family fun

I’m guessing by now you can all tell that Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday. Between the creative costume ideas, the scary movies,  the fall weather and the pumpkin-flavored everything, what’s not to love?? Even if Halloween isn’t your favorite, you won’t be able to deny the cuteness and fun of the activities, recipes and crafts below.

15 Halloween Crafts, Recipes and Activities To Try Today

CRAFTS and SENSORY

Photo credit: I Hearts Arts n Crafts’

Fluffy Pumpkin Slime– This would be such a cute activity to try at a playdate or to give away as favors at a preschool class party. I love the idea of putting the slime in glass jars and then decorating them to look like jack-o-lanterns. I’d suggest sprinkling in some pumpkin pie spice which is a lot easier to find than the pumpkin scented oil the author suggests using.

Photo credit: Mom Dot

Spider Web Mason Jars- I love how simple these jars are, and how cheap they’d be to make. I’d recommend getting some glow-in-the-dark glue sticks to make these decorations even cooler.

Photo credit: The Inspiration Edit

Halloween Monster Rocks– This is a great craft for toddlers, and all you need are rocks, paint, glue and google eyes.

Photo credit: Million Ideas Club

Halloween Hand and Footprint Canvas Art– How flipping’ cute are these. I love all of these different options so you can choose the one you like the best, or you can make them all! All you need is paint, glitter, sticker letters, and googly eyes.

Photo Credit: Clare’s Little Tots

Witch’s Potion Sensory Bin– How cute is this? Toddlers and big kids alike will love playing with this cool witch’s brew! Find the water beads here. You can turn the clear water beads into different colors with food coloring. Clare from the blog Clare’s Little Tots also turns this into a fine motor activity by having the children use large tweezers to transfer the plastic insects and googly eyes into smaller pumpkin containers.

RECIPES

Photo credit: The Seasoned Mom

Jack-O-Lantern Mac and Cheese Cups– So cute and so simple! Plastic cups, a sharpie, blue box M&C and a cucumber stick stem make this fun Halloween lunch complete!

Photo credit: Delish

Ghost Pizza Bagels– 4 ingredients make this recipe another super simple, but adorable appetizer for everyone in your family! Seriously, who can resist a pizza bagel?

Photo Credit: I Knead To Eat

6 Ingredient Monster Cookies– Kids will have a great time mixing in the food coloring and choosing which eyeballs go on each cookie. Using white cake mix as a shortcut makes this recipe quick and easy.

Photo credit: Spaceships and Laser Beams

Crescent Roll Witch Hats– Anyone else find crescent rolls seriously addicting?  Well, this recipe adds two kind of cheeses and salami to them! Yum!

Photo credit: Two Sisters Crafting

Candy Corn Popcorn– I feel like candy corn is one of those love it or hate it foods. Everyone has that one friend who ate too much of it as a child, and can’t even look at it to this day. I had the same experience with those gummy peach rings, but that’s a story for another time. Anyway, this recipe would work even for those who don’t usually do candy corn because here it’s mixed with buttery, salty popcorn. I personally can’t resist a salty/sweet combo like this one.

GAMES and ACTIVITIES

Photo credit: Spirited Puddle Jumper

Halloween Ghost Bowling– White paper cups, a sharpie, an orange and the patience it takes to continually restack the cups, are all you need for this game that will keep toddlers busy for at least thirty minutes.

Photo credit: Anything for an M&M

Refrigerator Jack-O-Lantern– Create a pumpkin out of orange paper and cut out shapes for the eyes and mouth out of a sheet of black foam. Tape the pumpkin to your fridge and then stick the foam face shapes onto the pumpkin with magnetic tape or masking tape. Ask your child to make a happy pumpkin, a sad pumpkin or a surprised pumpkin. This is a great social emotional activity that teaches kids how our faces can convey what we’re feeling.

Photo credit: Teachers Pay Teachers

Monster Freeze Dance– Kids LOVE a freeze dance. All you need is some fun Halloween music. I love this playlist!

Photo credit: Celebrations.com

DIY Photo Booth– Hang up a plastic black or Halloween tablecloth and orange crepe paper to create a fun backdrop. Make your own photo props with wooden dowels and construction paper or purchase cheap props at The Dollar Tree. Funny glasses, headbands, necklaces and hats all make great props! Have a blast taking pictures of your cuties!

