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Blog Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas TX

How to Build the Best Fort with Your Kids: A Classic Summer Activity

Summer in Crosswinds at Kyle is all about backyard adventures and rainy-day fun—and few activities spark a child’s imagination like building a fort together. Whether you’re seeking shade beneath the trees or a cozy reading nook in the living room, a fort is the perfect way to turn ordinary household items into a secret hideaway. Here’s how to make the most of this timeless tradition, with just a handful of easy steps that encourage creativity, teamwork, and plenty of laughter.

Choosing Your Fort Style

First, decide whether you’ll craft your hideaway indoors or outdoors. On a rainy afternoon, drape lightweight sheets or blankets across chairs, couches or even the dining table. Indoors, you can tuck extra pillows and couch cushions inside to create a plush, snug retreat. When the sky is clear, head outside: low-hanging branches offer natural support for tarps or large sheets, while a simple frame of PVC pipe or bamboo stakes turns your backyard into a breezy clubhouse. Both styles invite imaginative play—with indoor forts feeling like secret reading dens, and outdoor forts offering the sights and sounds of summer as their backdrop.

Gathering the Essentials

You really only need a few basics: something sturdy to drape over, a few sizeable blankets or sheets, and soft cushions for the floor. Clothespins or clips help keep fabric from slipping, and having a small tote of extras—think fairy lights, a stack of favorite books, or a tray of easy snacks—takes your fort from good to unforgettable. If you’re building outside, consider using an old bedsheet or two and wrapping corners around tree limbs; indoors, lean a broom handle between couch cushions for a makeshift ridgepole.

Making It Magical

The real fun comes when you add personal touches. Battery-operated string lights woven through the roof beams cast a gentle glow as evening falls. Piles of picture books and plush toys instantly transform the space into a storytime haven. Little ones love having a “snack zone” carved out—perhaps a small basket filled with apple slices, cheese cubes, or juice boxes. Encourage your kids to select a theme, whether it’s a pirate ship decked out in homemade flags or an enchanted woodland cottage complete with paper flowers and twinkling accents.

Turning Building into Bonding

Rather than rushing through setup, make fort-building the activity itself. Start the day by sketching a simple plan over breakfast: which corner of the yard or living room will you claim, and what special elements will you include? Assign roles—one child holds the drape in place, another secures the corners with clips, and an adult can help fluff pillows and plug in lights. Once your structure stands tall, pause for a decorating break with markers and craft paper to create signs, pennants, or a “doorbell” fashioned from a bell jar lid. Finally, settle inside for storytelling: take turns adding lines to a group tale, or read aloud a favorite adventure.

Forts That Foster Creativity and Connection

In a world full of screens, forts offer a hands-on escape where problem-solving and collaboration take center stage. As blankets slip or branches sway, children learn to adapt and negotiate, building confidence alongside their secret hideaway. Parents get a front-row seat to imaginative play, sharing in the delight of transforming everyday items into a personal kingdom. And here in Crosswinds, with spacious lawns and friendly streets, these forts become beloved landmarks—spots where memories of laughter, whispered stories, and summer magic are made.

Ready to Begin Your Fort Adventure?

Gather your sheets, round up those cushions, and let your imagination take flight. Whether you’re fashioning a snug indoor nook or a breezy backyard club, fort-building is the recipe for summer days filled with creativity, connection, and pure, old-fashioned fun. Here’s to forts that stand strong until bedtime, storytelling that lasts long after lights are out, and family memories that never fade.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas Lifestyle TX

Top 10 Park Games for Kids That Never Get Old

Crosswinds at Kyle, TX is home to beautiful parks and green spaces where families gather to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of space to play. When it comes to keeping little ones entertained—and burning off their boundless energy—sometimes the simplest games are the most memorable. Here are our Top 10 timeless park games that will have kids laughing, running, and making friends in no time.

Timeless Classics

There’s a reason games like Tag, Red Light/Green Light, and Hide-and-Seek have endured for generations: they’re endlessly fun and require almost nothing but imagination. In a wide-open field at Crosswinds’ neighborhood park, kids can dart from “safe zones” in Tag, freeze on command in Red Light/Green Light, or find perfect hiding spots behind playground equipment for Hide-and-Seek. These games teach quick thinking, fair play, and sneaky strategy—plus, they’re a fantastic way for siblings and neighbors to bond without any special gear.

