October 7th, 2009
Planning to enjoy the fall weather with a fun family hike? These tips should help ensure everybody stays safe and has fun during your excursion.
1. Bring plenty of water and remind kids to drink. A smart idea is to drink a glass of water before you begin your hike to ensure that everyone starts out hydrated. Avoid coffee, juices, sodas and “sport drinks” which can actually contribute to dehydration — water is best.
2. Adults should wear well-fitting hiking boots and children should either wear hiking shoes or closed-toe shoes with good traction. Flip-flops, jellies and crocs are all poor shoe choices for hiking.
3. Start out slow – choose easy family hikes until everyone becomes very comfortable with different types of terrain, elevation, and weather conditions. Work your way up to more challenging hikes, and be sure to consider the abilities of the youngest or least experienced family member.
4. Prep for the worst (even though it’s unlikely to happen). This might include packing rain gear, extra socks, a flashlight, cell phone and first aid kit.
5. Wear a hat to keep you cool in warmer weather, prevent sunburn, shade your eyes and ears, and help you avoid heat exhaustion. As the weather turns cooler, a hat will help you retain warmth and keep your ears out of the cold.
6. Know where you’re going. Grab a current map, watch the signs and ask someone if you need help. Terrain changes are sometimes made on trails to protect vegetation or keep hikers safe.
7. Know what to do in case of emergency. Familiarize yourself with basic first aid, and pack a safety kit. Consider including a whistle (to call for help), moleskin and scissors for blisters, and a first aid kit with antibiotic cream and bandaids in case of scrapes, cuts, or bites.
Enjoy your hike and remember to take pictures during your family outings!
October 5th, 2009
Wondering what to do with the kids on Columbus Day (October 12th)? Here are some fun ideas the whole family is sure to love.
1. Learn about Columbus Day
There are lots of crafts and activities for the kids to enjoy in honor of the day. To learn more, check out Columbus Day 2009. Or see if your community is having a Columbus Day parade.
2. Get outdoors
Go for a hike, go camping, rake the leaves and take turns jumping into the pile, go for a walk, explore nature, go for a bike ride — you get the idea. There’s so much to do during this wonderful season when the weather is cooler and the great outdoors beckon.
3. Stop procrastinating
Where have you been wanting to take the kids, but haven’t yet? This is a great time to visit the zoo, the children’s museum, the art museum, story time at the library, the craft store, and more.
4. Make a big screen at home
A sheet or a wall can serve as the canvas for an in-home movie fest. Rent Christopher Columbus: The Discovery on DVD or for a different “journey”, rent movies by Chris Columbus, the director. A projector rental from Projector123.com makes it fun, easy, affordable and sure to please the whole family.
5. Talk to the kids
Here’s a great conversation starter: What do you think would be the most fun thing we could do on Columbus Day? Their answers just might surprise you — and it pays to get some input from the participants before you go planning something too elaborate.
What will YOU do? Post your comments below or share ideas.
October 2nd, 2009
For many families, autumn is one of the most-loved times of year. Cooler weather allows for an abundance of outdoor activities, plus fun fall holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite ways to enjoy fall weather — have a look and see which might be a fun experience for you and your family.
Nature Walks & Hiking - a great way to exercise as a family and enjoy the fresh air.
Camping - a classic bonding experience. If you want to learn more about Camping with Kids, check out Projector123.com series : Part 1 – Camping Trip Planning for 1st Timers; Part 2 – Experienced Campers Trip Planning Guide; Part 3 – Respecting Nature; Part 4- Packing Checklist and Part 5 – Making Memories
Bonfires – don’t worry if local ordinances prevent you from building your own — check local listings to find bonfire celebrations in your area.
Hayrides – local ranches, berry-picking farms and pumpkin patches offer seasonal family hayrides.
Festivals - from a local Oktoberfest to the state fair or customer appreciation days, fall is a great time to scope out your surroundings and find local fairs and festivals.
Local Sporting Events – after enjoying the lazy days of summer, consider participating in a fall sport like flag football or soccer. Get the kids excited about the sport by taking them to a high school or college game.
Day Trips – what wonders await you just a short drive away? Explore your own state and see what you can discover.
Picnicking – Better yet, pack a lunch and head to the park or playground for a change of lunchtime scenery. The kids are sure to love a picnic in the fall.
Geocaching – the family-friendly worldwide treasure hunt by GPS.
Leaf Collecting – fall is an ideal time for bonding with nature, teaching kids about the cycle of life, and composting leaves and lawn debris.
No matter what you’re doing, be sure to take plenty of pictures to capture the most priceless moments. You never know when you might want to create a super-sized viewing experience of a family slide show or video montage with a projector rental from Projector123.com.
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