Photo credit: Teachers pay teachers

Halloween Party Scoot Game– Get kids moving with this fun party game. Game cards tell kids what to do from showing off their best scared face to walking like a zombie. The game template can be purchased for only $3.25 at teacherspayteachers.com, but you could also use the idea to make your own. All you need is some notecards and markers.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Hey Richmond friends, check out these links for all the info on Halloween happenings in RVA during the next week!

Richmond Mom Halloween Guide 2018

Richmond Times Dispatch Halloween Guide: Kid-Friendly Events

Completely Kids Richmond’s Where to Find Trick or Treat Fun

Virginia.org’s Family Fun Calendar of Events– This site lists events happening all around Virginia. Check it out because there is nothing like a day trip to experience the fall foliage in our beautiful state!

Wishing you all a safe, fun-filled and festive Halloween!

♥ Erin

Summer is officially here! Richmond is an amazing city, full of things to do all summer long. From parks to pools to outdoor concerts, there is something for every interest. Look at all the summer activities we’ve collected below and start planning your family fun today!

Splash Pads/Parks

Check out our guide here to the best parks, splash pads and playgrounds in RVA.

Maymont Spring/Summer Calendar– Family camp-outs, concerts, hikes and more!

Lewis Ginter Calendar of Events– Drop in and dig, story time, yoga in the garden and crafts for kids, not to mention their splash pad that is now open daily.

Fridays on the Farm at Crump Park and Meadow Farm Museum–Fridays 7/6-8/31 from 9am-11am-Visit the farm for guided animal tours and old-fashioned games. FREE.

Outdoor Concerts

When my kids were toddlers, outdoor concerts were my favorite place to take them in the summer. My husband and I could listen to live music without having to worry about the kids being quiet and staying in their seats. We’re lucky to live in a city that has so many different venues to offer.

Rock n’ Roll Summer at West Broad Village– Located near the ALOFT hotel, beginning at 7 pm every other Friday this Summer. There will be live music, raffles, games, food, drinks & visit with our tenants! The 1st 100 guests to stop by our booth will receive a goodie bag. Enjoy Beer & Wine for sale as well as food from Chuy’s Tex Mex, Carolina Ale House & Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

Innsbrook After Hours– IAH shows are always a good time, with plenty of food and drink available for purchase and reasonable concert ticket prices. Check out the 2018 concert schedule here. Doors open at 5 pm and shows start at 6 pm.

Festival of the Arts at Dogwood Dell– Varied events througout the summer celebrating theater, music and dance.

Stony Point Summer Concert Series– 1st and 3rd Thursdays, May 24th-September 20th from 6-8 pm in Triangle Park.

Music in the Park at Forest Hill Park– One Sunday a month, usually the second Sunday, from 6-8 pm, come out with a picnic dinner and listen to a free concert at Forest Hill Park. The next event is on July 8th with the jam band Villages.

Jammin’ on the James  July 14th and August 11th@ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Wilton House, 215 S. Wilton Rd. 23226 (FREE)  Join us this summer for free concerts on the grounds of Wilton.  Bring a picnic dinner and your favorite lawn chair for family-friendly music on our scenic terrace overlooking the James River.  Enjoy complimentary evening tours of Wilton before the concert as well as face-painting, games, and crafts for kids. Handsome Molly combine the best of traditional Irish, English and Scots dance tunes, airs and songs with musical virtuosity and all around good ‘craic.’

Sundays in the Shade at James River Winery every Sunday afternoon from 1-4 pm June-September– Come lounge in the shade with live acoustic music. Bring chairs and a picnic lunch to enjoy. This event has no entry fee! Tastings and wine purchases will be available in the Tasting Room.

Flowers after 5 and Fidos after 5– Thursday nights June 7th-August 30th 5-9 pm at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens– Enjoy live music, wine, and beer, dining, and shopping. Please note: No outside food and drink are allowed inside the Garden; food and drink are available for purchase and garden admission is required. Leashed dogs are also welcome on select nights, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26 and water play in the Children’s Garden will be open until 8 pm on these nights. Children under 3 are always free.

