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Sunshine Juice

Combine orange juice concentrate in a blender with vanilla ice cream and milk. Blend until it becomes a shake-like consistency. Serve

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Get a watermelon and cut it up into small triangles. Give each kid one slice and encourage them to squeeze the seeds from their fingers. -Addy

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You can lay down a small tarp or a small kid pool and put sand in it to play in. -Addy

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Hang Posters of beaches and oceans.

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Sponge Relay Race

Set a bucket of water at one end of your raceway, and an empty bucket at the other end. Children fill a sponge with water from the full bucket and run it to the empty bucket, squeeze the water from the sponge into the bucket, and run back, handing off the sponge to the next contestant.

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Nature scavenger Hunt -Addy

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TheLearningStation - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes

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Summer Dance Songs for Children ♫ Sunscreen Song with Lyrics ♫ Kids Songs by The Learning Station

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-Addy

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The Singing Walrus - English Songs For Kids

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Summer Song for Kids | The Singing Walrus

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One Hot Summer Day by Nina Crews

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The Night Before Summer Vacation By Natasha Wing -Addy

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Beach Towels & Pool Noodles

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Have an ice cream shop -Addy

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Visit a Green House then set up a small green house/garden at your facility.

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You can have a lifeguard come in and tell the kids what's important to do and not to do at the beach or pool. -Addy

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Paper Plate Watermelon

Prepare: Cut paper plates in half

Materials: Green washable markers, red & black paint

Steps: 1. Have children color the bumpy, round part of the plate with their green markers. 2. Children will paint the inside of the plate red. 3. Allow to dry completely. 4. Using either Q-tips or fingertips, have children add the black seeds.

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Sand Art -Addy

Prepare: Have colored sand, bottles, and funnels set out but not in reach of children yet.

Materials: sand, recycled bottles or jars, funnels, and big spoons

Steps: 1. take one of the spoons and show the kids how to put it in the funnel so it gets into the bottle. 2. encourage the kids to do it on their own and make sure they don't throw it at someone. 3. have an example setting out of the finished product so kids have a visual and how it'll looked with the layers of sand.

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Fruit Kebabs

Slice different types of fruits and allow the children to put them on their own toothpick. - Courtney

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On your wall you could put fake grass on the bottom with some paper coconut trees coming out of them. - Courtney

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Potato Sack Races

Gather a few pillow cases and have a starting point and an ending point (mark with chalk spray or a cone). Group the children up in even groups with at least 3-4 kids in each group. Have one kid from each group go at a time. Before having the children start, show and tell them that both feet go into the pillow case and they are to hop to the cones on the other side and head back. Once they head back, instruct them to give their pillow case to the next kid in line.

- Courtney

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Summer Vacation, Here I Come! by D.J Steinberg - Courtney

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- Courtney

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TheLearningStation - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes

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Boom Chicka Boom 😎 Summer Dance Song for Kids 😎 Brain Breaks 😎 Kids Songs by The Learning Station

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Camping - Courtney

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Have a park ranger come in and talk about their camping site and what they have there to do. You could also talk with a park ranger to have a field trip there so the students can see what they do and what there is to do at a camping area. - Courtney

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- Courtney

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It's time for The Kids Craft Stars monthly craft challenge! Every month we have a challenge between a few blogger friends and I, to in-cooperate a different craft medium or technique into a simple kid craft. This month's challenge was to come up with an ocean themed craft. So this week we made these easy and colorful jellyfish suncatchers! Easy and Colorful Jellyfish Suncatcher Kids ... [Read more...]

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Jellyfish Archives - I Heart Arts n Crafts

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It's time for The Kids Craft Stars monthly craft challenge! Every month we have a challenge between a few blogger friends and I, to in-cooperate a different craft medium or technique into a simple kid craft. This month's challenge was to come up with an ocean themed craft.

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Get little sticks of celery and spread peanut butter on the side with the dip, have the children top it with raisins and you have ants on a log. - Payton

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Indoor picnic. You can make little snacks and have the children sit on a blanket to eat lunch. - Payton

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Catch fireflies and talk to them about what they are. - Payton

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Ladybug rock painting. You can find a random rock or even buy some. You need paint and paintbrushes, for a natural ladybug you can let the kids use red but if you want you can let them do whatever base color they want. Have them paint the base and once its dry and good to go, have them go over with the black paint, lastly you can have them paint eyes or give them googly eyes to add.