Games That Get Everyone Moving

Want to add a playful twist to a sunny afternoon? Pull out some old-school favorites like sack races, Freeze Dance, and Simon Says.

  • Sack Races: Line up burlap sacks or pillowcases, mark a start and finish line, and watch kids hop their way to the finish.
  • Freeze Dance: Crank up a family-friendly playlist on your phone. When the music stops, everyone must freeze—no wiggling!
  • Simon Says: A classic test of listening skills and reflexes; one leader calls the shots, and everyone follows—but only when the command starts with “Simon says.”

These games turn a quiet park into a high-energy playground, and the laughter is contagious—parents often find themselves joining right in.

Playground-Inspired Fun

Our parks at Crosswinds are more than just open fields; they feature shade trees, slides, and climbing structures that inspire inventive challenges. Create an obstacle course by weaving through trees, jumping off low walls, and balancing along curbs. For a relay race, divide kids into teams and have them pass a beanbag or baton between teammates. Not only do these games keep kids active, but they also build coordination, teamwork, and healthy competition—all while making the most of the park’s layout.

Simple Setups for Parents

You don’t need a trunk full of equipment to host a memorable park playdate. A few inexpensive items can go a long way:

  • Chalk: Draw hopscotch grids or race lanes on paved walkways.
  • Cones or Bandanas: Mark boundaries for capture-the-flag or territory games.
  • Hula Hoops or Jump Ropes: Great for impromptu obstacle courses or skills challenges.
  • Balls: A simple soccer ball or beach ball can spawn countless variations of catch, kickball, or four-square.

With minimal prep and easy cleanup, parents can focus on cheering kids on and capturing fun moments on camera.

Why These Games Build Memories—And Burn Off Energy

Childhood is woven from memories of sun-soaked afternoons, scraped knees, and belly laughs shared with friends. Simple park games foster social skills—sharing, taking turns, and cheering each other on—while giving kids the physical activity they need. At Crosswinds, our green spaces are the backdrop for these joyful moments, where families return week after week, season after season, to relive old favorites and invent new traditions of their own.

Ready, Set, Play!

Next time you head out to one of Crosswinds’ parks, remember that the best toys are often the ones you bring yourself: imagination, energy, and a spirit of play. Whether it’s a spontaneous game of Hide-and-Seek under the oak trees or a full-blown sack race across the lawn, your kids will treasure the laughter, the friendly competition, and the feeling of sunshine on their faces. So pack a small bag with a few essentials, gather your neighbors, and get ready to make this summer one for the memory books—one joyful hop, skip, and giggle at a time.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas Lifestyle TX

Celebrate Red, White & Blue at Kyle Market Days: Patriotic Fun on July 12

Summer in Kyle just got even more festive! On July 12, City Square Park transforms into a star-spangled celebration at Kyle Market Days. Whether you’re a longtime Crosswinds resident or new to our friendly community, this all-American event is the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday with family and neighbors.

What’s Happening

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the lively sounds of local bands playing your favorite summer tunes. Stroll the rows of artisan booths showcasing handcrafted jewelry, home décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts—perfect for treating yourself or finding a unique keepsake. Don’t miss the lineup of food trucks serving up classics like barbecue sliders, funnel cakes, and fresh lemonade to keep you fueled through the afternoon.

Embracing All-American Spirit

Kyle Market Days takes the red, white, and blue seriously! Festive bunting and balloons flutter in the breeze, and many vendors offer patriotic-themed goods—think hand-painted flags, star-spangled apparel, and Americana art. Pin on your favorite patriotic button, sip a “Liberty Lemonade,” and snap a few photos at the Old Glory backdrop set up by the park entrance to capture memories that’ll last long after July fades to August.

Activities for All Ages

Kids will love the crafts corner, where they can decorate their own mini flags or paint wooden stars. There’s face-painting for little patriots and a DIY flag parade at noon—be sure to join in and wave your creations high! Meanwhile, adults can sample local honey, pick up fresh produce, or sip craft brews from nearby breweries. With lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga scattered throughout the park, everyone finds something fun to do.