Short Pump Summer Concert Series– The 15^th Annual FREE concert series offers family-friendly entertainment in the main plaza. Wine tastings will be available from Cooper’s Hawk Winery from 5:30-8 pm with the shows beginning at 6 pm. Concerts are scheduled for 6/29: The American Female Country Music Duo, – Maddie & Tae and 7/13 the high energy 80’s show band – The Deloreans.

Library Activities

The library is a great place to wait out a stormy morning or super humid afternoon. They also have great events all summer for kids and families including family dance parties, crafts, and busy hands programs. Find more information on the Henrico County library events calendar here.

Check out the story time schedule here for Henrico County. Session 4 starts from 6/25-8/18.

Parks and Recreation Activities

Henrico Parks and Recreation and Chesterfield Parks and Recreation have all kinds of activities including summer movies in the park, concerts, nature programs, music classes for babies, and more. Check out the program guides here for Henrico and here for Chesterfield.

Craft and Project Events

Michaels Camp Creativity– Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10- Noon, $2 for 3 and up and $5 for 6 and up, supplies included. Each week has a different theme, now through July 27th.

Home Depot Workshops for Kids– These take place on the first Saturday of every month, usually starting at 9:00 a.m- noon. You can drop in with your child anytime during the workshop class but make sure that they’ll have enough time to complete their project before it ends. Here’s the upcoming Home Depot Kids Workshop, just click on the link for more details and to register. Build a Wooden Fishing Game: On Saturday, July 7, kids can take the free building class and build and bring home a wooden fishing game.

Summer Movies

If you’ve never brought your kids to the movies before, this is a great time to try it out. Movies are free or cheap so if you need to leave you’re not losing much money. Also, the theaters are packed with other loud kids so you don’t have to worry about your child being too loud.

Free Summer Kids Series at Bowtie Cinemas– 10 am-12 pm, See FREE family-friendly movies on the big screen every Tuesday and Wednesday all summer long! See the complete schedule here.

Summer Movie Express at Regal Cinemas– Admission to the Summer Movie Express is only $1. Tickets available for purchase at the box office and all movies in most locations start at 10:00 am. Dollar movies are available on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at all RVA area Regal Cinemas. Check with your theatre for exact showtimes. Each week both movies play on both days. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute. See the schedule here.

Festivals

Maymont’s Turtle Races at Hardywood– June 29 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- And they’re off to the races! Maymont and The Dooley Noted Society are partnering with Hardywood Park Craft Brewery to present exhilarating races between four of the turtles that call Maymont home, with heats at 6:45pm, 7:00pm and 7:15pm. FIT4MOM RVA is even sponsoring one of the turtles! This unique event is open to the public in conjunction with Hardywood’s canned beer release of “But Does It Make Sense?” and features live music by the local band, Night Idea. Come out to support your favorite turtle team! All proceeds to benefit Maymont’s Adopt-an-Animal program.

Don’t forget to also visit the sites below for updated family-friendly events each week:

Richmondmom.com

Hula Frog West End

Richmond Family Magazine

Completely Kids Richmond

And if you’re heading to the beach with your kids, don’t forget to enjoy every moment!

Happy Summer!

♥ Erin

Happy Hump Day, people! A few weeks ago I posted an overwhelming list of events coming up in RVA this summer. It was a little much to take in, even for me, so I’m planning to post updated and shorter lists at different points throughout the summer. Check out the events going on in Richmond this weekend alone!

Awesome Local Events This Weekend: 5/18-5/20

Ashland Street Parties– Saturday, May 19th from 6:30-11:30 at 201 South Railroad Avenue. This is the first Ashland Street Party of the year. Come check out the beauty of Ashland while you listen to live music and enjoy some local food and drink. Check the website above for future dates.

Lebanese Festival– Friday, 5/18-Saturday 5/19 from 10am-10pm and Sunday, 5/20 from 10am-8pm-at St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church– This is one of my favorites because the food is so good and the lines aren’t crazy long like the Greek fest. You’ll love it for the delicious Lebanese delicacies and the adorable kids doing traditional dances, and your kids will love it for the fun playground right on the church grounds.

