Category: Family Fun

Categories
Blog Family Fun

Kid-Friendly Crafts for Fall Fun!

Whether you’re looking to get crafty with natural materials or simply be inspired by nature, here are some fun ways for kiddos to tap into their creativity this fall. 

 

Painted Pumpkins

 

Carving pumpkins is a lot of fun, but it can also be incredibly messy, and with small children, mom or dad generally end up doing 95% of the pumpkin carving. Painting pumpkins is a great alternative that is pumpkin gut-free and no sharp carving tools required!

 

Painting a goofy or spooky face is always a classic, but the range of pumpkin painting ideas is nearly endless. Older kids may do better with acrylic paint, but for the littles, keep things easy and opt for washable paint. 

 

Leaf Turkeys

 

Making a leaf turkey is a simple craft that children of all ages enjoy and can be done with just a few inexpensive materials. You’ll need some brown and orange construction paper for the turkey’s body and beak, a pair of googly eyes, scissors, and glue. 

 

This is a good project once the leaves start turning colors since you’ll want to head into the yard to grab around a dozen leaves for the turkey’s feathers. 

 

Thanksgiving Cards

 

Nurturing gratitude in kids is important for helping them grow into healthy adults, and everyone loves getting a hand-written card. 

 

It doesn’t have to be something elaborate. Your child could draw a festive picture, the favorite activity of the person they’re giving the card to, or simply write a message expressing gratitude for this person in their life. The important thing is helping kids to recognize and express thanks to friends and family. 

 

Leaf Rubbings

 

Leaf rubbings are a super easy craft… and one more way to make use of all those leaves that have fallen in the yard. 

 

You’ll need: 

  • Crayons
  • White paper
  • Leaves of various shapes and sizes

 

Peel the paper off your crayons and place the paper over your leaves. You can either do each leaf individually or arrange them in a pattern. 

 

Hold the crayon sideways and gently rub it over the paper area on top of the leaf to reveal the leaf’s texture underneath. 

 

Thanksgiving Table Art

 

Most people don’t have the chops or time to go all out Martha Stewart style when it comes to making a Thanksgiving table centerpiece. Getting your kids involved in the decorating is a great way to keep them busy while they’re home from school and, hopefully, free you up to focus on the meal. 

 

Here are a few easy craft ideas for kids that double as table art:

 

  • Have kids paint funny faces and glue paper feathers on gourds and baby pumpkins to create mini turkeys
  • Fill soda bottles with colorful popcorn kernels or dried beans and use them as candle holders
  • Gather up colorful leaves and have kids place them between two sticky pieces of contact paper to make placemats
  • Use some paint, construction paper, and cardboard rings to make festive napkin rings for the big meal. 

 

These craft ideas will not only keep your crew busy and having fun but give your home a festive touch of fall. 

To learn more about the Crosswinds master-planned community and available inventory of homes, contact our team today.

Categories
Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Mastering Meal Prep: Time-Saving Strategies for Busy Families

Families are busier than ever, but thankfully, meal prep is one area of life where a few time-saving strategies can make all the difference. 

 

Make a Meal Plan

 

The first step to any good meal plan is creating a master list of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) that you know your family will actually eat. You’ll want to be sure and mix in enough variety so that your family members aren’t rolling their eyes by week three. 

 

From there, you’ll need to decide on what meals you plan on cooking that week and take inventory of what’s already in the kitchen before you head to the grocery store. You’ll want to do this around the same day each week to get in the habit of making this part of the weekly routine. 

 

Freezer Meals for Busy Days

 

Even with a good meal plan, there are probably going to be those days when, by 9 AM, it’s obvious that there’s not going to be enough time in the day to cook a full meal. This is where the freezer meal backup plan comes in. 

 

You’ll want to carve out some time in your schedule when you know you can make an extra meal that you can put in the freezer for those super busy days. How many you want to keep on deck is up to you (and how big your freezer is), but two or three never hurts. 

