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Believe it or not, school is going to be back in session before you know it. Where the summer went, we have no idea. You’ve already got the kids’ BTS breakfasts planned and they have their new lunchboxes picked out (crucial), so it’s time to spend the rest of the summer wisely. Break up all the time spent poolside, and get the kids in the kitchen for some fun projects. Whether you try making dessert sushi together or experiment with homemade butter, the bonding time you’ll get from these 12 activities are priceless.
Apple Fruit Donuts
This alternative to the real deal is much healthier, and they can have fun decorating them however they want. (via Hello Wonderful)
Bread in a Bag
Nothing can teach kids (or adults) patience quite like making bread from scratch. They’ll get to learn about the process of yeast activation, and thanks to the bag, the mess will be minimal. (via Your Homebased Mom)
Candy Dots With Kool-Aid
This no-bake recipe requires only three ingredients and a few strips of parchment paper to come together. Let the kids take turns mixing the flavors and piping the dots in various sizes. (via This Grandma Is Fun)
DIY Candy Necklaces
You’ve got to love jewelry that doubles as an afternoon snack. Have the kids string Fruit Loops, alphabet pretzels, and gummy Life Savers on a string for tasty hand-eye coordination practice. (via Design Improvised)
Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Bananas
The kiddos are going to have so much fun making their own chocolate-dipped bananas. Set out a plethora of various nuts, coconut, and sprinkles, and let them go to town. (via Sugar Hero)
Homemade Butter Science Activity Make Butter in a Jar
Science experiments shouldn’t stop when school lets out for summer. Play Ms. Frizzle and teach them about fat molecules by letting them make their own butter from heavy cream. (via Little Bins for Little Hands)
Mini Jell-O Aquariums
The little ones will cherish these cute DIY Jell-O aquariums. The Nerds, blue Jell-O, and Swedish Fish make for a tasty snack, but the end result is so cute they may not want to eat them. (via Confessions of a Cookbook Queen)
Lawn Mower Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re babysitting and need to keep the kids busy for a while, these edible lawn mowers will give you a quiet afternoon. Give them instructions on how to assemble them, and then set them free to do their own version. (via In the Kids Kitchen)
Teddy Bear Jell-O Pool
If you can’t make it to the pool or beach, these adorable Jell-O pools are an entertaining indoor alternative. Each cup gets teddy bear sunbathers, gummy pool floats, and a mini umbrella for shade. (via I Heart Naptime)
Marshmallow Treat Sushi
Monkey see, monkey do. If you’re always eating sushi, the kids will love the chance to make a dessert version that they can eat with chopsticks just like you. (via Jelly Toast)
Ocean Floats
Blue punch, lemon-lime soda, and vanilla ice cream create a beautiful float when mixed together with fish candies. Make it a whole ocean day and watch Finding Nemo and Finding Dory on repeat. (via The Crafting Chicks)
Under the Sea Graham Crackers
For this artsy activity, you’ll need whole graham crackers and crumbs, Goldfish, blue frosting, white ball sprinkles, and red and green sprinkles. (via The First Year)
More From Food Adulting
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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