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Teen Time in Tahoe

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | April 23, 2023

Last summer, my oldest son and I embarked on an experience that was new to us. He had been fishing with his dad in California lakes, and I grew up fishing in the Arkansas River with mine. Piggybacking on our fond memories, I sought a related – but new – adventure for us to share. I proposed we try fly fishing. Tag, Lake Tahoe was it! I also gave him a choice of locations within a few hours of Monterey County.

After a private lesson and two days out with a guide, we were hooked. We’re returning to do it again – and a lot more – this summer. I hope we’ll make it an annual trip, just the two of us.

A long weekend away offers a chance to unwind from the cares and busyness at home and focus on just being together. Planning such a trip gives your teen the message that you care and want to spend time with them. Despite appearances during adolescence, when peers are more important than parents and alone time is protected, this can mean the world to them.

Whether you’re looking for action and adventure or relaxing quiet time, there’s something for everyone. An informal survey on our Monterey Bay Parent Group Facebook page revealed that you have some favorites in the Tahoe area. Below, we share them, along with where to stay, what to do and see, and some details for your budget.

Where to Stay

On the advice of many friends, I booked our stay in South Lake Tahoe at the Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina. Affectionately called “Camp Rich,” it was named after its first postmaster, Alonzo L. Richardson. We loved the small-town feel and amenities of this community. Within walking distance among tall pines, you’ll find a general store and deli, coffee and confectionary shop with gluten-free bread, ice cream parlor, sports center for equipment rentals and accessories, lakeside bar and grill with a versatile menu and large portions, and the beach.

Accommodations are just as varied with a historic hotel built in 1926, beachside rustic cabins, with views from Mt. Tallac to Heavenly Mountain Resort, and tent camping beneath the stars. Summer rates at Camp Rich range from $150 plus tax per night for two double beds at the historic hotel to $180 plus tax for two beds at the Beachside Inn.

Campgrounds will open in June. The RV campground sits across the street from the historic hotel and runs $75 nightly with water and electric hookups. Single-tent sites begin at $50 per night and include a bear-proof box, picnic table, and grated fire pit for cooking. Cabins, which dot the ground between the hotel and the lake, require a 7-night minimum between Memorial and Labor Day. The least expensive option is a studio with one queen bed for $1,300/week. A cabin with two beds begins at $1,540/week.

We stayed at the historic hotel, where we could relax with a good book in the cozy great room after a long morning out. We also enjoyed sandwiches from the deli across the street outside the hotel’s quaint courtyard garden. “Granlibakken” is a Norwegian phrase that means “a hillside sheltered by fir trees.” Granlibakken Tahoe is another family favorite about 1.5 miles from the lake. This resort in North Lake Tahoe was opened in 1949 on the lake’s West shore. It offers private bedrooms and suites, townhomes and lodges, with all the comforts of home.

Each is unique, and private owners maintain all lodging at Granlibakken.

The Bed & Breakfast Package for two in a standard bedroom is $299.50 per night before tax and a service fee. Suites begin at $693.50 nightly, and townhouses start at $821.50 per night. Guests can access the outdoor heated pool, nearby hiking and biking trails, and tennis and pickleball courts for no extra charge. A full breakfast buffet is available daily, and the Cedar House Pub serves dinner seasonally.

Those who prefer to stay outdoors should check out Eagle Point Campground at Emerald Bay State Park, 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. Depending on the weather, this site will open in June and is typically open until mid-September. A unique option here is a “boat-in” campground. Camping itself is on land in lakefront campsites. Call 1-800-444-7275 for rates, availability, and important details about camping at Eagle Point.

No matter what lodging you choose in these areas, count on nature’s air-conditioning to keep cool—and take all precautions to keep bears at bay. Also, be sure to make a note of cancellation policies.

What to See & Do

Those who want to get out on the lake have plenty of choices. At Camp Rich, you can rent kayaks, standup paddle boards, and jet skis. Kayak and paddle board rentals begin at $35/hour, and pedal boats can be rented for $40/hour. One-hour jet ski rentals are $169.

If you like to be on the water but want less activity, consider the Rum Runner Cruise to Emerald Bay and back. This cruise takes you by Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, where you’ll see an upthrust of granite that rises 150 feet out of the water and learn about the “Tea House” there. The cost is $35 for children 12 and under and $69 per adult.