 

Some meals freeze better than others, so be sure to pick recipes that thaw well. Stews and casseroles are usually a safe bet. 

 

Simplify Recipes

 

Everyone likes a home-cooked meal made from scratch. The problem is that “from scratch” can be very time-consuming. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to simplify many classic recipes and still deliver a delicious meal the family will love. 

 

Here are a few simple ways to take some of the work out of recipes:

 

  • Opt for canned veggies over fresh
  • Buy frozen or pre-sliced veggies
  • Ask your grocery butcher to slice the meat you’d like to buy
  • Invest in an Instant Pot or Crock Pot
  • Instead of slicing garlic or ginger, buy the already-minced version
  • Toss your meats and veggies on a baking sheet for an easy sheet pan dinner
  • Make use of a preheating oven for roasting veggies that aren’t as sensitive to a fully heated oven

 

Involve the Family

 

There’s no reason not to get the entire family involved if they’re going to be eating the food, too. (Okay, babies and toddlers might be more trouble in the kitchen than help, but everyone else…) Bringing in the entire family to help with some aspect of the meal prep can take part of the load off your shoulders and will also help children be more confident and independent in the kitchen. 

 

Even if it’s something as simple as grabbing a box of pasta from the pantry, dumping in a can of corn, or stirring a pot of chicken noodle soup, kids (and spouses) will gradually feel more comfortable and probably even enjoy helping with meal prep. 

A well-designed and functional kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to meal prep. To learn more about the amenities and floor plans of the homes in the Crosswinds community, contact our team today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun

Fall Favorites and Family Fun

One of the best things about fall is the festivals. There is no shortage of fall festivals to be enjoyed in the Texas Hill Country, and one of them can be found right down the road from Kyle at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in nearby Georgetown, Texas. 

 

Here’s the scoop on everything you need to know about the 2024 Central Texas Fall Festival. 

 

Where and When

 

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is a popular attraction in Georgetown, about an hour’s drive from Kyle. The farm is more than simply a place to pick and buy fresh fruit, though; it’s also a petting zoo and adventure destination, making it a great weekend destination for families. 

 

Located at 14400 E State Hwy 29, the festival runs from September 21st – November 8th. You’ll need to plan your trip accordingly, though, because the festival and select events only happen on certain days and times. 

 

Sept | Everyday | 9am – 6pm

October | Sun – Thursday | 9am-8pm

October | Fri & Sat |  9am-10pm

 

Early bird tickets start at $12.49 for guests ages 2+, and regular sale tickets are $24.95.

 

What to Expect

 

The Central Texas Fall Festival is sure to be a hit with kids, but it’s also a great option for a date, as there’s plenty to do and see. 

 

The festival includes daily activities like a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, apple cannons, and dozens more farm-related activities. There are even pig races and a fireworks show on Friday and Saturday nights in October. 

 

A major highlight and one not to be missed is the corn maze and adjacent pumpkin patch. The corn maze covers 4.5 acres and is perfect for exploring or an impromptu game of hide-and-seek. This year’s maze was designed with a prehistoric dinosaur theme, and it’s one of the largest corn mazes in the state. 

 

The pumpkin patch is also a popular spot for photo opportunities and includes over 40 varieties of pumpkins in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Kiddos will love searching for that perfect pumpkin that they can take home and carve or paint for free at the farm. 

 

More Fun

 

From falconry shows with soaring and swooping birds of prey to Zoofari, where guests can learn all about animals such as lemurs, toucans, and kangaroos, there’s no shortage of cool things to check out. 

 

Two especially popular activities guests won’t want to skip are the apple cannons and candy cannons. The apple cannon is an air-powered cannon that lets guests take aim at targets and blast apples out of a barrel at more than 50 mph. The candy cannon, on the other hand, is a massive cannon on the back of a truck that shoots out 80 pounds of candy at a time into the air. Needless to say, it’s a highlight with the kids. 

