ML Interest Tag: safety-tips

6 Must-Follow Christmas Tree Safety Tips

By Alison Jacobson

A favorite holiday movie is “Christmas Vacation.” And one of the most memorable (and hilarious) scenes is the squirrel flying out of the Christmas tree. While funny in the movies, the threat of Christmas tree mishaps can actually be quite serious.   

Unsecured Christmas trees can topple over and cause serious injury, especially to a young child, and according to reports, Christmas tree fires are the deadliest of household fires. On average, one in every 32 reported Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home fires.

Here are a few simple tips to ensure a beautiful and safe holiday season. 

1. Select a fresh tree. The tree should be green with needles that bend, not break. For pines and spruces, branches should be tough to pull, and fir trees should have needles that snap when bent. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.

2. Secure the tree. This will prevent it from accidentally falling over. If possible, make sure the tree stand is not on thick carpeting. Screw some eye-hooks into the wall and thread fishing line through the tree and tie to the hooks.  

3. Keep ornaments high. This is true especially for families with young children. Place ornaments off the lower limbs and consider using a gate around the tree to prevent kids from getting too close. Ditch the glass ornaments for non-breakable. 

4. Go hi-tech. Safer Alarms Inc. just released a first of its kind Christmas tree fire detector that looks like an ornament. While it looks like traditional tree decor, the ornament wirelessly connects to an alarm placed elsewhere in the home like near where you sleep. If the ornament detects unsafe heat, the alarm will sound (and continue to sound even if the ornament catches fire).

5. Water, water, water. Make sure the tree holder always has enough water. Cut an inch off the bottom of the trunk; fresh wood can absorb more water, so the tree will stay fresher longer. 

6. Be mindful of placement. Always place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. Only use indoor lights indoors and look for the UL label. Do not use any lights that are broken and make sure sockets are in good condition, and that there are no frayed or bare wires. Keep light off lower branches that pets or babies could reach as they might chew on the wire. Be sure to turn the lights off whenever you leave the house. And if you have ornaments that light up with an off/on switch, be sure to turn off as well.

I'm a mom to 4 kids - my first died of SIDS and my second has Intellectual Disabilities. I'm the step-mom to another two. My husband has MS. I write about how to keep everyone in the family happy, safe and sane - especially women!

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7 Ways to Prepare Your Teen for Class Trips

By Cindy Price

While I know that not all schools have trips for their senior class, I have now prepared two of my daughters to enjoy their senior trips. The process was a little different each time, as my children have individual needs, for all that they were raised together as equally as possible.

So, if you have a child with a senior trip coming up, I wanted to share the basics of how I prepared for my second daughter’s recent senior trip. Feel free to tailor my experience to your own children, as you know best what will and work for them.

  1. Help My Teen Budget For The Trip: Once the trip destination was announced, one of the first things I talked about with my daughter was how she was going to budget for the trip. As her parents, we were happy to pay for the trip itself, especially as she kept up with her responsibilities regarding her chores, grades, and curfew. But we wanted her to take some personal investment in the success of her trip, so I talked to her about how to save up so that she could buy souvenirs, participate in different experiences, and just have some fun money. Some of the ideas she came up with to help save for her trip were:

  • Save Her Allowance—There are plenty of ways a kid can become spoiled with an allowance, but I have always been careful not to break the rules our family has set in regards to an allowance. So, when my daughter proposed she save at least half her allowance, I knew it was a practical solution, as she had already learned that money management skill.

  • Seek Side Hustles—Unlike my eldest daughter, my second daughter didn’t pick up a job in high school, preferring to focus on her extracurriculars. But, when she decided to earn some money on the side, she sought out babysitting jobs, dog walking, tutoring, and teaching the piano to young children. Most of her money earned from her side jobs went into saving for the trip.

  • Participate in Fundraisers—Many schools that offer class trips will often provide fundraisers to help children finance their trips. My daughter made a deal with my husband and me that whatever amount she was able to raise and we didn’t have to cover, that she could have that money for herself. We agreed, and she was able to fundraise a little over half of her trip!

  1. Talk To Her About Safe Social Media Posting: Like most teens, my daughter is pretty much glued to her phone. I know that she loves to post artsy pictures on Instagram, and it seems like she can never eat dessert before posting a picture of it first. I knew that for her own safety, we needed to have a serious talk about safe social media posting while abroad. Thankfully, my daughter and I have improved our communication over the years, and this wasn’t going to be our first talk about social media safety. We had a good conversation about not sharing location information online, even if the person sounded like a friendly native that just wanted to show her and her friends around. I also cautioned her about posting things like her travel itinerary and other personal and locational information.
  2. Buy Travel Insurance to Cover Emergencies: While all three of my children are usually very healthy, I am always a bit concerned when they take trips far away from home. As my daughter’s class trip was out of the country, I wanted to be extra certain that she would be covered in case of a medical emergency or just lost baggage. So, I looked up various types of travel insurance and purchased some for my daughter. I explained to her what it was for and what to do if she needed to use it. This extra insurance helped ease my mind, though I wouldn’t say it is necessary in all cases.
  3. Create Copies Of Travel Information: Speaking of her travel information, that was something I made two copies of once the information was available. One of the copies stayed home with me, so I could know exactly where my daughter would be on what days, as well as having critical information she may need. A set of the copies went with her in a closed packet, only to be opened if she lost one of the originals. We made copies of the following:

