Category Archives: Family Fun

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!

Gardening: The Hottest Hobby Around

As many continue to follow stay at home orders, nurseries and greenhouses are reporting a huge uptick in sales. It seems that gardening has become a very popular hobby.

Aside from enjoying beautiful blooms, or the satisfaction that comes from growing your own veggies and fruits, gardening also has both physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages.

The process of planning, creating, and planting gardens gives your brain stimulation and helps you forget about the stress you may have in your life. Gardening connects us to nature and allows us to focus on the entire process. Your finished product then continues to give back two-fold: It provides an ongoing outlet for stress relief as you maintain it, and the end result is a soothing environment that you can enjoy and decompress in for the entire season.

The physical aspects you gain from gardening have tremendous health benefits. To begin with, gardening releases serotonin and dopamine in our brains, otherwise known as the “feel good” chemicals.  A 2007 study showed that working with soil just makes us happier. A bacterium in soil called Mycobacterium vaccae triggers serotonin release, which in turn lifts mood and reduces anxiety. The human body also benefits from the vitamin D we get from the sun and the fresh air we inhale. These elements give you energy, build immunity, cleanse your senses, and help you sleep better.  Plus… you’ll find that you eat more fruits and vegetables because you have them right on hand. It’s surprising how much more delicious they really are when picked fresh!

The best thing about gardening is that you can have one regardless of where you live. Here are some popular methods for creating your very own garden getaway.

Apartment or Condo Living: You don’t have to have a huge back yard or acres of farmland to surround yourself with nature. Urban patio gardens, for instance, come to life with hanging planters, raised beds, and oversized pots. You can grow just about anything from flowers to vegetables in these receptacles so don’t be afraid to experiment

Small City Lots: If space is an issue, consider a leveled garden and using window boxes to maximize your growing area. You’d be surprised at how many varieties of botanicals, vegetables, and herbs don’t need a lot of room to flourish. Did you know you can turn an old dresser into a beautiful vertical garden? It’s the perfect way to repurpose an unwanted piece of furniture.

Subdivision Spaces: If you live in a subdivision, there is a good chance you have a Home Owners Association that has some guidelines you’ll have to follow. Find out what those are before you start planting because it’s common for HOA’s to limit gardening spaces to side or back yards only. With a little creativity however, that’s plenty of room to grow your garden paradise.

Wide Open Spaces: If you’re fortunate enough to have a larger property where the sky’s the limit you’ve got yourself a gardener’s paradise. Containers, levels, flower beds, hanging baskets, and more can all be worked into your creation. The possibilities are endless so use your imagination. Let both ideas you find online and your local garden center provide inspiration and don’t be afraid to try different things.

The weather is getting warmer so get out your gloves, shovels, and fertilizer and join the growing population of home gardeners. Your new space will be the perfect place to have your morning coffee or evening cocktail, spend family time, and eventually start entertaining again! It’s also the ideal place to just lounge in your pajamas!

 

Happy gardening!

 

We want to see your garden creations! Post your pictures here or visit our Facebook page and let’s see how you enjoy paradise!

 

 

Unique Ways To Celebrate Mom

This year, with many of us still under ‘stay at home’ orders, we will have to find a different way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Instead of a traditional brunch at a restaurant, or spending the day browsing our favorite shops, we have to get creative in the way we go about pampering the most important woman in our lives.

Fortunately, there are a lot of really great things you can still do to show mom how much you love her, and make sure she has the day she deserves.

Brunch

Brunch – To Go. While many restaurants are still closed to in-house dining, there are lots of them that are offering curbside pickup and special Mother’s Day menus. We love this idea because you don’t have to worry about crowded dining rooms or long wait times. Another bonus is that you don’t have to pick just one restaurant to eat at. Look into what your local establishments are offering and then pick up items from several different places. Bring it all home, and create your own personalized buffet that is tailor-made to your tastes! You’re supporting the small businesses that really need it, and feeding everyone exactly what they want at the same time. Don’t forget your local bakeries for baked goods to round out the meal.

