You want your kids to develop independence and life skills while making special memories with you. At GameTruck, we’re all about helping you play and create family memories. From booking video game or laser tag parties to providing fun activity ideas, we’re helping you rock this parenting thing.  

Use this blog as a beginners cookbook for your kids with no add pop-ups or long recipe back stories about third cousin Sue on your grandpa’s side. This blog delivers recipes, directions, and helpful tips that are straight to the point. 

Here are our top three fall recipes for your kids to experiment with in the kitchen!

Kid-Friendly Fall Recipe 1: Apple Tart

First off, get ready to delight your taste buds with our easy-to-make Apple Puff Pastry, a dessert that marries the sweetness of apples with the lightness of puff pastry.

Ingredients

• 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed, each cut into half or thirds 
• 3 apples, cored, halved, and sliced very thin
• 2/3 c. brown sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• Powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and/or whipped cream, for serving, optional

Directions

• Firstly, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Secondly, spray your pans with nonstick spray for easy removal later.
• Thirdly, place the puff pastry rectangles onto the prepared pans.
• Then, add sugar and salt to your apples and give it a good stir.
• Next, let the apple mixture sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
• After that, arrange the apple slices neatly on top of the pastry rectangles, in a straight line.
• Subsequently, bake for 18 – 20 minutes until they are just right.
• Once the baking time is over, your pastries should look golden brown and perfectly puffy.
• Lastly, quickly remove the tarts from the pans and place them on a serving dish. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Helpful Notes

Additionally, try serving with ice cream, caramel topping, whipped cream, and/or a sprinkling of powdered sugar. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a8881/quick-easy-and-yummy-apple-tart/ 

Kid-Friendly Fall Recipe 2: Sweet Potato Salad

Additionally, prepare to be amazed by our quick and delicious Sweet Potato Salad, perfect for a comforting Fall meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 medium)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons Honey Mustard Dressing (or Balsamic Dressing or Orange Vinaigrette for vegan)
• 2 cups baby arugula (not standard arugula*, plus 2 to 3 cups mixed greens for the plated salad variation)
• 1/2 medium shallot, thinly sliced into half moons
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries
• ¼ cup pepitas
• ¼ cup feta or goat cheese crumbles (optional)

Directions

• To begin with, preheat the oven to 450.
• Next, do not peel the sweet potatoes. Instead, cut them into cubes.
• Afterward, get a big bowl to mix the sweet potatoes with garlic powder, salt, and olive oil.
• Then, put a sheet of parchment paper on the baking sheet and place the sweet potatoes on top. Bake for about 25 minutes. They should be tender and brown on the bottom.
• Finally, in a bowl, mix potatoes, baby arugula, shallot, cranberries, pepitas, and feta or goat cheese crumbles. Add the dressing if desired. Now it’s ready to serve!

Helpful Notes

Additionally, it’s best to only use baby greens! Baby arugula is mild in flavor, but as it matures, it becomes spicier.

However, you can use baby mixed greens or spinach as a substitute.

Note that you can make ahead the roasted sweet potatoes and refrigerate until serving: bring them to room temperature prior to making the salad, or reheat them in the oven.

https://www.acouplecooks.com/sweet-potato-salad/ 

Kid-Friendly Fall Recipe 3: Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge (Allergy Warning!)

Lastly, brace yourself for a simple and mouthwatering dessert with our 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge that can be whipped up in no time.

Ingredients

• ½ cup peanut butter 
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 sheets parchment paper

Directions

• Firstly, whisk peanut butter and maple syrup together in a bowl until well combined.
• Secondly, pour the mixture onto a single sheet of parchment paper. Then, place another sheet of parchment paper on top of the mixture and press down to make sure it’s flat.
• Thirdly, transfer the flattened peanut butter mixture into the freezer for about 10 minutes.
• Finally, roll the mixture into balls and store them in an airtight container.

Helpful Notes

In addition, if you prefer smooth Peanut Butter, you can use that instead of crunchy! Check out this link for more information: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/254845/peanut-butter-freezer-fudge-2-ingredient/

In conclusion, cooking with your kids is not just a fun activity, but also a great way to build new memories and teach them important life skills. Feel free to bookmark this blog in your cookbook or help your kids craft their own to store these fantastic recipes!

Spooky season is upon us! From jack-o-lanterns to delicious treats, Halloween is here. This magical time of year brings back so many childhood memories. As a parent, you want to create these moments for your child. You want them to smile as they dress up as their favorite superhero or princess. Their costume is a unique way of expressing themselves while having fun trick-or-treating. To ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween night, it’s important to follow these Halloween safety tips from your friends at GameTruck.

It’s easy to daydream about the excitement and joy of Halloween night, but it can quickly become a stressful or harmful experience. We never know what will happen. From allergies to strangers to getting lost, you want to protect your kid from these moments to give them the best night ever. Here are five easy ways to practice Halloween safety from your friends at GameTruck. 

1. Increase Visibility for Safe Halloween Trick-or-Treating

As the sun goes down, it can be difficult for drivers to see everyone, especially on busy streets. An easy way to keep kids safe is to increase their visibility. From reflective tape to light color costumes, you want to catch the attention of others to ensure that they’ll see your kiddos. 

