Free Kids Building Workshop at Home Depot

Cabin Fever settling in at your house? Need to get out of the house with the kids?

Build a Race Car at Home Depot!

Home Depot Race Car

Home Depot is hosting their FREE Kids Building Workshop on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin. One workshop kit, apron and pin per child, while supplies last.

Register to make sure there are enough supplies for your child!

Chattanooga Fun for Kids at the Creative Discovery Museum

As a mom of two active little boys, I love the chance to get out in a public place where it is ok to touch everything in sight! A place where things are encouraged to be explored.  A place where everything is secured and we don’t risk breaking anything. Can I get an “Amen” from the two-year-old crowd?

Creative Discovery Museum dinosaur bone dig

The thing is, I’m pretty sure my little guys like the same places for the very same reasons–because if the risk of getting in trouble is low, mommy will be a little more low-key and let them play to their heart’s content!

As an early childhood educator turned homeschool mom, I love places jam-packed with fun, hands-on learning activities for kids–places where the line between learning and fun is so blurry that they just melt into each other…because that’s the way learning should be.

Creative Discovery Museum

I think that’s why we’re so drawn to the Creative Discovery Museum.

It’s one of our favorite indoor activities for kids in Chattanooga. We’ve been there in every season and every type of weather. In the winter, it’s perfect for a day out of the house and fighting cabin fever in kids. In the summer, it has air conditioning, water play, and doesn’t require wrestling a toddler to apply sunscreen.

Creative Discovery Museum water play

The rotating exhibits are always so impressive. Just when I think they can’t top the last one, they bring in a new one just as exciting as before! So far, this mom’s favorite has been the Magic Treehouse Exhibit, but I can’t wait to see the Wizard of Oz that is coming in May 2014.

Creative Discovery Museum exhibit

When I asked my boys what their three favorite areas were, they told me the Rooftop Fun Factory, Performing Arts Gallery, and Riverplay, but ultimately, they love everything there! The Creative Discovery Museum is one of our go-to spots around Chattanooga.

As a frugal mom, the price for a yearly membership is just about perfect. I love the bang-for-your-buck that you can get when you add in all the special events the museum hosts. If our family of four were to pay full price for 2 trips to the Creative Discovery Museum, we would end up paying the yearly membership price.

Because we love it so much, we want to bless one of you with a chance to enjoy it, too! Creative Discovery Museum has partnered with us at Chattanooga Families to offer our readers a chance to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets!

Creative Discovery Museum Giveaway

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment answering the question–What is your favorite exhibit at the Creative Discovery Museum?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Farm Play Days at Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club

There’s a hidden gem in the area that I think everyone should know about, but at the same time, I want to keep it all to myself because I don’t want it to become too crowded!

Farm Play Days at Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club in Ooltewah, TN

If you haven’t been to a Farm Play Day at Hidden Hills Farm, you are missing out! Farm Play Days are a real treat for the kids. Pony rides, chickens to chase, and a giant sandbox are a few of my kids’ favorite things about the monthly events. Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club Farm Play Days in Ooltewah, TN The first time we went, we all piled on a hayride to learn how they make maple syrup. My oldest was fascinated and still talks about the adventure. Another time, my boys got to climb on all the tractors and pretend they were a farmer. If you didn’t know, Little boys + Tractors = Little boy Heaven Hidden Hills Farm Play Days in Ooltewah, TN A few tips to help you be prepared for your trip to the farm:

  • It can be muddy. Wear boots or old shoes. Rainboots will work just fine.
  • Along the same lines, wear some “play clothes” and not your Sunday best.
  • Pack a picnic or snacks. You are free to picnic at the Farm using their picnic tables.
  • An extra outfit and shoes in the car is always a wise choice!
  • Baby wipes. Lots and lots of baby wipes for dirty little hands.
  • Bring a plastic bag to throw your muddy shoes in so the mud won’t get everywhere in your car.
  • If it is a hayride day, bring a big blanket (to sit on or under depending on weather)
  • Bring cash
  • Don’t forget your camera!

Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club Farm Play Days in Ooltewah, TN; a review from http://www.chattanoogafamilies.com Farm Play Days take place on the second Friday and the fourth Wednesday of each month from 10:30am-12:30pm. Fees are $10 for the first child and $5 each additional child. Parents are FREE. Details for each play day are posted on the Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club Facebook page. The staff is great at communicating changes due to weather or other circumstances.

Important Info

Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club
5900 Edgmon Road
Ooltewah, TN 37363
phone: (423) 488-3993

Chilly Willy Wednesdays at Chattanooga Zoo

Peacock at the Chattanooga Zoo www.chattanoogafamilies.com

Every Wednesday through February 26, 2014, the Chattanooga Zoo will be hosting Half-price “Chilly Willy” Wednesdays.  Bundle up and get out to the Zoo to take advantage of this deal.