  • Trip itinerary

  • Flight information

  • Hotel reservations

  • Traveler’s insurance

  1. Discuss Practical Travel Safety Tips: Naturally, we also discussed a variety of travel safety tips with our daughter. Some of these tips which can apply for any teens traveling without their parents are:

  • Stay with your group so that you don’t get left behind.

  • Never just go off without telling someone where you are going. Ideally, at least one person will be with you, and you will inform a chaperone where you two will be.

  • Don’t accept favors or guidance from strangers who volunteer. If you can’t find a police officer, go into a local shop and ask for directions.

  • If you are lost, immediately contact a chaperone and other group members. Don’t try to wander back, instead find a safe place to wait, like a busy store.

  • Avoid carrying all your money on you. It’s better to make trips back to the hotel for more money than to be robbed.

  • Don’t leave your purse anywhere unattended.

  1. Provide A Small Medical Kit For My Teen: I am a fan of DIY travel medical kits, as they can be tailored to the specific needs of the person. So, for my daughter, who often had eczema flare-ups when stressed or over-excited, I was able to tailor a kit for her to soothe any unpredictable flare-up. Along with having her specific needs met, some of the good general items that work for any kit are:

  • Over-the-counter painkillers

  • Fabric bandaids of various shapes and sizes

  • A small amount of Neosporin

  • Alcohol wipes

  1. Have A Conversation About Behavior Expectations: Last, but certainly not least, my daughter and I had a frank talk about the kind of behavior that she was expected to uphold. For many teens, the first time they are away from home for a significant chunk of time is when they leave for college. Many freshmen college students struggle with balancing their new lives and freedom with the pressure of being on their own. Since I didn’t want my daughter to fall into the same trap, I explained how the trip was her first dip into being on her own, and that she needed to be careful about falling into bad habits, especially as she would be leaving for her first year of college in the fall. We talked about things like underage drinking, sex, and sneaking out with friends when she was expected to be in. I told her that while she was likely to get away with things that she knew I wouldn’t approve of, these rules were in place to protect her more than anything and that it was up to her whether she would keep herself safe.

And that’s the scary thing. I don’t know for sure that she didn’t engage in things that she knew we wouldn’t approve of. But, as she is officially an adult and will be leaving my direct sphere of influence soon, I have had to learn to trust that the years of raising and lessons will be enough to keep her safe in the long run.

As for the trip itself, by covering these things with my excited teens before their individual senior trips, they were able to stay safe and enjoy their experiences to the fullest.

 

Cindy Price would like to say she's a parenting expert but she knows better than to do that. As a parent educator and writer for over 15 years, she's well-aware how quickly parenting practices evolve. Family is her greatest joy and she hopes her writing can help make families stronger. 

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Safeguard Your Kids: Safety Tips for National Safety Month

By Melody Porter

For those of you who didn’t know, June is National Safety Month. There are a lot of months dedicated to different causes in order to raise awareness about different issues, but our kids are our whole heart, the love we have for them is indescribable. So being paranoid about their safety is completely normal. Sure, all those stories on the evening news are freak accidents that occur in very rare situations, but worrying is second nature to moms.

That’s why keeping yourself informed about the dangers of the world is so important. Simply knowing what’s going on and the odds of it happening to your child can ease your mind.

The kidnapping stories are horrifying and seem to be occurring more frequently each day. As much as parents do to keep their children safe, there are 800,000 children reported missing each year. However, there are some environments where children are at greater risk for kidnapping.

From restaurants to hotels to car dealerships, one study set out to locate exactly which locations are the most subject to kidnapping. The results might surprise you.

Kidnapping Happens the Most within the Home

Your home is supposed to be the place where you feel most safe and protected but it’s also the place where your child is at the highest risk of abduction. Though this likely varies significantly dependent on city and neighborhood, homes are the location of approximately 1.43 abductions each hour. But no need to instantly freak out and flee your home, odds of kidnapping within the home are still only one in over 26,000.

The best way to make sure your child never becomes one of those statistics? Stay alert and increase protection. With the advancement of technology, you can own some of the highest-tech security gadgets at a relatively affordable cost. Introduce tools such as motion sensors or video cameras so that your eyes aren’t the only ones responsible for your family’s safety.

It’s also notable that 49% of abductions are considered “family kidnapping” meaning that the perpetrator is someone related to you. You love and trust your family, so it’s hard to believe that this could be possible. But unfortunately, not all abductions are committed by random, villainous strangers as they are stereotypically depicted.

