How to create an epic family fun day in cooler weather

Summer is officially over, but that doesn’t mean that we have to keep the kids inside all day! Here in NJ, we’ve been getting unseasonably warm weather and I’m loving it!

It’s still nice enough to get the kids outside for fresh air and exercise, so I’m taking advantage of it.

I love to plan family fun days where we can all disconnect from our screens and devices and just spend quality time together. A perfect family fun day can involve any kind of game or adventure.

Here are some great ideas for a family fun day that both kids and adults will love!

The VTech® KidiGo® NexTag™

The VTech® KidiGo® NexTag™ is a high-tech way for kids to play high-energy outdoor games like tag and hide and seek. However, the VTech® KidiGo® NexTag™ is WAY more than just tag—it’s a combination of 20 different backyard games including capture the flag and freeze tag.

There’s no internet needed to play—all you need are the four included electronic units and their adjustable arm bands! A friendly voice explains the quick and easy-to-learn rules so kids can start playing fast.

There’s no referee required either—the game lets you know who’s it and who won. There’s one- and two-player games or the WHOLE family can get in on the fun.

You can also play indoors or outside with a 120-foot range between units. All you have to do is press the big button and tag, you’re it!

How it works:

Have each player select their color preference from red, green, blue, or orange, and then strap the unit on their arm and power it on. There will be a voice prompting everyone to select the game that they want to play and choose the number of players. There are multiple types of tag games to choose from and the unit tells you how many players you need.

The red unit is the main one and it allows the player wearing it to select the game. I like that for each game, it actually reads the directions to the kids before they play.

Have the kids spread out and play! For each game, “tag” works by tapping the other player’s button on their arm band. This way there is no disputing if you were tagged or not.

The VTech® KidiGo® NexTag™ is a great way to bring everyone together for some good old-fashioned energetic playtime! My whole family loved trying out all the different games and the best part is that the kids can even wear themselves out by playing the 1 or 2-person games, like Simon Says!

VTech® always comes up with new and exciting ways to teach kids productive skills and this is no exception.

Make a gratitude jar

A gratitude jar is a fun way to create a visual reminder of all the great things in our lives. Essentially, it is a place to record and store everything you're thankful for.

Sit down as a family and recall the things in your day or week that were most impactful for you; things that you appreciate in your life. Whether it's a person, a kind act, or a positive detail that you remember, write it down on a slip of paper and stick it in a gratitude jar.

You can decorate this jar in any manner and then go through the slips of paper at the end of the year. As you read through your gratitude jar together, you’ll be made aware of all the positives in your life.

Play a board game

This is one of the most classic family fun nights. Find a good board game that the whole family will enjoy and have some good, old-fashioned fun. A little competition can be a great way to bring the family together for a night of laughs and challenges.

Build a fort

Younger kids will certainly love this idea. Build a fort with couch cushions, blankets, chairs, or any furniture and home decor items you can find. Spend some time there reading, talking, or telling jokes. Bring a flashlight and tell spooky stories or deck it out with string lights and glow in the dark items to make it even more fun.

Have a scavenger hunt

Hide items around the house or outside and give the kids clues to find them. My kids absolutely love scavenger hunts and ask us to plan one almost every weekend! You can use themed items around the holidays or based on the season, or anything relevant to things they may be learning or loving at the moment. You can also make the scavenger hunt about finding things at the park, in the neighborhood, or at the mall. Get creative with your clues and hiding spots!

Stargaze

If your kids don’t already know much about outer space, teach them about it as you stare up at the night’s sky. Together, you can look and find certain stars, constellations, moons, and planets. If you have a telescope, that would make this activity even more fun, but simply laying on a blanket in the yard while stargazing can be a great activity for the whole family.

Bake together

Depending on the age of your kids, cooking can be a bit messy. However, sometimes you just need to embrace the chaos and dive headfirst and let your kids take the lead. Maybe you could cook up one of grandma’s favorite old recipes or a new one that catches your eye on Pinterest. Your kids will love getting in the kitchen and making something delicious with you.

Play freeze dance

Freeze dance is a fun, silly game that everyone can play. Pick a favorite song and turn the music on and off while everyone dances. The person who keeps dancing after the music stops is eliminated.

