Saturday, April 28, 2012

Katrena's Indoor Scavenger Hunt #2 – Free Clues, Directions, and Answers

Free Rhyming Scavenger Hunt Clues and Answers © Katrena
Scavengers hunts are always a hit at my house. This indoor treasure hunt challenges the kids with rhyming clues that will get them searching throughout the house. The red word in each clue gives a hint for the answer because the answer rhymes with or sounds very similar to that word.

Directions for Katrena's Indoor Scavenger Hunt #2:

  1. Print clues #1-10 (click on the image to enlarge and then select "file" and "print") and cut on the lines.
  2. Keep clue #1.
  3. Hide clue #2 at the answer for clue #1.
  4. Hide clue #3 at the answer for clue #2.
  5. Hide clue #4 at the answer for clue #3.
  6. Hide clue #5 at the answer for clue #4.
  7. Hide clue #6 at the answer for clue #5.
  8. Hide clue #7 at the answer for clue #6.
  9. Hide clue #8 at the answer for clue #7.
  10. Hide clue #9 at the answer for clue #8.
  11. Hide clue #10 at the answer for clue #9.
  12. Place prize or reward at the answer for clue #10.
  13. Give clue #1 to the person(s) doing the scavenger hunt.

If you have kids of various ages, you might want to have them work together as a team or take turns solving and searching for the clues.

Clues for the scavenger hunt (I have copied and pasted the clues as well as creating a screen shot):
Free Treasure Hunt clues - Click on the image to enlarge before printing © Katrena




CLUE #1
These things are quite useful if you wish to eat soup.
Use two of them to play tunes.
It is not a fork or a knife you are looking for…
Find your next clue in a drawer with the ______!
CLUE #2
These things might be quite a few different colors.
They might even get covered in dirt.
They cover your back and your shoulders.
The next clue is hidden in a drawer that holds ______!
CLUE #3
This thing has lots of keys,
But they won’t play a chord.
Instead they have letters and numbers.
The next clue is near the ______!
CLUE #4
You might open these up on warm spring days,
But they will be shut tight when the temperature is zero.
It is something you look through to see outside.
You’ll find the next clue on a ________!
CLUE #5
Perhaps you have worked up an appetite from all this searching?
Is it food you now crave?
Maybe you should heat up a snack….
The next clue is in the _____!
CLUE #6
This thing is quite useful for brushing, but please don't use it on your hair.
Maybe you forget to brush with it if you are in a rush.
It has a handle and bristles…
The next clue is hidden near your _______!
CLUE #7
This thing just lies around on the floor,
If it were a person, it might be called a slug.
Instead you might wipe your feet on it.
The next clue can be found near the _____!
CLUE #8
Perhaps you need more than a rug to get clean…
This looks like a case of rub-a-dub-dub!
Perhaps rubber ducky can find the next clue.
It just might be in the _____!
CLUE #9
This thing may get quite full,
It might hold dolls or trucks or blocks.
It can be useful for holding items that you don't want sitting out.
Maybe you’ll find the next clue in the ______!
CLUE #10
After all this work, you might need to rest.
Are your feet telling you “Ouch?”
This thing has cushions and is a great place to sit.
Find the last item somewhere near the ______!

 Answers for the scavenger hunt:

CLUE #1 ANSWER

Spoons
CLUE #2 ANSWER

Shirt
CLUE #3 ANSWER

Keyboard
CLUE #4 ANSWER

Window
CLUE #5 ANSWER

Microwave
CLUE #6 ANSWER

Toothbrush
CLUE #7 ANSWER

Rug
CLUE #8 ANSWER

Bathtub
CLUE #9 ANSWER

Toybox
CLUE #10 ANSWER

Couch

Printable rewards: 

Treasure Hunt Rewards - Click on the image to enlarge before printing © Katrena
Check out my Wildflower Bouquets site map for additional scavenger hunts, printables, and other fun ideas.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Tips for Camping With Kids – Practical Ways to Plan for a Great Family Vacation

The Joy of Camping With Kids - © Katrena
Many families have discovered the great joy of camping with the kids. This type of vacation can be an awesome way to get away, enjoy nature, and spend time together. Whether you are putting up a pup tent in the back yard, staying at a campground, or going the primitive route, perhaps these tips will help you to avoid common camping pitfalls and enjoy the moments of which memories are made.