That cruise gives you a glimpse of the historic Vikingsholm Castle, which has 38 rooms and is said to showcase “one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in America.” You can tour the castle with a guide by choosing the Vikingsholm Castle Boat Tour. The cost is $69 for children 12 and under and $99 for adults. This boat leaves from Camp Rich Marina.

If you’d like to get away for the day on land, the Mountain Sports Center in Camp Rich will outfit you with a hybrid bike, mountain bike, or tandem bike. Children’s bikes and trailers begin at $10 for the first hour, and adult hybrid bikes are $15 for the first hour. Biking along the tree-lined paths is relaxing and refreshing, but if you’re looking for a workout or spectacular views, hit the trails on foot. Grab a map at the sports center to locate hiking trails. Zip lining at Granlibakken’s Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park will give you a sight and a thrill without traveling far. Want more? Venture out to parasail or ride in a gondola lift at the nearby Heavenly Mountain Resort. You’ll also find ropes courses and bungy trampoline jumping in surrounding villages.

Promising Agreement

No matter where you go in Tahoe, I expect you’ll be glad you did. Before you and your teen hit the road, though, consider reviewing Tahoe’s Take-Care Travel Pledge together. Choosing its six commitments will help you and your teen stay safe and remain mindful during your stay. I can’t think of a better way to begin your trip.

your trip.

A Weekend Visit to Sausalito

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | July 28, 2021

“The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding is arguably one of the greatest pop songs ever written. The song is filled with emotion: peace, awe, and a little loneliness. In the summer of 1967, Redding was on a houseboat at Waldo Point in Sausalito, California, when he first began penning the lyrics to “Dock of the Bay.” The first line he wrote down was, “Watching the ships come in and then I watch ‘em roll away again,” after being inspired by the sights and sounds of the San Francisco Bay. Sausalito will do that to you.

Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge or step off the ferry from San Francisco into Sausalito, and you’ll swear you’ve landed in a quaint European city. The boutiques, art galleries, scenic waterfront walks, homes perched on the sides of the hills, and boat-filled marinas give off Italian coast vibes. It’s the perfect destination for a short family vacation or a romantic adults-only getaway (in which case you have permission to skip the Discovery Museum!).

WHERE TO STAY

There are a variety of options for lodging in Sausalito. The family-friendly Cavallo Point is within walking distance of the Bay Area Discovery Museum and offers grand views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa is a gorgeous landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Most Sausalito hotels are of the boutique variety, so if it’s a national chain you’re looking for, you’ll have better luck in Corte Madera (10-minute drive) or San Rafael (20-minute drive).

WHAT TO DO

While you can easily enjoy a couple of days in Sausalito without anything more pressing on your schedule than strolling the town and sitting by the bay, here are a few places you may want to explore:

Bay Area Discovery Museum. Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge on 7.5 acres of National Parkland, BADM features exhibition spaces and daily programs for children six months to 10 years. A long, wide pathway is centered between the two rows of exhibition rooms so kids can roam from one space to another. There are outdoor play spaces, including BADM Beach, which is surrounded by comfy Adirondack chairs. Parents can relax and take in the gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge while the kids play with the sand toys.

Our family favorite was the bubble garden. Giant tubs of bubbles and various wands, including shovels with dozens of holes, are available for kids to fill the air with bubbles.

Advanced ticket reservations are required due to limited capacity.

San Francisco Bay Model. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model is a working hydraulic scale model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta System. While the Bay Model is still operational, it is no longer used for scientific research but is instead open to the public alongside educational exhibits.

The Army Corps of Engineers built the Bay Model in 1956-57 to demonstrate what would happen if the South Bay were dammed (as had been proposed). Using simulated tidal action, the Corps proved that the results would be disastrous for the bay environment, and the plan was shelved.

The model is approximately 320 by 400 feet long. It is constructed out of 286 five-ton concrete slabs joined together like a jigsaw puzzle. Features that affect the water flow of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are reproduced, including ship channels, rivers, creeks, sloughs, the canals in the Delta, fills, major wharves, piers, slips, dikes, bridges, and breakwaters.

The model is located in the Bay Model Visitor Center at 2100 Bridgeway Blvd. in Sausalito.