With so much to do in the Central Texas area, it’s no wonder why so many people are moving to Kyle. If you’d like to know more about all this area has to offer and find a home that fits your family’s needs, reach out to us to learn more about the Crosswinds community.

Categories
Blog Events Family Fun Tips

Headstart on the Holidays

It may still be plenty hot in Texas, but make no mistake about it… fall is on the way! From Halloween all the way up through the Christmas season, here are a few pointers to help you get a head start on the holidays. 

 

Get Your Home Prepped Inside and Out

 

From Halloween parties to Thanksgiving meals and New Year’s soirees, a home can see a lot of foot traffic during the holiday season. In order you save yourself some time (and stress), a little bit of prep work in advance can go a long way. 

 

  • Prep your lawn with the final fertilization of the season and give it a one-last mow once you’ve raked and bagged the last of the leaves. 

 

  • Seal up any air leaks around draft doors or windows. 

 

  • Repair any damaged walkways and add adequate lighting since the days will be getting shorter. 

 

  • Add some curb appeal to your front door with a festive wreath. 

 

  • Give your carpets and drapes a thorough cleaning.

 

  • Take some time to dust the interior light fixtures in your home, as well as ceiling fans. 

 

  • Clean your baseboards and touch up any interior/exterior paint blemishes. 

 

Holiday Budgeting 

 

The holiday season is a lot of fun, but all of that fun can also take a heavy toll on your bank account. There’s still plenty of time, however, to work out a game plan for your holiday budget so you’re not looking at a stack of unpaid bills come January. 

 

  1. List out your holiday expenses. Write out a detailed list of what you can afford to spend for holiday travel, decorations, food, gifts, etc. It’s best to break this up per holiday and give yourself some flex room. 

 

  1. Resist using credit cards as much as possible. Yes, they’re convenient, but making gifts or any sort of frivolous purchase will only leave you with a bigger bill to pay once the holiday season has passed. Unless you’re disciplined to pay your credit card down in full at the end of each month, opt for cash as much as possible. 

 

  1. Don’t be afraid to set financial boundaries. If you have more expenses this year than the previous, then be upfront with your family that you’re working with a tighter budget and may have to cut back on travel or gift spending.

 

Recruit Some Help

 

Setting up a killer haunted house for the neighborhood kids or hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for 15 people is a lot of work – so don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you have a friend or family member who is especially good at decorating, then ask if they’d be willing to help out for an afternoon. Are your pie-making skills lacking but your aunt is a baking champion? Then, be sure to tell her how much you admire her pies and ask if she’d be willing to handle dessert duty at Christmas dinner. 

 

Nearly everyone is busy during the holidays, but people also tend to be especially open to helping out and spreading a little holiday cheer, so reach out and ask for a helping hand. 

Looking for the perfect home to settle into this fall? Go ahead and contact the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun TX

Weekend Getaway to San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in Texas and became a city nearly 60 years before the United States gained its independence. Most famously known for the Alamo and the bloody battle that took place there during the Texas Revolution, there’s plenty for modern-day visitors to discover in this historic and vibrant city that’s only an hour’s drive from Kyle. 

 

Stroll the Riverwalk

 

No weekend getaway to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the Riverwalk. Truth be told, you could probably spend an entire weekend just in the Riverwalk area and not get bored with all there is to do. 

 

Kick things off with a Go River Cruise to see things from a floating perspective and then simply explore it on foot, stopping in at any shops or restaurants that happen to catch your eye. There are also plenty of spots along the Riverwalk, like the Red Tunnel, Grotto, and Casa Rio umbrellas that make for amazing photo opportunities. 

 

Take in the Nightlife

 

There are plenty of bars to grab a cocktail at along the Riverwalk, but if you’re looking to venture out a little bit more, San Antonio has lots of nightlife to offer. 

 

Paramour is one of the city’s premier rooftop bars and offers fantastic views of the city along with an extensive cocktail and wine menu. There’s even bottle service if you want to feel extra fancy. 

