Top 7 Summer Toddler Activities

Together with

"A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend."

Morning Mama Bear! It's Saturday! Time for some crayons, cookies, and of course, a dose of controlled chaos. So buckle up and prepare to dive into our Saturday's special for the warrior moms out there.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Toddler Activities: Boredom busters

• A mom secret: Crabby kids and bath-time

• Lip-smacking delicious: Banana Pancake Bites

• Fun DIY: Raised Garden Bed

Looking for some durable, practical, and innovative child products? Check out Evenflo.

Making Memories

Toddler Activities: The Ultimate Fun Guide

From petting zoos to puddle wars, we're delivering the ultimate guide to keep both you and your pint-sized explorer sane (and entertained).

Get Set, Go

No matter where you're headed with your curious kiddo, timing is everything.

Hit the road when your little champ is at their best — post-breakfast and playtime is often a good window. 

Also, don't forget to pack ample healthy snacks for those quick energy fixes.

Lastly, remember to double-check your diaper bag for extra everything because, let's face it, who hasn't suffered from a 'toddler vs puddle' incident?

Fun Outdoor Destinations

Taking your toddler outdoors can be a delightful adventure.

Explore…

• Petting zoos

• The beach

• A park outside your regular spots to keep things fresh.

If the weather is cooperative…

• Splash pads

• Local fairs

And never underestimate the power of a simple backyard adventure: think water table play, scavenger hunts, or just painting the fence (with water, of course!).

From Beaches to Berries

Unstructured play is a crucial part of your toddler’s development, and places like the beach or a fruit farm offer ample opportunities.

Building sandcastles or picking strawberries can help refine their fine motor skills while also being fun!

And as a bonus, you can put the fruits of your labor (pun intended) to good use in baking some delicious goodies together.

Indoor Fun 

Cold, rainy days don’t have to spell doom for your little adventurer.

From toddler-friendly concerts and library visits to exciting trips to children’s museums or aquariums, there are plenty of indoor activities to engage your kiddo.

Or why not make a day of it at an indoor playground?

Pro tip: Always bring socks!

Takeaway

Being a parent to a toddler is like taking a trip to Disneyland every day.

The excitement, the thrill, the spills, and sometimes even the tantrums — they all add up to make some memorable moments.

So buckle up, pack the essentials (snacks, diapers, patience), and embark on a magical journey of exploration with your little one!

Keep reading here.

Together with Evenflo

Making Parenthood a Walk in the Park

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Enter the Evenflo Shyft DualRide.

One step, and your car seat turns into a stroller, fitting even the tiniest riders​.

Not to mention one of the most unique car seats on the market, and one of my personal favorites (see here). Allowing your little one easy in, easy out.

Loved by parents for their durable, practical, and innovative products.

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Mom Hack

Utilize the bath for crabby kids!

Mom Hack

Calm fussy children by creating a fun bath time experience!

A bubbly bath (with a soothing lavender scent) and makeshift toys from your kitchen utensils can do wonders.

Pair this with their loved music, and you'll see the transformation.

Assure them that this session is just for play, with no need for hair washing, giving them up to an hour of playful distraction.

Mom’s Menu

Easy-Peasy Banana Pancake Bites

Start your kid's day off right with a breakfast that's as tasty as it is nutritious- we're talking Banana Pancake Bites! Here's why you (and your kiddos) will love them...

Ingredients:

• 2 Bananas

• 1 Cup pancake batter

Instructions:

1. Slice those Bananas: Get your hands on 2 bananas, peel 'em, and cut them into 1/4-inch thick slices. A little tip – make diagonal slices for that 'extra' bite!

2. Dip and Flip: One at a time, dunk these banana slices into the pancake batter, making sure they’re all dolled up in batter. Remember, let the excess batter slide back into the bowl, we don't like to waste!

3. Cook to Golden Goodness: Heat up your griddle or skillet (buttered up, of course!) over medium heat, and gently lay the batter-coated banana slices on it. Give these cuties about 1 minute on each side or until they turn a sunny, golden brown.

4. Serve and Savor: Now for the grand finale! Transfer these golden beauties to a plate, and serve as is, or jazz it up with some maple syrup, powdered sugar, or nut butter – yum!

Tip: Want more of that caramelly-banana flavor? Try cooking the bananas first on the buttered skillet for a minute, then pour over the pancake batter. This will have your taste buds doing a happy dance!

Wrap-up

Whether you're dealing with picky eaters or looking for a quick, budget-friendly solution to busy mornings, Banana Pancake Bites are a surefire hit.

And they aren’t just a delightful breakfast, they're a wonderful lunchbox surprise, or an after-school treat too!

So put on that apron, make your kitchen smell like a pancake paradise, and let these Banana Bites brighten up your family's day.

Happy cooking, mama!

Keep reading here.

Daily DIY (Mom Edition)

Build a Raised Garden Bed

Looking for a fun family project? Try constructing a raised garden bed!

This not only makes gardening easier on your back and knees but also offers a unique learning experience for your little ones.

Choose a location, plot a 3-foot wide space, and aim for a height between 12 and 20 inches.

You can buy a kit or use DIY materials like concrete blocks or rot-resistant wood.

Next, prepare a rich soil mix, ideally two parts topsoil to one part compost.

After planting, apply mulch to help retain moisture, as raised beds tend to dry out faster than traditional gardens.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

I love this extender, it fosters independence in children, making handwashing a breeze.

It's one of my favorites because it not only empowers little ones but also saves moms from unnecessary back strain.

Munchkin Faucet Extender

Game

Parenting Quiz

How many hours of sleep do toddlers typically need? (Answer below)

A) 4-6 hours

B) 7-9 hours

C) 10-12 hours

D) 13-15 hours

E) Not enough.

Mom’s Meme 🤣

Answer

D) 13-15 hours