Activity of the Month
While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. - Angela Schwindt
We know parents and teachers are always looking for new ways to engage children while teaching them the basic skills they need. Each month, we will provide fun activities that enhance their self-help, cognitive and social development skills. Learning doesn’t have to be dull. The best part is that children won’t even recognize this time as school work!
July 2010
Fun Day Trips in Richmond, VA
In an article last month, I shared some affordable family getaway locations for Richmond families….but day trips can be just as much fun, and Richmond is full of fun things to do with your kids in July & all year long. Here are some of our top choices;
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens – Water play, the Children’s Garden, a new sandbox in the shade, children’s programs year round, and the list goes on. I recommend a family membership. We have made great use of ours! 
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg – Did you know that children ages 9 and under can attend Busch Gardens free with an adult pass this summer? No, I’m not kidding! All you need to do is bring their birth certificate.
Maymont Summer Discovery Camp –Parents enjoy a little break while children have fun learning about a variety of topics from animal habitats to natural wonders. 
Children’s Museum of Richmond – The new location is open in Short Pump, and it’s a great place to stay cool and have fun on hot summer days. My son Blake and I went undercover to check out opening week. Click here to see the article.
Stay Home! Some days it’s nice to just chill out with a glass of lemonade and hang out at home. Our Activity Of The Month page has great ideas for fun things to do at home, like a Wet-N-Wild Water Playdate, The Power of Imaginative Play, A Treasure Hunt and more. 
other recent activities
Wet-N-Wild Playdate
Here's an idea for an easy, fun playdate that will keep the mess outside...well, until someone has to go potty... Invite children to bring their swimsuits and sunscreen for a play date that is sure to be a splashing good time. Provide sprinklers, a couple of shallow plastic pools,…
Jun 3rd, 2010
MoreThe Power of Play
The Power of Play Imaginative play is an important stage of development for young children. While you might think they are just "playing" when Suzy dresses up in mommy's clothes, or when Tommy talks to his stuffed animals, imaginative play allows children to develop very important skills. It is important…
Apr 17th, 2010
MoreAlphabet Eggs
This is a great way to recycle those plastic Easter eggs that you feel guilty for throwing away. The concept is simple; Using a permanent marker, write an upper case letter on one side of the egg, and a lower case letter on the bottom half. Mix them up and…
Mar 29th, 2010
MorePot of Gold Treasure Hunt
Enjoy this fun and easy treasure hunt for a St. Patrick's day treat with your children... Materials Paper Marker Black pot Chocolate gold coins Scissors Green construction paper Instructions Hide a pot filled with gold chocolate coins somewhere in your yard. Cut out several four leaf clovers…
Mar 5th, 2010
MoreHow to Make a Periscope
My 4-year old son came to me the other day and said "Mommy, I need some mirrors because I want to make a periscope!" Huh? I asked him where he learned about a periscope. "Curious George had one, and I want to make one to!" Wow....these are the days when…