 

If you’re looking for something a bit more chill, then consider checking out El Camino in downtown SA. There’s always a collection of food trucks parked right outside and with a full beer and cocktail menu, it’s hard not to have a good time at this festive spot. 

 

San Antonio has some great live music venues, and Paper Tiger holds its own. Most shows are under $30, and with acts spanning indie, punk, hip-hop, electronica, and country, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with music fans. 

 

Shop ‘til You Drop

 

With everything ranging from name-brand stores to local boutiques, there’s plenty of reason to work a little bit of shopping into a San Antonio weekend. 

 

If you’re a sucker for a good mall, then be sure to check out North Star Mall on busy San Pedro Avenue. You’ll find major retailers and department stores such as Louis Vuitton, Juicy Couture, H&M, Apple, Dillard’s, and JCPenny. And like any good mall, the food court has plenty to offer when hunger hits. 

 

Be sure not to sleep on the many boutique stores found throughout San Antonio as well. Historic Market Square is a three-block outdoor plaza that is home to the largest Mexican market in the United States, offering everything from clothing to art and jewelry. 

 

Eats and Drinks

 

Downtown boasts well over 100 restaurants with favorites like NONNA Osteria and Domingo Restaurante finding themselves on nearly any “must-visit” list. 

 

Venture over to the Pearl District and you’ll discover everything from mouth-watering Mediterranean at Ladino to American comfort food at Full Goods Dinner. Whatever you’re craving, you can probably find it here. 

With so much to do in San Antonio, it’s easy to see why this Texas city has been attracting visitors for over 300 years. But after a long weekend, it’s always good to come back to a home you love. If you’re looking for your dream home, reach out to our team to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

Categories
Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Flicks & Fun: Unforgettable Movie Night Ideas

A bowl of popcorn, a comfy blanket, and maybe a box of candy or soda are all you need for a classic movie night. While we can’t offer any advice for helping everyone agree on the same movie, we do have a few suggestions for creating an unforgettable movie night the entire family will enjoy. 

 

Movie Night in the Park 

 

There’s just something about watching a movie in the park with a huge group of people that adds something special. The city of Kyle has been showing movies in the park once a month all summer. If you’ve missed previous movie nights, you’re in luck because there’s still one more on September 20. 

 

Grab the family and head over to the Gregg-Clarke Park basketball courts, 1231 W. Center Street, for a 7 PM movie. Blankets, chairs, food, and coolers are allowed, and you may even win a raffle prize. The September 20 movie will be the animated comedy Migration, rated G.

 

Drive-in Movies

 

If you’ve never been to a drive-in movie, it’s a retro blast from the past that is completely different than the standard movie theater experience. It’s the quintessential throwback date night and is equally fun for a family outing as well. 

 

Austin’s Doc’s Drive-in Theatre shows both classic and new releases and has a full snack bar to satisfy any movie night cravings that are sure to pop up. Doc’s is also a bit cheaper than the standard movie theater ticket. Tickets are $10 for guests 12 and up and $6 for children ages 4 to 11. Kids 3 and under are free. 

 

Set up a Projector

 

Taking movie night from the small screen to the big screen in your own home is easier than ever. Movie projectors are both better and more affordable than they’ve ever been and allow you to turn an entire wall into a screen for movie night. 

 

For an added dose of fun, consider setting the projector up outside in the yard or driveway and use a bedsheet as a screen for a movie night under the stars.

 

Pillow Fort Fun

 

This one’s for the little kids or just the young at heart. Why not take the cushions off the couch, grab a few sheets from the linen closet, or maybe a sleeping bag, and build a classic pillow fort on the living room floor for movie night? 

 

This activity adds a bit of whimsy to movie night and kids will love cozying up to mom and dad while watching their favorite movie. If you really want to get creative, consider decorating your pillow fort with some Christmas lights for extra ambiance. 