Have a Virtual Family Visit. When you can’t be together physically, the next best thing is an online face-to-face reunion. Make sure in advance that everyone has the right software downloaded so they are ready at the designated call time. A fun idea is to make sure everyone is set with a bottle of champagne (or sparkling juice for the young ones) so you can toast mom! Each attendee can take the opportunity to give a little speech, and when everyone has had their turn, one big “prost” to the woman of the hour! Spend the rest of the time reminiscing and telling stories. There really is nothing better!

Plan Mother’s Day – Part 2. Since you may not have the opportunity to actually spend May 10th with mom, a great idea is to make a promise to do it right once things return to normal. Send her an invitation with the date TBD and some pretty flowers promising to have a special day that’s all about her when you can safely get together.

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Buy Her Some Pajamas. Of course we’re partial to pajamas, but who isn’t? With so much time being spent at home, mom might as well be comfy. Pick out an extra special pair of jammies and have them delivered right to her door. You could also send some tea or wine so she can cuddle up and pamper herself on this special day. Don’t know what she’d like? Send her a virtual gift card!

Walk

Take a walk. If you are in the position where you get to actually see your mom on Mother’s Day, why not make it a healthy event? Most parks and walking trails are open, and the fresh air plus Vitamin D are just what the doctor ordered. Put your walking shoes on and take in the scenery.  Spend this special time together catching up, telling stories, and just enjoying each other’s company. Remember, the biggest gift you can give your mom is you!

Crafts

Channel your inner artist. Creating a personalized gift is a wonderful way to show how much you care. With thousands of ideas right at your fingertips, you’re sure to find something that will get your creative juices flowing.  A quick Pinterest search and a few clicks of the mouse will yield directions for painted flower pots, homemade soy candles, and hand-woven wall hangings- just to name a few. The sky’s the limit on this idea, and with so much time on our hands these days you might even be able to make several gifts!

There are tons of other things you can do to celebrate your mom, and we’re confident you’ll make her special day memorable. Regardless of how you spend it, the most important thing is that this year, more than ever, the most important woman in your life, knows just how amazing she is and how much she means to you!

Have special plans to celebrate Mom this year? We’d love to hear about what your plans are. Post your ideas below, or head over to our Facebook page and share it with us there.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

 

Throwing a Formal Family Pajama Dinner Party

Running out of ideas to keep your family entertained while we stay at home? We’ve got a great idea! Throw a dinner party – in pajamas!

Gone (for now anyway), are the days of eat-and-run, or the family fending for themselves at dinnertime. The great tradition of family mealtime is back in style. Families are bonding, learning more about one another, and communicating face-to-face.

Keeping things interesting however, may pose a bit of a challenge. Instead of just sitting down to supper, we suggest you mix it up a bit and create a full-blown event. Here are some ideas that you can use to pull together a formal family dinner in pajamas.

Invite

Plan it. To get started, just like any other party, you have to plan the event. Make invitations with date, time, and location (i.e.: cocktails in the living room at 6pm followed by dinner in the dining room at 7pm) and present them to the family members in your home. You could include RSVP cards that need to be returned by a certain day just to make it even more fun!Sushi-Banner home page

Dress code. Just because this is a formal pajama dinner party, does not mean that your guests can arrive wearing just any old PJs. Make sure they slip on their very best pair for the occasion. Gals can do their hair and makeup (yes, even the little ones can participate) while guys should shave- if needed, splash on a little cologne, and even style their hair. Add accessories like jewelry, ties, and top hats to really take it up a notch!

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Set the mood. Candlelight, a pretty table cloth, creative folded napkins, mood music, and fresh-cut flowers on the table are all perfect for setting the right ambiance. Make the family feel like they are going out to a fancy meal at a special place.

Cooking

Create the perfect menu. Think about everything from the cocktail (or kiddie cocktail) hour with appetizers, to the dinner itself. Try to make a meal that isn’t part of your normal routine but will appeal to everyone. If you have picky eaters, then ‘dress up’ their favorites to give the food a fancy feel. Don’t forget an extra special dessert!

Dancing family

Dancing anyone? What’s a formal dinner party without a little dancing afterward? The best way to do this is to have a variety of music that everyone can relate to. Get cheek to cheek for a song or two, and then kick it into high gear and shake your booty. After-dinner dancing will also burn off some of those extra calories you may have consumed.

