Family Staycation Ideas You Need to Try

Family Staycation Ideas for this Summer

Who said you need to travel miles away to have a fantastic summer vacation? With the right family staycation ideas, you can turn your home into a summer paradise. We’re here to guide you through some fun-filled activities and themes that can make your family staycation as thrilling as any far-flung getaway. Let’s dive right in!

go camping in the backyard on your staycation

DIY Home Camp Setup

Turn your backyard into a fun-filled campground! Setting up tents, telling stories around a faux campfire, and stargazing can bring the wilderness adventure right to your backyard. Include fun camp games and don’t forget the essential camping treat – s’mores!

do dress up days on staycation. thrift and take pictures

Themed Days

Make each day of your staycation unique with a different theme. A beach day could involve sandboxes, kiddie pools, and fruity drinks. Movie day could see you creating a homemade theater, complete with popcorn and a family-friendly flick. For science day, conduct simple yet exciting experiments. Let your creativity run wild!

planning ahead can help with summer activities for kids

Indoor and Backyard Activities

The beauty of a staycation is the flexibility it affords. From crafting sessions to treasure hunts, your house and backyard are playgrounds waiting to be explored. How about a backyard Olympics or an indoor dance-off? The sky’s the limit!

cook together and bake with kids for an activity to do with kids.

Family Cooking and Baking Ideas

Use this staycation to discover new recipes and involve the kids in cooking. From homemade pizzas to decorating cupcakes, there’s a bounty of culinary adventures awaiting your family. Plus, these activities also teach kids valuable skills and foster a love for cooking.

play board games with kids to beat summer boredom

Fun and Educational Board Games

Board games are a great way to keep the fun indoors. They not only keep your family entertained but also stimulate cognitive skills. Games like Scrabble can improve vocabulary, while Monopoly can impart basic money management skills. So, break out those board games and let the fun begin!

Staycation idea for kids. GameTruck party is a mobile gaming theater that can come to your house!

GameTruck Party

Want to level up your staycation? Consider hosting a GameTruck party! GameTruck delivers excitement to your doorstep with a truck full of video games, consoles, and a GameCoach to guide the play. This can be a fantastic idea for a block party or a large family gathering. So, get in touch with your local GameTruck and make your staycation unforgettable!

Summary

There you have it! With these fun-filled family staycation ideas, your home will transform into the ultimate summer paradise. Remember, the goal is to create joyful memories and deepen your family bond. So, get started on your family staycation and make this summer one for the books!

Have a birthday coming up? Try GameTruck!

Check out our Complete Guide to Booking a Birthday Party!

Videogames for Kids 2023

A Parent’s Guide for Kids Video Games in 2023

Hey there, super parents! As we know, the world of video games for kids can be a minefield to navigate. With new releases hitting the shelves constantly, it can be hard to keep up. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this ultimate guide, we’re going to explore seven of the most exciting new games for kids released in 2023. From Minecraft to Star Wars, we’re covering all the bases. So, buckle up and join us on this epic journey through the gaming world!

We’ve carefully handpicked a selection of games for kids that are not only fun and engaging but also educational and parent-approved. Your kids will love them, and you’ll feel good knowing they’re playing age-appropriate, quality games. Let’s dive in!

Videogames for Kids #1: Minecraft Legends

But, would this be a video game list without the infamous Minecraft? No, it wouldn’t be!

Positives:

  • Encourages creativity and problem-solving
  • Infinite possibilities for building and exploration
  • Multiplayer mode fosters teamwork and social interaction

Negatives:

  • Can be time-consuming
  • May require parental guidance for younger players

Altogether, Minecraft Legends can be a great game for kids to get them playing with friends while learning creativity and problem-solving skills!

Videogames for Kids #2: Advance Wars™ 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

Ready to learn about this Nintendo Switch game? If so, check out these positives and negatives!

Positives:

  • Classic gameplay with modern updates
  • Teaches strategic thinking and decision-making
  • Bright, colorful graphics

Negatives

  • Some in-game combat, albeit cartoonish
  • Younger children may find the strategic gameplay challenging

with all of this, Advance Wars 1+2 may be a great additional to your family’s video game collection!

Videogames for Kids #3: Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection

For number 3, let’s jump into this classic!

Positives:

  • Includes six classic Mega Man games in one package
  • Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Fun, engaging gameplay that’s suitable for kids

Negatives

  • Some in-game combat and mild cartoon violence
  • Difficult boss battles may frustrate younger players

In other words, the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy may be a great game to get your kids connected to a classic!

