Treasures In The Seagrass
Scalloping Adventures For Your Summertime Family Fun From shopping at farmer’s markets to growing backyard gardens, many families are now embracing the concept of fresh and local food. But have you ever imagined diving for your next meal? Each summer, Florida’s Gulf coast becomes an epicurean treasure trove inviting foodies and adventurists alike to join in the search for scallops.... Read More
Frozen Yogurt Covered Fruit Pops
Kids love eating anything on a stick! These simple frozen yogurt fruit pops are the perfect snack or dessert. Easy and fun to prepare, healthy, and yummy. Ingredients (makes 12 pops) ½ cup Greek yogurt 1 tbsp. honey Large freezable fruit choices, such as: bananas, kiwis, strawberries, mangoes 12 cake-pop or thick lollipop sticks (6” long) Assorted toppings, such as: chopped... Read More
Jenga Keychain
Family trips create the fondest memories. This craft will keep vacation memories close to your heart and in the palm of your hand! Collect travel maps from your favorite destinations to pair with recycled board game pieces. Creativity and imagination are key to unlocking the treasured memories of your family travels. Materials: Jenga board game piece or other small wooden block Decorative... Read More
Wild Wild West
Three Family Summer Adventures Of A Lifetime It’s time to plan a wild family vacation…Wild West style! Your trip can begin with truly adventurous modes of transportation ─ whitewater rafts, trains, or vintage wagons ─ that offer a whole new vantage point of the mountains, canyons, plains, and deserts that shape the iconic Midwestern USA. iPhones and WiFi will soon become... Read More
Strawberry Basil Fruit Leather
In the early 1980′s, Fruit Roll-Ups became an instant grocery store hit for both kids and moms. That’s because they were a great source of vitamin C, low in fat, and an easy way to pack a little bit of fun in a lunch box. But these days, processed snacks can be full of all sorts of chemicals, dyes, flavorings, and too many ingredients that are hard to pronounce! Such a simple... Read More
How to Build a Hydroponic Garden
Hydroponics is a specialized type of gardening that grows plants in soil-free nutrient solutions. An economical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable way to produce food, hydroponic gardens are grown in a controlled environment; therefore hydroponic gardeners only need basic agriculture skills. Try recycling a Styrofoam box into a low-cost hydroponic garden to produce fresh... Read More
Backyards Aren’t Just for Orange Trees Anymore
Worried about citrus greening disease and canker? Cheer up! Though the orange is recognized as Florida’s state fruit, home gardeners have other options when it comes to backyard crops. Citrus is the most common fruit grown in Central Florida, but it’s certainly far from the only choice to produce a home orchard. There are numerous types of delicious, nutritious fruit that can... Read More
Rent a Floating Hotel
Do you wish that the stresses in your life would simply float away? It’s time to let your worries go drift! Try vacationing on a houseboat — a floating hotel where waterfront views are guaranteed. Splash into refreshing water from the on-deck slide, dive off the back-end swim platform, or toss your fishing line into the sea for the catch-of-the-day. Watch wildlife scamper on... Read More
Simple Science Experiment: The Rubber Egg
“A box without hinges, key, or lid; yet golden treasure inside is hid.” This is perhaps my favorite riddle from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. The answer is, of course, an egg — the largest cell in the world. Fun Fact: The ostrich holds that record. So what can we do with an egg that is science-like and fun? Why, dissolve the shell with a mild acid and turn the innards to a... Read More
From Fairytales to Waterfalls: Unearthing Mother Nature’s Playground
With the school year soon coming to an end, it’s time to spruce up learning opportunities right in your own backyard. Transform an ordinary outdoor space into a captivating, natural wonderland and you’ll harness the curiosity and imagination of your children in a whole new way. With a little ingenuity, you can create a multi-sensory landscape that provides your children with... Read More
Lamb Cupcakes