Sausalito Boardwalk. Sausalito is a town made for walking, and there’s no better place for a stroll than the Sausalito Boardwalk. The term “Sausalito Boardwalk” is generally used to refer to three different places in the town (only two of which have wooden sidewalks.)

The Bridgeway Promenade is not specifically a boardwalk but a road that runs through town. You’ll use Bridgeway to get almost anywhere in Sausalito by car, but it’s nice to take a walk or bike ride to check out the many locally-owned boutiques and art galleries.

The Southern Boardwalk is near Sausalito’s Old Town. This is the spot where you’ll have spectacular views across the bay to San Francisco that will be the backdrop for a gorgeous photo or ten. You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. The Northern Boardwalk stretches along the yacht harbors near downtown.

Schoonmaker Beach. This tiny beach is tucked away from the tourist part of Sausalito and is perfect for safe wading and fun sand play. You can even launch a paddleboard–it’s a great, protected spot for learning! This little hidden beach has a bathroom and easy, free parking.

Pick up takeout and have a beach picnic or step across the parking lot to Le Garage, a French bistro housed in a renovated garage for lunch. Open Tuesday through Friday at 11:30 am, you’ll find indoor-outdoor seating and tables overlooking the water. The food is delicious, the wine list expansive, and they have a children’s menu.

Vista Point. Each year the Golden Gate Bridge attracts more than 10 million visitors to its 746-foot tall towers, sweeping main cables, and signature orange color. There isn’t a more Instagram-worthy photo than one of the bridge with the San Francisco skyline behind it, fog swirling around the base. The perfect place to take that photo is Vista Point.

Right after you exit the bridge from San Francisco into Marin, you’ll find the turn-off. Parking is usually readily available even if you have to circle once or twice. Time your stop for late morning, and you may be able to catch the fog burning off against blue skies. Later in the afternoon, you may luck into spectacular sunset skies.

While we can’t promise Sausalito will inspire you to write a legendary song, we can promise that you’ll fall in love with this lovely little city by the bay. Whether it’s your first visit or one of many, it’s a great choice for a laid-back weekend visit –hopefully soon.

Kids and Road Trips

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | July 28, 2021

With summer in full swing, there is still time for a family road trip. For me, road trips are both nostalgic and opportunities for new experiences with my family. Recently, we headed south to Los Angeles to visit relatives we have not seen since before the pandemic. I have learned lots of tips to have a successful family road trip.

In preparing for the trip, it is easy to cede the packing to mom. As a dad, if you are not doing the packing, I suggest you take charge of the in-car snacks. I have become responsible for the snack bag (with consultation, of course) and ensure a good mix of healthy and less healthy treats, salty and sweet ones, and novel snacks. To make the long car ride less tiresome, special, car-trip-only snacks help, even if they are junk. This time, it was special gummy candy, which was doled out in intervals for all to enjoy.

I also loaded up the tablet with movies and kid-appropriate TV shows. I am not a fan of the electronic babysitter, but on a long car trip, I don’t see much harm in providing my daughter with entertainment that she doesn’t usually watch. We also limited the amount of time watching the screen to after lunch so that there was an incentive for expected behavior. It worked, and there was far less whining as a result. Headphones are essential for happy parents, and I have found that the over-the-ear type is more comfortable for most kids.

I want my daughter to see the expanse of what California looks like outside of our area. My wife and I are veterans of long car trips with our parents and recall many hours spent staring out the window. We talked about how the landscape of dry, yellow hills, oak trees, and stray cows was more of what California looks like than the beachy coastline where we live. As we drove, I pointed out the neat rows of almond trees and the oil rigs in the middle of the state so that she would learn more about California. I showed her the California aqueduct and explained how the water travels south to supply the residents. We also talked about the range of temperature, given the summer heat.

As a kid, I remember being told to wait to use the bathroom until another exit or two (or more). I now do the opposite. We take advantage of the expected rest stops, stretch our legs, and feel the difference in the climate. I especially like this part of the road trip. On our coastline, summer often seems like a mythical creature. The intensity of the heat is a novelty (for a limited time). My wife and I both grew up in hot places, so it is reminiscent of our pasts. It is a new experience of hunting for the shady spot, keeping a drink handy, and being wary of metal playground equipment for our daughter. We also read the signs about the region’s history, learning how the Native Americans shaped the land and the animals seen in the area (including warnings of rattlesnakes).