Dominion River Rock– May 18th-20th,  Go to check out the pros competing in climbing, slackline, and freestyle bike events, or the flying pups in the Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs. Stay to enjoy the full schedule of awesome live bands taking the stage throughout the weekend! Some of the events charge for you to participate, but most of them are free and there is no admission charge.

Taste of Virginia at Kings Dominion– May 18th-20th–  Whether you love food, wine or coasters, the return of the park’s newest food festival is sure to be a great time! Their culinary team will be your guide as they whip up recipes inspired by the various regions of Virginia and serve up some of the best Virginia wines and entertainment. Be sure to enjoy Virginia themed dishes after a ride on our newest coaster, Twisted Timbers! Festival is included with park admission, food and beverages are an additional cost. Taste of Virginia runs Fridays (4-8), Saturdays (12-8) and Sunday (12-8)

Lake Anna Brewfest– May 19th from 12-5 pm at Lake Anna State Park– If you buy online before 5/19 tickets are $20 and you receive a free Brewfest sample mug, eight beer sample tickets, access to great and amazing food vendors from all around the Lake Anna area.

Public Safety Day– Saturday, May 19th from 10-1 at Bon Secours Westchester Emergency Center– Kick off National EMS and Police Week by coming out to enjoy all of the activities this day has to ofer including: FREE children’s bicycle helmets for the first 100 visitors,  FREE hot dogs, popcorn and drinks for the whole family, face painting, interact with a display of fire engines and ladder trucks, ambulances, police and sheriff cars, and more.

United By Music Southside Big Tent Community Festival– Friday, May 18th 5-8 pm and Saturday, May 19th 12:30-7:30 pm at the Southside Community Center presented by the Richmond Symphony. Friday night there will be a concert under the big tent featuring Latin dance band Bio Ritmo. Saturday is family day with performances by Richmond Public Schools and Legacy Band, culminating with a Dance Party with DJ Missing! Other activities are still in the works but are likely to include a skateboard competition in the skate park, a community art gallery showcasing work from local students and schools, and a Kid’s Zone you won’t want to miss!

Play Day 2018– Saturday, May 19th from 1-4 pm at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond.  At Play Day, kids and adults make art projects in more than a dozen studios throughout VisArts’ 30,000-square foot facility. Admission is free. Be sure to check out which other RVA locales are participating in this national event. Last year’s events included Maymont, CMOR, Project Yoga and more!

Annual Asian-American Celebration– Saturday, May 19th from 11am-7pm, Greater Richmond Convention Center– The 21st Annual Asian-American Celebration will recognize the culture and heritage of the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. This free event will also include non-stop performances, hands-on workshops, food booths, and so much more!

Gallmeyer Farms Strawberry Fields Festival– Saturday May 19, 2018 from 10am-5pm
The Berry Patch. 3622 Darbytown Court, Richmond VA 23231-
Remember coolers, picnics and lawnchairs are always welcome at Gallmeyer Farms
● FREE admission & FREE parking
● Fresh local strawberries (pick your own or pre-picked)
and spring vegetables available
● Live music
● Craft vendors & local businesses
● Hay rides & pony rides (hay rides are free. Pony rides $5)
● Activities for all ages
● Food vendors

Explore the Outdoors– Sunday, May 20th 1-5 pm at Huguenot Park and the Studios of the Community Idea Stations. FREE day of hands-on fun exploring science and nature. This is a  special day in the park to give children and their families plenty of exciting outdoor experiences. Over fifty local community groups with expertise in outdoor adventure, healthy living, and environmental science will engage you in activities ranging from archery and fishing, paddle boarding (on dry land), gardening, camping, art making and much, much more.

The Johnny Z Festival– Sunday, May 20th, 12 PM – 6 PM at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery– Join us and celebrate the creative spirit of Richmond during this fun, FREE, kid-friendly event benefitting ART 180! Hardywood and Chop Suey Books present a variety of children’s activities including a moon bounce, face painting, and various artworks. Vendors from Bizarre Market showcase local arts and crafts, and, of course there will be plenty of food trucks and beer on draft.

Have a great weekend, y’all!

♥ Erin