Ah, the smell of fresh air, the breeze in my hair, the ants on my food!  Well, you can’t have everything. Actually, I love picnics.  They’re a mindless and rewarding way to spend time with my family with very little muss, fuss or planning.  That is so long as you take care of two things: food and fun.  Let’s start with the food—You know your kids are going to start saying “I’m hungry” the minute you arrive so be prepared.  Go to your local supermarket and pick up a variety of store-bought prepared goodies-sandwiches, wraps, salads, disposable drinks, bags of chips, cookies and fresh fruit and load ‘em up in a cooler or insulated backpack. Ok, so you’ve got that covered. The next words you’re going to hear within  five minutes after they’ve gulped down the food will be:   “I’m bored”! So what follows are just a few simple ideas that will keep your kids busy, won’t ruin your manicure and will make your day truly a ‘walk in the park’ …that and something refreshing like a wine cooler.  Oh yeah,  as for the ants,  here’s a tip to keep them at bay:  Place a fabric dryer sheet or two near where you’re eating and those ants will be two sheets to the wind—dryer sheets that is!  And, don't forget to throw in an extra sweater or blanket, too, just in case Mother Nature is still playing it cool!

A is for A LOT OF ACTIVITIES:  You can never plan too many activities. So while you take a break to catch some rays or a snooze under a tree, here are a few ideas that will be fun for all:
Before you go to the park have your kids make a list of ‘nature’ stuff they have to find—a branch with three leaves, lady bug,  round rock, spot a squirrel, mom lying peacefully on a blanket and anything else they come up with!  They can also lead a bug tour, play  tug of war, jump rope limbo or you can hide different things around a selected area for them to find:  TIP:  More things you bring to hide the longer they’ll be busy and you can relax!
B is for a BOUNTIFUL BACKPACK: Kids love surprises. Pack a backpack or beach bag for each filled with age-appropriate, inexpensive treats and fun things that they can use at the park, beach or wherever! Include things like chalk, bubbles, magnifying lenses, water guns, jump ropes, snack bags and stopwatches (this is great for a contest to see who can sit still the longest!). For older children include their favorite magazine, frisbee, sunglasses, mp3 player and a friend (not in the pack!)!

C is for CLICKIN’ THOSE CAMERAS:  Everyone loves to take pictures. Hand out disposable cameras and let your family shoot away from start to finish. Not only will this keep them busy, it will be a great way to remember what a picture perfect picnic it was! Try saying that three times fast!

Ok, I’m still working on ideas for the letters D and E so forgive me…I’m skipping to  F for now!

F is for FOOD FUN ‘N FIXINS: There are lots of ready made choices available at your supermarket, but if you want to involve your kids and insure they’ll eat what you bring, let them help make something.  Less work for mama too! Some simple ideas include wraps, cheese and fruit kabobs, dips for chips and veggies.

And …G is for Good-bye and have a Good Time!

Amusement Parks and Carnivals:
FRANTIC FREE Tips to Enjoy the Ride!

This is the time of year that millions of us will be lured by our children’s passion for the touring carnival, local fair and excitement of amusement parks. And, though a great source of fun for kids and adults alike, a trip there can be a nerve-wracking experience given the number of accidents, injuries and reports of missing children. Here are some common sense tips so that we can all enjoy the ride and reduce the roller-coaster of emotion that can turn a fun day out, upside down.

1. Teach your child the rules of ride safety before you go. Just as we teach our children traffic, water and bicycle safety rules, acquaint your child with what they need to know (seat belts tightened, hands in ride, no standing, don’t get out ‘til ride completely stops)
2. Get a map of the park and familiarize the whole family with the park before you go.
3. Determine a ‘homebase’ in the event any one strays off.
4. Create teams. Never let one family member roam alone
5. Have some kind of communication device. Bring along two way radios to keep in touch particularly with older kids who may want to venture onto more ‘challenging’ rides. Other options, disposable cell phones with 911, beepers.
6. Always check height, weight and age requirements of rides.
7. Don’t panic if something goes wrong on a ride. Particularly at amusement parks, the employees are trained to respond properly.
8. Don’t let young children go into the bathroom unattended.
9. Use your common sense. Look at the rides and the attendant. If you see something broken, worn or if you notice that an attendant is not paying attention to the ride and its riders, move on.
10. Now, enjoy the ride. Just pay attention.