In the past, I would have focused just on getting to the destinations. This time, we stayed in a reasonably-priced Santa Barbara hotel on the way home for two days. With the last year of being at home, we felt like the benefits of exploring somewhere new and mitigating risks by wearing masks were worth the detour. My family would accompany my father on sales trips he would take to the cities and towns up and down California as a child. While he was out drumming up business, my mother would take my sister and me to see what the town had to offer. We saw lots of historical sites, local museums, playgrounds, or just enjoyed the hotel pool. For my daughter, I want her to know the diversity of places and see the uniqueness of towns on the way. Knowing we were going to travel to Santa Barbara, I looked at what kid-friendly activities were there. I planned one major kid activity (the Zoo) and then left the other time open to figuring out something else to do. We ended up finding a great science museum that offered fun for all of us.

Once we returned to the hotel, we joined our daughter in the small pool to be her playmates. As a family, we rarely are in a pool together. Fun was had as we chased each other underwater, had splash fights, and I threw my daughter up in the air to land with cannonballs in the water. As a dad, I would hope my daughter would learn lot from the Zoo and science museum, but it is these activities that my daughter will remember–the playful, relaxed activities as a family.

For a successful road trip, you need to set aside the expectations of a rigid schedule and adopt the right attitude of exploring what you see along the way. Take the time to read the posted information, try new foods, and explore what is unique about your destination. We don’t usually have to watch carefully for rattlesnakes at home, but we did on this trip.

Robert (Rob) S. Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D., CFLE is a Professor of Human Development at California State University, Monterey Bay and is a Certified Family Life Educator. He and his wife are parents to a chatty, elementary school-aged daughter and reside in Marina.

Adventures With Archie: Meet our new Instagram Bloggers, Beau and Archie Jackson

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | July 28, 2021

Q: Tell us about your family

A: I am a full-time at-home dad. I have a BFA in Studio Art and am a professional watercolor artist. My wife, Archie’s mom, Danielle, is a Labor & Delivery RN in the CHOMP Family Birth Center. I grew up in Alaska and Danielle grew up in Southern California. We met at college on the east coast. After exploring the country together while Danielle was a travel nurse, we found Monterey and felt an instant connection to the peninsula. It had everything we were looking for in a home and we moved here permanently two weeks after visiting for the very first time in 2017. We decided that this was where we wanted to start a family and Archie was born in August of 2018.

Q: Tell us about Archie, what does he enjoy doing?

A: Archie loves playing outside, helping cook in the kitchen, and reading books. He can quote long passages from his favorite books and likes pretending to be different characters. He’s a big fan of tractors, trucks, trains, and fire engines. His current favorite color is purple and he says he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up. Another long-term goal he is looking forward to is turning 5 years old so he can have chewing gum. He’s very friendly and outgoing, saying hello to everyone when we’re around town. He likes to go tide pooling and look for starfish. He always thoughtfully reminds me to be careful not to step on the sea anemones!

Q: how do you choose your activities?

A: I choose some activities based on what’s happening seasonally, like trips to farms for picking fruit or harvesting vegetables. I choose other activities based on Archie’s interests. One week he said, “I want to ride a boat,” so we headed down to El Estero and rode a duck pedal boat. He’s been really into trains for a while so we took him to ride a steam engine at Roaring Camp. I’m always trying to feed his curiosity.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from when selecting activities?

A: I follow a lot of local businesses on social media to stay tuned in to what’s happening on the peninsula. I like to engage in as many local events as possible. Fostering a sense of community for my son is important to me. I follow a few child craft accounts on Instagram like kidscrafts101 to spark activity ideas, and I’m a member of a couple of Facebook parenting groups like 1000 Hours Outside that are also helpful for adventure ideas.

Q: What are some of your favorite “family day” activities with your son?

A: On my wife’s days off we like family hikes at Point Lobos, Garland Ranch, Soberanes Point, and Garrapata State Park. We also enjoy beach picnics at Asilomar and Lover’s Point.

Q: What do you hope to teach your son by having these adventures with him?

