"Fun Activities" that you can do almost anywhere, anytime
Playing outside is naturally fun for your child. Below are a few ideas to get you started with some outdoor fun now that the weather is turning nice and warm.
Bugs - Go on a bug hunt in your yard or at the park. Can you find a parade of ants? Do you see a grasshopper? Find a harmless bug and use a bug catcher to examine them up close. Talk about its color, see if it has wings, count the legs, and then let it go. Get an insect book from the library and see if you can find out what kinds of bugs you've found! Why not read Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider?
Running games - Take advantage of what your child loves to do naturally, run. Take turns running behind, in front of, and side by side one another. Run holding hands, run backwards, run from one tree to another, or run while holding a pinwheel or a kite and watch it spin and fly. The possibilities are endless. Keep the game going by having your child hop on one foot, walk on all fours, or roll around.
Rock collection - Little ones love to pick things up. Let them start a rock collection. Collect rocks of different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. Give your child a basket or box to keep their collection in. Once they have collected several rocks decide what you would like to do with them. Paint and glitter them, glue them into a rock "sculpture," toss them into a pond and make a splash, create a continuous growing rock pile in the backyard (how big do you think you can get it?)
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts
Our Annual Vehicle Fair
ATTENTION: All "vehicle admirers! This is the event for you...
When: Saturday, June 20th: 9am-10:30am
**If it is raining at 8am, the event w ill be cancelled.
Where: The Fitchburg St. parking lot of the Assabet Valley Technical School, 215 Fitchburg St., Marlboro
What: Vehicles of all types, sizes and uses. Come to get a close-up look, climb aboard and play.
Questions? Call the Family Network at 508-485-0085
No sign up required... Just hope for great weather!
When: Saturday, June 20th: 9am-10:30am
**If it is raining at 8am, the event w ill be cancelled.
Where: The Fitchburg St. parking lot of the Assabet Valley Technical School, 215 Fitchburg St., Marlboro
What: Vehicles of all types, sizes and uses. Come to get a close-up look, climb aboard and play.
Questions? Call the Family Network at 508-485-0085
No sign up required... Just hope for great weather!
Animal Adventures
Once again, the wonderful and exciting critters from Animal Adventures will visit us to get up close and personal. If you have a child under 2, please think about how well they will do sitting for an hour to view the animals.
We will be offering two shows so you can choose what would be best for you. Reservations for this family event will be accepted on Saturday, February 7th. Space is limited, so call early!
Please call 508-485-0085 with your choice of show, number of adults, and number and ages of child(ren).
1st Show - Tuesday, February 10 from 10-11am
OR
2nd Show - Wednesday, February 18th from 10-11am
We will be offering two shows so you can choose what would be best for you. Reservations for this family event will be accepted on Saturday, February 7th. Space is limited, so call early!
Please call 508-485-0085 with your choice of show, number of adults, and number and ages of child(ren).
1st Show - Tuesday, February 10 from 10-11am
OR
2nd Show - Wednesday, February 18th from 10-11am
Friday's Drop In Music Is Back!
Grateful thanks to the Northboro Jr.'s Women Club who donated $1,000 to the FN for this program. We're shaking it up this year by offering a variety of wonderful children's musicians/educators. Here is the schedule and start times and dates for each person:
Jan. 30 Patti Lake @11:15
Feb. 6 Mike Slattery @11:00
Feb. 13 Ed Morgan @11:30
Feb. 20 Patti Lake @11:15
Feb. 27 Mike Slattery @11:00
March 6 Ed Morgan @11:30
March 13 Patti Lake @11:15
March 20 Mike Slattery @11:00
March 27 Ed Morgan @11:30
April 3 Patti Lake @11:15
April 10 Ed Morgan @11:30
April 17 Patti Lake @11:15
The play space will be open for drop in starting at 10:30, so even if you can't remember the exact start time for the music, you are always welcome to play!