How Crosswinds Families Can Make a Day of It

Turn Market Days into a neighborhood outing by coordinating a meet-up with a few Crosswinds families. Pack a big picnic blanket to share, or pre-order from your favorite food truck and claim a shady spot under the oak trees. It’s a great opportunity for kids to run around safely while parents catch up. Don’t forget to support fellow Kyle locals—every purchase you make helps small businesses thrive.

Why Kyle Market Days Are a Monthly Must-Do

July’s red-white-and-blue extravaganza is just one highlight in a season of Market Days. Each month brings fresh vendors, live entertainment, and new reasons to celebrate community life. From spring flower markets to fall harvest festivals, Kyle Market Days keep the fun rolling year-round—making Crosswinds not just a place to live, but a place to gather, explore, and connect.

See You in the Park!

Mark your calendars for July 12 and come experience the patriotic magic of Kyle Market Days. With live music, festive décor, and activities for every age, it’s the perfect way to celebrate summer—Crosswinds style. We can’t wait to see you and your family waving, shopping, and making memories under the Texas sky!

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas Lifestyle TX

“Mufasa” Movie Night in the Park: A Magical Summer Evening Under the Stars

Crosswinds at Kyle, TX invites you and your family to a heartwarming outdoor experience—an enchanting screening of Disney’s latest “Mufasa” under the starry sky of Gregg-Clarke Park. Grab your loved ones, pack your favorite snacks, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

What to Expect

When the sun dips below the horizon on July 18, Gregg-Clarke Park will transform into an open-air cinema. A jumbo screen will be set up on the grass, complete with crisp audio so you won’t miss a single roar or musical note. Friendly volunteers will be on hand to guide you to the best viewing spots, and food trucks offering popcorn, lemonade, and other treats will line the park entrance for those spontaneous snack runs. It’s casual, it’s comfortable, and it’s all about bringing the community together around one of Disney’s most beloved tales.

A Perfect Family Evening

Movie night is one of those simple pleasures that appeals to all ages. Imagine spreading out cozy blankets on the grass, little ones bundled up in soft hoodies, and parents reclining on lawn chairs as the opening credits roll. Don’t forget a big basket of goodies—homemade trail mix, fresh fruit, or even a charcuterie board if you’re feeling fancy. As “Mufasa” unfolds, you’ll find yourself laughing at the antics, tearing up at the tender moments, and marveling at the lush visuals on the big screen—all from the comfort of your own slice of grassy real estate.

Tips for a Great Night Out

  • Arrive Early: Gates open about 30–45 minutes before showtime. Staking out your dream spot early means a clear view and room for that picnic spread.
  • Bug Spray Is Your Friend: June and July nights in Kyle can bring out the mosquitoes. Pack a travel-size insect repellent or wear long sleeves to keep the bites at bay.
  • Glow Sticks & Flashlights: Add a splash of fun with glow sticks or LED bracelets—kids love them, and they help you keep track of little ones as dusk settles in.
  • Portable Speaker (Optional): If you have a small Bluetooth speaker, share the pre-show playlist with fellow movie-goers for an impromptu neighborhood dance party.

Why Kyle’s Events Make Crosswinds So Vibrant

Living in Crosswinds means more than having a beautiful home—it’s about being part of a thriving community that knows how to celebrate summer. From weekend farmers markets to live music on the lawn, Kyle offers something for everyone. Events like Movie Night in the Park aren’t just activities; they’re the heartbeat of our town, fostering connections among neighbors and creating shared experiences that weave us closer together.

Turning It Into a Neighborhood Outing

Why go solo when you can rally the whole block? Invite a few families down the street to join you. Coordinate a potluck picnic—one family handles sandwiches, another brings desserts, and someone else is in charge of drinks. Carpool over to Gregg-Clarke Park to reduce traffic, and don’t forget to tag your photos with #CrosswindsKyle so we can showcase your magical evening on our community page!

See You Under the Stars!

