diy mama

lifestyle blog sharing diy, family, travel, organization & disney tips

Kid

by on 1 Comment

Road Trip Snacks for Kids

Road Trip Snacks for Kids- With summer underfoot we’re all planning where to go and who to see. One of my all time favorite memories growing up were the road trips that my family would take in the summer. We would take out the middle seat of our Astro Van and load in all the luggage, snacks, games and dog to head out on an adventure. My sister and I would take naps, play games, sing and have an awesome time while Mom and Dad navigated the way to our destination. We would mostly drive to see family in Michigan, Oklahoma or to camping trips. One year we drove to Disney World and that was especially memorable.

Road Trip Snacks for Kids

I’ve now continued on the tradition with my own family. First, with my husband and now with our daughter. One integral part of road tripping is choosing the right snacks. My husband and I always had our go-to snacks that were a requirement for any long ride. Mt. Dew and a Kit Kat for him and Sunkist and Almond Joy for myself (and likely a bag of pizza combos for substance). Now that we have a daughter adventuring with us, we need to think more logically about our nutrition and what will sustain us happily for our travels.

What I’ve learned, as a Mom to a four year old, is that if you ask them ‘what would you like to eat?’ the answer is always ‘McDonald’s with chocolate milk!’ This is why on our road trips we now bring along our snacks and there is not thinking about where to stop. The best thing ever is to prep the snacks at home so it’s a surprise when they open them on the ride. We like to put the snacks in a bento box or tackle box with little dividers so there are lots of options but not a ton of food. Best for clean up as well as multiple choices.

 

Road Trip Snacks for Kids

Road Trip Snacks for Kids

  • Popcorn (the Cousin Willie’s White Cheddar Popcorn is the best you’ll ever have)
  • Nuts (you can do a mixed nut or go fancy with the coco covered almonds)
  • Bananas (fruit is kind of hard to keep fresh but bananas are perfect because they come in their own container)
  • Trail Mix (we mix sunflower seeds, cranberries and chocolate chips)
  • Candy of their choice (we let her pick out one candy to take with on the trip so she’s not begging for treats every time she sees a billboard for ice cream)

On of the best parts about this is that there is no waste on the trip and no plastic waste from the purchase. The only waste is the popcorn bag. The rest of the snacks can all be purchased in bulk. If you’re joining the ‘Plastic Free July‘ challenge you can still travel and have snacks without plastic waste! What other snacks does your family bring with you on road trips? I’d love to know any tips you might have for smooth family travels as well!


This is not a sponsored post but there are affiliate links to my favorite snacks on Amazon. Photo credit goes to Upsplash.

Related posts to Road Trip Snacks for Kids:

7 Best Activity Books for Summer Road Trips

Roadtrippin’ With Baby

Pin this for later:

road trip snacks for kids

by on Leave a Comment

Summer Homeschool for your Preschooler

Summer Homeschool for your Preschooler- This year we’ve decided to homeschool Sophia for her last year before Kindergarten. This was a surprise to me because we started her in Montessori at 20 months and always thought it important for her to be in a school based program during the school years leading up to public school.

Summer School for your Preschooler Letter Activities

For our family, with having the baby in under a month, we decided the best option for the cost as well as our happiness would be for me to teach Sophia. I never saw myself in an educator’s roll. My husband had wanted me to homeschool her through elementary and I remember laughing at him. I wanted to be her Mom, not her teacher. Also, I was never very patient with learning tough subjects and envisioned myself getting impatient with her frustration. Thankfully I’m confident I can handle the Pre-K level with patience and fun!

Last year we worked on her letters. She was 3 then and knew her letters but was not familiar with the phonics of each or how to write them all. We worked on one letter per day. Our first activity of the day was always discussing the day of the week and what the weather looked like. From there we spent around an hour on a worksheet, coloring a letter banner and making a letter craft. She loved it. She asked to do the letters on the weekends. We worked on pointing out foods, places and objects that started with our letter throughout the day. She would get excited when she would figure one out on her own (I was equally excited).

