One popular vacation destination families look forward to is going to a theme park. If your family is headed to one of these parks, it helps to be aware of the following theme park safety tips. This can enable your family to have a great time and worry less about someone being injured or lost.

Before heading out to your favorite theme park, it is important to think about your family’s safety. Not only do you need to be concerned about safety, but you’ll also want to think about general first aid and knowing what to do should someone in your family get hurt. Of course, theme parks should be able to contact 911 if there is an emergency, but it always helps to be prepared on your own.

You may want to put together a backpack with things you’ll need for the day. If someone in your family is taking medication, be sure to include their medication in your day pack. Snacks are also necessary if anyone in your family is diabetic or hypoglycemic. You can also expect the children to ask for snacks throughout the day. Staying hydrated is important as well, so you’ll want to carry several bottles of water with you.

A general first aid kit is also a good thing to take with you. At the very least you’ll want to have a number of bandages in different sizes, as well as an antibiotic cream in case someone gets a minor cut or scrape. If someone needs more serious medical attention, get help from the park staff.

Having a two-way radio for family members may also be a good idea. This will allow members to visit different rides or shows and still be able to find each other when necessary. Of course, you’ll want to keep young children with you, but older children will appreciate having a little freedom. Plan regular check-ins to ensure everyone is alright.

With the concern about people traveling while sick and spreading germs where they go, you may want to keep a supply of baby or hand wipes with you. These can be used for more than cleaning your hands. You can use them to wash off a table before eating and wiping down the handles in restrooms.

Sunscreen is another item you’ll want to carry with you and use throughout the day. Normally it is recommended that sunscreen be reapplied every two hours while you’re outdoors. However, if it’s particularly hot and everyone is sweaty, you’ll want to reapply sunscreen more often.

Plan for emergencies; no matter how the weather looks when you arrive at a theme park that doesn’t mean it will stay clear. Talk about where you’ll meet in case there is a fire or serious weather conditions. By having a plan in case of an emergency you’ll be able to meet at a set place and remain there until all family members have arrived.

Tell your children who they are allowed to talk to in order to get help. Park employees will be easy to recognize. Suggest your children contact only employees of the park in case they are separated from you. They will be able to take your child to a secure location and ensure you are reunited.

Finally, when thinking about theme park safety tips, remember to follow all rules which are posted in the park. Remain seated on all rides and keep hands inside the rides. If everyone in your family follows the posted safety rules you can ensure your entire family will enjoy their day.

Original post can be found here: Theme Park Safety Tips

Vacation time is just around the corner. Before long, people will be making their way to the beach for fun in the sun. If you’re going to spend time at the beach, here’s what you need to know about swimming in oceans. Following these tips could make or break your vacation.

* Be aware of where the lifeguard is. In fact, if at all possible, try to set your things near the lifeguard station or as near to it as you can. Keep the lifeguard station in view when you go into the water. If you can see the lifeguard station, they can see you. This one tip can save your life.

* Be aware of the conditions. Before you head into the ocean, know what the water conditions are and what the weather is expected to be. Check with the lifeguard to see if the surf conditions are favorable or not. If the current is strong or the surf is rough or unsafe, there may be warning flags flown from the lifeguard station. If the conditions aren’t safe, it’s best to stay out of the water and enjoy some fun on the beach.

* Be sure to dress appropriately for the water conditions. Some attire is appropriate if you’re sunbathing but not if you plan on swimming. If you’re going into the ocean, you may want to invest in a wet suit. This will keep your body warm in cold water which means you won’t fatigue as easily. Wet suits will also help you stay buoyant. A pair of good-quality, properly fitting goggles is also a good idea. And don’t forget the sunscreen!

* Before you jump in the water consider the strength of the waves. Ocean waves can be quite strong or come upon you quickly. Freestyle swimming strokes are your best choice in this type of water. Pay attention to where you are in relation to the lifeguard, and don’t swim out too far from the beach. It is also important to know what your limits are for swimming in an ocean. If you’re beginning to get tired, swim back to shore rather than staying in the water.

* Pay attention to the rip currents which happen when the water on the beach returns to the ocean. These currents can be quite strong and can pull a swimmer out to sea before they know what’s happening. If you find yourself swimming and not making progress, you may be in a rip current. Stay calm, swim parallel to the shore, and when you’re away from the rip current, go back to the beach.

* Keep your eye out for jellyfish. These are more likely to be near you than sharks. Although sharks are thought to be more dangerous to swimmers, the truth is more people are injured from jellyfish stings than from shark bites. If you see a jellyfish, dead or alive, try to avoid it at all costs. If you’re stung, get out of the water and rinse the sting with salt water until you can rinse it with vinegar. Then apply antihistamine to the area as soon as you can. The lifeguard will know what to do if you are stung and don’t remember how to treat it.

