Posted Jun 22nd 2008 10:30 AM by Jamie Allen
Filed under: Events
Tags: Park Parties
Summer is here, which means another round of Maranda’s Park Parties is underway! It’s time for another summer of fun, food, activities, games and prizes for youth across West Michigan.
Park Parties take place over six Thursdays in June and July from Noon-2pm. Park Parties offer kids a summer afternoon of unforgettable free fun. Kids can munch on treats including Cheez Kurls, McDonalds Apple Dippers, Country Fresh Ice Cream and new this year, a free nutritious sack lunch provided by the Michigan Department of Education. Kids can also conquer the climbing wall, take a ride on the Dixie Twister and bounce around the YMCA Fit Pit. Entertainment will be provided by local children and teenage performers and area non-profit agencies will be on hand with information and activities for kids.
Okay, we’re only a few weeks into summer vacation and already I’m hearing my kids complaining they are bored! What are some of your favorite summer boredom busters? Please share, I’m sure many other moms would love to have a few new ideas to suggest!
While on the road, every family has to stop for bathroom breaks, snacks and time to stretch their legs. In this week’s show, Priority Health and Meijer showed us how pit stops can also be a time for health and wellness.
Prepacking health snacks in a cooler is much healthier than swinging through the local drive-thru. Some easy snacks include baggies full of raw veggies, fruit, chex mix, granola bars, juice boxes and bottled water. Stop at a local park or rest area and create or own picnic. Or, if you’re in a rush, you don’t even need to stop to have these treats.
Long roadtrips can meet antsy kids in the car. Even if it is just a stop for gas, the family should get out of the car and do some stretches. If you have more time at a park or rest area, toss a frisbee or volleyball back and forth, jumprope or even play some paddle ball. If you do this three times during the day or ten minutes each, that is thirty minutes of exercise you’re getting while on the road.
Is your family prepared to take a vacation? Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of packing, families can forget some important items. Here are a few medical travel tips from Dr. Bill Stratbucker of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
1. Families need to be prepared, so think about all the things your child may need at home and make sure to pack them. Essentials include any medications your child takes. Make sure the prescription is filled and if you might run out, visit your doctor ahead of time for a refill.
2. Another important thing to remember is emergency contact numbers. You should have a list of your regular doctors as well as physicians in the area you are visiting. If you need help locating someone in the area you’re visiting, your child’s pediatrician should be able to help. This is especially important if your child has a pre-existing medical condition.
Your local library is a great resource for entertaining kids on long car trips. Here are some things that you can check out for free at your local library before hitting the road.
Books
Books on tape or CD
Games
Puzzle books
Adventure packs that contain a themed book, book on CD, game and video
DVD’s
Music on tape or CD
Tell us how you keep your kids entertained while on the road? We’d love to hear from you!
Here are a few tips from Fifth Third Bank that will help you enjoy a family vacation without breaking the bank!
1. Pre-planning is one of the best ways to save. Map out your trip, research your destination, know where you’re going and what you’re going to do while you’re there. Once you have that planned out get online and look for coupons and discounts at attractions and restaurants. Many museums and zoos offer family free days, try to plan your visit around those days if they’re available.
2. Dine out less and bring snacks for the car. Another way to save cash is to visit a grocery store once you get to your destination and make your meals. When going out for a nice meal, go for lunch instead of dinner because prices are lower and lunch is more casual for kids.
With the price of gas on the rise, more West Michigan travelers are going to be looking for deals, discounts and special savings this summer. If you’re planning a “staycation” in West Michigan….check out gas travel incentives at www.wmta.org.
“How often do you lol with your tweens and teens? I recently read a survey that found 68% of parents communicate with their kids by text messaging. And in talking with local teens many feel their relationships with their parents are stronger because of it!”
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Summer is here, which means another round of Maranda’s Park Parties is underway! It’s time for another summer of fun, food, activities, games and prizes for youth across West Michigan.