Summer School for your Preschooler Letter Activities

Summer School for your Preschooler Letter Activities

Summer Homeschool for Your Preschooler

After attending the Children’s Museum for a year of Pre-K she now knows all of her letters and is beginning her interest in (very beginning) reading and numbers. I did not want to overload her with schooling over the summer but wanted to keep her interested in learning. I started by purchasing the Moffatt Girls Summer No Prep Packet to have a base for the in between days. We just work on one worksheet a day on days that I don’t have something planned. Thankfully, Sophia has been requesting subjects to learn and I’ve easily been able to find resources and activities on Pinterest related to those subjects. For example, the first week we worked on the life cycle of a plant because our garden had started to grow and she’s been very interested in helping me water the flowers. She also helps me fill the bird feeder and had said she wanted to learn more about birds so I found these worksheets, we found lots of bird books at the library and made a craft. Fridays are always our craft day and the other days we have school at home.

There isn’t a ton of time left before the baby is born so I’ve only been focusing on a ton of reading and a worksheet unless she asks to learn about a specific subject. Giving her as much of my time before the baby comes is most important right now. We’ve also been doing some tracing and some pretend play with Let’s Play School’s materials. She has a great pretend play bundle you can buy and incorporate in as much education as you’d like.

Let me know what you do over the summers to keep your kids interested in learning. I’d love to know what tips you have for a smooth back to school as well!

I am not affiliated with any of the links above. I genuinely love them and encourage you to check them out. 

Other related posts:

Summer Schedule for Your Preschooler

7 Best Activity Books for Summer Road Trips

Pin it for later:

summer homeschool for your preschooler

by on Leave a Comment

12 Best Day Trips Around Indiana

Day Trips Around Indiana- Summer time in Indiana for our family means lots of road trips. Being in the middle of the country means we can get to lots of really cool places in just a few hours drive! No need for a hotel stay when you can visit somewhere close. These 12 spots are perfect for a day trip with your family this summer. We’ve only visited the Indiana State Museum but my sister and her family explored New Harmony last summer and fell in love! It’s at the top of our list for next summer with the new baby!

BONUS: The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has 12 locations statewide, offering a variety of day trip options for every interest, from nature and art to history and architecture. For families in need of inspiration to explore the state this summer, check out these 12 options that will get you out of the city and into a new experience – plus, one that’s right here in Indianapolis.

new-harmony-indiana-state-museum-historic-site-diy-mama-blogPhoto Credit: Indiana State Museum

Angel Mounds State Historic Site, Evansville  – 165 miles (3 hours) from downtown Indy

Note: Angel Mounds is in the Central time zone. 

At this location, visitors become immersed in 1,000-year-old Native American culture at this incredible site featuring earthen mounds built by a Mississippian society. Updated experiences inside the Visitor Center provide an interactive walkthrough of the history of the site and other cultures that lived in the area over time with casts of real Native American artifacts that visitors can touch. Never-before-seen artifacts found at the location are also on display for the first time.

Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, Corydon – 132 (2 hours) from downtown Indy

At Corydon, visitors learn all about Indiana’s first state capital – and can still tour the state’s first capitol building, built from limestone and logs from 1814 to 1816. Exploring the governor’s mansion gives visitors a taste of what life was like in the 1820s, both for a family as well as for political leaders of the time. Plus, fun events like a Murder Mystery Dinner in August or the Capitol Ball in September provide an opportunity to enjoy an evening out.

Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, New Albany – 116 miles (less than 2 hours) from downtown Indy

Featuring fantastic architecture and gorgeous walls and ceilings, this picture-perfect mansion is ideal for those who love art, architecture or incredible stories about real people who have impacted their communities. William Culbertson was extremely wealthy – with the house to prove it – but also gave back to the local community in New Albany, funding the construction of a widows’ home, founding an orphans’ home, and serving in civic affairs. In fact, his endowment still funds local programs today, continuing his culture of benevolence long after his death.

Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, Rome City – 156 miles (2 hours 30 minutes) from downtown Indy

This location offers a stunning natural setting with views of Sylvan Lake, the vibrant Wildflower Woods and special gardens started by Hoosier author Gene Stratton-Porter herself. Visitors can tour her cabin and learn about how she used nature as her laboratory while studying and writing about birds, plants and more. A woman ahead of her time, this site tells the story of Gene’s career, independence and innovation at a time when women were expected to fulfill only certain roles.

Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis – Less than one mile (just a 5 minute drive) from Monument Circle in Indy

This summer, families can spend a day exploring right in their own backyards in Indianapolis. The Indiana State Museum is located in beautiful White River State Park, and it offers two floors of permanent experiences and one floor of changing experiences, where visitors can immerse themselves in Indiana art, culture, history, science and more. Kids will enjoy the hands-on science in the newly renovated R. B. Annis Naturalist’s Lab before winding their way through a chilled ice tunnel and marveling at real mastodon bones in one of the newest experiences, “Frozen Reign: A State of Change.” Visitors can get up-close with original Hoosier art in the temporary experience “Lois Main Templeton: A Reinvented Life,” open through Aug. 5, or enjoy a beautiful walk along the outside of the building to see unique art representing all 92 Indiana counties.

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, Madison – 102 miles (less than 2 hours) from downtown Indy

Lanier Mansion is one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the Midwest, and it’s known as the “crown jewel” of Madison. The mansion is settled along the Ohio River. It features ornate gardens outside the home, as well as a spectacular spiral staircase inside the front entrance, which winds its way up to windows that let in natural light all the way from the top floor. Visitors – children especially – will also enjoy the top floor, which has extremely low ceilings, as it was intended only for children’s bedrooms and servant corridors. In fact, the handprint of one of the Lanier children can still be seen in the paint in one of the bedrooms.

Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site, Fountain City – 76 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) from downtown Indy

For those looking for a visit that will make an impact, this location is perfect. Here, visitors tour the home known as the “Grand Central Station” of the Underground Railroad, and they can even explore the hidden chambers where freedom seekers may have hidden during raids. During their time in the home, the Coffins helped hundreds of freedom seekers make it to freedom. The story of the Coffins is one of standing up for what’s right even in a time when it was not popular, and visitors will leave with a heightened awareness of this significant time in the nation’s history.

Limberlost State Historic Site, Geneva – 104 miles (less than 2 hours) from downtown Indy

This location is another one where the outdoors is at the forefront. This location served as Gene Stratton-Porter’s home before she moved to Rome City – the site of Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site. At Limberlost, visitors can explore the Loblolly Marsh, as well as step inside the actual cabin where Gene lived. Nature programs throughout the summer also offer visitors a chance to enjoy guided tours of the land surrounding the site with an on-staff naturalist.

New Harmony State Historic Site, New Harmony – 181 miles (3 hours) from downtown Indy

Note: New Harmony is in the Central time zone. 

This unique town will take visitors back in time because around every corner there seems to be another historic building. At this site, visitors will learn about two early-American utopian societies that became a haven for scientists like Thomas Say – the man who discovered Say’s Firefly, which became Indiana’s official state insect earlier this year. Guided tours of the historic buildings will give sightseers a glimpse of what it was like to live in these societies, which in many ways were ahead of their time.

T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Nashville – 70 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) from downtown Indy

Beautiful artwork and gardens are the focal points for this location. Here, visitors can explore artist T.C. Steele’s Brown County home and stroll through the gardens that gave him so much inspiration for his work. Relax by lily ponds teeming with fish and frogs, or take a walk through the new historic garden, featuring plants that the Steeles would have grown while living there. Plus, you can see original T.C. Steele paintings up close in his large studio and throughout his home, known as “The House of the Singing Winds.” Later this September, visitors will have access to a new Visitor Center that will enhance the visitor experience and allow for additional programming, indoor facility rentals and catering, and new restrooms.