Finally, what you need to know about swimming in oceans is to use common sense. Don’t swim alone, let the lifeguard know your plans if you’re swimming out of their view, and have fun. If you know what to do when swimming in the ocean, you’ll have a great time and will be safe.

Original post can be found here: What You Need to Know about Swimming in Oceans

One way to ensure your children remain safe while playing outdoors is to maintain the play equipment you own. Learning how to keep your outdoor play equipment in tiptop shape can keep your children safe and extend the life of the equipment. Below are some ideas you may want to use.

Most people will recommend you inspect the outdoor play equipment at least once a year. However, it might be a better idea to inspect it twice a year – once in the fall when children stop playing on it and once in the spring before children begin using it again. By inspecting the equipment in the fall, you’re aware of any problems which may need to be addressed. Inspecting it in the spring will allow you to make any improvements or replacements before it is used again.

If you have a wooden structure of any kind, you’ll want to begin the inspection by checking the wood to see if there are any places where the wood has splintered or is rough. Sand those areas until the surface is smooth again. Then clean any dirt, mold or mildew which may have accumulated on the equipment. Finally, check with the manufacturer to determine the best way to seal the wood as each type of wood may have its own treatment requirements.

Some outdoor play equipment is made of metal. The paint may be peeling or chipping off which allows rust to begin forming. Check the structure to ensure it is still intact rather than being rusted and weakened to the point it is no longer safe. If the structure is still sturdy, sand off any rusty spots and then clean the entire unit. Prime and paint the set, allowing it to dry thoroughly before you allow the children to play on it.

While you’re checking either of these structures for problems, you’ll also want to have tools with you to tighten any loose bolts. Tightening the bolts will make it harder for your child to be scratched or gouged by them.

Check the cushioning surface under the outdoor play equipment. There should be between 8 and 12 inches of material under the equipment and about 4 feet around it in the ‘fall zone.’ If the surface – which can be mulch, pea gravel, or sand – isn’t deep enough, now is the perfect time to add more to reach the appropriate level.

Outdoor play equipment for small children is generally made of plastic. This material needs to be inspected and cleaned each year as well. Check to be sure the bolts are tight, then you can pressure wash the plastic equipment. Spray it with a mild soap and rinse it before allowing it to air dry.

Learning how to keep your outdoor play equipment in tiptop shape isn’t difficult. It may take some time to inspect and repair or paint/stain it, but the results will be worth it. Once you’ve verified the equipment is safe to use and has been cleaned, it should be ready for another year’s fun.

Original post can be found here: How Keep Your Outdoor Play Equipment in Tiptop Shape

Many people enjoy getting out on the water during the summer months. Perhaps you’ve experienced the excitement and fun of dinghy sailing. If you’ve never gone sailing before, taking a dinghy out may be what you need to get you hooked.

Dinghies provide one of the easier forms of sailing. They don’t require a long learning process like other forms of sailing and they’re relatively inexpensive. That means you don’t have the expense of renting or purchasing a yacht. In fact, soon after stepping onto a dinghy you can be out enjoying yourself. If you know to swim, you’re pretty much good to go!

Improvements to dinghies in recent years have created different sizes and shapes. You don’t have to be a certain age to enjoy sailing in a dinghy. There are even dinghies which hold up to eight people rather than only one or two. The types of dinghies are as follows:

* Skiffs – If speed is what you want, this is the dinghy for you. They are generally found in one or three crew sizes.

* High performance dinghies – These are the types used in the Olympics. They are powerful and fast and can hold several people.

* Cruising dinghies are the better choice for those who like leisurely sailing or for families. They are more stable than performance dinghies which make them a better choice for families.

* Catamarans – This is a double hulled craft with high masts. They are fast and require more experience to be handled properly.

* Racing dinghies – Unless you’re experienced and want to compete, you probably don’t want to use one of these dinghies. They will generally require several people for a crew.

You can also find dinghies in new materials. Previously they had always been made of wood; now you can find them in fiberglass which makes them lightweight, lower maintenance than previously and easier to transport.

If you love traveling fast over the water, a dinghy is a great choice. You can speed through the waves with little problems because of the maneuverability of these craft. It does help if you can remain balanced when using a dinghy because they can capsize.

Do you have a large family? You may want to get a couple of dinghies. As mentioned above, there are dinghies which hold up to eight people but you can get them in smaller sizes as well. Find the size which works best for your entire family so everyone can enjoy the time on the water together.