The Second Most Dangerous Location is Outside

The highway, road, alley, street or sidewalk is the second riskiest place for abduction. This should come as no surprise but we should engrain it into our children to never walk alone outside after dark, especially not down a deserted alley. But how prevalent is kidnapping in this setting? The odds of abduction in this location are significantly lower than within the home at one in over 120,000.

The Happiest Place on Earth is Also the Safest

Despite amusement parks being a location well-known for being populated with children, this is the safest location under study. Maybe it’s due to the high surveillance, large crowds, or steep price of admission, but it’s safe to say that kidnappers do not frequent roller coasters and carnival games. Odds of abduction here are one in over 325 million so you can rest easy on worrying about taking your kiddos on the vacation of their dreams.

This isn’t meant to instruct you to avoid places or heighten your fears and worries, obviously, you can’t avoid your home. What’s more important is knowing where you’re at risk and knowing what you can do to potentially avoid it so your little one can play on!

 

Hey all, I’m Melody. I’m a part-time parenting and lifest‌yle writer but a full-time mom of both 2-legged and 4-legged family members. Forever trying to clean glitter off something or other. 

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Parents Often Forget about These Spots When Storing Medicine Away from Kids

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Medication can be a life-saving tool, but when it’s taken incorrectly it can also be extremely dangerous. New research reveals why reviewing medicine safety for kids is an important precaution all parents should take.

A new research report, Medicine Safety: A Key Part of Child-Proofing Your Home, reveals that while most parents understand that storing medicine safely is important they might not be as aware as they think when it comes to all the places where medicine is kept in their homes.

Image: Courtesy of Safe Kids Worldwide

The report, published by Safe Kids Worldwide, noted that while educational initiatives have helped to decrease the risk of kids ending up in the emergency room from poisoning, the rates remain very high, with 142 kids under age 6 seen daily in the ER after getting into medicine.

So why are so many kids still getting their hands on medicine? The report suggests that while many parents do make an effort to store away medications, many that are used daily are still kept in more easy-to-access locations, such as purses and nightstands. The report also suggests that while parents are quick to baby-proof based on their child’s age, they often underestimate their progress developmentally.

photo: Keiko Zoll for Red Tricycle

In order to prevent more accidental poisonings, Safe Kids Worldwide suggests the following tips:

  • Keep medicine and vitamins out of children’s reach and sight, even medicine you take every day.
  • Add medicine safety to your initial child-proofing checklist.
  • Save the Poison Control Help number in your phone and post it visibly at home: 1-800-222-1222.
  • Share medicine safety information with family and friends.

For more medicine safety tips, check out SafeKids.org.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Nosheep via Pixabay

 

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6 Things Every Parent Should Do Before Heading Out on a Family Road Trip

By Tiago Lacerda

Packing up the car and hitting the open road can be a perfect opportunity to bond with your family. But, organizing a successful and safe road trip requires a bit of planning ahead. Take along these tips to properly prepare for your time in the car and make your family holiday road trip a happy and safe one.

Is your car safe enough for long trips?

Make sure it is. Schedule a quick maintenance appointment with a qualified mechanic at your local garage to fix anything that looks funky before it’s time to drive. Ensure that your car is in its best condition to prevent any mishaps or breakdowns while on the road. Check your brakes, tire pressure, battery, belts, air conditioner, etc. If you’re planning on driving in a region with a hot climate or in towing a boat or trailer, get a motor oil with a higher viscosity as well.

Stock up on supplies.

Take an inventory of all items in your car just to be sure you have flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, all necessary tools and other emergency supplies you may need while on the road.

Also, make sure that you don’t run out of fuel for both your car and your bellies. Keep everyone and everything fueled by stocking up on drinks, provisions, and fuel. Pack a full fuel can in your trunk just in case you run out of it in the middle of nowhere. Getting stuck on the side of the road in an unknown region won’t just delay your road trip, but it can be dangerous as well.

Pack your items safely.

Make sure you don’t have bags that aren’t properly secured or some other loose items in your car as they can become dangerous if you stop suddenly or become involved in an accident. You shoul put those items that are the heaviest in your car and toward the center. Tie down big bags or other bulky items such as strollers, and keep windows unobstructed. Give your children smaller bags to store electronics, snacks, and other essentials within reach. Don’t forget to check your child safety seats and whether everything is installed properly. If it happens that your family’s pet is making the journey with you, secure them or their traveling kennel as well.

Keep an eye on the sky.

Weather may be different in different regions, so you should make sure that you are ready for any situation. Download an application on your smartphone to stay informed on moving storms. You can also turn the radio if you don’t have a cell phone service. Look up for NOAA radio Oceanic radio station in your state or tune into any other FM news frequency to stay up-to-date with weather alerts. This can help you avoid bad weather or give you enough time to prepare yourself and find an alternate route or a safe location where to wait until the storm passes.