Watch the sunset or sunrise

One of nature’s most beautiful things is the sun rising and setting each day. It’s a constant that we are all lucky to witness. Head to a local spot that has the best view of a sunrise or sunset with your family. If you’re near a beach, mountain, valley, large body of water, or even a large field, those tend to be the best places to witness the natural beauty. Pack a picnic and your VTech® KidiGo® NexTag™ to make a day out of it!

. . . . . . .

With the daily run around of school, sports, and play dates, it’s so important to plan a family fun day every once in a while. Gather the whole family for some of these fun activities that both children and adults will enjoy.

You can even pack the VTech® KidiGo® NexTag™ on any day trip or simply play it at home and get ready for fun and excitement all around!

Marissa LaBuz is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist turned stay-at-home mom and full-time blogger who loves sharing her advice and experience with the world. She runs two blogs, Just Simply Mom and Teaching Littles, and an Etsy Shop, all while starting tickle wars and dance parties with three little ones. When she doesn't have her hands full of children, she enjoys a glass (or 3) of wine, reality tv, and country music.

The Only Holiday Gift Guide You Will Need for Kids

This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill! It is time to start thinking about and planning your gifts for the holiday season! As a mom of four, including twin toddlers, I love to start my holiday shopping early!

VTech toys are always at the top of my list, and I have some ideas for every child on your list. I really do mean every child—from babies to your older kids, you will find something here! PROMISE! Let’s dive in!

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Kids

I remember my first Christmas as a mom; it was filled with trying to hunt down the perfect gifts. I also remember my first Christmas as an aunt; it was also filled with trying to hunt down the perfect gifts. And every year since then, the goal has remained the same.

Now, to me, the perfect gift is educational, fun, interactive, age appropriate, and has a great price point, which are all qualities I find in VTech products.

Gifts for Babies

Let’s start with the littlest of the group. I honestly find holiday shopping for babies to be the most challenging. They are still so little, and they can’t yet tell us what they like, so I find myself gravitating towards toys that will grow with them!

VTech® Tummy Time Discovery Pillow™ - (birth+)

I am a HUGE proponent of tummy time. One of the best ways to encourage your baby to stay on their tummy is by entertaining them. The Tummy Time Discovery Pillow™ provides comfort and support for your baby as they grow.

To start off, it provides support as your baby strengthens their neck muscles and while they learn to sit. The design, colors, and patterns are great for visual and tactile stimulation. Both of these are super important in helping to develop your baby’s sensory system.

As your baby grows, the pillow can be used for take-along play AND the piano, baby-safe mirror, and rattle are removable! I LOVE that this product can go from tummy time to playtime as your baby grows.

VTech® 7-in-1 Senses & Stages Developmental Gym™ - (birth+)

Now if you are looking for a gift that gives you even MORE playtime and tummy time, the 7-in-1 Senses & Stages Developmental Gym™ is for you! Let me tell you that a play gym is an AMAZING gift for babies and toddlers. When my twins were born, it was a must on my list, and it was constant entertainment mixed with learning.

I love that the 7-in-1 Senses & Stages Developmental Gym™ comes with a guide, which teaches you about its built-in features.

This play gym also TURNS INTO A BALL PIT! It is one of my favorite features because it is super simple to set up AND comes with storage for the balls. A few other additional cool features are the different textures and sensory toys for the mat as well as the musical xylophone. The xylophone can also be removed and has a stand, so it can grow with your baby.

Now—the BIGGEST plus, totally a mom’s perspective here—THE MAT AND PILLOW ARE MACHINE WASHABLE! Babies make messes and this is a HUGE plus for me.

Gifts for Toddlers

The toddler years are so fun. This is probably one of my favorite stages for a few reasons: you start to really see their personalities shine through and they are exploring and learning about the world every day. All these things make gift giving for this age range SO MUCH FUN for me.

VTech® Drill & Learn Toolbox™ Pro - (ages 2-5 years old)

My twins have grown up seeing their dad fixing and building things. This Drill & Learn Toolbox™ Pro has them saying “wow” and feeling so cool. Complete with a tool belt, this has my kids feeling like the world’s smallest DIYers, but oh so mighty and capable!