Half-price Ticket Prices:

Adults: $4.48
Seniors (age 65+): $3.48
Kids (ages 3-12): $2.98
Kids age 2 & under: FREE

Hours of Operation:

9:00 am–5:00 pm

 

How to use the Community Calendar Feature {video}

The community calendar is full of fabulous fun for your family, but I know that it can be a little overwhelming to look at and find what you’re looking for. I made a video to help you get the most out of the calendar…and to help you fill up yours! Once you know how to sort through the items on the calendar, you’ll find it really easy to find what you’re looking for.

One reason we chose this calendar over the rest, was the ease of use and the ability for you to subscribe to events and sync them up with your own calendar. If you use the calendar on your mobile device, you’ll be able to send them straight to your personal calendar!

After you’ve watched the video, let us know if you have any questions.

Free Home Depot Kids Building Workshops

The first Saturday of every month, Home Depot hosts a FREE Kids Building Workshop from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. The hands-on workshops are designed for children ages 5-12.

Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin. One workshop kit, apron and pin per child, while supplies last. Home Depot prefers that you sign-up online so they have enough materials.

My husband usually takes our oldest to the workshops for a little special guy time. My son looks forward to the workshops and is always so proud of his creations when he returns. While our oldest goes to build with Daddy, the youngest stays home with me. Often, I will interest him in some toddler-friendly hammering activities using the toy tools from our Home Depot Big Builders Workshop Playset. Either way, both of the boys are happy!

The Home Depot Kids Workshop this month (Saturday, January 4, 2014) is a fun desk calendar. Enjoy!

Happy New Year from Chattanooga Families!

From our family to yours, we want to wish you a Happy New Year! We hope 2014 is a great year filled with fun, lots of laughter, and family.

New Year's at Noon celebration at the Creative Discover Museum in Chattanooga, TN www.chattanoogafamilies.com

We celebrated with our kids at the Creative Discovery Museum for the annual “New Year’s at Noon” celebration. It was fun, but super crowded as you can see by the picture. We’ll get there earlier next year.

We are excited about what this year holds for Chattanooga Families. We’ve been planning and dreaming up this site for over a year now, and we are ready to bring it!

Go ahead and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!

10 Free Ways to Fight Cabin Fever in Kids

It’s flu season, which means a lot of us are going to be stuck inside with sick kids, recovering kids, or healthy kids driving us crazy while we’re sick. At our house, being cooped up means that my boys are bouncing off the walls, fighting with each other, and acting just plain wild! It is in those times that momma needs a little sanity break. Can I get an “Amen” from all the parents?

So what’s a parent to do when Cabin Fever starts? Get creative and switch things up.

10 Free Ways to Fight Cabin Fever in Kids www.chattanoogafamilies.com

Rotate Toys

Pull out something from the back of the closet or a board game that hasn’t been played it a while. You’ll be surprised at how this simple switch can bring new life to playtime. Often, the kids have forgotten about this long lost treasure and will get lost in playtime for hours…you’re welcome.

Bionic Blox a STEM building toy

Kids in the Kitchen

Pull up a stool and hand your kids a wisk. It doesn’t have to be gourmet, but an afternoon treat that they helped make is a game-changer for my kids. If I bake with my oldest during naptime, he’s a completely different boy. He loves to help and get one-on-one time with me…the snack isn’t so bad either. If baking isn’t your thing, make some easy homemade playdough or make a volcano with kids.

Popcorn Picnic

This is a favorite at our house. My boys love to have a “Popcorn Picnic” in the living room while watching a movie. I place a quilt on the floor to catch the crumbs and give them a drink that won’t leak to prevent major messes.

Build a Blanket Fort

It’s a classic. Kids love it. It’s a win-win.

Get them Moving

If the kids are well enough, get them moving. Set up an obstacle course, see how long they can keep a balloon in the air, play Just Dance on the Wii…the only thing that matters is that they are burning energy.

Party Bath

Occasionally, we have what we call “Party Bath” at our house. Party Bath is simple, really– just throw in some bubble bath and a package glow sticks from the dollar store or Halloween clearance. Next, add some fun music from Pandora, and turn off the lights! The kids think it’s hilarious and have a lot of fun.

Bring out the Craft Supplies

I always keep a few craft things, purchased on clearance, on hand for the kids to do. Another option is to make a Collage Box and let the kids create to their hearts content. Coffee Filter Snowflakes are always a hit, too.

craft supplies

Change of scenery

Sometimes, simply moving to a different spot in the house for a regular task is the change of scenery we need. If you normally read books on the couch, move to the bed. If the kids normally play in the living room, let them take a toy to a new location.

Open the Blinds

This one does wonders for me. Even if it is a little gloomy, I try to open the blinds for a while during the day. If it is sunny out, the natural sunlight will boost your spirits.

Take a Walk

Even if is only to the mailbox, take a walk. If they are well enough, getting outside for a few minutes will clear everyone’s head and provide some fresh air. Often times, I avoid taking the kids outside if it is too cold, but the kids don’t seem to care as long as they are bundled up. I once heard it said, “It is never too cold, but it may be the wrong kind of clothing.” Dig out your gloves and talk a walk. (P.S.–Do you think we’ll EVER get snow again? This weather is such a tease.)

child in the snow www.chattanoogafamilies.com

Tell me in the comments: What is your favorite way to fight cabin fever?