Jan. 30 Patti Lake @11:15
Feb. 6 Mike Slattery @11:00
Feb. 13 Ed Morgan @11:30
Feb. 20 Patti Lake @11:15
Feb. 27 Mike Slattery @11:00
March 6 Ed Morgan @11:30
March 13 Patti Lake @11:15
March 20 Mike Slattery @11:00
March 27 Ed Morgan @11:30
April 3 Patti Lake @11:15
April 10 Ed Morgan @11:30
April 17 Patti Lake @11:15
The play space will be open for drop in starting at 10:30, so even if you can't remember the exact start time for the music, you are always welcome to play!
Brrr! It's cold outside!
Tired of staying inside and thinking of activities to do with your children? Try some of these out!
1. Make an obstacle course out of your living room! Use couch cushions, large sheets over chairs to make tunnels, paper towel tubes to roll small cars through, music to dance to, bean bags or balls to toss and whatever else you can find in the house. This will get your children moving and you will all have fun in the process.
2. Play freeze dance to music! Have your children dance to music, and when it stops they freeze! You can take pictures of your children in silly positions to show them later, or video tape them!
3. March in a band! Children can use pots or Tupperware to bang, paper towel rolls for horns and containers you have around the house for shakers. You can use paper cups, old yogurt containers, plastic bottles (water or soda) or coffee cans. Have the child decorate the container and then fill it with rice, beans or pasta. Use a small cloth or plastic wrap for a top if you don't already have a lit and tie it on with ribbon or rubber bands. Then you are ready to march!
4. Have a fashion show with dress up clothes or your old clothes! Try for the silliest costume or for different jobs.
1. Make an obstacle course out of your living room! Use couch cushions, large sheets over chairs to make tunnels, paper towel tubes to roll small cars through, music to dance to, bean bags or balls to toss and whatever else you can find in the house. This will get your children moving and you will all have fun in the process.
2. Play freeze dance to music! Have your children dance to music, and when it stops they freeze! You can take pictures of your children in silly positions to show them later, or video tape them!
3. March in a band! Children can use pots or Tupperware to bang, paper towel rolls for horns and containers you have around the house for shakers. You can use paper cups, old yogurt containers, plastic bottles (water or soda) or coffee cans. Have the child decorate the container and then fill it with rice, beans or pasta. Use a small cloth or plastic wrap for a top if you don't already have a lit and tie it on with ribbon or rubber bands. Then you are ready to march!
4. Have a fashion show with dress up clothes or your old clothes! Try for the silliest costume or for different jobs.
Happy New Year Party!
Let's ring in 2009 together!
Join us for a potluck party.
Friday, January 16th, 6:00-7:30
at the FN
This is a great opportunity for the Family Network families to join together to ring in the New Year! On our lottery form, please let us know if you'd like to attend. We'll be back in touch with you as the time gets closer to find out what you would like to bring so we can be certain to have a wonderful feast!
Join us for a potluck party.
Friday, January 16th, 6:00-7:30
at the FN
This is a great opportunity for the Family Network families to join together to ring in the New Year! On our lottery form, please let us know if you'd like to attend. We'll be back in touch with you as the time gets closer to find out what you would like to bring so we can be certain to have a wonderful feast!
Family Day at Tougas Farm
in Northboro
Sunday Sept 28th (raindate Oct 5th)
2 to 3:30 pm - farm closes around 6 pm
Tougas Farm in Northboro is a great place for families with children of all ages!! As Family Network families, let’s get together to for the afternoon to pick apples, pumpkins, or just enjoy the outdoors and the farm animals. The farm offers hayrides, good food - especially the pies!, a nice play yard to burn off energy, and a few small farm animals to feed. Look for someone from the FN (we’ll be wearing our FN T-shirt) at the food/picnic area and we’ll pass a FN "apple" to your child to wear so other families will have the chance to meet and connect with each other.
No Registration needed, just come along when it works for you
Sunday Sept 28th (raindate Oct 5th)
2 to 3:30 pm - farm closes around 6 pm
Tougas Farm in Northboro is a great place for families with children of all ages!! As Family Network families, let’s get together to for the afternoon to pick apples, pumpkins, or just enjoy the outdoors and the farm animals. The farm offers hayrides, good food - especially the pies!, a nice play yard to burn off energy, and a few small farm animals to feed. Look for someone from the FN (we’ll be wearing our FN T-shirt) at the food/picnic area and we’ll pass a FN "apple" to your child to wear so other families will have the chance to meet and connect with each other.