Choose stable, slow dinghies if you have children and they want to join in the fun. If speed is what you crave, you can find a variety of dinghies to meet that need. Or you can find something in between the two extremes.

If you’re new to sailing dinghies, you may want to see if there are sailing clubs in your area. If there are, they can get you started. They generally accept people of all ages and skill levels into the club and will help you learn the basics.

Even though you may want to jump right in and purchase a boat or two, it would be better to wait. Most clubs will have dinghies they’ll let club members use. This will let your family learn about sailing these water craft and know it’s something you’ll enjoy before making this purchase.

If you’re looking forward to the excitement and fun of dinghy sailing, start slow. Find a club and learn all you can. Then the family can go and enjoy themselves.

Original post can be found here: The Excitement and Fun of Dinghy Sailing

Parents spend a good portion of their time at work, earning the money needed for their family. Children, on the other hand, either spend their time in school or at their job – playing. Learning how to build an outdoor play space for your young children will give them somewhere to use their imaginations as they play.

Young children need to have time for unstructured play. This means they can pretend to be whatever they want or however they want without input from adults. Depending upon the outdoor play space your children have available, it can actually encourage this type of play.

Before you begin building an outdoor play space, ask your children what their ‘dream’ play area would include. Perhaps they want to emphasize nature because they love to find bugs and chase after butterflies. Or they may want outdoor play equipment like a swing or climbing platform. Find out what they want and then try to incorporate those ideas in the space you create.

Find a level area in your yard in which to place the outdoor play space. Why is level important? If the area isn’t level, any equipment you purchase may not be able to be used correctly, there may be puddles which could cause problems, and having unlevel ground could possibly lead to accidents because your children trip more easily.

If you’re planning on adding outdoor play equipment, it is important to put mulch or another cushioning surface under the equipment and several feet beyond the equipment in case children fall. This will provide a softer landing than hard ground and could lessen the extent of any injuries.

Provide shade at one location on the play space. Young children can sunburn so easily, and it’s important to provide places for them to get out of the sun. Of course you’ll use sun screen to protect them, but having shade in the area will also help.

Choose outdoor play equipment which is age appropriate. If your children are very young, you won’t put in equipment which is meant for school-age or older children. You’ll also want to ensure that the equipment is safe for your children by not using equipment which has sharp edges or is made with chemically-infused wood.

It may also be a good idea to build a border around the play area. Use child-safe plastic edging to help keep the surface material inside the play area. If you do use the edging, make sure it is brightly colored so your children will recognize it and then avoid it so they don’t trip and get hurt.

There is so much to think about when trying to figure out how to build an outdoor play space for your young children. Safety is obviously going to be a primary concern. Don’t forget to ask your children what they want and try to use those ideas when the plans are made.

Original post can be found here: How to Build an Outdoor Play Space for Your Young Children

Children love to pretend. Some imagine they’re knights fighting fire-breathing dragons or princesses needing to be rescued. Others envision themselves as deep sea divers or their favorite cartoon character. Help your children have summer garden fun by learning how to build a tree house they can enjoy.

Even if you don’t have a huge tree which is perfect for putting a tree house, there are kits which create free-standing tree houses. Here are some tips for building a tree house which may make the process a little simpler for all involved.

Every tree house has three main components: foundation, posts and structure. The posts and foundation work together to create a tree house which is safe and sturdy. The structure – walls and roof – aren’t really necessary, but they sure do make the tree house more fun and more unique.

Start out by choosing a sturdy tree, one which has a large tree trunk and branches which reach out in different directions. You won’t expect the tree to support the entire weight of the tree house – instead you’ll use posts to spread the weight out so the tree isn’t damaged. The best design for a tree house will have four supporting posts, using the tree itself as a support or not (it isn’t really necessary). Many tree houses are designed with the tree growing from the center and not supporting the weight of the tree house at all.

Next it’s time to work on creating the foundation of the tree house. You can create your own plans, find some in a bookstore or library, or find free plans online. It is important to have straight boards across the posts to create a base on which to build the foundation. Then you can tie the foundation boards into the cross beams to create a solid base on which to add the remainder of the structure.

Be sure to consult your children as to what they want in their tree house. They may want a hidden door in the floor, windows, or any number of design elements. Perhaps they’d like to have a couple of rooms or maybe just one. They may even prefer to have posts holding up a roof to keep the elements out and use fabric as the walls.

If you’re not building walls onto the tree house, be sure to put railings around the base to keep your children safe. There are also stairs or ladders to consider and which type would be the safest. While discussing safety, it is also important to stress keeping things like wagons, bicycles or other items out from under ladders or stairs leading to the tree house. This way, if someone falls from the ladder they won’t land on anything except the ground.

