Not aggressively. Just confidently.

“We’re not really a camping family.”

It’s often said the same way people say they don’t do scary movies or early mornings. It feels like a personality trait, not a preference.

And honestly, for a long time, that made sense.

Camping had a reputation. It meant sleeping on the ground, hoping for the best, and pretending that being slightly uncomfortable was part of the charm.

But here’s what’s changed.

Camping isn’t just one thing anymore.

And that’s exactly why more families, especially the ones who swore they’d never do it, are starting to reconsider.

Camping Has Quietly Evolved

What’s different now isn’t just the gear. It’s the flexibility.

Camping today exists on a spectrum, and most families are landing somewhere in the middle, not at the extremes.

On one end, you still have traditional tent camping. And for many, it’s become far more approachable than it used to be. A simple setup with a tent like the Coleman Sundome Tent and a comfortable air mattress from Intex can feel surprisingly manageable, especially at a well-equipped campsite.

But here’s where things really open up.

If sleeping on the ground still feels like a hard no, there are plenty of other ways to experience camping without giving up comfort.

RV camping has become one of the most popular options for families who want the outdoor experience with a layer of convenience built in. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes allow you to bring your own space with you, often including beds, kitchens, bathrooms, and even air conditioning.

For families who don’t own an RV, rental platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare make it easy to try it out without a long-term commitment.

You can even have an RV delivered and set up at your campsite, which feels a little like showing up to camping… already winning.

Then there’s glamping, which has changed the game entirely. Platforms like Hipcamp and Glamping Hub offer stays that range from safari tents and yurts to fully styled cabins and domes.

It’s still the outdoors, just without the stress of figuring everything out from scratch.

The takeaway here is simple.

You don’t have to do camping the hard way to still count it as camping.

Why It Ends Up Feeling So Different

One of the biggest surprises for families trying camping for the first time is how different the pace feels.

There’s no pressure to constantly move. No rigid schedule. No feeling like you need to plan every hour to make the trip worth it.

Instead, the day unfolds on its own.

Kids find ways to stay busy without needing to be entertained. Time stretches in a way that feels unfamiliar at first, then oddly refreshing. Even simple things, walking a trail, sitting by the fire, cooking together, start to feel like enough.

There’s also something about being outside for extended periods that shifts the energy of the entire family.

It’s quieter. Slower. Less reactive.

And while it may not look impressive on paper, it tends to feel better in real life.

Where Families Are Going

One of the biggest misconceptions about camping is that it requires a big, complicated trip.

In reality, some of the best experiences happen close to home.

State parks are one of the easiest ways to start. Systems like Tennessee State Parks, California State Parks, and Florida State Parks offer well-maintained campsites with restrooms, showers, and family-friendly layouts.

They remove a lot of the uncertainty, which makes them ideal for beginners.

If you’re ready to branch out, there are also some incredible, more unique experiences available.

National parks like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Zion National Park offer a mix of scenery, accessibility, and structured camping options.

For something different, browsing Recreation.gov can lead to hidden gems, from lakeside campsites to forest cabins and scenic overlooks.

And if you’re leaning more toward the glamping side, platforms like Airbnb often feature unique stays like treehouses, A-frame cabins, and converted vintage campers.

What You Actually Do (And Why It Works)

This is usually where people hesitate.

“What are we going to do all day?”

The answer ends up being both more and less than expected.

More time outside. Less structure.

Hiking becomes less about distance and more about exploring. Kids naturally find ways to stay engaged, whether it’s collecting rocks, playing near water, or simply being in a different environment.

Classic camping activities still hold up for a reason.

Making s’mores. Playing games. Sitting around talking without distractions.

None of it feels forced.

And without the constant pull of screens, kids tend to stay engaged longer than you’d expect.

The Small Upgrades That Change Everything

Camping doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few thoughtful additions can make it significantly easier.

Lighting is one of the biggest ones. A lantern from Coleman helps avoid the nightly scramble of trying to find everything in the dark.

Power is another. A portable option from Jackery allows you to keep devices charged without adding stress.

And simple organization, knowing where things are when you need them, can make the difference between a smooth experience and a frustrating one.

These aren’t about overpacking.

They’re about making things easier.

If You’ve Always Said “That’s Not Us”

Here’s the part worth reconsidering.

You don’t have to commit to becoming a camping family. You don’t have to love every part of it. And you definitely don’t have to do it in a way that feels uncomfortable.