No Registration needed, just come along when it works for you
END of the SUMMER BASH!!
It's a party!!
Thursday, August 21st
9:30-11:30am at the FN
Come celebrate the end of summer with fun activities outside on the playground and a performance by "someone new in the neighborhood" who will have the adults and children alike up dancing and singing.
Space is still available, but please call 508-485-0085 to let us know that you will be attending!
Thursday, August 21st
9:30-11:30am at the FN
Come celebrate the end of summer with fun activities outside on the playground and a performance by "someone new in the neighborhood" who will have the adults and children alike up dancing and singing.
Space is still available, but please call 508-485-0085 to let us know that you will be attending!
Local Summer Concert Series
Looking for something to do on a beautiful summer's eve? Grab a blanket and head out to one of the many local concert series. The musical offerings may change week to week, but the fun will remain the same!
Westboro
The Willows Retirement Community
Wednesdays at 7:15
6/11 to 8/6
Hudson
Wood Park Music Shell on Park St.
Wednesdays at 6:30
Beginning 6/11
Hudson
Cellucci Park (37 South St.)
Family Entertainment (puppets, story telling, crafts, mariachis...)
Saturdays at 2pm
7/12 to 8/16
Marlboro
Union Common on Main St.
Thursdays at 7:00
6/19 to 8/21
Marlboro
Union Common (Rain Location: Walker Bldg.)
Saturday Morning Discovery Series - Free family performances
Saturdays at 11:00am
6/21 to 8/30
Westboro
The Willows Retirement Community
Wednesdays at 7:15
6/11 to 8/6
Hudson
Wood Park Music Shell on Park St.
Wednesdays at 6:30
Beginning 6/11
Hudson
Cellucci Park (37 South St.)
Family Entertainment (puppets, story telling, crafts, mariachis...)
Saturdays at 2pm
7/12 to 8/16
Marlboro
Union Common on Main St.
Thursdays at 7:00
6/19 to 8/21
Marlboro
Union Common (Rain Location: Walker Bldg.)
Saturday Morning Discovery Series - Free family performances
Saturdays at 11:00am
6/21 to 8/30
Labels:
activities,
events,
family tips,
what's up,
wood park
Parent/Child Activities
DROP IN PLAYGROUPS - Family Network
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED
This time will be set aside for families to come together with like ages. We’ll have all sorts of activities and "theme days" throughout the 6 week session for everyone to enjoy.
Stories & Songs for All Ages
Monday July 7 – August 11 9:30 – 10:15
Infants (birth to 15 mos.)
Monday July 7 – August 11 1:00 – 2:00
Toddler (15 mo. to 3 yrs)
Tuesday July 8 – August 12 9:30 - 10:30
All Ages (Birth to 5 years)
Thursday July 12 – August 13 9:30 - 10:30
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED
This time will be set aside for families to come together with like ages. We’ll have all sorts of activities and "theme days" throughout the 6 week session for everyone to enjoy.
Stories & Songs for All Ages
Monday July 7 – August 11 9:30 – 10:15
Infants (birth to 15 mos.)
Monday July 7 – August 11 1:00 – 2:00
Toddler (15 mo. to 3 yrs)
Tuesday July 8 – August 12 9:30 - 10:30
All Ages (Birth to 5 years)
Thursday July 12 – August 13 9:30 - 10:30
OUT and ABOUT in the COMMUNITY
Wood Park in Hudson - All Ages Welcome
Wednesdays, July 9 -August 13
9:30 to 11am
We will be heading outdoors to facilitate activities at Wood Park on Park Street (right off of Rt. 85, by the high school) in Hudson. Come enjoy the activities and fun projects. The parent/caregiver must be present at all times and is responsible for their children’s whereabouts. If it’s sprinkling or looks like it’s going to rain, please assume that the playgroup will be canceled for that day. Since the playground/park has space, you do not need to pre-register to attend. Feel free to come and go at any time. We hope this will be an opportunity to meet new parents, and we encourage you to invite a friend or a neighbor as well.