If your home has trick-or-treaters visiting, consider making it even safer by ensuring walkways are well-lit and clear from debris. This helps protect visitors from slipping and falling. 

2. Trick-or-Treating in Groups: Enhancing Halloween Safety

If your child is old enough to go trick-or-treating on their own, encourage them to go with friends. An easy way to promote safety is with groups of three or more people. Larger groups of friends increase the fun and offer more protection as there are more eyes and ears in the situation. This will help deter adults with bad intentions. 

3. EpiPen Education for Allergy Safety

If your child or someone in their friend group has an allergy, take a moment to offer EpiPen education. Demonstrate how to use it in an emergency. 

4. Host a GameTruck Halloween Party: Safe and Fun Alternative

Need an alternative to trick-or-treating? Host a spooktacular party with our mobile video game theater! Kids and adults can enjoy safe, warm, and clean fun while showing off their amazing costumes. You can rest easy knowing that our game coaches will do all the set-up and clean-up for your private party while you sit back, relax, and maybe enjoy an uninterrupted adult conversation. Contact your local GameTruck here to check availability. 

5. Clear Communication for Halloween Safety

If your child will go around the neighborhood and/ or visit other ones, always practice clear communication. Discuss the route and plans ahead of time. Do periodic check-ins. When traveling with groups, plans often change, so make sure that these changes are discussed and cleared with you before changes are made. Practicing clear communication is a great way to give your child some freedom and responsibility while keeping them safe. 

Halloween is a fun and magical time of year. Use one or all of these ideas to keep your family safe while giving them the best spooky season yet! 

Learn more about GameTruck’s mobile video game theater parties.

Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out our article on 7 nontraditional fall fun ideas for a frightfully good time!

The responsibility of being a parent wasn’t something I truly understood until I became one. Growing up as the oldest, taking care of siblings, I knew all the physical work, like changing diapers, cooking, washing laundry, etc. However, I never knew the emotional burden of wondering, “Am I raising my child to be good?” 

Until I became a mom, I didn’t grasp the weight of responsibility that lies on a parent’s shoulder in raising a young person of character. I want my children to be compassionate, empathetic people who genuinely care about others. This is one of our main goals as parents. 

Why is Make A Difference Day important?

It can be hard to know where to start in the process of building character within kids, but one great opportunity can be through volunteering. Doing this together as a family is essential because it gives kids a model for how to show compassion, empathy, and generosity. Kids will learn that no age is too young or old to make a difference. We all can have a big impact. 

Make A Difference Day is a great opportunity to start volunteering as a family!

If you’ve been meaning to start volunteering together as a family, October 22nd is National Make A Difference Day. Take this weekend to go on this world-changing, character-developing journey with your kids. Here are seven ways to celebrate Make A Difference Day this year!

Organize a fundraiser

Consider hosting or volunteering with your for your favorite cause! If you need ideas, October is the month for Breast Cancer and Down Syndrome Awareness. Kyron’s Car Show is a fundraiser we support yearly, sponsored by the Kyron Haman Foundation for missing children. If you’d like to join us in this cause, click here to learn more. 

Even if you can’t lead or participate in a fundraiser, take time to learn about a charity or cause and have family conversations about it. These types of discussions can help kids develop respect and compassion toward others. 

Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

This idea is typically a kid’s favorite! Contact your local animal shelter to see how their volunteer process works. Allowing your kids to spend time with animals helps these future adoptees develop good relationships with people, so they’ll be ready for their forever home! 

If you’re looking to adopt a pet, volunteering is a wonderful way to interact with the animals, so you can get a fur baby that is an excellent fit for your family. 

An Act of Kindness

This idea encapsulates that even small gestures can have a significant impact. Choosing to be intentional encourages kids to be on the lookout for opportunities to make a difference every day. They can use their talents and passions to find ways they can help others. 

Partner with your local park

Local parks or recreation centers are great for those who love the outdoors and sports. From cleaning up after events to teaching others about your favorite sport, the recreation department is a fun volunteer outlet to connect with others. 

Help out at the Library

Was Belle your or your child’s favorite Disney princess? Then, this idea might be perfect for you! Most libraries love volunteers. From setting up displays, putting books back, and helping with literacy programs, there are many ways you can use your talents to help others. 

Thank You Cards

Displaying gratitude is an easy way that kids can participate in Make A Difference Day. Recognize those who have gone out of their way to help you. This could be teachers, coaches, friends, and so many others! Creating cards gives kids a chance to be creative while also celebrating the kindness of others. 

Soup Kitchen

This volunteering opportunity can be modified to fit your family schedule and passions. If your kid loves giving items to others, consider having them collect and donate canned food. If your child enjoys spending time, volunteer with them at the local soup kitchen. You two will get a chance to bond and build lasting memories over helping make the world a better place. Some kids enjoy purchasing gifts for others. If this is your kiddo, they could work for an allowance, take that money to the store, and buy the items they want to give. 

Celebrating Make a Difference Day is a great first step towards developing a family culture that prioritizes compassion and empathy towards others. Consider doing something on this list, or come up with your own. No matter what you choose to do, know that you are setting an excellent example for your child to model.