Start small.

Try a nearby state park. Book a glamping stay. Rent an RV for a weekend and see how it feels.

Think of it less as a lifestyle change and more as trying something new.

Because for a lot of families, the biggest surprise isn’t that everything goes perfectly.

It’s that it doesn’t need to.

The Takeaway

Camping isn’t about doing it right.

It’s about doing it in a way that works for you.

And once you realize how many different ways there are to make that happen, it starts to feel a lot more possible.

Even if you’ve always been the family that said you’d never try it.

The post So… You Think You’re Not a Camping Family? Think Again appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

With a new year having commenced, a new season already knocking on the door and Daylight Savings Time back again, it might seem like the old is making way for the new entirely.

If you’d like an exciting blast from the past, however—a rebirth, as it were, a revival of sorts—why not embark upon a festive quest. That’s right! A quest that is all travel and no travail—and one for the entire family—is waiting for you right in Arrington, Tennessee.

If you’re up to the task at hand, visit the Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Arrington where you can travel to all parts of the realm in a 16^th Century family-fun festival!

Owned and operated by Mike and Jackie Freeman, the festival celebrates the merriment of a Renaissance marketplace, with over 60 skilled artisans from all over the country in attendance and with their unique wares on display and for sale.

Celebrating its 30^th year, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival will kick off this year’s festivities on May 2, 2015, with advance ticket sales online beginning April 1st. This gives merry-makers ample time to purchase tickets. Choose from day passes, two-day passes, season passes or even group sales.

An impressive line-up, including variety shows, arts & crafts, traditional food and drinks, games, exhibits, and reenactments, will be held in a reconstructed English village from the 16^th Century, known as Covington Glen.

The village features its own reconstructed castle as well—Castle Gwynn—with tours of the 1^st floor and castle grounds included in your festival admission. Weather permitting, tours are held each day from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Tour Historic Castle Gwynn at The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Castle Gwynn has an impressive history with the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, starting with the fact that it’s the only festival held at an actual castle—or castell—as it’s also called. Castell Gwynn (White Castle) is a modern-day replica of a 12^th Century border castle in Wales, known as Castell Coche (Red Castle).

Castell Coche served as the prototype for Mike Freeman’s dream house—he designed the initial sketch in his architecture class while in high school—with many talented electricians, engineers, builders, masons, and designers adapting the castle for modern living.

As depicted in the heraldic arms designed by Mike Freeman, Castle Gwynn will eventually be completed as a four towered structure. Currently, two of the towers are completed with a new middle section of brick arches and timber connecting the two. Repair and resurfacing work have also been done—resulting in the entire castle exterior being resurfaced—due to the effects from construction on nearby I-840.

When the festival moved to an adjoining site across New Castle Road due to construction on the I-840, a timber-framed covered bridge was constructed to connect the two structures.

To view the castle, guests must use the Castle Tour Bus both to and from the castle grounds. Use of the bus is also included in same-day festival admission.

At Castle Gwynn, both young and old alike can delight in impressive exhibits and replicas.

Like weaponry and expert craftsmanship? Be sure to check out the Rose-Dan Freeman Collection of Weaponry, including armor and swords, while touring the castle. And don’t miss the elegant designs of Imogene Stone—the festival’s Royal Tapestry Designer—which will also be on display at Castle Gwynn in the Needlework and Tapestry Collection.

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival also puts on Theme Weekends, with this year’s themes as follows:

• May 2-3: Opening Weekend – Family Discount and Community Appreciation

A family discount, this weekend only, to celebrate the opening of the 2015 festival. With the purchase of two regularly-priced tickets, two grandparents and all children 12 years and younger will receive free admission!

• May 9-10: Mother’s Day Weekend

Celebrating Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10^th) all weekend long, the first 400 mothers through the gates will receive a specially-crafted rose!

• May 16-17: Pirate Invasion Weekend

See a bevy of pirates galore—and dress up as one yourself if you’d like—during this themed weekend of swashbuckling fun! Kids can enter the Children’s Pirate Costume Contest or take part in the Children’s Costume Fashion Show that will also be held this weekend as well!

• May 23-24-25: Celtic Weekend

A Celtic touch to the festivities, with various games and contests that will focus on all things Celtic. Listen for Celtic melodies throughout Covington Glen. Kilts are definitely encouraged!