As the final credits roll and the screen goes dark, the glow of friendship and laughter will linger long after you pack up your blankets. “Mufasa” Movie Night in the Park is more than a film—it’s an invitation to slow down, enjoy summer evenings, and cherish the community spirit that makes Crosswinds in Kyle so special. Mark your calendars for July 18, and get ready for a magical night under the Texas sky. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Kids Take Over the Kitchen: 5 Summer Recipes Your Little Chefs Will Love

Summer is the perfect time to get kids involved in fun, hands-on activities—and what better place to start than the kitchen? Cooking with kids is more than just a way to keep them busy on a hot afternoon. It teaches useful skills, builds confidence, and creates sweet memories (sometimes literally!). If you’re living at Crosswinds, you’ve got the space to spread out and let your young chefs experiment with new flavors and ideas—right at home.

Here are five easy, kid-approved recipes that are perfect for summer—and simple enough for little hands to help with.

1. Rainbow Fruit Kabobs

Colorful, fun, and packed with vitamins, fruit kabobs are a perfect introduction to kitchen fun. Let kids choose their favorite fruits—think strawberries, grapes, blueberries, melon, or pineapple—and thread them onto wooden skewers. You can even make it a pattern game by helping them arrange the fruit in rainbow order. Serve with a yogurt-honey dip on the side for an extra treat. No cooking required, just chopping and assembling (with adult help for slicing)!

2. Mini English Muffin Pizzas

This one’s a dinner win for everyone. Toasted English muffins make the perfect base for personal pizzas. Set up a DIY topping station with pizza sauce, shredded cheese, pepperoni, chopped veggies, and anything else your family loves. Let each kid customize their pizza, then pop them in the oven for a few minutes until melty and golden. It’s fast, fun, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

3. Frozen Yogurt Bark

Looking for a cool-down snack? Frozen yogurt bark is a healthy, hands-on option that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Spread vanilla or strawberry yogurt in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then let your kids sprinkle it with toppings—think sliced strawberries, granola, mini chocolate chips, or even rainbow sprinkles. Freeze for a few hours, then break into pieces and enjoy poolside or as an after-dinner treat.

4. No-Bake Cereal Bars

These easy snack bars are a great way to let kids mix and measure. Combine cereal (like Cheerios or Rice Krispies), nut butter (or sunflower butter), honey, and a few extras like raisins or mini marshmallows in a big bowl. Mix well, press into a pan, and refrigerate until firm. They’re easy to grab on the go, perfect for park days or backyard picnics, and they don’t require turning on the oven.

5. DIY Lemonade Slushies

For a fun summer drink that feels like a special treat, try making homemade lemonade slushies. Kids can help squeeze fresh lemons, add a bit of sugar or honey, then blend it all up with ice. Add strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist, or use a splash of sparkling water for a little fizz. Serve with silly straws and enjoy on the porch or patio after a day of playing outside.

Cooking Together at Crosswinds

At Crosswinds, homes are built with families in mind—which means open kitchens, roomy counters, and layouts that make it easy to cook together. Whether it’s baking cookies on a rainy afternoon or trying out a new smoothie recipe, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home—especially during summer.

Cooking with kids doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few ingredients and a little imagination, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into something creative and fun. Plus, your kids will love getting to show off their “creations” and feel like part of the team.

So roll up your sleeves, let them wear the aprons, and get ready to taste what your little chefs can do. From kabobs to slushies, summer cooking is a great way to bond—and maybe even discover a new family favorite.

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Amenities Family Fun Kyle Texas

Amenities That Make Crosswinds Shine

Everyone wants to enjoy the place they live. It’s this simple yet all-important idea that the developers behind Crosswinds took to heart when designing the master-planned community. 

 

In addition to stunning homes designed by today’s top builders, the amenities offered in Crosswinds are a big selling point for many residents when choosing where to buy. 

 

Cool Down on Hot Summer Days

 

As every Texan knows, summers in the Hill Country can be incredibly hot. While there’s no shortage of fantastic swimming holes and rivers to float down in, sometimes you just want to stay close to home. 

 

The pool and splash pad are two of the most popular community amenities during the summer months. The spacious pool is perfect for lounging on a pool float, while the nearby kiddie pool and splash pad are always a hit with the little ones. Surrounding the pool area are a number of umbrella shade covers, providing a welcome relief from the summer sun.