 

Don’t Forget the Snacks

 

You really can’t have a movie night without snacks (and why would you want to?). Popcorn is a classic go-to, but instead of opting for just an easy bag of microwave popcorn, consider making it the old-fashioned way on the stove and topping it with any number of tasty toppings like cinnamon and sugar, chocolate drizzle, or parmesan cheese. 

 

Candy and soda are movie night standards, but if you’re looking for something on the healthier side, consider chips and guac, peanut butter and apples, baked mozzarella sticks, and fruit smoothies. 

A comfy living room where the entire crew and spread out and relax is key to any successful movie night. To learn more about the available homes in the Crosswinds community, contact our team today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Power Hour: Fitness for Busy Professionals

Factor in busy work routines, family time, and other activities, and it can be difficult to squeeze fitness into the schedule. According to one study, nearly half of Americans want to exercise but say they don’t have the time. 

 

There’s an old saying, however, that “if it’s important, you’ll find a way.” Here are a few ways busy professionals can squeeze fitness into an already crammed schedule. 

 

Meal Prep

 

Planning out and preparing even one meal a day in advance can save a lot of time. The key is working that meal prep around when you have the most energy/ time available to exercise. 

 

For example, if you have more wiggle room in the morning for a quick workout before heading to the office, put together some overnight oats the night before. That way, you still get some fuel for the workout but don’t have to spend valuable time making breakfast. 

 

If your lunch hour is the only time when you can hit the gym, then be sure to pack a light (but still nutritious lunch). This will cut down on the time you might otherwise eat up if you spent your lunch out going out to a restaurant. 

 

Try Online Classes 

 

If finding time to go to the gym just isn’t in the cards, you may want to try online exercise classes. Phone apps like 8fit, Centr, and Nike Training Club offer customized fitness routines led by top trainers. 

 

Many gyms such as 24 Hour Fitness, Orange Therapy, and the YMCA also offer online classes for members who can’t make it to in-person workouts as often as they would like. 

 

Deskercise 

 

Despite the goofy name, it is actually possible to get some decent fitness in without stepping too far away from your desk. Considering the risk of sitting behind a desk for too long, incorporating some desk exercises into your workday is a smart move. 

 

If at all possible, try to alternate between working at a sitting desk and a standing desk. You should also be doing oblique twists to strengthen the muscles that run along either side of your abdomen.

 

Desk planks or pushups can also be a good way of building core and upper body strength. Put your hands on the edge of your desk as a support system, and for a plank, tighten your core while holding up your weight position for 30 seconds. For a pushup, lower your body 90 degrees, then push back up with your arms. 

 

Consistency is Key

 

No matter which workout routine you find works best for you, the key is being consistent with it. The reason this is so important is that it maintains all of the positive benefits of exercise, such as mental health, a strong immune system, better sleep, and muscle strength. 

 

When you exercise in a consistent pattern, it targets certain muscles, developing them in a healthy way that reduces the chance of injury. Finally, doing something consistently is how healthy habits are developed, and research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to develop a habit – so keep at it!

One of the best things you can do for exercise is a brisk walk and the trails and paved walking paths around the master-planned Crosswinds community are perfect for getting in some exercise before or at the end of a busy day. Contact our team to learn more.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Tips

Recipe Revolution: Spice up Your Dinner Routine

Every home cook has tried-and-true recipes; however, after years of preparing these dishes, it can be easy to get burned out and find yourself in a recipe rut. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to expand one’s prowess in the kitchen, and finding a recipe for nearly any dish is often just a click away. 

 

If your dinner routine needs some spicing up, consider incorporating these tips into meal planning. 

 

Try a Cooking Class

 

Cooking classes are one of the best ways to learn new skills in the kitchen. Not only do you get hands-on experience from a trained instructor, but a class offers the opportunity to ask questions versus simply trying to follow along with Martha Stewart on television. 