Wednesdays, July 9 -August 13
9:30 to 11am
We will be heading outdoors to facilitate activities at Wood Park on Park Street (right off of Rt. 85, by the high school) in Hudson. Come enjoy the activities and fun projects. The parent/caregiver must be present at all times and is responsible for their children’s whereabouts. If it’s sprinkling or looks like it’s going to rain, please assume that the playgroup will be canceled for that day. Since the playground/park has space, you do not need to pre-register to attend. Feel free to come and go at any time. We hope this will be an opportunity to meet new parents, and we encourage you to invite a friend or a neighbor as well.
END of the SUMMER BASH
Thursday, August 21st
9:30 to 11:30 at the FN
Come celebrate the end of summer with fun activities outside on the playground and a performance by "someone new in the neighborhood" who will have the adults and children alike up dancing and singing.
Feel free to mark your calendars NOW and let us know if you’re able to come as the time gets closer.
9:30 to 11:30 at the FN
Come celebrate the end of summer with fun activities outside on the playground and a performance by "someone new in the neighborhood" who will have the adults and children alike up dancing and singing.
Feel free to mark your calendars NOW and let us know if you’re able to come as the time gets closer.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUMMER....
Treasure in a Bottle: At the first glance, this homemade toy may look like nothing more than a bottle of rice, but roll it once or twice, and a host of hidden objects will appear before your eyes.
Materials: a clean, clear plastic soda bottle, uncooked rice and trinkets, such as beads, buttons, charms, plastic insects.
Remove the label from the soda bottle. Gather a bunch of trinkets and put them in the bottle. Add the uncooked rice to fill the bottle two thirds of the way, then tightly screw on the cap. Shake well to conceal the objects. Now your child can twist and turn her toy to see how many treasures she can spot inside. (Note: Objects such as coins and pebbles tend to gravitate into the middle, while lightweight plastic beads, buttons and trinkets are easier to spot.)
Drop in the Bucket: Your kids can design their own backyard water sculpture with a delightful burble of its own.
Materials: disposable muffin and bread tins, a nail, a tomato stake, pushpins, a bucket and water.
Carefully punch several holes in the bottoms of each tin with the nail. Attach the tins to the stake with pushpins stuck through the sides. Set the stake in the ground and place a bucket at the base. Fill the top tin with water and listen as the water moves from container to container evoking the sound of rain falling on a tin roof.
Instant Stickers Kids: can never have too many stickers, and here’s a fun way to keep your family well supplied.
Materials: pictures from old magazines, comic books, or gift wrap, flavored gelatin, water, small paintbrush.
Cut a bunch of pictures from old magazines, comic books, or gift wrap. Then dissolve 5 teaspoons of flavored gelatin in 2 teaspoons of boiling water (adults only). With a small paintbrush, coat the backs of the cutouts with a thin layer of gelatin solution. Let dry, and the stickers are ready to lick and stick.
Materials: a clean, clear plastic soda bottle, uncooked rice and trinkets, such as beads, buttons, charms, plastic insects.
Remove the label from the soda bottle. Gather a bunch of trinkets and put them in the bottle. Add the uncooked rice to fill the bottle two thirds of the way, then tightly screw on the cap. Shake well to conceal the objects. Now your child can twist and turn her toy to see how many treasures she can spot inside. (Note: Objects such as coins and pebbles tend to gravitate into the middle, while lightweight plastic beads, buttons and trinkets are easier to spot.)
Drop in the Bucket: Your kids can design their own backyard water sculpture with a delightful burble of its own.
Materials: disposable muffin and bread tins, a nail, a tomato stake, pushpins, a bucket and water.
Carefully punch several holes in the bottoms of each tin with the nail. Attach the tins to the stake with pushpins stuck through the sides. Set the stake in the ground and place a bucket at the base. Fill the top tin with water and listen as the water moves from container to container evoking the sound of rain falling on a tin roof.