 

Get Active

 

The Crosswinds community was designed with features that will appeal to residents looking to get outside in nature and get active. 

 

Residents can enjoy a morning jog or after-dinner stroll on the extensive trail system that weaves its way through the community. There are also basketball and pickleball courts for anyone looking to work in a little bit of cardio, along with some friendly competition. 

 

Crosswinds’ four-legged residents will love heading to the dog park to burn off some energy. (The park also gives their owners a chance to catch up and chat and meet other members of the community.)

 

Unwind and Relax

 

Families with young children will want to take advantage of the playscape. It’s the perfect spot to allow the kiddos to meet new friends or simply have some fun after a long day at school. 

 

The grilling and picnic areas are not to be missed and are ideal for enjoying a meal outside. They’re a particularly great way to cap off a day at the pool or cook up some grub on the grill before a fall football game. 

 

Each of the resort-style amenities was carefully selected to appeal to a variety of lifestyles and reflect Crosswinds’ commitment to creating a community that’s more than simply a place to live. Whether it’s a relaxing day of hanging out by the pool or an early morning bike ride on the community trail system, the ever-expanding amenities are one of the features that make Crosswinds such an appealing place to call home. 

If you’d like to learn more and discover if Crosswinds is the exclusive community you’ve been looking for, reach out to our team today.

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Blog Family Fun

Unique New Year’s Eve Traditions from Around the World

Whereas many celebrations are limited to specific countries and cultures, welcoming in a new year is a celebration that spans around the entire globe. Here in the United States, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with a countdown, a glass of champagne, and maybe a New Year’s kiss, but other countries have their own unique spin on ushering in January 1st. 

 

Here are some New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world that you may want to incorporate into your own festivities this year. 

 

Spain’s Grape Tradition – Spain is known, of course, for its wine, and while plenty of it is consumed on New Year’s Eve, the last 12 seconds of the year are reserved for grapes. As the countdown to a new year begins, Spaniards hurry to eat 12 green grapes. If you fail to consume them all before the clock strikes midnight, you might just have bad luck, but if you get them all down, then 12 months of good fortune awaits you. 

 

Philippines’ Round Fruits – Here’s an easy one to incorporate if you’re looking for a new New Year’s tradition. Head to your local grocery store and pick up 12 round fruits. The shape of the fruits symbolizes prosperity and wealth for each month of the new year. Not to mention all those apples, melons, grapes, and nectarines will make a wonderful table centerpiece for any celebrations you might have. 

 

Scotland’s First Footing – If you’re in Scotland, it’s especially important that you pay attention to who enters your home in the new year. Known as “first footing,” a special emphasis is placed on the first person to enter a house after midnight in the new year. A dark-haired male is the ideal first footer, as this person is said to protect against bad luck. The first footer should also not be empty-handed, as this could bring about financial misfortune. 

 

Greece Onions – In Greece, it’s a New Year’s custom to hang a bushel of onions from your door as a symbol of rebirth. The tradition goes all the way back to ancient Greece when onions were noted for their vitality, sprouting even with no care at all. The onions are typically hung on the door after attending a New Year’s Day church service to kick off the new year. 

 

Japan’s Soba Noodles – Soba noodles are a popular ingredient in Japanese ramen, and the food holds a special place on New Year’s Eve when it’s eaten just before midnight. The Toshikoshi soba, which translates to a “year-crossing,” is a buckwheat noodle with special symbolism. The especially long noodle is usually cut, signifying a letting go of any regrets from the previous year to bring about a fresh start. 

 

Colombia’s 3 Potatoes – It’s customary in the South American country to place three potatoes – one peeled, one unpeeled, and one half peeled – under your bed on New Year’s Eve. Then, at midnight, you pull out the first potato you touch. A peeled potato means financial woes, an unpeeled spud means abundance and a half-peeled tater means a mix of both. 

However you celebrate the new year, nothing beats ringing in 2025 in a home that you love. If you’re looking to settle into your dream home, contact the Crosswinds team today to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

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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.

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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.

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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.