Vincennes State Historic Sites, Vincennes – 127 miles (2 hours 10 minutes) from downtown Indy

Vincennes State Historic Sites explores Indiana’s history as a territory. It’s the home of Fort Knox II, the 1809 French House, Jefferson Academy and other historic buildings. Visitors can walk the same ground where Tecumseh and Benjamin Harrison once trod and learn what it was like to live on Indiana’s frontier. Tours are offered of Elihu Stout Print Shop – the location where Indiana’s first newspaper, the “Indiana Gazette,” was printed – and visitors can explore Sugar Loaf Mound, a natural feature that Late Woodland Indians used as a burial mound around 900 A.D.

Whitewater Canal State Historic Site, Metamora – 68 miles (1 hour 20 minutes) from downtown Indy

Everyone knows the downtown Indy canal, but in the 1840s, canals were the preferred mode of transportation. Draft animals pulled long, narrow boats by a rope next to the hand-dug canal. Today, visitors can experience what it was like by riding on the Ben Franklin III – a real working canal boat that offers rides throughout the summer season. At the site, visitors can also find the Metamora Grist Mill, which visitors can explore, for free. Small shops around the site make Metamora a perfect destination for the whole family to spend the day.

Other popular posts:

Events Happening at the Indiana State Museum This Summer

Rock Hunting at GeoFest at Indiana State Museum

Camping at Brown County State Park

Save it for later:

new-harmony-indiana-state-museum-historic-site-diy-mama-blog

by on Leave a Comment

Summer Schedule for Your Preschooler

Summer schedule for your preschooler- This summer I wanted to try something different with my 4 year old Sophia. Because there will be a lot of change in our schedule with not going to school and the new baby being born in July, I wanted to have a weekly calendar we could loosely follow so she understands what to expect. During the school year she did well with knowing which days we were going to the YMCA (my work) vs. which days she had school so I had a simple calendar up on the fridge that she could check each morning. I do believe summers are for more freedom and play but I know that our daughter does very well with routine. She feels more confident when she knows what to expect throughout the week without having to ask us.

Summer Schedule for Your Preschooler

summer schedule for your preschooler easily made in Google sheets

For this weekly calendar I wanted to use it to work on her learning the order of the days of the week as well as be able to follow a chart with data. It printed on two pages so I cut it and taped it together to make one larger sheet. It was simple to make on Google Sheets and I am not posting this for download because these images are not mine to sell. I wanted to be able to give an example of how you can make your own to fit your family’s needs.

When I introduced this schedule to Sophia I let her know that nothing, other than the YMCA times, are set in stone. I let her know that the breakfast, snacks and activities are suggestions that we can change based on what she’s hungry for or what she wants to do. Of course she got excited to see the smoothie as a breakfast option and said she wanted to have that every morning for breakfast.

No TV During the Week

We are continuing with our ‘no TV’ rule during the week even though it’s summer because she is so creative and imaginative without the crutch of the TV. We have Friday Family Movie Night each week and we often will let her watch cartoons in the morning on Saturday and one more show or movie on Sunday while we work on a project. I did add computer time on this schedule because we bought the ABC Mouse learning game and want her to become familiar with using a mouse and figuring out computer games on her own. Once the school year begins we will add a few more advanced games to help with coding. You’ll notice that I made sure her chores were on the same day as the computer time and she is not allowed to get on the computer until she finishes them.

7 skills your toddler should have

Chores for Your Preschooler

We only have three chores listed on her summer schedule because the other ‘chores’ are expected. Folding and putting away her clean laundry, emptying all the trash bins and cleaning up all toys/books/crafts are the three chores she’s responsible for. She will not get allowance for these chores but will get to do fun activities if she completes them. TIP: schedule your children’s chores around your chores. We do all laundry on Sunday/Monday which is why I have it set for her to put all of her clothes away on Tuesday. I have her picking up all toys/books/crafts on Friday because that is the day I vacuum and need all floors picked up.

