Is mint actually cold? Do a simple science experiment that shows that it's NOT, then find out why this is the case!

Kids will love this Christmas Rube Goldberg STEM Challenge! Use a series of chain reactions to make a jingle bell land in a cup. So fun!

This craft stick harmonica is fun to play, and you can adjust the pitch by moving the straws! It’s a neat project, and a good one to make with a group because the materials are very inexpensive. You can fit in a little science learning too – see the bottom of the post for ways […]

Here’s a great summer project for kids – build a catapult out of pre-cut dowel rods and rubber bands! Over the years, we’ve done a lot of exploring with catapult making! We’ve built them out of Tinker Toys and tissue boxes, and even just used forks as catapults! Aidan and I have been on a […]

Make a paper tumbling toy! This simple toy flips over and over as it travels down a ramp. Make one with a file folder, tape, and a marble.

Kids will LOVE these engineering challenges with craft sticks, cups, and wood cubes. Engaging, open-ended, and creative!

These printable conversation starters for kids and families are designed to encourage positivity and gratefulness! Choose to find and appreciate the good.

Here’s a fun science experiment that will definitely get a “wow” from the kids. Combine baking soda and vinegar to make sodium acetate, or hot ice! It crystalizes instantly when you pour it, allowing you to create a tower of crystals. Since the process of crystallization is exothermic, the “ice” that forms will be hot […]

Kids will test different materials to see which ones provide the best insulation for an ice cube and keep it from melting!

Combine music and math in a composing activity for kids.

Here’s another fun paper folding project! Make some simple origami cubes. These cubes are built from six different pieces of paper that fit together perfectly. They hold together without any tape or glue! After learning how to make paper ninja stars, my 8 year old was excited to try this project. I found this project […]

Here’s a fun science experiment that will definitely get a “wow” from the kids. Combine baking soda and vinegar to make sodium acetate, or hot ice! It crystalizes instantly when you pour it, allowing you to create a tower of crystals. Since the process of crystallization is exothermic, the “ice” that forms will be hot […]

Here’s a fun science experiment that will definitely get a “wow” from the kids. Combine baking soda and vinegar to make sodium acetate, or hot ice! It crystalizes instantly when you pour it, allowing you to create a tower of crystals. Since the process of crystallization is exothermic, the “ice” that forms will be hot […]

Got plastic Easter eggs? Here’s a fun idea for a homemade toy! The boys and I enjoyed transforming some of our plastic eggs into wobbling ninjas that fall down and pop back up again. Here’s what you need to make them: Plastic eggs Modeling clay (non-hardening) Scissors Hot glue gun Googly eyes – for attaching […]

Learn how to play Help Your Neighbor! This is a fun family card game that works well for all ages. Perfect for game night!

Get ready to hear some cheers – when your kids find out that math time is going to involve running and throwing snowballs, they’ll be jumping up and down! Seriously, the games in this post are perfect for burning off some energy indoors on a cold day, and kids will be learning their addition and […]

Here’s a fun science experiment that will definitely get a “wow” from the kids. Combine baking soda and vinegar to make sodium acetate, or hot ice! It crystalizes instantly when you pour it, allowing you to create a tower of crystals. Since the process of crystallization is exothermic, the “ice” that forms will be hot […]

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These simple electricity science experiments teach kids about electricity in a hands-on way! Build a circuit, an electromagnet, motor, & more.

Learn how to make gorgeous paper snowflakes! A classic winter craft for kids. learn how to fold and cut six sided snowflakes.

Our list of fun things to do this weekend can help you relax and de-stress, whether you're hanging out with your kids, your partner or by yourself.

Recreate your childhood memories with this Paper Cup Miniature Village craft - Fun, Frugal and so easy to make a town paper display with young kids.

If you are looking for a simple toy that you and your little one can make together, you will love learning how to make Yarn Dolls. These easy, frugal little toys might just become the next favorite.

Check out these great winter activities for kids. Perfect to make a winter bucket list for your family. Enjoy winter this year by making fun memories!

10 frugal Fall activities. Celebrate Autumn without breaking the bank. Simple, frugal, family fun. Pumpkins, cocoa, walks in the park and so much more.

Build a simple device that propels paper airplanes really far! My kids love anything that can launch or fling items, and thishomemade paper airplane launcher really fits the bill! It’s easy to build and will take ordinary paper airplanes to a whole new level. Very fun for a stuck-indoors sort of day, and building and […]

Grab some brown construction paper, and learn how to fold and cut adorable Gingerbread Men Snowflakes! Fun Christmas craft.

The other week, Owen learned how to fold these paper ninja stars from a friend at church, and he has been making tons of them! Great project for a rainy day. All you need is some paper, and you’re ready to go. We added Sharpies too for decorating the ninja stars with fun designs. We […]

Here’s a fun STEM project – make a paper horse that walks on its own! A few months ago, I saw this really interesting project on Pinterest where you can make a horse out of paper that really walks on its own down an incline, and I’ve been wanting to try it. Well, our mandatory […]

Are you looking for more ways to save money and get fiercely frugal? Check out these simple frugal living tips from the Great Depression that anyone can do.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Here are fifty, fun and frugal activities to do in December that everyone will love!