Ham vs. lamb? Regardless of what you serve as the main course for Easter dinner, even the Easter Bunny will flock to the kitchen to enjoy this fluffy treat. Prep time: 20 min. Total time: 3:40 Makes: 24 cupcakes Ingredients Cupcakes 1 (18.25 oz) pkg. white cake mix 1 cup milk ½ cup Land O Lakes® butter, softened 3 Land O Lakes® all-natural eggs 2 tbsps freshly squeezed... Read More
Roughing It…Without The “Rough” Part
You’ve put your closed-toe shoes and long-sleeve shirts away, signaling the end of Florida’s winter. Perhaps you would love to spend some time outdoors with your family, but roughing it isn’t exactly your style… Well, have no fear, because the Central Florida area offers some amazing family-friendly getaways that do not require the purchase of a snakebite kit, hiking boots,... Read More
Bottle Cap and Scrabble Tile Magnets
These personalized magnets are a fun and simple recycled craft to create with the whole family. They can make the perfect party favor or unique gift. Try both creations! Bottle Cap Magnets Materials Bottle caps Paint color swatches or colored paper Scissors A quarter Craft casting epoxy or resin Small stickers (to fit inside caps) A strong bonding agent or glue Magnets Instructions Cut... Read More
Underwater Hockey Makes A Splash
Underwater hockey is a rapidly growing sport in Central Florida thanks to the vision of sports-enthusiast Dr. Lucky (“Doc Lucky”) Meisenheimer, a dermatologic surgeon and chief of the dermatology division at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Among many accomplishments, Doc Lucky is a critically acclaimed author of the award-winning science fiction novel “The Immune,” and... Read More
Sweet HeARTS
Fill these hand sewn hearts with your choice of a sweet surprise. Your little Valentine’s will adore your crafty labor of love! Materials Two heart-shaped lace doilies (6” doilies are pictured; smaller sized doilies are recommended for large quantities) Silver or white marker Craft cord Plastic needle Instructions Write a heartfelt Valentine’s Day message on one or both... Read More
Unleash Your Imagination at WonderWorks!
A wondrous place where mind meets adventure Looking for a fun place to entertain your entire family during the cooler, winter months? How does an upside down house with over 100 hands-on exhibits sound? Even your older children will enjoy the many adventures awaiting inside WonderWorks Orlando, starting with the inversion tunnel that will turn them “right side up” to begin... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Homemade Icicles
Winter is upon us, and with it comes freezing weather. Well, I suppose that really depends on where you are. Some Central Florida children rarely have a chance to see snow or iconic icicles. But, this month’s simple science experiment will have your kids creating their own homemade icicles! Sure, this project may not replicate the actual way icicles form; in fact, this is how... Read More
Family Resolution Journal
Happy New Year! With the hectic holiday season finally settling down, it’s time to turn your focus toward setting your New Year’s resolutions. Try to incorporate resolutions that can engage the whole family and foster positive, shared goals. A family resolution journal can be a fun and imaginative way to commit to new objectives. Together, you’ll identify things that are... Read More
Handy Snowmen Ornaments
These cutie-patootie snowmen are so easy to make and they won’t melt into a puddle after the cool holiday season has passed. You will need: Solid color glass ornaments that will fit in your child’s hand Acrylic washable paint – white, black, orange, and red Small paint brushes and fine tip markers Empty egg carton Thin white ribbon Instructions: Brush your child’s hand... Read More
A Winter Waterland For Family Wonders
Central Floridians can add mermaids to their visions of sugar plum fairies this holiday season, thanks to the annual Winter Waterland Show at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. This unique seasonal performance spreads holiday cheer through underwater choreography synchronized to an eclectic mix of modern and traditional holiday tunes. The environment may be a bit different from the... Read More
Frosted Holiday Angels
Even the littlest angel in your family can help decorate these fun edible treats. Prep time: 1 hour Makes: 8 angels Ingredients: Frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup Land O Lakes ® butter (softened), 1 tsp vanilla, 2-3 tbsp milk, food coloring Angel body: sugar ice cream cones Wings: small or large pretzel twists Head: chocolate or vanilla wafer cookies Hair: toasted... Read More