 

Online cooking classes via sites like MasterClass offer instruction from world-renowned chefs, but nothing beats an in-person class. Austin area classes from Kitchen Underground and Central Market offer instruction to a range of skill levels with a focus on everything from vegan cooking to desserts and barbecues. 

 

Head to the Library

 

Cookbooks offer recipes and tips for nearly every type of diet and cuisine imaginable. Buying all those cookbooks can also be incredibly expensive – and then there’s the risk of only liking one or two recipes. 

 

An easy way to offset this cost is to head to the Kyle Public Library. You’ll be able to let your inner foodie run wild, picking and choosing different cookbooks to try without having to pay bookstore prices. 

 

Cook Up a Culinary Tour Around the World

 

If you’re bored in the kitchen and looking to expand your culinary palate, why not incorporate more recipes from different cultures into your meal planning? 

 

Start with maybe one or two new meals a week from each continent and work in different countries as you discover new cuisines you like. Not only is it a guaranteed way to keep mealtime interesting, but you’ll likely discover ingredients you would have never used otherwise. 

 

Experiment With a New Ingredient

 

Speaking of new ingredients, adding a new ingredient to your repertoire can open up a world of new flavors. Most chefs would advise, though, that you start small when trying a new ingredient, as too much of a strong herb or spice can easily overpower a dish. 

 

Another technique worth exploring is finding unconventional ways of using everyday ingredients – like mayo – that you may not have otherwise considered. 

 

Farmers Market Finds

 

Nothing amps up the flavor in a new recipe quite like using fresh ingredients, and one of the best places to grab fresh ingredients is the farmers market. 

 

For fresh local food items, check out Kyle Market Days running the second Saturday of each month from spring through early fall at Mary Kyle Hartson Park from 8 AM until 1 PM. BudaFul Farmers Market up the road in Buda is also a great place to buy locally grown produce and happens every Sunday from 10 to 2. 

Of course, making a new recipe in a kitchen that you enjoy cooking in makes all the difference. Crosswinds residents love preparing meals in the modern and stylish kitchens of the homes in this master-planned community. To learn more about available homes, contact us today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas TX

Slide into Summer: Water Parks Near Austin

Nothing provides relief from the scorching summer heat quite like a dip in the pool or blast down a waterslide with a near 90-degree drop! Texas residents have no shortage of water parks to cool down in this summer – each of them offering landscape slides, pools, and lazy rivers that promise a wet and wild good time. 

 

Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels)

 

It wouldn’t be an understatement to call Schlitterbahn the grandaddy of waterparks. The park rivals every water park in the country when it comes to the staggering number of slides, pools, and other attractions visitors can cool down in. 

 

Guests have over 50 water rides to explore, with everything from adrenaline-rushing slides like Dragon’s Revenge to relaxing zero-entry pools like Kristal Cove. One day really isn’t enough to soak up all Schlitterbahn has to offer and the park has several overnight accommodations guests can reserve. 

 

Kalahari Resorts (Round Rock)

 

Nothing can zap the fun out of a day at the water park like a bad sunburn. Move the water park indoors, however, and that chance of sunburn shrinks down to zero! At over 223,000 sq ft, Kalahari is America’s largest indoor water park. 

 

Twisting indoor slides like the Kenya Korkscrew and Stingray are two of the most popular attractions, but there’s plenty of variety to enjoy, like the FlowRider surfing simulator, Grotto swim-up bar, and Splashdown Safari kid’s area. 

 

Volente Beach Water Park (Leander) 

 

With water park passes easily climbing upwards of 50 bucks, Volente offers some welcomed relief for families on a budget. Weekday passes are only $15 a person, and season passes are only $40!

 

While Volente isn’t as large as some of the other parks, there’s still plenty of cool-down fun to be enjoyed. Fans of thrill rides will enjoy slides like Flash Flood and Sidewinder, and kids will love playing at the Gators Crossing obstacle course and floating pirate ship. 