Learn how to make butter in a jar! Kids will love this simple science activity, and the butter tastes amazing.

As we settle in to this chilly weather, my kids tend to get antsy from being cooped up day after day. So I try different activities around the house that will keep them busy without a ton of whining and screaming (helping with garbage duty didn’t go over so well). One thing that DID go over well was the basic pillow fort! And it’s a great free activity to do on a weekend with some popcorn and a movie. Here are some tips to build the best pillow fort ever! Gather Supplies. We go around the house getting all different types of pillows, blankets and even sheets! I’ve found that fitted sheets actually help a lot, especially if you’re going to be using the back of your couch as one of the walls of the fort. And depending on where we set up, we’ll pull some chairs or stools to our area as well. Some of my favorite pillows are super soft, yet sturdy! Find the perfect spot. First you want to make sure that the base of the fort is on a comfy surface like a soft rug or carpet. I try to avoid tile and hardwood. Once you’ve found that, take a few comforters or heavier blankets and lay them down for an extra-soft surface. Start building! Use the back of the couch as your main wall with chairs or stools on either side. Then use the fitted sheet to create a roof. You can also use thumbtacks to pin your sheet to the walls if you need to! Decorate. This is an often missed step. Just because it’s something that probably won’t last for more than a couple of hours (if that), it’s still fun to make the space uniquely yours. I like using fairy lights like these to string up and make the space twinkle (whether it’s 11am or 5pm). Stock up the fort. What kid is going to sit in their own space without entertainment and snacks?! I like this stackable train since it’s good for a wide range of kids and classic Jenga (which is great for ALL ages!). For snacks, they shouldn’t be too messy since you won’t want to come in and out of your fort to wash hands. I like to bring in popcorn, fruit snacks and crackers (with napkins of course!). Play! Now that you’ve set up your fort, you can all relax in it together. Whether it’s watching a classic like Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood or reading Harry Potter as family, it’s great quality time together. One thing to remember: let the kids take the lead on how they want to build their fort and what they want in it. As much as my OCD flared up, it’s much more fun for them to decide on how their fort is built and what’s in it. It gets their creative juices flowing, and depending on their age, it MAY get you a few moments to yourself! SPECIAL CONTENT: Check out our posts on how to thrive during COVID-19! What ways do you like making forts? Let me know in the comments below! Amazon prices are subject to change without notice, so be sure to verify the final price at checkout. Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime and get free 2-day shipping on your order. This post contains affiliate links, which help support this site at no extra cost to you. Please read our disclosure policy here.

Try a dissolving candy cane experiment for Christmas science. This STEM activity is perfect for holiday learning!

February 19, 2014 - frugality I’d heard about from old-timers through the years. The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” reminds us about scrap metal, rubber and paper drives, but

Fun, unforgettable gifts for kids that aren't toys. We <3 them!

Make learning merry with these Christmas STEM activities for kindergarten and first grade! Hands-on fun with science and math.

Here’s a fun science experiment that will definitely get a “wow” from the kids. Combine baking soda and vinegar to make sodium acetate, or hot ice! It crystalizes instantly when you pour it, allowing you to create a tower of crystals. Since the process of crystallization is exothermic, the “ice” that forms will be hot […]

Here’s a new card game to learn that is perfect for your next family game night! This has been a favorite in our family for years. I played it with my grandparents and at family gatherings. My great uncle used to tease my great aunt that this game kept her mind sharp! Some of the […]

Create your own castle building blocks set! This is such a fun and open-ended homemade toy that kids will spend hours with. It’s also extremely easy (even if you are not crafty!) and cheap to make. It would be fun to build a set of blocks with your kids’ help, or you can assemble it […]

Hands on learning activities are great. Learn how to create a science experiment for your kids with supplies

If you've never experienced a Victoria BC Christmas in the City, it is something you must try. Check out these tips on fun holiday events around Victoria.

Are you used to hearing the phrase 'I'm bored' over Christmas? Sounds familiar, right? Don't panic! A children's Christmas boredom jar is the answer you've been looking for! Join us as we share our tips to setting up your own Christmas I'm Bored Jar for your family and share 30 fun activity ideas to include!

Hi Frugalistas! In this, the third part in my series for travel in Europe in winter, I look at how to travel safely in Europe in winter and how to get the most out of

Find Elf in a Swing on the Tree using the Elves at Play Kit - new idea for Elf on the Shelf every day! #elfontheshelf

This gift guide is a bit different because I HATE CLUTTER. That's right! I'm the type that feels an emotional response to "too much stuff" and that includes toys. I used to buy my kids little trinkets and cheap toys to celebrate occasions or accomplishments because I figured they were cheap... but in return, I got stressed out. That's why, this gift guide is all about practical and fun gifts. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift, Christmas gift or Hanukkah gift or a just-because gift... you'll find that these toys are the type your little boy and girls will get a lot of use out of and be worth the space they take up!

Traditional wedding ceremony ideas may be ideal for some, but for those looking for something different, there are plenty of alternatives to consider.

Here’s a new card game to learn that is perfect for your next family game night! This has been a favorite in our family for years. I played it with my grandparents and at family gatherings. My great uncle used to tease my great aunt that this game kept her mind sharp! Some of the […]