Take a family picture. As things slowly return to normal, you’ll definitely want a lasting memory of your evening. Get everyone posed, set the timer and say cheeeeeese.

Although the majority of us eagerly await the return to normalcy, the silver lining that has come from all of this is that families have been able to reconnect. We hope that after this is over, families will continue to plan, and set aside time to partake in unique bonding activities. It’s the best way to build close-knit relationships that can be passed down to the next generation.

Stay well, healthy, and safe

At Home Spring Activities for the Whole Family

With the weather getting warmer and spring knocking on the back door, it’s time to brush off the winter dust and embrace spring. With what’s currently going on with the Corona Virus, some people are a little nervous about doing things that involve large groups of people, but still want to take in the warmer weather and embrace spring. We’ve got some great ideas on just how to do that without straying too far from home.

blog animals-avian-beaks-birdhouse-1156507Watch the Birds. During March and April, the bird migration season is in full swing. Hundreds of species that spend their winters in warm climates make their annual trips north to breed and spend their summers. They will be hungry from their long flights, so a great way to see a wide array of feathered friends is to set up bird feeding stations. Orioles, Hummingbirds, and songbirds all like different food, so make sure you have enough for everybody. Here is a great resource to learn about different feeding options and how to attract birds to your backyard. You might want to pick up a birders guide as well. The whole family can help identify your visitors and learn a lot along the way.

young-tomato-5808Plan a Garden. Nothing is better than veggies straight from the garden. Not only do they taste so much better than store-bought produce, but the satisfaction from planting, maintaining, and reaping the fruits of your labor are second to none. Sit down with the family and decide what you want to plant and who will be responsible for the various tasks like weeding and watering as the garden evolves. You can get your space ready and start seeds now so that when the weather is warm enough, you are ready to get planting. This website offers hundreds of tips and pointers for starting, planting and caring for your garden.

SM BearCheeks_IGDo Some Spring Cleaning. When the whole family gets involved, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. You can even do it in your pajamas! Turn on some fun music, assign everyone a task, and go to town. There’s a great chance that you’ll unearth some forgotten treasures and memories in the process. You can also teach kids lessons about giving back to others. Share with them that there are a lot of people who don’t have as much as they do, and how wonderful it can be to donate unused and unwanted items to people who can use them. Have fun with it, teach life lessons, and get organized all at the same time!

family-1454783_640Take a Walk. Ok, so technically this isn’t an ‘at home’ activity but there are likely places in, and around, your neighborhood where you don’t have to deal with crowds but can still get outside, enjoy the weather, get some exercise, and take in nature. Do an internet search for local hiking or walking trails, or large parks where you can be out in the open and enjoy the great outdoors without the crowds.

paint-1167786_640Create Outdoor Art. Brighten your outdoor living space with décor created by your family. There is so much you can do like painting rocks, making patio pavers, and creating flower planters. Look on Pinterest. You’ll find ideas that you never even thought of. And once you’re done, you’ll have one-of-a-kind outdoor artwork for the whole neighborhood to envy!

We’re confident that leaders will be able to control and eliminate the current health scare our country is facing. The most important thing to remember is to practice good hygiene and make wise decisions. If staying home to be safe is one of the things you choose to do, at least these ideas will help make it much more fun. Happy Spring!

You Need a Saturday Morning in Pajamas

The holidays are officially here! Shopping, holiday parties, and all the other seasonal festivities can have you juggling a pretty hectic schedule. Instead of rushing around and feeling stressed about everything you have to do, take two steps back and plan a Saturday morning at home in your pajamas.

We’ve got some great ideas to help you plan a perfect morning full of food, fun, and of course – family!

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Start it right with breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but you can make it extra special by changing things up. Get the whole family involved in making the meal by assigning everyone something special to make. Then when all cooking is done, you can all sit down together in your pj’s and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

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Another great idea is to have your breakfast in bed. Maybe the parents cook for the kids or better yet… let the kids cook and then serve it to you in bed. They get to show their creative sides and you get to sleep in!