The tool buttons on the toolbox make wrench, hammer, and drill sounds, as well as songs and they also teach how the tools are used. The drill can be used to drill the screws into the designated holes and the project cards are full of colors, and numbers, and are so easy to use.

I love that this toy provides kids with imaginative play or guided play as well. Bonus points—the pieces are stored in the toolbox for easy cleanup!

VTech® Level Up Gaming Chair™ - (ages 18-48 months)

My twin toddlers want to be just like everyone they see. They want to be like their sisters, dad, mom, grandma…etc. The VTech® Level Up Gaming Chair™ is absolutely the cutest thing ever! It will have your toddler feeling just like one of the “big kids”. The chair swivels and has a joystick, as well as pretend headphones to really give them that gamer experience without the Wi-Fi and the worries!

BUT the coolest part is the interactive gaming tablet that teaches them numbers, letters, animals, and music with the added gaming sound effects for the full experience. The gaming tablet is also removable making it perfect for take-along play AND the tray on the chair can be used for snacks or even coloring too.

VTech® Pop & Spin Mower™ - (ages 2-5 years old)

Our family is an outdoor family. We clean our yard together, garden together, and play together. Many moments have been spent with my kids observing my husband mowing our lawn and joining our gardening activities. The Pop & Spin Mower™ introduces gardening basics and lawn mower safety through music.

The twins’ favorite part—the balls popping when they move the mower and the ability to pull on the cord and hear the engine rumble! They felt like the real deal! And if your little ones are not walking yet, the roller and light-up buttons are great for sitting as well.

*Be careful to avoid hard objects when mowing and do not expose it to water or moisture.

Gift Ideas for Preschoolers & Kids

Much like the toddler stage, preschoolers are also constantly learning. The biggest difference and the most fun part of this age is that they have ZERO filters and that they want to do everything themselves. They speak their minds, and I am here for it.

As they grow past the preschooler age to the “kid” age, that desire for doing things themselves only grows. I love all the VTech® KidiTech toys because they help encourage and nurture that independence. So, let’s talk about some of my favorites.

VTech® My First Kidi Smartwatch™ (available in purple or blue) - (ages 3-5 years old)

Let’s start with probably the coolest part of this smartwatch—the reminders. You have reminders that tell kids to go potty as well as to brush their teeth, and when it’s time to get ready for bed!

These reminders are HUGE for parents and kids. These features allow for some independence while providing parents with the ability to step back a bit and allow our kids to grow. They are learning responsibility with their digital doggie watch! HOW COOL IS THAT?!

You can set 30-, 60-, or 90- minute reminders for the potty. This is HUGE because little ones at this age still require many reminders and can many times end up running to the potty and barely making it.

The digital doggie can also be taught tricks, and celebrates with barking and confetti! Now, this is also a great gift for siblings. You can connect watch-to-watch for more games and activities.

VTech® KidiZoom® Smartwatch DX3™ - (ages 4+ years old)

Now, if you have a child that is slightly older and love the idea of a smartwatch but want something a little more “advanced”, the KidiZoom® Smartwatch DX3™ is the perfect choice. From the moment my 6-year-old, Lia opened it, she has been using it! She has watched my husband and I use our smartwatches her whole life and seeing that her watch has cool features too is icing on the cake.

The kid-friendly DX3 has dual cameras for pictures, selfies, and videos, which Lia has been using to the fullest extent. She has become a pro at using the sunglasses filter and taking those selfies.

Along with a great camera, it also has one and two player games she enjoys as well as the ability to set daily reminders too. And to help your kids not get distracted, you can switch to School mode and make the DX3 a watch only product.

As if all these features were not cool enough already, there are movement games to help keep your kids active and you are able to pair up the device with another DX3 for additional games and to send preset messages.

KidiZoom® Creator Cam - (ages 5+ years old)

There are moments in life when I realize how much my kids are listening and watching what we do and the moment I watched Lia use her KidiZoom® Creator Cam was definitely one of them. Being a content creator, who is focused heavily on family life, means my kids are a HUGE part of what I do and share. They are big participants in it, and we have a lot of fun creating together.

