tournament.  Also known as Bags, Bean Bag Toss, and Tailgate Toss depending on what part of the country you are from, this fun game is perfect for Dad’s special day. You have 2 teams and 2 boards with holes in the middle where you want to toss the bean-filled bags through. The first team to 21 wins!

Birdhouse

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Watch a ballgame. Get some peanuts and Crackerjacks and plop yourselves in front of the TV for America’s favorite pastime. You’ll have the best seat for the game while you cheer on your favorite team dressed in your PJ’s!

Man Napping

Take a walk without Dad. Father’s Day is for spending with the kids and that’s why it lasts a whole day! But if only for an hour or two, Dad would probably really appreciate just a little peace, quiet, and alone time. He could read, nap, catch up on his favorite show, or just pad around the house in his pajamas!

Photo scrapbook dad

Scrapbooking. Dad probably has all his favorite pictures stored on Facebook or Instagram but there’s just nothing better than printing all those pictures up and putting them together in a real-life photo book. Have them all ready to go so he can reminisce, laugh, and enjoy his fondest of memories.

Kids Dress Up

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Have a Daddy spa day. Ladies love to get pampered but did you ever think Dad might like it too? Give Dad an at-home spa day complete with a home facial, manicure, and pedicure.

Grilling

Barbecue his favorite dinner. We know that it might be tough to keep Dad away from the grill but tell him that this is the one day of the year he doesn’t have to do anything. Give him a cold beverage, a relaxing chaise lounge, and let him watch while the family cooks all his favorites just for him!

Dad Movie

Have a backyard movie night. Set up a screen or TV in the back yard, fill the area with pillows and blankets, and roll Dad’s favorite movie under the stars. Don’t forget the popcorn!

However you decide to spoil Dad this year we know it’s going to be a hit! Head over to our Facebook page or leave your comments here and tell us about your big plans.

Happy Father’s Day to all you Dad’s out there!

Have Fun Creating a Fall Bucket List

Fall is upon us and for many people, it’s their favorite time of year. Pumpkin spice, cozy pajamas, leaves changing colors, and cool crisp nights are just a few of things we love about the season. This year, why not create a ‘bucket list’ of activities you’d like to partake in so that you can get the most out of fall.

We’ve got 9 fantastic ideas that are on our list this year to get you started on your own:

blog Corn Maze

Go to a corn maze. This fun family activity is one you can make a whole day of. Most places that offer corn mazes have a variety of other things you can do while you’re there like petting zoos, pumpkin picking, and hayrides. You’ll quickly get the whole family in the mood for fall!

blog Painted Pumpkins

Paint a pumpkin. One of falls most loved activities is pumpkin carving. The Halloween tradition is said to have started in the 19th century in Ireland where they carved out pumpkins, turnips, or other root vegetables and used them as lanterns. More recently, painting pumpkins has become the latest craze and the design possibilities are endless. And if you still want to enjoy the pumpkin seeds, you can still cut open the top and scoop them out, although your creations may not last as long.

blog Leaf Pile

Jump in a pile of leaves. Chances are as a child you did this many times but now as an adult, you may think it’s a silly thing to do. Sure you’ve probably seen a big pile-o-leaves and thought to yourself “I’d love to jump in that” but your grown-up voice told you not to.  Tell that voice to be quiet, and go for it! It will take you back to your childhood and a simpler time.

blog Canoeing

Go canoeing or kayaking. Autumn is a perfect time to get into a canoe or kayak and tour the fall colors from the water. The air is still warm enough and you’d get a great workout at the same time. Just make sure you dress appropriately and mind the time as the days are getting shorter.

blog Canning

Can fruits and vegetables. If you’ve never done this before you’ll want to do some reading first to ensure that you do things correctly and the food will be safe for consumption later. Whether the fall bounty you preserve comes from your own garden or from a local farmers market, you’ll love that you can have the taste of summer at your fingertips throughout the long winter.

Tulips

Plant bulbs for your spring garden. Anything that blooms in spring should be planted now. This includes Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinth, and Crocus. When the snow finally melts and spring arrives next year, these are some of the first flowers that will pop their heads through the soil and say “hello spring!” The Farmer’s Almanac provides some great tips for planting correctly HERE.

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Start a giant puzzle. Soon enough you’re going to be spending a lot more time indoors so why not dive in and start a puzzle that you can work on for the whole season. Make sure it’s at least 2000 pieces to really challenge you. It’s a nice way to wind down after a busy day or have some ‘me-time’ while the kids do their homework.

blog Family Photo

Take a fall family photo for your Christmas cards. With all the vibrant colors of the season as your backdrop, you’ll have an amazing memory that you can share with friends and family during the holidays!