 

Play games

After you’ve had your morning meal, why not get the gang together and play some good old-fashioned board games? You can play learning games, games of strategy, or just silly games that make everyone laugh. Regardless of what you choose, there is no need to change out of your pajamas!

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Decorate for the holidays

Since this is the holiday season, have the whole family partake in the decorating process. Get all your baubles and festive decor together, and let them loose. Instead of a chore (which it can sometimes feel like), the joy of being in your comfortable pajamas will make it a fun activity and allow everyone to be a part of creating your holiday atmosphere.

 

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Have a movie morning

Who says a movie marathon or binge watching can only take place at night? Saturday mornings are the perfect time to cozy up on the couch or in bed, pajamas and all. Watch your favorite flick, finally check out that film you’ve wanted to see, or even binge-watch episodes of the hottest new series that everyone’s talking about. Pop some corn, make some hot cocoa, relax, and enjoy the show!

 

Go independent

Yes! A Saturday morning in pajamas can also be about everyone doing their own thing! Give the family the chance to decide themselves how they want to spend their time (as long as pajamas are involved). Someone may want to just read a book while someone else may want to make cookies. There is no plan you have to follow. The sky’s the limit!

 

These are just a few ideas you can try and we know you’ll probably come up with tons of other great activities you can incorporate; we just wanted to get you started. We’re sure once you try it yourself; there will be many more ‘Saturday morning in pajamas’ days in your future!

 

We’d love to hear about how you do a pajama day! Share with us in the comments or tell us about them on our Facebook page!

Plan a fun Halloween Weekend with these frightfully fun ideas

Halloween is so much more than carving pumpkins, costumes, and trick or treating. Since there is nothing better than family time, why not plan an entire weekend to get everyone in the spirit? We have some spooktacular ideas that are sure to keep all the ghouls and goblins entertained and bring a wickedly fun twist to your Halloween activities!

Brew a Batch of Slime

Could there be a better time of year to make ooey-gooey slime? We think not. Slime making is easy, fun, and has all kinds of creative possibilities! You can make slime any color and add extras like plastic spiders, googly eyes, or glitter for a special extra touch. Here’s a simple recipe we found that both adults and kids will love playing with!

Get Wrapped Up in Mummy Bowling

Wrap Plastic bowling pins (available at almost any store that sells kids toys) in toilet paper, glue some eyes on, line them up, and voila- you have yourself a mummy bowling alley. You can use a rubber ball or if you want to make it extra fun, use a small pumpkin! Play as individuals or teams and have prizes for the winners!

Make Frightfully Fun Halloween Recipes

Pumpkin cookies

A quick search for “Halloween Recipes” will produce 1000’s of fun snacks and treats that your whole family can sink their teeth into.  A great idea would be to give each person a recipe to make and let the creative juices flow. Not only will you have some tasty tidbits for your Halloween celebration, but the kids will also learn a little about cooking and how much fun it can be!

Craft up Some Decorations

Halloween crafts are another project with endless options. From painting pumpkins to festive paper lanterns you’ll make memories and have hours of enjoyment being creative! The best part is that after Halloween is over, you can put them away and bring them out to display for years to come!

Bob for Apples

Bob for apples

Bobbing for apples really is a Halloween tradition! People have been doing it forever and it’s one of those activities that get passed down from generation to generation. Ideally you want to play this fun game outside if the weather cooperates but if it has to be done inside, make sure to put some towels down to avoid slipping on wet floors.

Have a Scary (or scary-ish) Movie Marathonpumpkin flannel pajama pants

Have the whole family put on their pajamas, dim the lights, grab all those tasty treats you just made, and settle in for a night of spooky, scary fun. There are tons of age-appropriate options so make sure your playlist is suitable for your audience. We don’t want the little ones too scared or they’ll be up all night!

Tell scary ghost stories

Another fun pajama activity! Light a fire in the fireplace or fill the room with candles and turn off the lights. You can even hand out flashlights to use during storytelling. Take turns coming up with the scariest stories or talk about actual scary folklore from your neck of the woods.