Choose a location for a tree house where you’ll be able to keep an eye on the children while they play. You may want to put it in a tree near your garden so you can be available to the children while you’re working, or you may want to place it near a window so you can watch them from indoors. In any case, develop some rules about what is appropriate and what is not so the children will be safe in their new tree house this year and for years to come.

Original post can be found here: Summer Garden Fun – How to Build a Tree House

Going to the theatre is a great way to spend time with the family – that is, if your children are ready for the experience. Theatre shows tend to last a few hours, which is more than most smaller children can handle with their short attention spans. However, if you recognize the following traits in your children, you will know that they are ready for a trip to the theatre.

* Your child is able to sit through a movie with little or no interruptions. In addition to lasting a few hours, a theatre environment requires silence and stillness. If your child is able to sit still and remain quiet for long periods of time, then a trip to the theatre might be feasible.

* Before bringing your children on a trip to the theatre, teach them the basics of behaving appropriately within a theatre environment. Since the theatre is frequented by many adults, inappropriate behavior such as crying and jumping up and down will not be tolerated. In many instances, you will be asked by theatre personnel to leave the premises if your child does not settle down.

* If your child enjoys music and dancing, the theatre is a great place to take them to enjoy a show. Children who express interest in music and dancing usually do well at the theatre because they are enthralled in the performance.

* Theatres usually have dress codes. The dress code is not typically fancy, but it does require dressing up for the occasion. Children who are not comfortable in dresses or slacks may be comfortable at the theatre and may tend to fidget more.

While many children do not mind dressing up, there are some who will protest. Rather than make your child uncomfortable and open up the door for inappropriate behavior at the theatre, it may be best to wait a little while before attempting to visit the theatre.

The theatre is an enjoyable experience for both children and adults. The lights, music and dancing are usually enough to keep even the most impatient children glued to their chairs. Before attempting to take your child on a trip to the theatre, make sure that they understand the appropriate behaviors and actions for a theatre performance.

It will also be to your benefit if your child has an interest in music and dancing, as well as not minding being dressed up for the occasion. If you feel that your child is ready for the theatre, take them along and enjoy the show!

Original post can be found here: Are Your Kids Ready for a Visit to the Theatre?

As a parent, you want your children to be active and have fun during the months they’re off of school. You probably don’t want them stuck in front of a television or computer screen for three months. These fun summer outdoor games for children may encourage your child to get outside and have fun rather than staying inside for summer vacation.

Think back to when you were a child. Most likely you spent a good part of your summer playing outside with your siblings. Or you played with neighborhood children who were also out of school. What games did you play? Chances are your children will like them, too.

Summer temperatures are normally hot, so your children will want to cool off. Rather than letting them sit inside in the air conditioning, tell them about backyard water games you played as a child. Fill some water balloons and plan to have a good, old-fashioned water balloon fight! Make sure your children know not to throw the balloons at the head or face since injuries can occur. They’ll also want to pick up the pieces of the balloons after the balloon fight is over.

Ask some friends or neighbors over and have races using a filled water balloon. There are a number of ways to have a relay race. You can have two players on each team place a filled balloon in between their heads and have them try to reach the other side of a field. You can also have everyone put a water balloon between their knees and try to get to the finish line without busting their balloon.

Teach the children to play hopscotch. If you can’t remember the rules, they can be found online on a number of websites. Use chalk to create a hopscotch board on the sidewalk or driveway of your home. Give a stone to each child and tell them to get hopping.

Play Capture the Flag. Separate the children into two teams. Give each team a different-colored bandana which is hung at their “home base,” which is at two different ends of a field or yard. You’ll also want to have two areas set aside for “jails” – one for each team. While the teams are trying to capture the flag and members are tagged, they’ll be placed in the jail. Any member who can reach the jail without being tagged will be able to free their team members. The team who captures the others’ flag first wins.

You may want to teach your children to have an egg and spoon race. Give each child a raw egg and a spoon. Create a race course and tell them they’ll have to go from where they start around a particular landmark, and then return to their starting place. Put the egg in the spoon and send them off.

If they drop their egg and it doesn’t break, they can pick it up and keep going. However, if the egg breaks they’re out of the race. Be sure to remind the children they can’t use their free hand to hold the egg on the spoon. Whoever goes through the race from point A to point B and back to point A without breaking their egg is the winner.

You know it’s possible for your children to have fun without electronics – you did it. Use some of these fun summer outdoor games for children to get them outside and in the fresh air. They’re sure to have fun if they give the games a try.