Instant Stickers Kids: can never have too many stickers, and here’s a fun way to keep your family well supplied.
Materials: pictures from old magazines, comic books, or gift wrap, flavored gelatin, water, small paintbrush.
Cut a bunch of pictures from old magazines, comic books, or gift wrap. Then dissolve 5 teaspoons of flavored gelatin in 2 teaspoons of boiling water (adults only). With a small paintbrush, coat the backs of the cutouts with a thin layer of gelatin solution. Let dry, and the stickers are ready to lick and stick.
Second Annual Family Fun and Resource Fair
When: Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 9:30am - 12:30pm
Where: the gymnasium at the Kane Elementary School at 520 Farm Road in Marlborough
Who should attend? Families with children ages 0-5
The Fair is free and open to all. Families will have an opportunity to talk to child-care providers and pre-school centers, as well as obtain information from area family-focused businesses and organizations. There will be lots of free prizes and giveaways.
Don't miss the fabulous entertainment from area musicians and more!
9:30am: Musician, Steve Blunt
10:15am: Creative Entertainers, Art to Gogh
11:00am: Musician, Mr. Kim Webster
11:45am: Educational Entertainers, Animal Adventures
And Fictional Faces Face Painting All Day!
Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to our local food pantries. For more information, please contact the AVAFN at 508-485-0085.
Where: the gymnasium at the Kane Elementary School at 520 Farm Road in Marlborough
Who should attend? Families with children ages 0-5
The Fair is free and open to all. Families will have an opportunity to talk to child-care providers and pre-school centers, as well as obtain information from area family-focused businesses and organizations. There will be lots of free prizes and giveaways.
Don't miss the fabulous entertainment from area musicians and more!
9:30am: Musician, Steve Blunt
10:15am: Creative Entertainers, Art to Gogh
11:00am: Musician, Mr. Kim Webster
11:45am: Educational Entertainers, Animal Adventures
And Fictional Faces Face Painting All Day!
Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to our local food pantries. For more information, please contact the AVAFN at 508-485-0085.
Spring Clothing Exchange
Are you looking to pick up or donate gently used children's clothing in time for spring?
Come stop by the Family Network to drop off children's clothes (ONLY! up to size 6) and/or pick some out! You do not need to "add to the pile" in order to take items home. We do ask that the clothing be clean and in usable shape.
Tables will be up for the exchange April 21-May 16, Mon-Fri 8am-7pm. We will be accepting clothing now until May 9th.
Come stop by the Family Network to drop off children's clothes (ONLY! up to size 6) and/or pick some out! You do not need to "add to the pile" in order to take items home. We do ask that the clothing be clean and in usable shape.
Tables will be up for the exchange April 21-May 16, Mon-Fri 8am-7pm. We will be accepting clothing now until May 9th.
Our Annual Vehicle Fair
Attention all "vehicle" admirers: This is the event for you!
When: Saturday, June 14th, 9:00 to 10:30am
**If it is raining at 8am, the event will be cancelled.
Where: The Fitchburg St. parking lot of the Assabet Valley Technical School, 215 Fitchburg St. Marlborough.
What: Vehicles of all types, sizes, and uses. Come to get a close-up look, climb aboard and play.
Questions? Call the Family Network at 508-485-0085. No sign up required... just hope for great weather!
When: Saturday, June 14th, 9:00 to 10:30am
**If it is raining at 8am, the event will be cancelled.
Where: The Fitchburg St. parking lot of the Assabet Valley Technical School, 215 Fitchburg St. Marlborough.
What: Vehicles of all types, sizes, and uses. Come to get a close-up look, climb aboard and play.
Questions? Call the Family Network at 508-485-0085. No sign up required... just hope for great weather!
Vehicle Fair June 14th
The VEHICLE FAIR is coming on June 14th at the Assabet Valley Technical School parking lot. Always a fun and active morning for everyone!
VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED…without your assistance events like this could never happen.