Do the Time Warp

Time Warp

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic. One of the most iconic parts of the film is the classic ‘Time Warp’ song with dance. Since the film is not suitable for all ages, download just that part of the movie to play on your TV. You’ll have a blast learning the dance and watching everyone get their moves on. Plus… you’ll get a little exercise to work off all the treats!

We’d love to hear your ideas for a fun Halloween weekend too! Share them in the comments or visit our Facebook page and show us your pictures of how you celebrate the scariest night of the year!

5 Super Easy Halloween Costumes That Start With Pajamas

We’re all pressed for time these days but Halloween is just around the corner which means parties, trick or treating and playing dress-up! This year, instead of an uncomfortable costume that also requires tons of time and effort, check out our ideas for simple and quick ensembles for both adults and kids that you can whip together in no time.

Baby Shark Kids

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Baby Shark Do Do Do Do… Love it or hate it, it’s at the top of the trending Halloween costume list this year. Both adults and kids are jumping in with both feet! The idea is actually simple. Pink or blue PJ’s, a white baseball cap with a little modification to the bill, and a pool inner tube around your waist. Make sure to use your hand chomping skills for that extra touch.

Get Wild

halloweenblog Get Wild

Dressing up like a leopard is the ultimate way to show your wild side. With a leopard print footie, some cat ears, and some cool cat make-up it’s a purrrfectly fierce costume idea that will work for all your Halloween functions.

A family of Lumberjacks

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Dad, Mom, the kids, and even the family dog can look like they just stepped out of the forest with this easy lumberjack costume idea. With red and black plaid flapjacks, work boots, fake beards & mustaches, and some lumberjack tools (make sure they’re kid safe) you’ll be the family that everyone remembers trick or treat night!

Knock ‘em out

halloweenblog Robe

A boxer is one of the simplest costumes you can throw together. Get yourself a robe, some shorts, high-top sneakers, boxing gloves, a mouth guard, a towel, and maybe add a little makeup ( a black eye or bloody lip for instance) and you’re ready to rumble!

It’s the The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brownhalloweenblog Great Pumpkin

Because no one has ever actually seen the Great Pumpkin, you can use your creativity and come up with your own version of this mysterious Halloween hero that only Linus believes in. Start with some Halloween themed pajama bottoms and let your imagination take over from there. You can be sexy, cozy, secretive (with a mask) or even scary. The sky’s the limit!

The VERY BEST part about using pajamas as your Halloween costume is that when you’re finished celebrating, there’s no need to change! Just crawl in bed as you are!

We’d love to hear see how you use pajamas as a Halloween costume. Tell us about it here in the comments or head over to our Facebook page and share your pictures. We can’t wait to see your creativity!

Best Fun and Free Activites For Father’s Day at Home!

If the greatest gift is love, get ready to shower Dad in oodles of it this Father’s Day. Truth is, there’s nothing quite as simple and rewarding as having a meaningful Father’s Day celebration at home. Get ready to kick up your feet, lounge in your pajamas and enjoy fun activities that are perfect for family bonding and creating lifelong memories. Best part? They don’t cost a thing!

Father’s Day provides the opportunity to put the focus on Dad and make him feel like the king of the castle, all while gifting him quality time with the ones he loves. Can’t put a price on that!

You don’t have to break the bank to show Dad how much you love him. In fact, most of the following activities are all free! And if you’re looking for inexpensive Father’s Day gifts to show Dad how much you care, browse our collection of fun Father’s Day t-shirts!

If you’ve been wondering how to spend Father’s Day this year, read on for our tips for planning a memorable and meaningful Father’s Day celebration at home!

Father’s Day Activities At Home

First of all, you want to make sure Dad knows how important he is to your family, right? Then let’s set the stage for the ultimate day of fun this Father’s Day. The most important thing is to show Dad how much he means to you, and what better way to do that than give the gift of quality time?

Spend Time Together — No Distractions Allowed

The first thing on your list for celebrating Father’s Day at home is to put the focus on the man of the house. Eliminate any distractions that will take the spotlight off of Dad, and really set up the atmosphere to be conducive to bonding and spending quality time together.

Tuck away the laptops and cellphones, and don’t even think about turning on the TV until after you’ve enjoyed all of your fun Father’s Day activities.