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Make caramel apples. Really what tastes better than a caramel apple? We say not much! The great part of creating these sweet treats is that it’s not just about caramel and apples anymore you can dress them up with just about anything. Of course chopped nuts are a great standby, but why not try other ingredients like cookie crumbles, chocolate chips, toffee bits, colorful sprinkles, or your favorite candy. These gourmet caramel apples will be a hit with the whole family!

Now that your wheels are turning and you’re list is getting started, we’d love to hear about what your fall bucket looks like. Tell us about them here or over on our Facebook page!

 

Happy fall!

Celebrate your Sister and Everything She Means to You

“Sisters make the best friends in the world.” —Marilyn Monroe

Sisters are our best friends, our confidants, and the ladies we can get downright crazy with. We depend on them and we cherish them. There’s even a national holiday which falls on the first Sunday in August known as National Sisters Day, specifically set aside to celebrate your relationship with your sister or sisters. To make the day fun and memorable, we’re sharing some ideas on how you can spend the day with your sis and let her know that she is appreciated and loved.

Have an old-fashioned sleepover– Fill the evening with all those fun activities you did when you were kids. You’ll of course need all your favorite snack foods & your favorite pajamas (even better get matching pj’s), but add an adult twist to the festivities with a nice bottle of wine, margaritas, or martinis. You can spend your special time together reminiscing, looking through old photos, listening to music, or watching movies you loved growing up.

Girl’s night special dinner– This special evening deserves a splurge, so choose a nice, upscale restaurant to treat yourselves at. Order whatever you want and don’t worry about calories or cost. Just enjoy an extra special dinner together and don’t forget to have dessert!

Have a makeover & photo shoot day – Do each other’s nails, hair and make-up and get all dressed up in your Sunday best. Take lots of pictures throughout the makeover to chronicle all the fun, and a final portrait that you can frame and cherish forever

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Take a real trip down memory lane – Hop in the car and take a drive to places you treasured when growing up. This could be the house you grew up in, past hang-outs, your favorite shopping spots, or even visit your old school. The great thing about happy memories is that they are all unique to the individual so the possibilities are endless.

Exchange special gifts – This may seem like an easy enough thing to do, but we suggest making it unique by making the gift something that will bring back memories. Was there a favorite candy that she enjoyed as a kid? How about a record or CD she wore out years ago? Put some thought into what may be a faded memory and bring it back to life with your thoughtful gift.

Just spend time together – It really doesn’t matter what activities are on the agenda on this special day. Even if’s it’s just a morning cup of coffee or a quick lunch, the most important thing is that you are together and celebrating the special bond you have

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Don’t live close to each other? We know that not all sisters live in the same town or city but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the day. Hop on a call or have a Zoom happy hour to spend time catching up. You can even send flowers, a gift, or even a thoughtful card to show your appreciation and love for your sister.

However you decide to spend National Sisters Day, we’re confident you’ll do it perfectly! To all you sisters out there… have a wonderful day!

Fun and Unique Ways to Celebrate Dad!

Father’s Day is just around the corner, but the 2020 version might not be quite the same for some families. With the country slowly emerging from quarantine, many usual Father’s Day hot spots may not be operating this year. Baseball games have been put on hold, and restaurants can’t serve the large crowds they are accustomed to.

None of this means however that you can’t have a fantastic day with the special dad in your life. With a little planning and some imagination, you can make this the best Father’s Day yet! We’ve got 5 unique ideas to help you get those creative juices flowing.

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Fuel for the day. Start the day with breakfast in bed. Let dad sleep in while you prepare a meal full of his favorite foods. He’ll need the extra energy for the exciting events you have planned for the day and he’ll appreciate a little extra time in his pajamas!Go Kart

Start your engines. Go Kart Racing is a super fun way for the whole family to get outside and let some of pent-up energy out. Go Kart racing is growing in popularity and tracks are opening up in many communities. Make sure before you go, that you call in advance to find out about age, height and weight restrictions, and other requirements. If you don’t have a track in your area, bumper cars are a fun alternative.

Mini Golf

Tee Up. Dad’s love to golf so give him what he wants – with a twist. Go mini-golfing so the whole family can enjoy one another’s company. You’ll find out how good dad really is on the course when he has to putt his way through castles, wild animals, and clowns! Make sure you let him win thought- after all, it is his day!

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Up, up and away. One of the most unique ways to spend quality time with dad is by taking a hot air balloon ride. This activity isn’t for everyone, but for those that want to walk a little on the wild side, it’s something no one in your group will ever forget. There’s nothing like seeing the land below you from a bird’s eye view as you slowly drift through the sky. Keep in mind, this is a “weather permitting” activity, so make sure you have a plan-B ready to go in case Mother Nature decides not to cooperate.