Other popular posts:

Simplifying Summer Meals

Montessori Bedroom Inspiration for Your Child

 

Pin it for later:

by on Leave a Comment

Free Family Fun at Canal Nights in Indianapolis

Free Family Fun at Canal Nights in Indianapolis- Free, family-friendly fun returns to the Indiana State Museum and Eiteljorg Museum beginning June 6 during Canal Nights and the Summer Under the Sails concert series. Both events are free and open to the public, and they take place on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer along the Downtown Canal outside the museums.

Free Family Fun at canal-nights-Indiana-State-Museum
(photo credit)

Free summer fun kicks off June 6 at Indiana State Museum and Eiteljorg Museum

The Indiana State Museum’s Canal Nights take place outside the museum’s canal entrance from 6 – 8 p.m. and will feature a variety of topics, from nature play and game nights, to STEAM or Build It! nights. The programming is all free to the public. Before Canal Nights, visitors are invited to see the newest experiences, “Frozen Reign,” “First Nations,” and “The R.B. Annis Naturalist’s Lab” – all included with general admission and open until 5 p.m.

The Eiteljorg Museum’s Summer Under the Sails concert series returns every Wednesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. in June and July, as well as August 1. Enjoy food, drink, activities and free live music in the Eiteljorg Museum gardens along the Downtown Canal. Admission to the museum is also free these evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. Inside the museum, see the blockbuster exhibit on Hollywood movie and TV Westerns, The Reel West.

Canal Nights

The dates, themes and concerts for the different nights are as follows:

June 6

Indiana State Museum – STEAM Night: Explore the relationship between science and art and everything in between with hands-on activities, engineering challenges and games.
Eiteljorg Museum concert: The Tillers (String Band, Americana, Bluegrass)

June 13

Indiana State Museum – Nature Play Day: Come play with natural materials, stroll through the Watanabe Gardens, and discover the wonders of nature in our very own backyard.
Eiteljorg Museum concert: Tim Brickley & The List (60s and 70s hits)

June 20

Eiteljorg Museum concert: Emily Ann Thomspon (Jazz)

June 27

Indiana State Museum – Build It!: How high can you build it? Or how fast can you knock it down? Try building, making and constructing at Build It! Night.
Eiteljorg Museum concert: Soundz of Santana (Carlos Santana Tribute)

July 4

Indiana State Museum – Boom and Sparkle: Enjoy art and science programming inspired by fireworks.
Eiteljorg Museum concert: Heartstone Crossing (Popular Music Covers)

July 11

Indiana State Museum – Water Science: Cool off with science experiments and activities all about water.
Eiteljorg Museum concert: My Yellow Rickshaw (Popular Music Covers)

July 18

Indiana State Museum – Game Night + Member Night: Join us for fun games and activities for the whole family. Work together as a team or bring out your competitive side at Game Night.
Eiteljorg Museum concert: Pavel & Direct Contact (Latin Music)

July 25

Indiana State Museum – Jump, Skip and Play: Explore fun ways to get moving with games, activities and challenges.
Eiteljorg Museum concert: Tad Robinson (Blues)

Aug 1

Eiteljorg Museum concert: il Troubadore (Sci-Fi and World Music)

eiteljorg-museum-summer-under-the-sails(photo credit)

For a full listing of programming at the Indiana State Museum, visit indianamuseum.org. For more information about the Eiteljorg Museum’s concert series, visit Eiteljorg.org.

# # #

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis seeks to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history and cultures of the American West and the Indigenous peoples of North America. Located on the Central Canal at 500 West Washington St., the Eiteljorg Museum recently was named one of the USA Today Readers’ Choice 10 Best Indiana Attractions.

Google+