-Kayleigh

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Payton

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TheLearningStation - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes

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Shake Your Sillies Out ♫ Brain Breaks Songs for Kids ♫ Kids Action Songs by The Learning Station

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Llama Llama sand and sun by Anna Dewdney

-Payton

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Surfing, have a surfboard you can put on the ground so the kids and "surf" - Payton

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Yarn Turtles, glue a pompom onto a turtle cutout that you will print and cut so they can glue the turtle shell on. - Payton

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Summer Crafts

for Kids...fabulous ideas to keep your kiddos busy during summer break! Easy step-by-step instructions that any child can follow.
Crafts for Summer

Summer is the best! Some of my favorite memories as a child consist of endless pool days and delicious homemade popsicles. As fun as it is to have the kiddos home more, it can also be a struggle to think of activities to keep them busy. And while I love movies, I don't want my kids to sit on the couch all day watching TV. Crafts are the perfect solution! Crafts are so wonderful because they take time to create while boosting creativity and problem-solving skills. They are also great for any age child!

There are millions of craft ideas online and many of those ideas are easy and affordable. Below I have gathered together 25 of the best summer crafts for kids! Your children will absolutely love these activities. Simply scroll down and click on the link of the craft you like to see the instructions. Have fun!

Yarn Turtles

These pom pom sea turtles are adorable! They even have a free printable template that you can use to make them look exactly as pictured.

Yarn Turtle Craft via The Craft Train

Oobleck

Oobleck is such a fun activity that kids love! This Dr. Suess fascinating substance is both a liquid and a solid. Definitely a fun activity when it's too hot to go outside!

Tissue Paper Butterfly
Easy Butterfly Craft for Kids
This beautiful butterfly looks like stained glass and makes a fantastic summer craft. Your kiddos will feel so proud hanging up this masterpiece.

Marbled Sea Shells

Did you know shaving cream could be used for so much more than just shaving?! You can get this breathtaking marbled look with just a bit of food coloring and some shaving cream.

Easy Marbled Sea Shell Art for Kids via Projects with Kids

Handprint Sunflower

This handprint sunflower is so easy and is the perfect artwork for summertime. Toddlers will love getting their hands traced to create this fabulous artwork.

Handprint Sunflower Craft via One Little Project

Elsa Wand

I don't think I need to explain why this would make a fabulous craft. To keep it short, kids love Frozen and they will love this!

Frozen Inspired Else Magic Wand Craft via Messy Little Monster

Paper Umbrella

This paper umbrella craft may be better suited for older children because of the details. I love the addition of the rain drops, so fun!

How to Make Paper Umbrellas via Easy Peasy and Fun

Rainbow Coloring Page
Rainbow Coloring Page
Break out all of the fun colors with this rainbow coloring page! This one is especially great for little ones who are just learning to color.

Sand Slime
Easy Sand Slime
It's no secret that kids absolutely adore making slime. This sand slime is so much fun and I love this fish-in-a-bag idea, so cute!

Bird Feeder

Kids love bird feeders. This one is made out of popsicle sticks, making it a great and affordable craft that everyone will love!

Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder Craft via Made With Happy

Leaf Prints

Kids love exploring and they often bring back leaves. This leaf print craft is a creative way of using nature to make a beautiful art piece.

Nature Craft: Making Leaf Prints via Growing Family

Handprint Giraffe

I've seen a handprint turkey but I have never seen a giraffe! This is so original and kids will love creating their very own zoo animal.

Handprint Giraffe - Zoo-inspired Paper Craft via Glued to My Crafts

Rice Shakers

Toddlers love making their own music so this DIY rice shaker is definitely a winner! I can't think of a more affordable craft than this one.

Homemade Shaker Instruments for Toddlers via Twin Mom Refreshed

Pinecone Owls

How creative is this?! These pine cone owls are just too adorable. I love the acorn eyes and feather wings. Such a great idea!

Pinecone Owls via Crats by Amanda

Cactus Rocks

I can't get over how cute these are! Your kiddos will love finding the perfect rock, painting it to look like a cactus, then placing it in these adorable pots.

Pet Cactus Rocks via The Best Ideas for Kids

Homemade Chalk
Homemade Sidewalk Chalk
Making chalk together with your little one can be such a fun summer activity. This is one craft that kids will use again and again!

Paper Plate Snail

Instead of a beaded bracelet try making a snail! Kids will love this original idea and they will have so much fun decorating the shell.

Paper Plate Snail Craft via This N That with Olivia

Unicorn Dream Catcher

Help your little one create something that will catch all of their dreams! This unicorn dream catcher is adorable and makes a wonderful summer craft.

How to Make a DIY Unicorn Dream catcher via Three Kids, Three Cats, and a Husband

Rocking Paper Bird

What's better than a craft? A craft that actually does something! This rocking paper bird craft is so cute and kids will love it!

Rocking Paper Bird Craft via Arty Crafty Kids

Snow Globe

To a child, snow globes are so magical and this DIY craft would be an incredible summer activity for kids. They will have so much fun choosing what to put inside.

