Summer break is perfect for diving into outdoor adventures and unleashing your creativity. When the temperatures rise, remember that hot weather calls for water play!

Beat-the-Heat Summer Water Activities

Transform simple play into joyful discovery while staying cool in the summer sun. You don't need to spend a fortune to entertain your kids this summer. Here are some budget-friendly water activities that promise hours of fun and excitement without draining your wallet.

DIY Slip 'n Slide

Turn your backyard into a splash zone with a plastic tarp, dish soap, or foam bath, and a hose. Set it on a gentle slope, add soapy water, and let the sliding fun begin!

Homemade Sprinklers

Create cooling fun with DIY sprinklers! Poke holes in a two-liter bottle and attach them to your hose, or tape holed pool noodles into an arch for kids to run through.

Water Balloon Piñatas

Hang water balloons from a tree or clothesline and let the kids take turns smashing them with a stick. It’s a wet and hilarious twist on a classic party game.

Backyard Water Wall

Build a simple water wall using recycled bottles, scoops, and a baby gate. Kids will love watching water trickle through the obstacles.

Magnetic Ice Fishing

Freeze magnets in colorful ice cubes and let the kids “fish” them out of a tub or kiddie pool using magnet-tipped rods. It’s cool, splashy fun they won’t want to stop.

Water Painting

Let your little artists paint the driveway or patio using water and brushes or chalk. As the sun dries their creations, they can start fresh and keep the creativity flowing!

A lifetime of adventure can begin right in your backyard. These creative and affordable water activities offer endless summer fun and unforgettable memories. So dive in and let the outdoor excitement begin!

As summer break approaches with its long, leisurely days, remember that reading is one of the best ways for your child to keep learning. A good book can transport young readers to exciting new worlds, spark their imaginations, and provide a much-needed period of quiet, focused time amidst all the summer fun.

So, stock up on stories and let your child dive into adventures that make summer both enjoyable and educational!

Why Children Should Read Books This Summer

Encouraging summer reading is more important than you might realize. Research shows that reading during the summer helps children maintain and even improve their literacy skills.

According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, most children understand that summer reading is fun and strengthens their reading skills well beyond the summer months. In fact, 61% of kids love summer reading, with picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels being top choices.

Reading regularly during the summer is crucial to preventing the "summer slide," a phenomenon in which academic skills decline when children are away from school. Without consistent reading, students may lose important comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills, making it harder to catch up when school starts again.

Recognizing and celebrating your child's reading achievements is one of the best ways to support their literacy, not only this summer but throughout the year. By praising your child for engaging with books, you are reaffirming positive reading habits and building their confidence.

As a parent, you can help your child stay sharp, inspired, and ready for the new school year. By incorporating books into their summer routine, you are taking a proactive step in their education.

On Friday, July 4, 2025, Americans from coast to coast will eagerly anticipate and joyfully come together to celebrate Independence Day — the 249th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

This historic holiday, with its roots in the momentous year of 1776, marks the birth of a new, sovereign nation, as the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, officially breaking ties with Great Britain.

Fourth of July Celebrations

As the Fourth of July approaches, families and communities across the nation, each with their unique traditions and ways of celebrating, are gearing up for a day filled with festive gatherings that celebrate the heart and history of America.

Other than the red, white, and blue dress code, traditions from generations past include:

Backyard Barbecues: Grills will be fired up as families and friends gather to enjoy classic American fare like burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and corn on the cob.

Patriotic Parades: Streets across the country will be lined with spectators waving flags as marching bands, veterans, local organizations, and floats showcase pride in the red, white, and blue.

Lively Picnics in the Park: From beach picnics to city parks to countryside meadow outing, picnic blankets and lawn games bring people together under the summer sun.

Fireworks Displays: As night falls, the skies will light up with brilliant bursts of color, echoing the joy and triumph that the Fourth of July represents. Remember, safety first when handling fireworks. Always follow local laws and guidelines, and never allow children to handle fireworks unsupervised.

From the smallest rural towns to the biggest metropolitan cities, Independence Day serves as a powerful reminder of the unity, freedom, and unwavering American spirit that continue to define the nation.