Horseback Riding

Giddy-Up. For people who would rather keep both feet on the ground, a trail ride on horseback is a fun, relaxing way to spend the day. Many stables offer hour-long or half-day excursions through the countryside with either larger groups or private groups. Dad will love the experience, and it also allows kids to experience horses up close and personal, which they may otherwise not have the chance to do.

Fishing

Reel ‘em in. Fishing is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors as well as teach kids something new which could become a life-long passion. There’s nothing more exciting than casting your bait into a body of water and hooking your first fish. After you get some pictures for posterity, the release can be just as fun as you watch your new friend swim away. If you don’t have fishing rods and you don’t have anyone you can borrow some from, check into local trout farms. They have everything! Poles, bait, and even ponds full of fish!

 

Once your fun, activity day is over you can go home, fire up the grill and finish the day with a delicious family meal. Dad will always remember your amazing day together, and it will give you memories for years to come!

 

Tell us how you’re spending Father’s Day right here or on our Facebook page.

 

Happy Father’s Day!

 

Memorial Day Weekend Staycation Ideas

Memorial Day, first and foremost, is the time we remember the heroes that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s also an extra-long weekend where we spend quality time with family and friends to celebrate the official start of summer. Typically this holiday weekend is spent enjoying cookouts, parades, beach parties, and other celebrations that involve large gatherings. This year however, things will look dramatically different due to social distancing practices.

Although all our states are now open to one degree or another, everyone is still being encouraged to stay home whenever possible and limit the number of people we come in contact with. Because of this, folks are looking for ways to still enjoy the holiday weekend in a toned-down way.  We have some fabulous ideas, sure to keep the spirit of the weekend alive and well.

1. Sleep in. To make sure you are refreshed and ready to enjoy all your planned activities, you’ll need to be well-rested. Sleeping in – even an extra hour will assure that you are re-energized for all the fun.

2. Have a down-sized cookout: Memorial Day weekend just isn’t complete until you fire up the grill. You can set up yard games like cornhole or lawn Jenga and spend the day playing games, enjoying terrific food, and getting fresh air.

3. Go to a concert – virtually. The National Memorial Day Concert is being broadcast on PBS on Sunday night at 8pm EDT. The concert will stream from various locations around the country and feature performances and tributes honoring our veterans and troops. It features performances from artists such as Trace Adkins, CeCe Winans, Kelli O-Hara, and more.

 4. Build a campfire: Roast hot dogs and marshmallows, tell stories, and play campfire games for a good old fashioned summer tradition.

5. Do nothing. You read that right. Use the weekend to just relax, gather your thoughts, and enjoy the beautiful weather. There’s nothing we enjoy more than unplugging and taking as early afternoon nap in our favorite lawn chair or hammock.

6.Make your own paper poppies: After World War I, the red field poppy was one of the first plants to flourish in the battlefields of France & Belgium. The color also symbolized the bloodshed of the battles, after the publication of the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines. Today, paper poppies, which are all handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation, are distributed on Memorial Day weekend as a symbol of remembrance. This simple tutorial outlines how you can make your own poppies right at home. We love the idea of crafting them yourselves then donating money to your local VFW to continue supporting their mission.

7. Have a neighborhood parade: Get the neighbors together and plan a parade for your street or block. Kids can decorate floats and show their handiwork while everyone watches from their respective driveways or yards. It’s a great way to lift people’s spirits and get outside for some fun.

8. Make care packages for soldiers: While you are enjoying your uber long holiday weekend, soldiers are on the front line protecting our country. Organizations such as Operation Gratitude hold several events during Memorial Day weekend and are ready and waiting to collect your donations to send to our men and women serving in the armed forces. You can also check with your local chapter of veteran’s affiliations to find out what items they need and how you can get your care package to an appreciative soldier.

9. Decorate in Red, White & Blue. Nothing shows patriotism more than displaying our national colors. Fly the American flag, make ‘Thank you’ signs  for your front yard, decorate your driveway in red, white & blue in chalk art, and deck your home out with other arts and crafts to show your support for the good old U.S.A. This weekend is a good time to thank our first responders, care givers, doctors and nurses.

10. Bake festive treats. Baking can bring families together and the results are always delicious. Whip up some yummy treats for the family and decorate them in red, white & blue for the theme of the weekend.

Your Memorial Day weekend may be a bit more low-key than what you are used to but that doesn’t mean you can’t make everlasting memories, have fun, and spend time remembering what the day is all about.

We’d love to hear about your plans for the holiday. Share them below or visit our page on Facebook and share them with our community.

 

Happy Memorial Day!