The KidiZoom® Creator Cam has Lia channeling her inner content creator through still images and high-definition videos that can all be uploaded to a computer with the included USB cable. The camera comes with a green screen perfect for the built-in animated backgrounds and includes a built-in microphone as well. To complete the creative process, the camera comes equipped with editing and creative tools to let your child’s creativity run wild.

This camera is at the top of my list for kids ages 5+ because it allows them so much freedom with creative tools at their fingertips and the ability to capture the world around them through their own eyes.

VTech® KidiGo™ NexTag™ - (ages 5+ years old)

My whole list has been made up of toys that can be used solo and some that can be paired with others as well. Now, the KidiGo™ NexTag™ provides play for up to four people allowing the whole family to join in! And if you combine two KidiGo™ NexTag™ systems, you can play with up to eight players.

This toy mixes technology and movement beautifully. There is no internet needed. The friendly voice explains the rules, which are quick and easy-to-learn, so kids can start playing quickly.

Now from a mom of four, my favorite feature is that the game lets you know who got tagged, who’s safe, who’s it, etc. There are no referee skills required, which is a huge plus!

*Can be used indoors or outdoors with a 120-foot range between units.

Holiday Wishes

I feel like I could honestly go on and on and name 30 VTech® toy recommendations. In 12 years, I have not met a VTech® toy I did not love and when it comes to gift giving, you bet, I always look for the VTech® section at my local store for options.

With the holiday season literally right around the corner, I want to wish your family a season full of laughter, fun, joy, and above all love. I hope this guide helps to ease some of the busyness of the season, so you can focus on the memories.

Happy Holidays, friends!

Karen is the mom behind Mamma Bear Says, a family and creative brand empowering parents to live their most authentic and creative lives. She is a mom of 4, including twin toddlers, and loves to share her tips, tricks, and stories of all the good, the messy, and the chaos.

Fail-Proof Birthday Gifts For Four-Year-Olds That They Will Love

If you have a four-year-old in your life, you've probably noticed that they're starting to become their own little person. They're expressing themselves with words, following rules (when they feel like it), and beginning to read with you.

The longer attention span is great for exploring, learning new things, and enjoying imaginative play. If you are looking for the perfect gift to celebrate this milestone, here are the best birthday gifts that your preschooler will surely love!

What makes an awesome birthday gift for a four-year-old

● Encourages natural curiosity

● Requires active engagement

● Sparks imagination

● Provides the opportunity for creative expression

● Will be enjoyed for years to come

Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that your child will enjoy and that will help them to continue learning and growing.

Must have toys for a four-year-old birthday

As a mom of an energetic four-year-old boy, here are my top picks of fun VTech® toys. All of these toys kept my preschooler entertained for hours. And for the best part, I had a great time bonding with my child while we play with these toys together.

1. VTech® Marble Rush™ Ultimate Set™

This 145-piece color-coded building set includes a spinning Ferris wheel, a swirling cone that plays a musical light show, thrilling ramps, fast tracks, extreme launchers, and bases that all easily connect together.

Compete with family and friends using the exciting launchers and non-stop Ferris wheel to keep the marbles in motion and bring them back to the beginning. You can also combine with other VTech® Marble Rush™ sets (sold separately) to create an extreme playset.

More builds are available at vtechkids.com/marblerush

The set includes an easy-to-follow guide. There were three different levels - beginner to advanced. My preschool was not able to build the track independently yet, but we had so much fun building it together.

An added bonus is that there is a book of stickers included. Your child can help decorate the pieces with the stickers and watch the building set come to life!

When construction is complete, we dropped the ten marbles into action and watched them race down the ramps and swirls we just built.

Why we love this toy

This is a great toy to teach your child how to follow instructions. The process of connecting bridges and ramps, it helps them think strategically and improve their STEM skills. Also, there are endless play possibilities and are perfect for parent-child bonding.

2. VTech® KidiZoom® PrintCam™

Upgrade your four-year-old’s photography skills with the KidiZoom® PrintCam™

You can preview photos with the 2.4” color screen and print regular or panoramic photos in black and white right away (the camera includes a paper roll that prints up to 80 images). This kid-friendly camera takes videos too.