Get some rest.

Make sure you get some rest before you hit the road as driving while tired is equally dangerous like driving while under alcohool influence. Studies show that driving after being awake for long hours causes your brain to function like the brain of someone with blood alcohol content of 0.05% and as the time passes this amount doubles.

Statistics show that every year drowsy drivers cause over a thousand fatal accidents. So, to avoid accidents and keep your family safe on the road, get enough rest before you begin your road trip. Also, make frequent stops during your trip to stretch your legs, refresh yourself or trade off with someone who is refreshed, talk to your kids to stay alert, etc.

Be aware of other drivers on the road.

Just like there are people who drive while tired, there are also those who drive while drunk or while under the influence of some other substance. Car accidents can happen at any moment and it is best that you are properly prepared. Take all necessary documentation with you as well as your insurance card, and ask your lawyer what to do and how to behave if an accident still occurs.

A Marketing professional with parental concerns and information needs.

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7 Reasons to Put Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine on Your Radar This Summer

by Gabby Cullen

If you’re still trying to decide where to vacation this summer, consider putting Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine TX on your radar. We spent a weekend exploring the property, and we’re happy to report the biggest of all the Great Wolf Lodge resorts has added new and exciting perks to its already impressive list of amenities. Keep reading to discover what’s happening this summer, and why a visit just might be that trip you’ll always remember (we know the kids will!).

photo: Gabby Cullen

1. Everything is bigger in Texas.
The DFW-based waterpark is the biggest property of them all, offering 605 rooms, including the ever-popular suites like KidKamp™, Wolf Den Suite™ and the KidCabin®. These suites have special areas just for the kids, while adults enjoy perks like fireplaces, whirlpool baths and semi-private sitting areas. Every room in the hotel offers the ever popular Wine Down Service: you choose between four different wines and a sweet or savory side to pair with it. And, after you’ve finished wrangling your bear cubs into bath and bed, your treats will be waiting outside the door—because you’ve already scheduled the arrival time. Genius.

The 80,000 square foot indoor waterpark has all the classic attractions, like Fort Mackenzie, Crooked Creek, Cub Paw (zero-depth entry children’s pool) and Racoon Lagoon—the impressive outdoor pool zone that offers water basketball, kiddie activities, spray features and even heated water!

Insider Tip: The property sits on a total of 51 acres, which means there is room for even more additions in the future!

photo: Great Wolf Lodge

2. You’ll be able to build your own fort this summer.
Starting May 25, you’ll be able to pick up a custom-designed fort kit for your room, that comes complete with two colored sheets, clothespins for pinning, a camp lantern and a Fort Kit tag. Pick from various colors including red, beige and grey. The best part? The forts are washable and reusable, which means you’ll be able to take them home to continue the fun. Find them at the Buckhorn Exchange retail store for $30.

photo: Gabby Cullen

3. Kids with allergies have a friend at Great Wolf Lodge. 
Great Wolf Lodge wants to make sure everyone has a break from the grind of daily life. Everything cooked and prepared on-site is nut free (and no peanut oil). If your kid is dealing with different type of allergy, simply email the chef your concerns—he’ll work with you to prepare a menu that’s safe for your child.

photo: Great Wolf Lodge

4. The same activities and perks you know and love are still here. 
Great Wolf Lodge is known for their non-stop, action-packed days of fun. There’s the Clock Tower Show that starts at 9 a.m. every day. There’s also Wiley Bingo, face painting, hula hoop contests, chemistry fun, Glow Dance Parties on Friday and Saturday nights (don’t be surprised if it becomes a bubble dance party!), the Master Magi Ceremony and much more. Did we mention there’s still an 80,000 square foot water park to explore?

Insider Tip: For a small fee you can ask for late checkout (2 p.m.), giving you more time to get your stuff together before you leave for the day. But even if you check out at 11 a.m., your wristband gives you access to the waterpark until closing that day! Stash your luggage in the car and then hit the waterpark, where you can shower before getting dressed and prying yourself away from the property (lockers are available for a small fee).

photo: Great Wolf Lodge

5. Great Wolf Lodge takes safety seriously.
When you hit the water at Great Wolf Lodge, you’ll see the numerous lifeguards constantly on the lookout. They “scan” continuously, which means they’ve always got eyes on their section of the park. Each and every lifeguard goes through hours of training, are graded by an outside company, and have never garnered less than platinum status. And, while all kids ages 18 & under should be accompanied by an adult at all times, you can rest assured knowing that the on-site staff is well prepared for an emergency. They even offer up handy water safety tips for summer!

photo: Great Wolf Lodge

6. It’s easy to get there.
Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine is 6.7 miles away (15-minute drive) from DFW International Airport. Shuttle services are plentiful and available at bargain prices. It’s also just a few miles off the freeway (Texas 121), making the drive a breeze.

photo: Great Wolf Lodge

7. There are great deals happening right now.
Right now, Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine is offering 25% off the standard rate for a visit in July and 50% off the standard rate if you book up to 60 days early.

Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine
100 Great Wolf Drive
Grapevine, TX 76501

Call: 800.693.9653
Online: greatwolf.com/grapevine 

— Gabby Cullen

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Thanks to Great Wolf Lodge for hosting; while portions of this trip were paid by Great Wolf Lodge, the opinions expressed here are the writer’s own. 

 

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A Mom’s Guide to a Mother-Daughter Road Trips

By Courtney Blacher

Being a single mom is an all-day, everyday job. You don’t get a lot of breaks or time to not be a mom. One of the things that are really important to me as a mom is making sure that Reese is fearless and doesn’t allow “being a girl” to stop her. So many times as women we are told not to do certain things (like travel) alone because they just aren’t safe.

When you’re a single woman and you’re traveling, that can become even more complicated. Not only are you concerned about keeping yourself safe, you also have to protect these precious babies of yours. That doesn’t mean that you have to stop traveling altogether, that just means that it is time for you to start considering safety first.

Reese and I are headed out this summer on a West Coast road trip and before we do that, I have to check off some items on my safety list. The main objective is to have a great time, and we can’t do that if we don’t get there in one piece! If you’re thinking about packing the kiddos up for a road trip, make sure you keep these safety tips in mind:

Oil Change

For starters, if you’re going to be taking a road trip, you’re going to need to make certain that your car is in tip-top shape. Part of good car maintenance is getting your regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance, especially oil changes. If you’re a hands-on girl, and you know how to change your own oil, you can grab what you need and DIY it.

If you’re not handy at all, don’t worry there are several places that can change your oil for you at a reasonable rate. I like Walmart or I look for coupons on the back of my grocery receipt.

Emergency Kit

There are certain emergencies that are likely to come up when you’re traveling, and much of them are car related. It always really important to be prepared just in case. Put together an emergency kit that includes:

  • Spare tire and/or a fix a flat product
  • Jumper Cables
  • First Aid Kit

If you have all of these items on hand, you’ll be able to deal with whatever comes at you while you’re on the road.

Emergency Roadside Service

Emergency roadside service is a lifesaver. If you can’t change your tire, if you run out of gas, if something goes wrong with the car that you can’t identify, they will be there. It is like having a handyman available to you no matter where you are.

If you haven’t looked into these types of services yet, you are cheating yourself. Take the time to check and make certain you haven’t already paid for this service. Certain car dealers provide roadside assistance when you purchase a new car. Many cell phone providers offer roadside assistance for an additional fee on your bill every month and you can even get it covered under your auto policy. There really is no excuse to be stranded on the side of the road with no help.

Be Well Rested

Never drive when you are tired. Driving when sleepy can actually be just as dangerous as drunk driving. I know that people glorify not stopping to rest on the road, and getting there all in one shot, but you don’t have to be anyone’s hero. Plan on taking breaks along the way. When you’re driving, especially with your children, you want to be alert at all times.

Watch the Gas

The very last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road after having run out of gas. Not only does it put a damper on your time schedule, it can be scary and unsafe and lastly. it’s kinda embarrassing (especially as a woman).

How do you avoid that mishap? You absolutely must watch your gas meter. Keep an eye on your gas, especially when you are driving late at night, in unfamiliar territory, and in unknown locations. It is a terrible feeling to need to get gas and drive mile after mile with no way to determine if your car will make it to the gas station. You don’t want that with your babies in the car. Fill up as soon as the sun goes down, just in case and never let the tank dip below half.

It doesn’t take much to stay safe on the road, just a little prior planning before you hop behind the wheel. You absolutely can get this done!

I’m Courtney! A thirty-something-year-old travel, food, lifest‌yle and family blogger for The World In Four Days. In addition to being a jet-setter, I’m also a wound care nurse and mommy to the cutest little eight-year-old on earth (IG @reesealvarado) 

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15 Ways to Keep Your Trick-or-Treaters Safe This Halloween

by Kristina Moy

We know there are plenty of safe, indoor options for trick-or-treating, but if your plans are taking you outdoors this Halloween, you’ll want to make sure your little ghosts and goblins have the proper gear for a fun and safe adventure. From visible Halloween wear to LED accessories and apps that track your kid’s location, click through the gallery for 15 ways to keep your trick-or-treaters safe and visible while roaming the ‘hood.

Glow-in-the-Dark Tape

For an easy solution, have a roll (or two!) of Glow-in-the-Dark Duck Tape on hand for the big night. You can tape up everyone’s buckets, shoes and costumes for a unique look that’s easy to see from afar, and it even works on those wagons you’ll be using to tote the tiny trick-or-treaters from house to house.

Available at Amazon.com, $12.99 per roll.

How do you keep your kids safe and visible on Halloween? We would love to hear your ideas in the Comments below.