Father’s Day Brunch at Home

Instead of shuffling through a crowded restaurant, make Dad the breakfast of champions: a delicious and bountiful home cooked Father’s Day brunch. Eggs benedict his favorite? Be sure to pick up special items from the grocery store ahead of time. If you’ve got several kids in the family, let each one cook their own special dish for Dad. This is a great way to include the kids and make Dad feel special.

While you’re around the table, it’s time to give Dad his Father’s Day gift. Still looking for the perfect one? Show him he’s the best Dad ever with a Father’s Day T-shirt!

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Have a Local Expedition

Instead of over-spending to visit a theme park or busy place that’ll take away from your quality time, have a local expedition! Take the bikes out for a neighborhood ride, head out back and throw the football. Local park nearby? Cart your bats and have a round of softball. A local outing is a free Father’s Day activity that’s easy to plan and most of all–fun! If you’ve got a big family, let Grandpa and Dad be team captains and have a schoolyard draw.

Make Time For His Favorite Things

Let’s face it, Dad is busy all year keeping up with the daily grind. This Father’s Day, let him savor some precious down time. This could involve watching a football game, reading a magazine or playing fantasy football. Maybe he loves to lounge in his favorite robe and read the paper with a cup of coffee in the morning? While Father’s Day is all about Dad and family bonding, let him have some quiet time to enjoy his favorite relaxing activities. To really get him in the chill zone, make sure he’s set up with the coziest lounging pajamas ever!

Work On A Project Together

Think about Dad’s favorite hobbies: Does he love gardening? Then get the gloves on and help him water the garden or add a new plant. Is he a golfer? Bring the golf clubs out back and practice your swing together. Or, you can try something new together like building a birdhouse or painting pictures to hang in the garage or man room.

Order Pizza or Have a Backyard Picnic

Does Dad love a classic grilled burger? Then fire up the grill. Maybe he cares more about spending time together and not cooking? Sounds like delivery is the best option. Order his favorite pizza or takeout, that way you can get back to all these fun Father’s Day activities. To turn lunch into a fun and free activity, pack up some sandwiches and snacks and have a picnic in the backyard. This is a great way of keeping the family bonding active and ongoing throughout the day.

Game Night

After a fulfilling day of Father’s Day activities, it’s time to unwind and enjoy some mellow and fun activities. Is your Dad a ringer at Monopoly? Maybe you guys bond over Jenga or cards? Either way, a game night is a fun and interactive way to do something Dad enjoys that includes the whole family. No sore losers, because dessert’s on the way!

Make Him His Favorite Dessert

Does Dad have a sweet tooth? Then Father’s Day is the perfect chance to bake him his favorite pie or fill up the house with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies. Alternatively, if his favorite dessert is frozen yogurt, put on your pajamas and head out for ice cream. Or, make banana splits at home!

Stargazing

The celebration doesn’t end when the sun goes down, in fact it’s just getting started! Stargazing Is one of the creative things to do for Father’s Day that is interactive, free, fun and educational. Print out some star maps and take turns finding your favorite stars and constellations.

Have the Best Father’s Day Ever!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun and free things to do at home for Father’s Day. The most important thing is to spend quality time together. Whether lounging in your pajamas and playing cards, or enjoying an exciting softball game or playing catch in the backyard, we hope these Father’s Day activities help you bond and create unforgettable memories that’ll last a lifetime.

After all, Father’s Day is truly about celebrating the man whose unconditional love deserves more than one day of recognition, but hey–he’ll take it! Happy Father’s Day!

Don’t forget to grab your Dad the perfect Father’s Day gift to show him how much he means to you. Browse our collection of Father’s Day pajamas and T-shirts!

Active Indoor Game Ideas for Kids

10 Best Indoor Games to Get Kids Moving

Many of us are looking forward to a 3-day weekend but for parents, a long weekend translates to three days with the kids and it’s easy to feel like a cruise director. January is an exceptionally chilly, blustery time of year and both kids and adults are mostly stuck indoors on the weekend. Whether you’re hosting a sleepover or a family game night, these fun indoor games will help your kids burn some of that excess energy. But don’t worry — no sneakers required. Your coziest flannel pajamas, as always, are perfectly acceptable attire.