Practical Tips for Camping With Kids © Katrena
Benefits of Camping

Many people find they can save money by camping. Popular destinations like the beach are often a fraction of the cost of a hotel room or renting a home in a similar area. Those who like to rough it on primitive sites can often find the cheapest rates. In addition, the tent campers tend to save money on gasoline en route. Extras like electricity, water, sewer hook-up, satellite, wifi, etc. may cost more, but they may be worth the extra expense for many folks.

Educational Opportunities on Vacation © Katrena
Kids can learn many valuable skills while camping. The children can provide valuable input in the planning stages and have the opportunity to learn about teamwork as you set up camp. Children can learn new skills like how to build, cook over, and put out a fire and safety tips such as how to avoid sunburn and properly store foods while camping. The whole family can learn about the history of the area as well as information about native animals and plants, such as what to do if they see a wild animal and how to identify poison ivy. This can also be a great opportunity to demonstrate care for the environment through "green" camping.

As a mother of three children with multiple food sensitivities, camping is particularly well-suited for us because we are packing our own food and supplies for cooking. We are not paying for a "free" breakfast that the kids cannot eat at a hotel. Since my children also have asthma, I bring supplies for cooking that do not involve a fire since I know that smoke tends to set off their breathing problems. It's okay – we just do what works for us. I ensure that the site has electricity before making reservations and bring two extension cords and a power strip because electrical cooking supplies have the potential to overload the circuit – I learned that the hard way with our first camping trip!

How to Find Pet-Friendly Vacation Destinations © Katrena
Those who enjoy taking pets on vacation are more likely to find campgrounds that are pet-friendly than hotels that allow animals. Some parks and campgrounds provide facilities for equestrian camping year-round or seasonally. One of the favorite parts of our vacations is meeting other campers and learning about their animals. We have met service dogs, show dogs, rescued dogs, and many other pets and their owners often share wonderful stories about themselves and their furry friends.

Enjoy Nature While Camping With Kids © Katrena
Campers tend to be very willing to help others and are often quite friendly. The pace tends to be slower, and often campers keep an eye out for one another. We have made lasting friendships at campgrounds – many campers coordinate their vacations with others they have met while on previous vacations. I keep up with several of my campground friends via Facebook and email after we arrive back home.

Some might think I am crazy to camp alone with the girls, but I have discovered an inner strength and have been able to demonstrate to my daughters that we are quite capable of working together to solve any problems that come our way. Life's challenges often bring out the best in people, and the experience may serve to strengthen our character. We have also been quite grateful when other campers have offered a helping hand at just the right time. It is quite alright to eat humble pie while camping...and then we can pay it forward to someone else!

How to Plan a Family Vacation © Katrena
Planning a Camping Trip

Choosing a destination can be a fun way to begin a vacation. Even if you are planning to camp in the great outdoors on the lawn out back, the excitement can build as everyone begins to anticipate the date. The surroundings pale in comparison to those with whom you are spending the time. One of my kids mentioned that she liked Disney World almost as much as she liked shopping at Walmart with me...there you go. If I had just known that before heading south!

Find Fun Things to do on Vacation While Camping © Katrena
Many campgrounds now offer web sites with details about their sites. Check regulations and rules of the campground. Many that used to be first come, first served now take reservations. Some may have requirements related to the use of firewood; most have rules regarding pets; and many lock their gates at night.

Before making a reservation, ensure that the site:
  • is large enough to accommodate your needs (some campgrounds charge extra depending on the number in the party and may limit the number of vehicles per site but it still might be cheaper to reserve two campsites than to rent a house or stay in a hotel)
  • offers whatever amenities you prefer (water, electricity, sewer, pull-through, level ground, etc.)
  • is available during the time desired (some campgrounds fill up months in advance, particularly if a special event is in the area at the time or if it has great rates – those who have their hearts set on a particular campground may find that they can camp a night or two on one site and then move to another site for an additional night or two and some campgrounds offer waiting lists)
  • is in the area of the campground you prefer (small kids may particularly appreciate a site in close vicinity to restroom facilities and near a playground if available)
Supplies for Camping © Katrena
Preparing and Packing Supplies for the Vacation

Ensure that the camper or tent is in good condition and dry before packing if possible. Areas that are wet when packed tend to leak. It helps to set up a tent or pop-up a few days before the vacation to ensure that no vital parts are missing and that everything is in good working order. This can also serve as a refresher course for those who have not set one up in a while.