A: We provide him opportunities for a broad range of experiences to help him grow into a well-rounded person. We front-load him with adventures to feed his curious mind, and I think so many more brain connections are made with experiences involving all the senses. A lot of our adventures take place outside because I believe nature is crucial for children’s physical development and emotional wellbeing. Creativity is something I really value. Exposing our son to as much hands-on learning as possible in a wide array of activities will help cultivate his imagination and encourage out-of-the-box thinking. Our goal is to help him discover what he’s good at and find his passion.

Use #adventureswitharchie to catch up on past posts

Hang Ten: Kids Learning to Surf

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | May 27, 2021

For kids living around the Monterey Bay, seeing surfers ride the waves is a pretty regular occurrence. At some point, many kids will ask about surfing and may want to give it a try. If you’re a parent who loves to surf (or one who wishes you had learned!), getting your child on a board may even be on your agenda.

There are several reasons why learning to surf is an excellent option for your family. Surfing will keep your child active. In these days of hours of screen time, being outdoors and active is a great reason to learn to surf. Surfing can also develop ocean awareness in your kids, as well as an appreciation for Mother Nature. Finally, surfing can be a big confidence boost and help your child overcome fears. Working at something hard like surfing offers kids a chance to have lots of small wins while also learning to deal with the inevitable frustration of learning something new and demanding. For parents, knowing that an hour of surfing will REALLY tire your kid out may be enough of an incentive to allow them to give it a try!

GAUGE THEIR INTEREST

Both surfing and bodyboarding require confidence and a sense of adventure. Most children need to want to do something to give it a real try. The best way to get them interested is to get them excited ahead of time. Pointing out surfers having fun in the water, watching bodyboarders at the beach, or watching surf videos is a great way to get them intrigued.

Getting them accustomed to water activities is an important step. Swimming lessons and pool time, playing at the beach and wading, playing on a small board at the water’s edge – they’re all good options for helping children feel comfortable around water.

WHEN TO START

You’re probably wondering when a good time to get your child started might be. Although many experts agree that the right age for a kid to begin surfing is around eight, there are no hard and fast rules. Of course, you can get them in the water earlier, and many surfing parents have their kids on a board as soon as they can swim. Local surf instructors report teaching kids as young as two and adults as old as seventy-five.

Noah Greenberg with Carmel Surf says that the age to start depends on how independent you expect the child to be. Greenberg had his child in the water around the age of two.

It may seem kind of obvious, but the more time you take teaching them to swim and learning to be comfortable in the water, the better their relationship with surfing will be. Zane Reed, owner of Big Surf, advises parents that children should tread water and be strong swimmers before starting to surf independently.

Jean Abraham with Monterey Bay Surf Lessons learned to surf at the age of ten. He started teaching his children on boards at four years old and his granddaughter at two. Abraham adds: “when you can’t keep your child out of the ocean is a good time to start.”

SAFETY FIRST

Safety should always be the number one priority. Be sure to spend lots of time with your child going over safety rules. The first rule is for parents: you should always watch your child while they are in the water. This is not the time to be playing on your phone or sunbathing. If your child is in the water, you should have your eyes on them. You can find lots of safety information online and from your instructor if your child is taking lessons. Go over it carefully to understand it and share it (multiple times!) with your child. Stress to your child that breaking safety rules means you will take immediate action.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

According to Zane Reed, beginner surfers will need a surfboard, a leash, a wetsuit, plus wetsuit booties. Some surf schools will lend the basics to newcomers. That can save you some money while you test whether this will be an activity your child sticks with.

Noah Greenberg stresses that a warm wetsuit is a must with 4mm his recommendation. Greenberg advises purchasing the wetsuit at a local surf shop to ensure you’re getting the proper fit. Some well-known brands give trade-in incentives for kids because they know kids grow out of their suits quickly. Greenberg says that you can expect to spend about $160 for a good quality wetsuit.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS

If you’re a surfer or bodyboarder who wants to teach your child, it’s important to remember that your child needs to guide the lesson. You need to go slow and repeat the lessons as often as needed. This is an opportunity to practice patience. Never force your child to learn something when they’re not ready.