As the Tennessee Renaissance Festival has always strived to be a fun and fascinating children’s venue, the faire offers a number of free—free!—children’s activities.

• Children’s Knighting Ceremony, where young festival goers can become Ladies and Masters, knighted by Queen Elizabeth as Peers of the Realm of Covington Glen.
• Children’s Area, sponsored by Nashville Parent.
• Visit of Robin Hood and Maid Marian, who will involve the young ones in an interactive stage performance.
• Children’s Arts and Crafts Area, with supplies provided by News Channel 5.
• Children’s Costume Contest, in Arts and Crafts Area
• Children’s Costume Fashion Show on Pirate Weekend, where kids can dress up and display their pirate costumes onstage.
• Castle Gwynn Educational Tour

There will be plenty of other activities for children as well, while some shows are reserved for only the bravest of adults! For a full line-up of participants and events, or to download the Daily Entertainment Schedule, visit:  Entertainers and Performers at the Faire – The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Keep in mind that, though costumes and costume accessories are allowed, there are exceptions. In particular, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival has a new Weapons Policy in place for 2015. Included in this policy are the following noteworthy warnings: (1) all swords, whether brought as part of a costume or purchased on the festival grounds, must be sheathed and peace-tied at all times. No exceptions! (2) Weapons will be inspected at the entrance for the safety of everyone; also (3) arrows must have tips removed and (4) firearms, whether working or replica, are strictly prohibited. For more information on weaponry and safety in general, please read the Rules of the Realm, here: Rules of the Realm – The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

For Educational Day information, and information on School Days at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, be sure to visit the website for updates or reach out to the festival via its Contact Page: Contact Information, Comments and Questions – The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

So if you’re not quite ready to say adieu to the past, try saying huzzah instead! Then go ahead and visit the Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Arrington, Tennessee. After a rewarding day of ribaldry for the entire family, you’ll be glad you did.

For complete information, be sure to visit the festival’s main page: The Tennessee Renaissance Festival – your finest entertainment venue just outside of Nashville

The post A Bit of Old Britain at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival (May 2015) appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Are you tired of the traditional family vacation? Or maybe you feel like your travel plans need a revamp this year. Well whatever the case may be, the U.S. Farm Stay Association offers a unique and exciting experience for your entire family; you can spend your vacation this year on a working ranch or farm! That’s right; a farm – or ranch – anywhere across the United States! And what’s even more captivating is that you don’t have to settle for a packaged plan that only allows a few options. You still get to decide how, and where, your family will participate in the fun.

The concept of farm stays has actually been around for quite some time, though for some reason it is surprisingly new to both American farmers and American families looking for unique vacation experiences. Europe has long since participated in this educational and historical type of travel. In Italy, it is known as “agriturismo,” while many other countries have long since held the view of “checking out” and diving into nature, where you go off the grid, so to speak, and leave all the amenities and confines of the city to spend some time reconnecting with the natural world all around you.

Whether feeding a lamb or milking a cow, helping with daily chores or taking a class in cheese making, every farm stay offers something different and operates differently. Keep in mind that these stays are not simply a hotel or B&B on a non-operational farm or ranch. These are hands-on experiences that will offer your family wonderful memories and the unique opportunity of caring for nature and understanding the process of sustainable living. Where your family will be up-close and personal with nature and all it can offer!

Farming has been a part of the American way of life for some time, but since World War II it has been challenged severely and even been on the decline. Your participation in this type of vacation ensures that farmers and their hard work are noted and respected, and that this tradition continues and begins to even thrive again. As more and more American farmers open their doors to families and farm stays, and as more families engage in the farm stay experience, we can ensure that this tradition indeed continues!

The U.S. Farm Stay Association has created a wonderful website, www.farmstayus.com, where families can choose what state they would like to vacation in. And if you are not certain what state you would like to visit, the website allows you to even choose your destination based on region. So if you know you love the Midwest but have never been, you can simply choose the region and then sit back – the website will do all of the work as it provides you with a throng of choices to choose from. You can also choose your location based on specific “allowables,” such as whether or not you’d like to bring a pet or even a party of twenty with you!

And for all of you wine lovers, there is even the possibility of staying on a working vineyard! It’s easy to see how www.farmstayus.com has something for every type of vacation and for every type of family.