How to Make a Snow Globe via Little Bins for Little Hands

Sock Worms

Got an old pair of socks that you don't mind getting rid of? Use it to make these fun sock worms! Your child will love running around carrying this.

How to Make No-Sew Sock Worms via One Little Project

Fish Windsocks

Windsocks are so great because they move so beautifully in the wind. This under the sea inspired windsock would make a fabulous summer decor piece!

Fish Windsocks via iHeartCraftyThings

Shark Headband

This shark headband is perfect for those little ones who are obsessed with baby shark. Your kiddo will love running around with a shark head.

Shark Headband Craft for Kids [Free Template] via Simple Everyday Mom

Tie-Dye Baby Wipes

Make breathtaking art with the things you already have around your home. All you need are markers, rubber bands, baby wipes, and paper towels!

Easy Tie Dye Art with Baby Wipes via I Can Teach My Child

Colored Salt

Why spend money on sand when you can make beautiful layered salt designs?! This craft will definitely bring out the creativity in your kiddos.

Colored Salt via The Best Ideas for Kids

More Summer Activities

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Summer Crafts for Kids- The Inspiration Board

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Summer Crafts for Kids...fabulous ideas to keep your kiddos busy during summer break! Easy step-by-step instructions.

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Take the kids to a strawberry patch and let them pick some strawberries. -Payton

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The watermelon seed By Greg Pizzoli -Kayleigh

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Get some crackers and cheese! Take small summer-themed food cutters and cut your cheese into cool shapes. You can top the cheese and crackers with yummy summer fruits! -Jill

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Sidewalk Chalk Paint (Outdoor Activity) 

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Sidewalk Chalk Paint (Outdoor Activity) 

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This will allow they children to explore their creativity and they will be able to look at their artwork when they go outside. - Jill

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Learn how to make liquid sidewalk chalk!

Thisliquid sidewalk chalk recipe is super easy and simple to make. You only need a few simple supplies to make this recipe!

Our kids love making sidewalk chalk and drawing fun pictures on the sidewalk during the spring and summer months.

Create this DIY sidewalk chalk recipe today and get creative outdoors!

We spend a lot of time outdoors. My kids along with many of the neighbors' kids love to come over to play in and around our yard and on our driveway.

I usually have a lot of fun activities for them to do and the fact that it's shaded in the evening makes it a bit more enticing to the kids. Who wants to play in the hot beaming sun when you can enjoy the shade?

Recently, the kids found my stash of Crayola sidewalk paint. Before I could really say anything, they had poured most of it out and used up the majority of my paint within minutes! I wasn't upset, but I realized that I was out of paint and I thought it would last me all summer!

Instead of buying more paint, I decided to make my own.
If you'd rather purchase sidewalk chalk paint, here's the best liquid sidewalk chalk paint for kids available for purchase.
I've heard about making sidewalk paint before but never tried it. If I would have known how easy it was to make a while ago, I would have been making it for years instead of purchasing it from the store!
To make sidewalk chalk paint, all you need is corn starch, water, and food coloring!
I actually had all of these ingredients at my house at the time, so there was no need to run to the store to purchase anything.
You may also like:
Can you add food coloring to chalk paint?

For this recipe below, yes, we do add food coloring. The food coloring is added to the corn starch and water mixture.

Does food coloring stain sidewalks?

The answer is yes, it "can" stain sidewalks. However, this recipe has never stained the sidewalks or driveways that we've painted on.

I recommend doing a color test on your sidewalk. You can always adjust the amount of food coloring you use in your recipe.

If you see staining during the stain test, use less food coloring and continue this until you see that your sidewalk does not stain.

Can you use liquid chalk on sidewalks?

Absolutely! I recommend using your personal driveway and sidewalk for liquid chalk. I wouldn't recommend using liquid chalk around other people's property or on public sidewalks, simply because it's tough to do a stain test on these areas and clean up the art when finished.

How long does sidewalk chalk art last?

The chalk art usually stays on the sidewalk until the area is washed with a water hose or if the rain washes it away!

Easy Sidewalk Chalk Art Ideas

If you are wondering what you can draw with your sidewalk chalk paint, easy ideas include drawing stick figures, animals, flowers, a sun, clouds, trees, rainbows, leaves, food, faces with expressions, transportation (cars, boats, airplanes), and more!

Chalk Paint Bottles

These plastic squeeze bottles are great to use for your sidewalk chalk paint! This is a set of 6 bottles and you can create a variety of colors to use for your art ideas and painting needs.

How to Store Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Unfortunately, I do not recommend storing liquid sidewalk chalk paint. This paint is best used all at once and disposed of when finished.