Flip up the lens to take selfies or let your child’s creativity loose by adding stickers, filters, and borders to any image or video. Browse 110+ templates and activities including small greeting cards, printable games, and more.

Although there are video games on this camera, my son loves to take selfies and print them out so he can color. When the paper’s gone, you can get the KidiZoom® PrintCam™ Paper Refill Pack (sold separately) for three more paper rolls and two rolls of adhesive paper to turn photos into stickers.

Backing up the full-color photos and videos is easy. Just plug in the included USB to the computer and we get to view my son’s masterpieces on the big screen!

Why we love this camera

This camera is a hit for my four-year-old. He’s been taking it wherever we go. It's a great way for him to learn how to use a camera and be creative. I love that the camera includes parental controls to set daily time and printing limits or to turn off games. There’s also a microSD card slot to increase storage up to 32GB with a memory card (not included).

3. VTech® Switch & Go® Velociraptor Jet

Stomp into the cool, crazy world of prehistoric creatures that turn into vehicles with the VTech® Switch & Go®Velociraptor Jet! This Velociraptor starts as a ferocious dino and turns into a propeller disc-launching Jet. With speed and power on its side, this raptor features animated dino eyes, fire-breathing light effects and dinosaur sounds. Pit the Velociraptor Jet against the other VTech® Switch & Go® dinos for a fearsome match-up. Additional VTech® Switch & Go® dinosaurs are sold separately.

Why we love this toy

This Velociraptor Jet has everything my four-year-old son wishes for. It’s a dinosaur and transforms easily into a sleek jet with propeller discs. He loves to invite his own dinosaur toys with this Velociraptor Jet for some serious pretend play.

3. VTech® KidiZoom® Smartwatch DX3™

This cool DX3™ smartwatch features dual cameras for pictures, selfies, and videos along with one- and two-player games, daily reminders, and more.

A few of our favorite features include:

● The light on the watch doubles as a camera flash and flashlight

● Create custom clockfaces from our own photos or swipe through 50+ animated faces

● Set Daily Reminders to help kids stay on track, and switch to School mode when it’s time to limit the DX3™ to a watch only

● Play single-player games like Monster Catcher and find 80+ invisible creatures

● Upcycle the top of the package and use it as a watch storage case

Your preschooler can also pair up with a friend who has a DX3™ to share preset messages or play games together. More games and camera effects can be downloaded from Learning Lodge®

Why we love this watch:

This cool kid's smartwatch is age-appropriate, stylish, and splash-proof. It’s an amazing toy to introduce kiddos to electronics. There are movement games such as Racing Run, Crazy Dance, and Funky Jump. The DX3™ has been keeping my four-year-old entertained for hours and I love it that we no longer need to bring extra toys when we go out.

5. VTech® Explore & Write Activity Desk™

This interactive desk features five activity pages filled with engaging content including letters, numbers, music, colors and more. The fold-down writing pad and light-up display encourage kids to practice writing by tracing letters, numbers and shapes with a stylus.

And better yet, the desk transforms into an easel and chalkboard with plenty of storage space for art supplies. Continue the play with expansion packs that each focus on a specific curriculum like nursery rhymes, reading skills, animals and numbers. Kids can also play with the touchscreen toy phone or listen to more than 20 melodies on the music player.

Why we love this desk

This is the ultimate toy to learn language skills for a four-year-old. My son is beginning to learn how to write the alphabet and this desk makes learning the ABCs fun and easy. There are different activity pages to explore and my son loves to engage with them to learn new words & sounds. The desk is very sturdy and has storage compartments to store school supplies.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating your preschooler’s 4th birthday is a joyous occasion, and finding the perfect gift is an important part of the celebration. Thanks for VTech® offering a variety of toys that make the perfect gifts for four-year-olds. You can be sure that you’re giving your child a gift that will help them continue learning and growing.

Holly Ng has 2 young kiddos and the creator behind SoCal Mommy Life – a lifestyle blog about motherhood, kid-friendly recipes, and family adventures in SoCal (Southern California). Holly loves inspiring other moms to celebrate motherhood and raise kids to the fullest potential they can be.