We have lost our long time "experts" Celeste Burns & Maura Jones so WE NEED SOMEONE to step up TO COORDINATE this wonderfully fun event. Celeste and Maura have everything to pass along to make the task easy and ready to go. Once we get a person to coordinate and organize we will enlist a few other parents to help with making the phone calls to the vehicle owners - something you can do on your schedule from home. If this is something you’d like to do call Rosemary at the FN, 508-485-0085.
THANKS ahead of time to all of you who will be able to help!
VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED…without your assistance events like this could never happen.
We have lost our long time "experts" Celeste Burns & Maura Jones so WE NEED SOMEONE to step up TO COORDINATE this wonderfully fun event. Celeste and Maura have everything to pass along to make the task easy and ready to go. Once we get a person to coordinate and organize we will enlist a few other parents to help with making the phone calls to the vehicle owners - something you can do on your schedule from home. If this is something you’d like to do call Rosemary at the FN, 508-485-0085.
THANKS ahead of time to all of you who will be able to help!
Labels:
activities,
events,
needed,
opportunities,
vehicle fair,
volunteers
"End of the Year" Luncheon
June 20th 11:30 to 1:00
Come to the Family Network Luncheon for a chance to connect with other families that you may have shared a playgroup with, met at a Drop In time, connected through a event or project, or just to have fun and meet someone new! Arrange to meet or just be surprised as who you’ll see.
We’ll provide the meal and those who would like, can bring a dessert.
The Lunch will be across the hall but the Playspace will be open as well.
Give us a call, 508-485-0085, anytime as the date approaches to let us know you’re coming (older children welcomed!) so we can plan for food and if you’d like to bring a dessert.
Come to the Family Network Luncheon for a chance to connect with other families that you may have shared a playgroup with, met at a Drop In time, connected through a event or project, or just to have fun and meet someone new! Arrange to meet or just be surprised as who you’ll see.
We’ll provide the meal and those who would like, can bring a dessert.
The Lunch will be across the hall but the Playspace will be open as well.
Give us a call, 508-485-0085, anytime as the date approaches to let us know you’re coming (older children welcomed!) so we can plan for food and if you’d like to bring a dessert.
Here’s to Fatherhood!......
Come to Father’s Nite Out
Limited space so don’t miss out!
Tues. June 10th 6-9 pm (dinner included)
Presenter Chuck Weinstein, Wayside Youth & Family
Location Held at the FN
Start celebrating Father’s Day early by joining Chuck Weinstein for a night of viewing several popular movies (mostly comedies) about fatherhood and then you can choose to join in a discussion about them in a private, men-only, setting where all can poke fun at the experiences that we’ve had in parenting. PLUS… The FN will provide a Chinese buffet spread after a long day of work to start the evening off right!
Limited space so don’t miss out!
Tues. June 10th 6-9 pm (dinner included)
Presenter Chuck Weinstein, Wayside Youth & Family
Location Held at the FN
Start celebrating Father’s Day early by joining Chuck Weinstein for a night of viewing several popular movies (mostly comedies) about fatherhood and then you can choose to join in a discussion about them in a private, men-only, setting where all can poke fun at the experiences that we’ve had in parenting. PLUS… The FN will provide a Chinese buffet spread after a long day of work to start the evening off right!
Animal Adventures
Once again the wonderful and exciting critters from Animal Adventures will visit us to get up close and personal. If you have a child under 2, please think about how well they will do sitting for an hour to view the animals.
Choose from one of these dates
1st show- Feb. 13, 11-12
OR
2nd show- Feb. 13, 12:30-1:30
Registration for Pool Parties or Animal Adventures will be taken on Mon Feb. 11th starting at 7 AM. Please choose ONLY ONE activity so everyone can have a chance to "play" and feel free to leave a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice and/or request to be on a waitlist.
Choose from one of these dates
1st show- Feb. 13, 11-12
OR
2nd show- Feb. 13, 12:30-1:30
Registration for Pool Parties or Animal Adventures will be taken on Mon Feb. 11th starting at 7 AM. Please choose ONLY ONE activity so everyone can have a chance to "play" and feel free to leave a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice and/or request to be on a waitlist.
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