 

Typhoon Texas (Pflugerville)

 

There’s something for everyone at Typhoon Texas, with slides that nearly defy the limits of gravity, as well as colossal water playscapes and relaxing tidal pools. Slides like Duelin’ Daltons promise thrill-seekers a 7-story free fall, and guests in search of something more relaxing are sure to enjoy a float down the Lazy River. 

 

The park also offers private cabana rentals for guests who are looking for a bit more relaxation and privacy with their visit. 

 

Crosswinds Splash Park

There’s no doubt that a day at the water park provides great family fun, but sometimes skipping the parking and locker rental and opting for a staycation can be the more appealing choice. 

 

Whether you’re looking to work on your tan and enjoy a good book, splash around with the kids, or perfect your cannonball, the pool and splash park is the ideal place for Crosswinds residents to cool down on a hot summer day. 

If you’d like to learn more about all the amenities Crosswinds has to offer and find your dream home, contact our team today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Beat the Heat: Indoor Activities for Hot Summer Days

Between sunset concerts, movies in the park, family vacations, and Fourth of July fireworks, there’s plenty to love about summer. As much fun as it can be, however, it can also be brutally hot, and that heat can quickly drain enthusiasm. 

 

On those days when it’s just too hot to venture outside, here are some fun activities to keep the kiddos entertained indoors. 

 

Get Crafty

 

Crafts and art projects are hands down one of the best ways to keep kids entertained during a hot summer day. Supplies are often not too expensive, and kids get to engage their creative side while having fun. 

 

The list of indoor crafts for children is nearly endless, but a few classics your kiddos may want to try include: 

 

  • Dreamcatchers
  • Sponge water bombs
  • Seashell, button, or macaroni picture frames
  • Paper mache balloons
  • Water gun painting
  • Watermelon lip scrub
  • Oil and glitter sensory bottles

 

Cook Up Some Fun

 

Cooking is another great activity that engages kids, and creating new recipes can be especially fun for children who like to help out in the kitchen. Summer recipes like making homemade pizza yogurt parfaits, or rainbow fruit skewers (with the occasional mini marshmallow) are great for smaller children, as it allows them to get hands-on without too much mess. 

 

If cooking isn’t really your child’s passion, they may still love indoor activities like setting up a blanket picnic or creating a sundae ice cream bar. 

 

Board Games

 

Board games will always be a classic indoor activity that families can enjoy. Boardgames not only offer a much-needed way for kids to have unplugged fun but also provide an avenue for families to bond and spend time together. 

 

Not only are classic board games like Sorry, Life, Candy Land, Settlers of Catan, and Monopoly fun to play, but can help to lengthen a children’s attention span and even soothe anxiety. 

 

Learn Something

 

A hot (or rainy) summer day can be a great opportunity for kids to get some mental stimulation while on summer break. The Kyle Public Library has a summer reading program with a great selection of books for all age levels. Why not swing by to pick up a few and then set up a reading nook in your home for your child to dive into their book selection?

 

Simple science experiments like making elephant toothpaste or color-changing invisible ink can also be a fun activity for kids. Some of these can get messy though, and best suited to the garage or a space that’s easy to clean up. 

 

Get Active

 

One of the biggest challenges on a hot summer day is finding ways for kids to burn up energy and stay active while indoors. Not to worry, there are several fun ways you can engage your kiddos inside without leaving your home like it was hit by a tornado. 

 

Dance parties are a simple yet fun way to get kids moving. Turn the lights down low, put on a strobe or disco light, and crank up the jams. Indoor obstacle courses can also be a fun way for gets to stay active. An army crawl through a pillow fort, funky feet tape trail, or headstand station against a wall are all fun obstacles for any aspiring ninja warriors. 

Crosswinds residents can beat the heat at our community-exclusive Swimming Pool and Splash Park! Each home within the Crosswinds community is constructed to suit today’s family living needs. If you’d like to learn more, contact our team today.