— Kristina Moy & Gabby Cullen

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Genius Ways to Beat the Heat with Baby

by Haley Burress

Hot, humid and sunny – the dog days of summer are here, and even if you love warm weather, you might be wondering what you can do to keep your baby busy and cool. Besides staying within close proximity to your air conditioning vents, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite ways to beat the heat with Baby. Try a few or all of them when temperatures are too hot to bear any longer.

Photo: Jason Trommetter on Flickr creative commons

1. Cool off with delicious frozen treats that both Baby and parents will enjoy. Need some healthy inspiration? Check out our 7 favorite frozen treats and get to freezing.

2. Get the lowdown on how to keep Baby safe in the sun, if you are headed outside. If you need some reliable information and tips, our 10 sun safety tips are the perfect place to start.

Photo: via M Sundstrom on Flickr creative commons

3. Hit the pool. Little ones love the pool, and exposing them to water at a young age can help them grow confidence in the water. Check out your local zero-depth entry pool, or buy a small inflatable pool for your backyard. Add water, a cute swimsuit, parental supervision, and you’ve got a sensory experience that your water babe will love.

4. Check out a splash pad. Chances are, you have a local splash pad or play fountain near you. Bring Baby along to enjoy some water exploration and cool off at the same time. While you don’t need to bring anything but a towel and suit, adding a few small buckets or cups to your bag will add in the excitement.

5. Toddlers love water tables, and once your baby can pull up to stand, you can bet he’ll spend lots of time playing there. Add a few plastic figurines, some small plastic cups, measuring spoons, and even a strainer to increase the play value. Your little one is learning about cause and effect, as well as working on fine motor skills, all while staying cool.

Photo: via Stevie Lee on Flickr creative commons

6. Hit the beach. If you’re lucky enough to live near one and brave the sand, head to the nearby ocean or lake. If you aren’t sure what gear is best to take with you, we’ve got you covered.

7. Introduce your baby to water play, safely in your backyard. Our 10 favorite tips include everything from scooping to freezing, and are guaranteed to keep you both cool.

8. Start up a toy car wash with some a bucket full of water, cups, and sponges. Your little one will love washing up their toy cars, pouring the water, and squeezing the sponges. You’ll love that it keeps everyone cool and is an activity that works on fine motor skills and sensory perception.

Photo: Dirt & Boogers

9. Splash inside. Not all water play needs to be done outside. Stay in the air conditioning and comfort of your own home and have some sensory fun in your bathtub or living room. We love this idea for supervised tummy time that incorporates water discovery.

10. Walk it off. Don’t feel like dealing with a wet baby? If you want to stay cool without swim diapers and sunblock, try changing scenery by taking Baby for an indoor walk. Try your local mall or even Target. It is good for both you and your mini to get out of the house and explore while keeping cool.

11. Watch the clock. To beat the heat, but still enjoy some of your favorite outdoor places, try going at a new time of day. Hit your local zoo in the morning, as soon as it opens, and be home in time for lunch before the heat index becomes unbearable. Or, try hitting your Baby’s favorite park after dinner, when the sun and temperature are lower. Baby can enjoy the swings and be home in time for bath and bed, all without breaking a sweat.

Photo: via Mr. Encyclopedia on Flickr creative commons

12. Head to your local library. Whether you bring your tot to a story time event or just to play and read, the library is always guaranteed entertainment for at least a few hours. Most libraries have more than just books and boast games and sensory activities that your baby will love exploring.

13. Burn some energy by hitting an indoor play space. In many cases, parents don’t pay for admission and your baby can roam free depending on the age. You’ll love giving your little one a time and place for working on gross motor development like crawling and climbing, and you can be he’ll love the adventure.

14. Browse your local pet store for a new adventure. Keep walkers out of the stroller and let them lead the way to the fish tanks and puppies. Younger babies would do great in a carrier so that they can see, and hear, more of the animals and sounds.

Photo: via Gordon on Flickr creative commons

15. Kick it old school with a little hose and sprinkler play. Baby will love squirting Mama’s feet with the hose and trying out bravery with the sprinkler. While the sprinkler works best with walking kids, you can always carry Baby to the sprinkler and let her touch the water with her toes or hands without getting a face full of water.

16. For a cool sensory craft, freeze ice cubes with popsicle sticks and food coloring to use for your baby to “paint” on paper. Be sure to supervise the artist (who may try to eat the ice cubes!) at work, and if you don’t want to paint, you can simply let Baby explore the colors on a baking sheet or paper towel.

17. Paint with water. Speaking of painting, clear off a space of your cement patio or sidewalk and fill a bucket with water. Add a few sponges and large paint brushes and help your toddler “paint” the sidewalk with water. Make designs, watch them disappear as the sun dries up the water, and paint some more.

18. Hit the road. Remember, even errands can entertain a baby. Run through a Sonic Happy Hour to grab a drink for yourself, and hit your local drive through car wash. There’s quite a bit of excitement and new experience for Baby, and you can talk to them about the process. Older babies will love it, younger babies might fall asleep. Either way, it’s a win and everyone stays cool.