Videogames for Kids #4: Power Wash Simulator

Positives:

  • Unique and satisfying gameplay
  • Teaches patience and attention to detail
  • Calming, stress-relieving experience

Negatives:

  • Limited variety in gameplay
  • Some players may find it repetitive

All in all, Powe Wash Simulator may be a good game for summer when you just need a moment of silence to save your sanity.

Videogames for Kids #5: Digimon World: Next Order

For number five, we’ve selected this game targeting older, more experienced gamers!

Positives:

  • Engaging story and immersive world
  • Encourages strategic thinking and planning
  • Deep bond-building mechanics with Digimon partners

Negatives:

  • Complex gameplay systems may be challenging for younger kids
  • Some in-game combat, but not overly graphic

In light of the negatives list, Digimon World: Next Order is on this for the older, more experience gamer kids.

Videogames for Kids #6: Football Manager 2023

Positives:

  • Offers an in-depth, realistic football management experience
  • Teaches decision-making and resource management
  • Allows kids to engage with their favorite sport in a new way

Negatives:

  • Complex gameplay may be overwhelming for younger children
  • Limited appeal for those who aren’t football fans

All things considered, Football Manager 2023 may be a fun game for your sports fanatic!

Videogames for Kids #7: Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge

Positives:

  • Immersive, interactive virtual reality experience
  • Engaging story and beloved Star Wars characters
  • Encourages exploration and problem-solving

Negatives:

  • Requires a VR headset, which can be expensive
  • Some mild combat and action scenes

In summary, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge has earned its spot on this list!

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2023 has brought a fantastic lineup of games for kids that are fun and offer valuable learning experiences. From Minecraft Legends to Advance Wars™ 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, these games make learning soft skills fun. So go ahead, choose a game or two from our list! Watch your little ones embark on an exciting new adventure!

Have your kids tried any of these games? Share your experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to recommend this blog to other parents looking for the best games for kids in 2023!

Parents, want to Learn More about Video Games?

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The Mario Movie: A Must-See Family Adventure

Hey there, super parents! Are you looking for a movie to entertain your little ones while still providing a healthy dose of nostalgia for you? Look no further than the Mario Movie, a delightful adaptation of everyone’s favorite video game plumber! From Mushroom Kingdom to Bowser’s Castle, this film has it all. In this fun and casual review, we’ll be exploring the positives and negatives of the Mario Movie. By the end, you’ll be ready to grab your popcorn and set up a family movie night!

We know how tough it can be to find a movie that caters to both kids and parents alike. But the Mario Movie hits that sweet spot! With its colorful visuals, lovable characters, and engaging storyline, it’s an adventure that will have your kids on the edge of their seats. Plus, you’ll love the nostalgic nods to the original video games. So let’s-a go and dive into the exciting world of Mario and his friends!

Positives of the Mario Movie

A Visual Feast for the Eyes

The Mario Movie is nothing short of an animated masterpiece. The vibrant colors and smooth animations will have your kids fully immersed in the magical world of Mario. The movie’s creators have lovingly crafted every detail, from the lush green hills of Mushroom Kingdom to the fiery pits of Bowser’s Castle.

Engaging Storyline

The movie’s storyline is an exciting roller-coaster ride that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Mario and his friends must save Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser, all while navigating treacherous obstacles and solving puzzles. The fast-paced narrative ensures there’s never a dull moment!

Iconic Characters

The Mario Movie features all the beloved characters from the franchise, including Luigi, Yoshi, Toad, and of course, Mario himself. Their personalities shine through, giving kids the chance to bond with their new favorite heroes.

Positive Messages

The film emphasizes teamwork, friendship, and perseverance – values that are essential for young children. Watching Mario and his friends work together to overcome challenges is a great way to teach kids the importance of collaboration and never giving up.

Negatives of the Mario Movie

The Pacing

While the fast-paced nature of the Mario Movie is engaging, it may be a bit too much for younger children. Some scenes might feel overwhelming, so be prepared to pause the movie and help your little ones digest what’s happening.

Some Scary Scenes

Bowser’s Castle, with its lava pits and menacing guards, can be quite intimidating for younger viewers. Parents may want to sit close by during these scenes to reassure their little ones.

In conclusion, the Mario Movie is a fantastic choice for a family movie night. It offers a perfect blend of nostalgia for parents and exciting entertainment for kids. Despite some minor drawbacks, the movie’s positives far outweigh the negatives. So gather your little ones, cozy up on the couch, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with Mario and his friends!

Have you seen the Mario Movie yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to recommend this blog to other parents in search of their

Keep the Mario Fun Going!

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