Best Indoor Games for Kids

Jump around in these ‘Stay Cool’ pajamas by Big Feet.

Active Indoor Game Ideas for Kids

1. Race to the Finish. Use masking tape or painters to tape to create “lanes” on the floor. Create flashcards with different movements such as hop, skip, or crabwalk. Get creative and let the kids come up with ideas too. For example, one card could read “walk like a chicken” or “swing like a monkey” and have participants come up with their own interpretive movements. Draw a movement card from a hat at random. Players participate in a silly “race to the finish” with the chosen wacky movement.

2. Twister. The classics never fade. Twister is a still an uproariously fun game to play during a sleepover, family game night, or just a fun night in with friends! You’re more likely to topple over from laughing than from loss of balance. Just be prepared for your kids to mock your attempts at agility for the rest of the weekend!

3. Indoor Bowling. Stack plastic cups into a large pyramid. Stack them high and stack them deep. Use a 5-8” toy ball, or even a tennis ball, to roll on the floor at the pyramid. Players get a point for each “pin” they knock down. Just like bowling, the game becomes more challenging as more pins are removed.

4. Limbo! Remember this one? Limbo is a game best played in a group, so it’s a great choice for a sleepover. Grab a broom or mop and see just how low everyone can go! Remember, ‘Limbo’ is one part game and one part dance party, so have the kids help you come up with a killer playlist that everyone will enjoy.

5. Balloon Waddle. A less messy version of the egg-and-spoon race, Balloon Waddle is a silly game that’s perfect for little kids! Blow up some balloons and see if the kids can “waddle” from one end of the room to the other with the balloon between their knees, without dropping it. If it’s too easy or the kids are a bit older, set up a few obstacles for the kids to move around or hop over.

Active Games for Sleepovers

Sleepover-ready in these super comfy dinosaur pajamas by Big Feet.

6. Musical Chair Dance Party. A great group game that can be fun at any age with the right tunes! Simply gather a number of chairs that is -1 of the number of participants and arrange them in a circle, seats facing outward. Play upbeat music. The group must dance (not walk!) around the chairs until the music stops, then it’s a scramble for a seat! Whoever is left without a seat when the music stops is out. Subtract one more chair and keep playing until there’s a winner!

7. Charade-ercise. For the athletically-inclined crowd or a family of sports enthusiasts, create a game of charades that involves a little more movement than most. Create your own categories such as sports, sports-themed movies, and athletes (remember, swimmers, skiers, gymnasts, and dancers count!). Using flashcards, write down your own sporty subjects for participants to energetically act out.

8. *Lego Hunt. Treasure hunts are for more than backyard birthday parties. Perfect for sleepovers or busy little kids, create your own “lego hunt” inside your home. This game is a little more like an Easter Egg Hunt and less involved than a Treasure Hunt where you have to create clues. Simply hide Legos, or Duplo blocks for little kids, around the house. Assign each player or team a color to locate. Hide the same number of pieces for each color. See who can find all their pieces first. Play again and again to see if the kids and beat their best time!

*This game could be played a variety of ways if you don’t have Legos or Duplo blocks. Think about any toys that can be divided into categories, such as animal figurines (mammals vs. reptiles), action figures, cars, and dinosaurs (cars vs. dinosaurs, for example).

9. “Dunk” Competition. This one is surprisingly simple, yet amuses kids …and some adults… of varying ages. You can host an indoor “dunk” competition that doesn’t involve mounting a basketball hoop to your living room wall. Simply set an empty garbage can across the room and see who can make the most shots, either in a row or best out of 10. The perfect activity for a simple, sporty family game night.

10. Hide-and-Go-Seek. Don’t forget this one! Similar to a treasure hunt, a good old fashioned game of hide and seek will have kids running around the house for hours as they take turns being the “seeker.” This game is still a great hands-off way to tire out any child!

We hope these game ideas inspire you to get your family moving this weekend. For more tips and ideas for entertaining kids during these cold winter months, check out The Pajama Company Blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.