TURNING IT OVER TO A PRO

If you’d prefer not to teach your child, surf instructors can take over. Jean Abraham says that the main reason to get a pro-teacher involved is for the child’s safety. According to Abraham, “Lessons keep children from making the “trial and error” mistakes which result in stitches. With guidance, a child will progress much quicker. Tips learned from a seasoned surfer will keep your child from becoming exhausted and frustrated. After each ride, an instructor can address the cause of a wipeout and suggest a way to avoid it on the next ride.”

Noah Greenberg adds: “I can’t speak for all surf schools but the way we teach it’s safe, really safe. I have been teaching surfing for 35 years and I think that counts for something. Our motto is “safety and fun,” and if we can’t do both then we’ll cancel with no charge to the customer.”

If you’re considering getting your kids out on the waves, there are plenty of great reasons to grab your kid a surfboard and head to the beach. Hang loose, stay safe, and have fun!

FOR MORE INFO:

Big Surf: (831) 264-8008 • www.bigsurfadventures.com

Carmel Surf: (831) 915-4065 • carmelsurflessons.com

Monterey Bay Surf: (831) 915-0789 • montereybaysurflessons.com

Say “Yes” to the Mess” with Six Outdoor Activities

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | June 26, 2020

Being the mother of four kids, I am well-acquainted with mess. That’s not to say I like it. Often I say “no” when my children want to do something out-of-the-box messy, but often I feel guilty because I know how much fun it would be. Moms like me avoid shaving cream fights or stomping through mud puddles because, let’s face it, kids are messy enough without giving Mom something else to clean up.

Karie Fager, a mother of four, believes that giving kids messy experiences every now and then makes it easier for the times when you say, “Not today.” Allowing kids to experiment with the gooey and the sticky gives them opportunities to explore different textures, create fun memories, and experience the thrill of doing something that’s typically off-limits.

To help your kids create some messy memories, consider one of these outdoor activities that only require hosing off and changing clothes when it’s time to clean up.

Water Play. Getting wet is one of the easiest ways for kids (and moms) to ease their way into messy play. Fill a bucket with water, give your child some paint brushes, and let him “paint” the driveway, house, and deck. Or turn on a sprinkler and lay out a Slip n’ Slide for hours of water fun.

Mentos Experiment. You might have seen the choreographed Mentos and Diet Coke YouTube video, but your kids will get a kick out of creating their own Mentos geyser. Open a 2-liter of Diet Coke, drop in three or four mint-flavored Mentos candies, and jump back as the soda spews up like fireworks.

Outdoor Painting. For her son’s fourth birthday party, Wendy Kimmey created a giant painting experience for the young guests by setting up a large canvas on top of a plastic painter’s drop cloth. The kids dipped textured balls into paint and then rolled or threw the balls on the canvas to make a one-of-a-kind painting. To give your kids their own chance to paint in the great outdoors, pick up some washable, nontoxic tempura paint, hang up a dollar store shower curtain or a huge canvas, and let them unleash their inner Monet.

Jello Balloons. Take your typical water balloon fight to a whole new level by filling the balloons with Jello. Follow the directions for making gelatin on the box but before chilling, use a funnel or a turkey baster to pour (or squirt) the Jello mixture into the balloons. Place them carefully in a fridge to set, then surpise your kids with a sticky, colorful fight that no one will be expecting.

Whipped Cream Pies. Help your kids draw a large body on a piece of cardboard and cut out a hole for the face. Next, make a batch of whipped cream and spread it into pie pans. Give your children turns putting their heads through the cardboard hole while the others take turns smushing the whipped cream “pies” in their faces. Don’t be surprised if your kids abandon the cardboard body and start “pie-ing” each other right and left.

“Snowball” Fight. Winter isn’t the only time of year to enjoy snowy fun. On a cookie sheet or in a large bowl, mix together two boxes of cornstarch and one can of shaving cream. Help your children carefully mold the soft, fluffy mixture into an arsenal of “snowballs” and watch their faces light up when you yell, “Ready, aim, fire!”

By keeping the mess outside, these six activities will give your kids the freedom to have fun while keeping the clean-up to a minimum for Mom. In twenty years, when my kids are grown, I hope they won’t remember the times I didn’t let them make a mess. Instead, I hope they say to each other, “Remember that time Mom pelted us with Jello balloons?”

Sandi Haustein is a mom to three boys and a girl who are helping her broaden her messy limits.