If you are looking for basic sidewalk chalk to play with this summer, here are some great finds:

>>> Best Sidewalk Chalk for Kids <<<

How to Make Liquid Sidewalk Chalk
Supplies: Directions:
In a two cup measuring cup, add one cup of water and one cup of corn starch.*

Add about 10 drops of food coloring.**

Stir well and pour the mixture into the squeeze bottle.

Shake well before using!

Squeeze mixture into a small cup or container.

Using paintbrushes, paint the sidewalk with the sidewalk chalk paint!

*When working with the corn starch, it can get messy! I recommend placing something like a paper towel or pan under the area you'll be working with to prevent corn starch from getting all over the place.

**Please note: You can add more food coloring for brightness, but make sure you do a color test on your sidewalk to make sure it doesn't stain. By adding more food coloring, the chances of the sidewalk paint leaving a stain is higher. Keep reading to see how my stain test went.
Gather Your Paint Brushes and Painting Cups
We used several types of paintbrushes as well as small cups to hold our paint mixture while painting. If there's paint left after painting, you can easily pour the sidewalk chalk paint mixture into the squeeze bottles so that it's not wasted!
Complete a Stain Test Before Using
I completed a stain test on my sidewalk before using our paint. I have a small power washer that I use to clean our driveway off, so after painting, I let it dry and made sure the paint washed off well with the power washer. I did use more blue food coloring than red or yellow, so my blue section did stain a little and the others did not. I poured a small amount of the mixture out and diluted it with water, ran the test again, and it didn't stain.

I also recommend the kids wearing play clothes when using this paint since it can stain clothing!
Paint Fun Pictures!
Get creative with your paint and let the kids paint fun designs on the sidewalk! When not in use, contents will settle in the bottles. Simply shake the bottles up well before using again!

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on this DIY sidewalk chalk paint!

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How to Make Liquid Sidewalk Chalk - Mom. Wife. Busy Life.

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Learn how to make liquid sidewalk chalk! This easy tutorial will show you how you can make your own chalk paint for the kids.

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This is a fun song and dance but it is also teaching the importance of sunscreen. -Jill

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TheLearningStation - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes

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Summer Dance Songs for Children ♫ Sunscreen Song with Lyrics ♫ Kids Songs by The Learning Station

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Ice painting -Jill

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How To Make Ice Paint:

1. Fill an ice cube tray with water, but don't overfill it.

2. Add a small drop of food coloring to each well. Drop in a different color in each for a rainbow effect!

3. Cut a popsicle stick in half and use the flat edge to mix the water & food coloring.

4. Leave the popsicle stick in it and freeze overnight.

To paint with ice cubes, use watercolor paper for the best results. Watercolor paper is designed to absorb that amount of water. Regular paper will likely begin to fall apart from the wetness. You can get watercolor paper at your nearest arts and crafts store as well as major retail stores like Walmart or Target.

Hope you enjoy this kid-friendly indoor activity, it was one of the first ever DIY tutorials I ever made!

For this and many other sensory play recipes and ideas, check out the Mothercould in Your Pocket resource, where we encourage learning through play with fun, easy, and accessible play recipes using common household items so you can incorporate sensory play at home, on-the-go, and in the classroom

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This Ice Painting DIY is a fun and colorful (and easy to clean) activity to do with your kids. Making ice paint is easy and can unlock your child's creativity. Here's what you need:

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You could take the children to a farm so they can learn the importance of farming during the summer. -Jill

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Pete the Cat. Pete at the Beach. -Jill

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Ice cream shops -Jill

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If possible you can make up a garden outside so that the children and see and learn how things grow. -Kayleigh

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Fruit Necklaces, poke different fruit through a toothpick and thread string through the fruit.-Crystal

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You can take the kids to a botanical garden.-Crystal

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Bubbles Up by Jacqueline Davies

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Outdoor Sensory Table with Sand, water, and beach toys.-Crystal

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Treasure Hunt-Crystal

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Beach Day:Beach Bags, beach attire, beach toys-Crystal

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Summer Freeze-Crystal

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TheLearningStation - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes

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Summer Songs For Kids ♫ Summer Freeze ♫ Kids Dance Songs ♫ Brain Breaks by The Learning Station

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Go visit your local fire department and let the children learn about safety and see the trucks. -Kayleigh

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Graham Cracker fruit pizza

Get graham crackers, put yogurt on them and then add fruit. -Kayleigh

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Add fake hoses, firefighter hats, and uniforms for the children. You can even get cardboard-looking fire for the children to pretend to put out. -Kayleigh

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Have a puppet show! You can put it on or you can let the children put it on. Make a DIY puppet show stage out of cardboard. -Kayleigh

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-Kayleigh