How are you staying cool with your baby this summer? Tell us in a Comment.

–Haley Burress

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High Octane Adventures For Extreme Families

by Shari Wargo Stamps

If a stroll through the park isn’t action-packed enough for your adventurous brood, it may be time to try out some extreme family fun. From jumping out of a perfectly good airplane to climbing to great new heights, you’ll find a fix for your crew of adrenaline junkies right here.


Photo Credit: iFly SF Bay

Families With a Need For Speed

From sock races to laps in the pool, some families just like to do things a little faster than others. The Bay Area offers some fun ways to race with friends and family to satisfy your need for speed without compromising safety.


Photo Credit: GoKart Race

GoKart Racer
For the family who loves racing but wants just a bit more, GoKart Racer is the place to visit. Here, you can enjoy snacks from the cafe, pool tables, a lazer maze, arcade games, and choose from one of three racing tracks and sessions for kart racing! Ages 8 and up will have a blast playing the day away at either of the two GoKart Racer locations.

1541 Adrian Rd.
Burlingame, Ca
650-692-7223
Online: gokartracer.com

1430 Enterprise Blvd.
West Sacramento, Ca
916-604-7223
Online: gokartracer.com

K1 Speed Racing
With three fabulously centered locations in the greater Bay Area, K1 Speed Racing is the European style, zero-emission go-kart racing center of your dreams. Go up to 45 mph on tight turns co-designed by pro race car driver Boris Said to fit the standard of real racing. Whether it’s parent’s night out, a birthday party for your little adrenaline junkie or a family outing, K1 Speed Racing has you covered. Choose from a party package or buy races as you go.

2925 Mead Ave.
Santa Clara, Ca
Online: k1speed.com/santa-clara-location.html

S. San Francisco
160 Beacon St.
South San Francisco, Ca
Online: k1speed.com/san-francisco-location.html

K1 Speed Sacramento
3130 Bradshaw Rd.
Sacramento, Ca
Online: k1speed.com/sacramento-location.html

Families Who Can’t Keep Their Feet On the Ground

If “I Believe I can Fly” is your family motto and own personal jam, then some off-the-ground adventures may be more your family’s taste. Try a high-powered freefall with grandma, or watch your 16-year-old fly solo in his own plane!


Photo Credit: iFly SF Bay

iFly SF Bay
Ages 3 to 103 enjoy the exhilaration of free fall flight within the safety of a 1000 horse power vertical wind tunnel with experienced instructors at iFly SF Bay. Each flight is just 2 minutes, but equal to the free fall of two jumps out of the airplane, so even the pros visit iFly to practice their technique. Families can fly alone or get a group package with pictures and video clips, and schools have the option of teaching science class in-flight!

31310 Alvarado-Niles Rd.
Union City, Ca
510-489-4359
Online: sfbay.iflyworld.com

Oakland Flyers Club
It’s never too early to earn your wings, but you do have to be 16 to go out on your own solo flight. Get the family together for some up close and dazzling flying lessons.

8135 Earhart Rd.
Oakland, Ca
510-568-3317
Online: oaklandflyers.com

California Airways
Whether your family wants to learn how to fly, or just have a pretty cool airplane birthday party, this local hot spot is ready to help you soar.

22693 Hesperian Blvd., Ste. 220
Hayward, Ca
510-887-7686
Online: california-airways.com

Bay Area Glider Rides
Do you know what it feels like to soar through the air using the momentum created from an airplane? Try gliding. Taking a trip to Hollister for an afternoon of gliding (they offer rides and lessons) is a can’t-miss trip (and they have a Groupon right now).

90 Skylane Dr., suite 101
Hollister, Ca
888-467-6276
Online: bayareagliderrides.com

East Bay Hang Gliding
Have you ever wanted to fly like a bird? Now you can. Hang gliding is said to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that hooks you in and makes you feel like a kid again. East Bay Hang Gliding prides itself in teaching educated gliders who use proper technique their entire careers. Choose from a single flight or entire lesson package. Family members ages 5 and up can fly together or alone throughout the East Bay!

Milpitas, Ca
707-373-0964
Online: eastbayhanggliding.com

Families Who Like to Get Their Feet Wet

If hearing the calming sound of water, or feeling the cool rush that comes from brushing with rapids is your idea of adventure, a white water rafting trip or kayak tour may be the right activity for you. San Francisco has several options available for novice and expert water faring families alike.


Photo Credit: Flickr user Pete Bellis

Action Whitewater Adventures
Whether you prefer constant rapids, or the excitement of calm waters with class three rapids, the whole family is guaranteed to have a blast traveling the American River followed by a tasty barbecue with Action Whitewater Adventures.