Regardless of age or fitness level, adding a simple walk to your daily routine can work wonders for your health and well-being. Get ready to enjoy the many benefits of walking!

Staying active can be straightforward and enjoyable! Just imagine this: a daily brisk walk can be a simple yet incredibly effective way to boost your health and enhance your longevity.

When you walk, you support your own body weight, making it a weight-bearing exercise. Here’s a list of reasons to start walking today to enjoy its benefits.

• Better heart and lung health
• Lower chance of heart disease and stroke
• Improved control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and muscle or joint pain
• Stronger bones and better balance
• Increased muscle strength and endurance
• Reduced body fat and better weight management
• Improved brain function
• Positively impact on sleep quality
• Lowered anxiety and depression
• Increased focus and creativity
• Improved digestive function

Becoming a regular walker helps establish a consistent routine, making it easier to maintain healthy habits and adopt new ones. It also boosts your confidence in achieving wellness goals—studies show that regular walkers often experience better mental health and a more positive outlook on life.

Walking is a simple, adaptable form of exercise that can fit seamlessly into your daily schedule. No matter how you stroll through the park or navigate city streets, your walking routine should accommodate your lifestyle while gradually increasing your fitness level.

From a relaxed walk in nature to a brisk lap around the neighborhood, the benefits go far beyond physical health. So lace up your shoes and take that first step toward a healthier, happier you!

Eco-therapy, also known as green therapy or green exercise, is founded on the concept that engaging with nature can promote healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Humans have evolved in nature, and your brain can benefit from reconnecting with the outdoors.

What Green Therapy Can Do for You

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress is a constant presence, nature offers a much-needed escape—a true breath of fresh air. While the therapeutic power of the natural world has long been acknowledged, only recently have mental health professionals begun actively integrating outdoor experiences into treatment plans. This shift reflects a growing recognition of nature’s profound ability to support emotional well-being and mental health.

Spending time in natural environments has been consistently linked to reduced anxiety, lower stress levels, and fewer symptoms of depression. For individuals with depression or children facing attention challenges, green spaces can boost focus, clarity, and mood.

Experts in ecotherapy highlight the unique effectiveness of nature-based therapy, especially for those hesitant to participate in traditional counseling. The calm, nonclinical setting of the outdoors often helps individuals feel more at ease, fostering greater openness and emotional release.

The benefits of nature extend across a wide spectrum of mental and physical health concerns. Research shows positive outcomes in areas such as ADHD, dementia, chronic pain, stress relief, recovery from medical procedures, mood disorders, obesity, and PTSD. Nature therapy encourages a deeper awareness of both self and surroundings, facilitating personal insight and emotional healing.

So, take walk in the park, hike through the woods, or simply sit outside to soak up the fresh air. Making time for nature can be a simple yet powerful step toward better health. Start weaving nature into your weekly routine—you may be surprised by how much it can restore you.

Father's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible man who raised you. It's a special occasion to honor your dad and express how much he means to you. Take some time to reflect on his interests and passions, and most importantly, put in the effort and creativity needed to make the day truly unforgettable for him.

Here’s a quick guide to the best ways to celebrate Father's Day—each idea focuses on what matters most: spending quality time with Dad.

Take a Road Trip
Pack the car, play your favorite music, and drive to the beach, mountains, or Dad’s favorite park—this will create lasting memories.

Host a Family Game Night
Let Dad show his competitive side with games like Jenga, charades, or Monopoly. You can also challenge him to a fun trivia night.

Fire Up the Grill
Enjoy great food! Grill burgers, veggies, and more while spending time cooking with or cheering for Dad.

Plan an Outdoor Movie Night
Turn your backyard into a movie theater with a projector and one of Dad’s favorite films for a cozy night under the stars.

Go Fishing
A relaxing fishing trip is a great way to bond with Dad in nature. You might even enjoy your catch for dinner later.

Build a Campfire
For a sweet ending, end the day by roasting marshmallows and sharing stories with Dad or Grandpa around the campfire.

Honor the pivotal role Dad plays in your life and create unforgettable moments that your family will treasure for years to come. Let’s craft a celebration brimming with joy and lasting memories this Father's Day!