The hope of a farm stay experience is that your family will take away not only great memories, but a deeper respect for nature and those who care for it. The farmers that you interact with hope that your stay on their farm (or ranch) helps your family to appreciate the beauty and fragility of nature, that you will be able to understand the hard work and dedication that farmers put into ensuring an eco-friendly and sustainable system of living with the environment. And of course, they want you to have fun experiencing nature rather than merely reading about it!

So go ahead and begin creating treasured memories with your family by booking your farm stay today!

The post Vacations on Working Ranches and Farms across the U.S. appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If your family is like the average family today, life revolves around demanding jobs, shuttling kids to school, homework, sports practice, dance class, volunteering, and more. Before you know it, life becomes a whirlwind of to-do lists and obligations. Yet within the craziness of life, we still need to carve out dedicated family time — time to slow down and bond. Going on vacation is a great way to reconnect, but for many families it’s not always feasible due to scheduling and finances. The good news is that quality family time does not have to mean packing suitcases, clearing a week from your calendar, or spending a lot of money. It can be pulled together with a few things from around the house or an afternoon trip near your home.

Here are 8 ideas for quality family time that will create a lifetime of memories:

Spring/Summer Family Fun.  Spring and summer are the perfect time to be outside.  Plan a bike trip or a hike and have a picnic at a local park.  Many local venues like the zoo or botanical gardens offer “free pass” days in the spring and summer.  Take the family to an amusement or water park to break up summer time dull drums.  Try going to local museums or historical points of interest.  If you live near a lake, or ocean pack up the volley ball net and go to the beach. 

Family Game & Movie Night.  When was the last time your family busted out Sorry, UNO or Candy Land?  Family game night is a lot of fun and is a totally “unplugged” activity.  Change it up a bit and swap out game night for family movie night. Pick a good family movie from Netflix, Redbox or introduce your kids to one of your favorites from youth. As a family, take turns picking the game or movie. Pop some popcorn, make ice cream sundaes or hot chocolate and snuggle up for a night in.

The Family Garden.  A family garden offers so many benefits. It brings the whole family together to accomplish a united goal and creates a project that lasts from spring to fall.  You’ll be surprised at how much your kids love to garden (what kid doesn’t love to play in the dirt?).  All you need is a small space in your yard, a few basic gardening tools, seeds, and water. Don’t worry, novices are encouraged — no green thumb is required! Not sure where to start? Sit down as a family to plan out the garden. Let each family member pick something they’d like to grow – and go to the library and do some online research together to figure out how and when to plant each item. Your kids will learn firsthand how their food is grown and you’ll probably notice them eating more fresh fruit and vegetables when they’ve had a part in growing them.  Seeing a garden go from seeds to harvest is a wonderful thing!

The Crafty Family.  Crafting can be a lot of fun for the whole family!  Get together and vote on a project.  If you need some inspiration, browse Pinterest for ideas. Give a piece of furniture a makeover with some paint and Modge Podge, use canvases to create art for the family room wall or work together to make handmade gifts for grandparents. You can also create a challenge by only using items from around the house or making robots or cars from items in the recycling bin. It doesn’t matter what you make, just work together to create something unique and having fun doing it.

The Family Olympics.  Got a WII or X-box Kinect? Maybe a ping pong table or Twister? It’s time for Family Olympics!  Organize several different games that family members can compete in from X-box bowling to charades. You can even create teams if your family is big enough. Invite another family over for a family vs. family competition or kids vs. parents. And don’t forget to take lots of pictures to document your Olympic achievements!

Cooking Up Family Memories.  The kitchen is typically the hub of the home, so organize a family dinner party. Put on some music, give everyone a job (younger children can wash vegetables and add ingredients to the bowl) and make cooking the meal a family event. You can put your own spin on dinner by choosing a theme such as “potluck” where everyone selects their own recipe and the family cooks it together or an “around the world” theme where you choose a country and make recipes from that country. Compiling recipes and making a family cookbook with photos of your family meals is also a wonderful gift to give to your children.

Welcome to Camp Family.  You don’t have to be a Boy Scout or have the outdoor survival skills of Bear Grylls to be a camper.  Camping can be a very basic adventure that your kids are guaranteed to enjoy. The best part is that it completely removes you from your typical day-to-day life. An overflowing laundry pile can’t beckon you as easily from the lake!  Find a state park or lake near your home. A camp spot is typically under $20. Borrow a tent or pick up a used one from Craigslist. Plan a couple of meals you can cook over the grill or campfire (like hot dogs, scrambled eggs, popcorn, etc.). Pack up your car with sleeping bags, flash lights, and bug spray. And don’t forget your best “back to nature” attitude.