Lotus, Ca
530-621-1315
Online: actionwhitewater.com

City Kayak
Taking a ride in a kayak is fun on a lake, but it’s even better with magnificent views! Ages 8 and up can Kayak under the Golden Gate Bridge, tour the city from the water, enjoy a twilight trip, or paddle over to Alcatraz and Treasure Island. Want to try out paddle boarding? City Kayak rents the gear and teaches classes for stand up paddle boarding too!

Pier 40
San Francisco, Ca
415-294-1050
Online: citykayak.com

San Francisco Kayak
Join the fun on a small group adventure with a sit-in kayak as you observe the beautiful sea life of San Francisco. If you’re a fan of hiking San Francisco Kayak leads hiking adventures, too — walk among the giant redwoods of Muir Woods or follow a cliff-side trail to Alamere Falls!

350 Townsend
San Francisco, Ca
415-787-2628
Online: sfkayak.com

Adventurous Sports Studio
Ever wondered how you could perfect your surfing technique out of the water? Adventurous Sports Studio has just the set up for you and yours to learn all the techniques you need to know before you head out on open waters. Let the skilled team at Adventurous Sports Studio asses your technique, give you guidance, and then direct you in the real thing! Check out the studio’s snowboard and ski prep center, and kids’ spy camp, too!

650 Florida St., Ste. L
San Francisco, Ca
415-397-7678
Online: adventurous.com

Families Who Reach For the Top

Whether you prefer climbing an indoor wall or the side of Mother Nature, your family can always make time for a good climb with the Bay Area’s selection of climbing structures.

Photo Credit: Mission Cliffs

Bridges Rock Gym
Similar to Planet Granite, Bridges Rock Gym offers both rock climbing and several other fitness options, camps and after school activities. Birthday parties are a blast here, and climbing without a rope on low walls is a specialty. Ages 5 and up will enjoy learning all about slacking, safety tips, climbing knots, and anchors. It’s a great place for events and family outings, or to spend some time alone and hone in on your skills in a private lesson.

5635 San Diego St.
El Cerrito, Ca
510-525-5635
Online: bridgesrockgym.com/Kids

Touchstone Climbing
Since 1995 Touchstone climbing has been amazing Bay Area residents with their 50-foot high lead wall with 23,000 square feet of climbing area and 2,000 square feet of bouldering (low wall climbing). While Touchstone offers climbing clubs for kids with the opportunity for competitive climbing, they also offer events, birthday parties, yoga classes, top-notch safety, and climbing classes.

Mission Cliffs
2295 Harrison St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-550-0515
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/mission-cliffs

Dogpatch Boulders
2573 3rd St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-800-8121
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/dogpatch-boulders

Berkely Ironworks
800 Potter St.
Berkeley, Ca
510-981-9900
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/ironworks

Great Western Power Co.
520 20th St.
Oakland, Ca
510-452-2022
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/gwpower-co

Diablo Rock Gym
1220 Diamond Way, Ste. 140
Concord, Ca
925-602-1000
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/diablorock

Studio Climbing
396 S. First St.
San Jose, Ca
408-998-4000
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/the-studio

Planet Granite
Ages 8 and up will adore the after school activities, Summer camps and birthday parties available at Planet Granite. If family time is your goal, then Friday Night Climb N’ Dine is a must-try. Have a family member who isn’t quite as into climbing as the rest? Planet Granite is also home to Crossfit and yoga classes.

924 (Old) Mason Street in The Presidio
San Francisco, Ca
415-692-3434
Online: planetgranite.com

100 El Camino Real
Belmont, Ca
650-591-3030
Online: planetgranite.com

815 Stewart Dr.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-991-9090
Online: planetgranite.com

Families Who Like to Get Dirty

Some kids just love to play in the dirt . . . even after bath time. Make local races benefiting real causes a family affair and your kids will have a blast getting dirty while you have fun acting like a kid again. These events are one of few places where it would be weird if you left without mud or paint covering your clothes. Dive in and have fun!

Photo Credit: Flickr user Chill Will

Muckfest
Muckfest is a family friendly event with post-event reception that benefits the National MS Society. Make it through hilarious (and muddy!) courses while supporting a great cause with the family.

Oct. 10, 2015
Solano County Fairgrounds
900 Fairgrounds Dr.
Vallejo, Ca
Online: main.nationalmssociety.org

Color Vibe 5K
Start the race with plain clothes, run through color clouds then come out covered in vibrant colors! This is a fun 5K for all ages benefiting a different local charity at each stop.

Online: thecolorvibe.com

Mud Factor Kidz
A seriously fun muddy obstacle run just for kids. Parents can have a blast at the main event or just walk alongside their kiddo as they attempt the same obstacles during the kid run! Kiddos get the same swag as adults for their big accomplishment, too.

Granite Regional Park
8181 Cucamonga Ave.
Sacramento, Ca
Online: mudfactor.com/mf-kidz/

Are you part of a high-adventure family? Where do you go to get your family fix of adrenaline? Tell us in the comments below! 

—Shari Stamps

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