Original post can be found here: Fun Summer Outdoor Games for Children

Families these days seem to be drifting apart at an alarming rate. Parents often work overtime or have more than one job just to make ends meet. Children and teens are involved in a myriad of activities which keep the family running hither and yon. Why not plan a weekend of miniature golf? It’s fun for the whole family.

Miniature golf, or putt-putt, was very popular in the past and seems to have fallen by the wayside. Recently, however, miniature golf is making a comeback. It’s a great family activity which can be played year round depending upon where you live.

Unlike traditional golf, miniature golf can be played by the entire family. Adults and children play together on the same course. It’s a great way to reconnect with your children and can be a whole lot of fun for the whole family.

It doesn’t matter if no one is a miniature golf professional. The point is to spend time together and enjoy yourselves. Each miniature golf course is different and has specific challenges to meet. With practice and perseverance you’ll soon be able to get your ball through the windmill and into the cup inside.

Where do you find miniature golf courses? You can look in the local telephone book under ‘Golf Courses.’ They should have miniature courses listed separate from full-size golf courses in the yellow pages. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find more than one putt-putt business in your area. If not, you may have to expand your search a little further away from home.

You can also look on the internet to find miniature golf courses within driving distance. Larger cities may have several to choose from. While you’re looking on the internet, be sure to pay attention to the individual websites for each course. They may have photographs of their courses, an explanation of the amenities (game room, grill, etc.), and a list of rates.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the skill level of the courses. This is particularly important if you have very young children. Try to find a miniature golf course which has games everyone will be able to play.

Look for a miniature golf course which has different challenging shots rather than simply flat surfaces with curves or corners. Better miniature courses will begin with easy shots and progress to more difficult ones. This will give each person a chance to sink some of the easier ones and get better as they continue to play each subsequent hole.

If you can’t find a suitable miniature golf course nearby, why not set up some holes in your yard? Pick a level spot in the yard, dig small holes to hold a 4-inch pot, and mow the grass extra short around each hole. Place borders leading up to each hole and make them a little harder to sink.

Miniature golf is fun for the whole family. Gather the family together and make plans to try your hand at putt-putt soon. You’ll all be glad you did!

Original post can be found here: Miniature Golf – Fun for the Whole Family

Does your family have its share of couch potatoes? They’re the people who would rather sit around watching television rather than getting up and getting active. You may be wondering how to get your entire family fit. You may want to create a fitness challenge.

Start by finding out activities that everyone in your family is willing to participate in. This could be bowling, bicycling, hiking, running, or simply walking. Any activity you can decide upon that everyone will do is a good choice.

Once you’ve chosen the family fitness activity, you’ll want to make a fitness plan with the whole family. Look at everyone’s schedules and see what obligations the family has. Mark all of these activities on a calendar so you can see when everyone is available.

While it would be best if the entire family could do something together, that simply may not be possible. Perhaps one of the older children works after school. Another may play in the school band which requires them to practice every night. Mom or Dad may also have business obligations which keep them away from home more nights than not.

If everyone can’t do the same activity at the same time, you can have a competition of sorts among the family members. Consider measuring and weighing everyone to find out what their starting statistics are for the fitness challenge. This will be the baseline information to determine how everyone is doing.

Create a fitness journal for each person. You can find premade fitness journals online if you have the time to look for them or you can create one which meets your family’s needs. They don’t have to be complicated. The journal only needs a place for the date, a place to specify what activity was done, and several squares to mark off each 20 minutes of physical activity they did.

Set realistic fitness goals for each person based on their current age, health, and abilities. For instance, if one person in your family is very young, they’re obviously not going to be able to lift fifty pounds. Likewise, someone with health concerns isn’t going to be able run the same distance as someone who’s healthy. They may, however, be able to walk the same distance or at least work up to reaching that distance.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has indicated that people from 18-65 should participate in moderately-intense physical activity at least 30 minutes for five days a week. Or they can do vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for 20 minutes a day for three days each week. If the people in your family have been sedentary for a long time, you’ll want to work up to the guidelines from the AHA. It is also a good idea to check with your family doctor to ensure each person is able to become more physically active.

Once you have your family fitness challenge goals established, you’ll also want to determine some rewards for meeting those goals. Rather than giving food rewards, choose something everyone can enjoy that doesn’t relate to food. Perhaps you can plan a trip to the beach or the movies.

Remember the ultimate goal when trying to determine how to get your entire family fit. You want everyone to be healthy and happy. Create a fitness challenge everyone can participate in, set reasonable goals, and then celebrate each member’s successes with a family reward.

Original post can be found here: How to Get Your Entire Family Fit – Create a Fitness Challenge