Take a Family Staycation. Treat it like a real vacation. Make a big deal out of it! In fact, a short trip can be a lot less stressful for the whole family, especially younger children. Is there a place near your home you’ve always wanted to visit?  Or a historical spot with an opportunity for learning?  Or maybe book a night in a local hotel with a pool and enjoy a night away with the kids. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top, just a change of scenery with some fun and relaxation for everyone.

In the end, just remember it doesn’t really matter what activities you plan for your family as long as you’re making time for ‘togetherness’. You don’t need a lot of money or time away to have fun. The bills will wait, the laundry will get done eventually, and don’t forget to put down your iPhone. Take the time to have fun and enjoy your kids!

About Jennifer Chung

Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

The post Carving Out Quality Family Time appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

A fun and interesting take on intensive planning and going away for family vacations is something known as a “stay-cation,” where the traveling is all done to a destination such as your own backyard or even to a grandparent’s house for a night of fun and family togetherness. These types of vacations ensure that family time is still adhered to even with busy schedules, as well as catering to the travel bug that bites add odd times of the year. A “stay-cation” can turn any night or weekend evening into a cause for celebration. And the great thing is that they run on minimal planning and are very kid-friendly!

For those nights when the weather is wonderful and the sky is as beautiful as a painting, a great exercise is to have the family sleep outside in sleeping bags. This is such a fun experience for a variety of reasons (see a variety of sleeping bags here: http://www.rei.com/c/sleeping-bags-and-accessories). First, if your family has never gone camping before or stayed in sleeping bags, this fun, family-friendly exercise will help to prepare your family on sleeping outside in “nature” and in getting used to sleeping in the sleeping bags. 

Another great thing about camping in sleeping bags outside is that it can turn into a great educational lesson as well. When the night is clear and stars can be seen, you can even bring out a telescope and point out specific stars and constellations to your children. This would work well as a supplementary activity to any lesson your child is learning on astronomy or mythology. Your family can make a game of guessing what constellations and what stars can be seen through the microscope and which can be seen with the naked eye! Have your children name the stars or planets, and then see who can tell why the planet or star is named what it is. What is the history behind it? This will turn into a great educational game with little effort on your part of trying to hold the interest of your kids!

If the weather is not so great or if your family prefers, sleeping in a tent is also a great way to introduce the family to camping, as well as to just have fun in your own backyard! Again, you can go and visit grandparents and bring a tent or sleeping bags along and have a little mini vacation. Tens come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can accommodate a number of people from one to a group. To find out a bit more about the right tent for your family, visit REI to see what they have in store: http://www.rei.com/c/tents. Of course sleeping bags and family activities can be added to family tent time, so be sure to think of creative ways to get your family involved in this small, but necessary, amount of quality time, whether it is again referencing the stars outside and nature or answering movie trivia as well as pop culture trivia!

If the night is just too dark to see stars or too cold, you can be sure to snuggle up inside your tent and play family games. Another great tool is an LED light that simulates stars as well. There may be one that runs on just batteries that you can have in the tent. This way, the entire tent will be lit up with rotating stars. It will make for an adventure that your family is sure to remember for some time to come and continue to talk about!

The post Staycations: Family Vacations Right at Home appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

As access to technology increases, families may find they are spending more time on their devices and less time together.

Some psychologists worry our growing attachment to technology may result in social isolation.

“We’re getting used to a new way of being alone together,” said Sherry Turkle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor, psychologist and author of “Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other.” “People want to be with each other, but also elsewhere, connected to all the different places they want to be.”

In her book, “Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other,” Turkle explores the idea that this constant need for virtual connection is leading to a gap in communication between families, and a new generation of children is unable to actually communicate and relate to their peers or parents.

Ready for a Tech Timeout?

Foresters™, a life insurance provider committed to the well-being of families, recently launched the Tech Timeout™ challenge in response to a growing awareness that our attachment to digital devices may contribute to a sense of social isolation among families. Tech Timeout encourages families across North America to take a pledge to turn off their digital devices (including TVs, smartphones, video games and computers) for an hour each day for one week and connect with each other in a more meaningful way. The idea is not to eliminate technology, but to create awareness of the dependence on technology, and ultimately improve personal bonds within families.

Easy Ways to Unplug

Carving out space and time for each other can start the channels of communication flowing. Here are some activities families can do together:

• Board Game Bonanza – Break out the cards, puzzles and board games for a night of old-fashioned fun.
• Get Out and Play – Find a local trail and set out on a hike together. You will have a chance to interact with your surroundings and one another and be active too.
• Volunteer – Volunteering can help strengthen community connections and avoid a sense of social isolation. Find a cause your family is passionate about and volunteer with a local organization.
• Cook Together – Dig out your favorite recipes and try cooking as a family. Assign each person a role in meal preparation. You will not only have plenty of time to interact, your children can pick up some valuable life skills along the way.
• Take a Tech-free Holiday – Family vacations are a great time to recharge and bond with your kids, but connecting can be tough if you are each plugged into your electronic devices. Fun time together will create memories your children will cherish for years to come.
• Rediscover Reading – Begin a family reading hour or book club. Starting a discussion about literature will open up communication.

To take the Tech Timeout pledge, and for more tips on building stronger bonds within your family, visit www.TechTimeout.com and www.facebook.com/TechTimeout.

Foresters™ is the trade name and a trademark of The Independent Order of Foresters, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9; its subsidiaries are licensed to use this mark.

Tech Timeout and the Tech Timeout logo are trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The post Take a Break from Technology appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

All you need to recover from the hectic pace of daily life is a day in the great outdoors.

This season, explore the open waters for yourself by treating the entire family to the world of fishing and boating. According to a recent survey, Americans cite relaxation, stress relief, time with family, the thrill of the catch and connecting with the outdoors as what they appreciate most about fishing. Not only are these activities fun and affordable, they provide lasting memories for all to cherish.

Get Hooked on Fishing

Fishing is easy and enjoyable for the whole family. And, it’s simple to get started.  If you’re not sure what you need or want a refresher course, TakeMeFishing.org is a website that helps people of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a successful day on the water.    

How to Fish – Need a beginner’s guide to fishing? The website’s Fishopedia section has information about specific fish species, where they live and how to catch them. For kids, the site’s Little Lunkers pages help develop fishing skills and knowledge before getting out on the water.

Where to Fish – Find your perfect local fishing and boating spot with an interactive map that guides you to your nearest parks, bodies of water, fishing spots, campgrounds and more.

Where to Boat – Download a free app to find places to launch or dock boats, including more than 35,000 boat ramps and marinas across the country.

Connect and Share – Connect with others to view and share photos, plus read expert blogs and forums to help guarantee you have the best day on the water.

Gear Up for Fun

There are just a few items you’ll want to pack to enjoy your day.  You can gear up with the basics – a rod and reel combo, tackle kit, and bait – at local sporting goods stores, large retailers and bait and tackle shops. 

For all on-the-water festivities, be sure everyone has a life jacket, a current fishing license, and that any boat being used meets registration requirements. Licenses and registrations can be purchased for your state online.

While you’re out, be sure you have proper sun protection. This includes sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect skin and eyes from the sun’s rays. You may also want to bring some insect repellant.

Give Yourself a Pat on the Back

Most people don’t realize when you purchase a fishing license, you’re giving back to local conservation projects, helping protect, preserve and enhance the nation’s waterways for generations to come.

So, round up the kids and head outside to enjoy all the season has to offer. Remember, some of the best memories are caught while fishing and boating. 

Source: Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

The post Reel In Some Outdoor Memories appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Looking for ways to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day as a family? There are plenty of ways to celebrate the emerald isle and all that hails from it this week. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Towns and cities all over the nation will be having Saint Patrick’s Day parades. Throw comfy shoes on the family and get ready for some fun!

Irish dance is catching on, look for local festivals or Irish Dance Recitals coming up. 

Throw an Irish party. Irish music is easy to find on iTunes or Youtube. Put on the tunes and have everyone wear green and bring their favorite green food to share.

If you are fortunate enough to have warm weather on Saint Patrick’s Day, take your children out for a four leaf clover hunt. 

Hop in the car and go visit a local Irish restaurant for dinner. There are Irish pubs and restaurants in most major cities in America. If there isn’t an Irish restaurant in your area, make an Irish dinner at home (find great recipes in our Food section).

Whatever Irish activity your family decides to participate in this year, have fun and have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!

The post Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day as a Family appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Take a fall weekend to explore museums in a smaller city near your home and you’ll be amazed at what you find; especially if you let the kids lead the way. 

But touring a museum with kids – especially young ones – is an entirely different experience than what you might have anticipated, whether it is a children’s museum like the one in Indianapolis or the Smithsonian.

Whether you are headed to a large museum or small, here are eight tips to up the fun quotient:

1. Take a virtual tour with the kids before you go. Many museums now have websites just for kids that serve as a great introduction to the exhibits. Tell the kids they need to reveal one fun fact they’ve learned when you get to the exhibit they most want to visit.

2. Make sure everyone has a say in what you will see. Divide and conquer, if necessary, with adults taking different-aged kids in different directions.

3. Give up the notion of seeing the entire museum and spend more time at the areas that captivate the kids’ attention.

4. Make sure the kids are well fed and rested. Make sure everyone is wearing comfortable shoes too!

5. Stop at the information desk and see if there are any special family activities scheduled or discovery rooms that are open where hands-on activities are offered. Ready to dress up like a frog?

6. Play the “what if” game when you arrive. What if you get separated? Make sure the kids know to approach someone in a museum uniform and explain that they’ve “lost” their parents. Make sure they have a card in their pocket with your full name (young kids might be apt to say your name is “mommy” or “daddy” and your cell phone number.) With older kids who don’t have a cell phone, make a time and place to meet in case you get separated.

7. Stop in the gift shop and buy a few post cards of the museum’s treasures so that you can have a scavenger hunt as you explore the museum.

8. Leave when the kids have had enough. The museum will be there on your next visit.

Courtesy of www.takingthekids.com

The post Fall is a great time to visit a museum appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Outdoor Activities:

1. Good Ole Sledding
There’s nothing like zipping downhill on a cold winter’s day. Don’t have a sled? No worries, just use an old trash can lid, an inflatable pool toy or a storage tote lid and away you go!

2. Ice skating
Whether you have one in your backyard or you go to the nearest ice skating rink, this is a great day of fun for the whole family! Kids will get a good laugh out of dad falling on his rear-end and parents are secretly slipping in some good exercise for themselves and their kids!

3. Build a Snowman   
Create a frosty friend with old hats and scarves! Better yet, build a frosty family to look like your own.

4. Snow Painting
Fill a spray bottle full of water and add a few drops of food coloring and go out in the yard and create a masterpiece!

5. Go Caroling
You don’t need a one-horse sleigh or angelic voices to enjoy caroling with your family. The key to making caroling fun for kids is mixing cheery music with lots of holiday spirit! Be sure to bring flashlights for safety, hot cocoa to warm your tummies and wear comfortable shoes.

6. Museums, Libraries or Bowling
Winter is the perfect time to find indoor places to go for family fun! Museums often have free exhibits, libraries usually have story telling times for kids and who doesn’t love a good game of bowling!

On days where the snow is falling so hard you can hardly see through it, you may just want to hang in the house.
Here are some great ideas for staying in and having a blast!

Indoor Activities:

1. Bake Cookies & Other Yummy Treats
Baking together builds great family memories! It opens up the perfect opportunity to really talk with your kids and to make this idea a little sweeter… you can all eat the goodies after!

2. Drink Hot Cocoa by a Fire
Feeling a little too frosty, cozy up next to a fire with some delicious hot cocoa (add candy canes and or cinnamon sticks for a special twist). Mmmmm!

3. Play a Board Game
Pull the old classics like Monopoly & Scrabble out of the closet, knock the dust off of them and gather around the table. These games are not only fun but are educational too! Monopoly is great for teaching your child to count money and Scrabble is a great way to work on spelling.

4. Make a Gingerbread House
Help them build the candy house of their dreams with all their favorite candies. For an extra surprise, hide a special present inside the house after for them to find.

 5. Have a Movie Night
Choose a movie the whole family will enjoy and pop some popcorn! Snuggling on  the sofa watching a movie is the perfect way to spend a cold evening in! Throw a  few M&M’s into your popcorn if you like sweet & salty!

 6. Pull Out Old Photo Albums
Reminiscing over old holiday photos will not only bring back great memories but    may also generate some fun ideas. A lot of great times started with “Remember  the time… we should do that again!”

The post Top 12 Family Winter Activities appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.