Tips for Having a Smooth Family Vacation © Katrena
Thoroughly check the vehicle(s) to ensure that fluid levels are appropriate, tire pressure is adequate, and any problems are corrected before leaving. Nothing can put a damper on a vacation than breaking down halfway to the destination. Plan to leave with plenty of time to reach the campground before dark, planning for several stops along the way to re-fuel, stretch everyone's legs, and allow for plenty of bathroom breaks.

Traveling to the campground can also be an adventure. I like to pack a few simple surprises, like new music, cool book on CD, bubbles for blowing at the rest area, travel games, etc. so that the children can enjoy the ride a bit more. If you have a child who tends to get carsick, it can be helpful to have supplies readily available in the car. You might also want to choose destinations that are closer and have less twists and turns, plan for extra stops, and adjust eating times so that you are not combining a full stomach with a long road trip.

Vacation Packing Tips © Katrena
Make a list of all supplies you plan to pack. It is easy to forget items like a flashlight and batteries, washcloths and towels, soap and shampoo, a can opener, clothesline and clothespins, oven mitt, dishpan and dishwashing liquid, matches or a lighter, first aid supplies, bug spray, suntan lotion, etc., particularly if new to camping. Many of these items may be available at the campground store, but they will usually be paired with a pretty price.

I like to pack supplies in the pop-up several days before the big day to cut down on the chaos. My kids love to help pack for vacations. Make sure to double-check what the children have packed. Their definition of appropriate attire for camping might be rather different from your own. They may also be more concerned with packing Barbie dolls than underwear.

What to do on a Vacation © Katrena
Choosing an Itinerary

You may wish to plan a few outings where you can enjoy the sites near the campground. The area's Chamber of Commerce can be a great place to begin searching for ideas. Campground web sites may give links for nearby areas of interest, and the campground may offer a variety of fun and educational opportunities. I have found that state parks often do a great job with educational programs at and near campgrounds. Travel blogs and review sites may offer great ideas for the popular destinations and also those gems that may offer a pleasant surprise. Asking about areas via social media can also be a great way to learn from those who know the area best – just be careful not to announce to the world when you plan to be away from home!

It can be just as important to leave lots of opportunities in the plan to simply relax and enjoy spur-of-the-moment times together. We like to pack bikes and enjoy cruising through the campground or might simply go for several walks together each day. We will typically meet a few other campers and may even see a deer, butterflies, or an awesome sunset. Making wonderful memories together is not always a planned event. You may wish to plan to hike, bike, swim, kayak, go tubing, or find other ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the area from various vantage points.

Working Around the Weather While Camping © Katrena
Weather conditions may dictate what one does on vacation while camping. Check weather reports for the area and plan accordingly. If the campground site is prone to flooding, it is helpful to have a back-up plan, especially if you are tent camping. Packing extra clothing and warm blankets can be a great help if temperatures take a nosedive.

Wild animals are often abundant while camping. Ensure that all food is stored appropriately. Raccoons, for example, are often quite adept at opening coolers and feasting on one's food while everyone is asleep. Mosquitoes are often prevalent during warmer months, and I have found mosquito repellent to be very helpful on all of my camping trips. If your kids have sensitive skin and/or allergies, it is a good idea to check ingredients and give any lotions or spray a test drive before the big date.

Wild Animals Near Campground © Katrena
Camping With Children

I have found camping with my kids to be an amazing opportunity to unwind, unplug, and create something special for all of us to remember. I love to pack my camera and try to capture just a few of those wonderful memories to share with my family and hope that by sharing some of my tips that you too will find camping to be a great way to vacation with your family!

Find additional articles, tips, and free printables and scavenger hunts at the Wildflower Bouquets site map. Visit my Travel NC With Kids blog for great kid-friendly things to do in North Carolina.

How to Enjoy a Family-friendly Vacation © Katrena

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Easter Scavenger Egg Hunt – Free Clues and Answers

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt With Clues and Answers
Looking for a new twist on an Easter egg hunt that will challenge the older kids? This Easter egg scavenger hunt includes puzzles to encourage the kids to think creatively as they attempt to solve the riddles before hunting the egg. This scavenger hunt works particularly well with older kids, and you can pair the older kids with younger children if you have a mixed group.

Some of the terms may be unfamiliar to children, so this hunt is a great opportunity to education children about the Easter story and how the words fit into the biblical account.

How to play the Easter scavenger egg hunt:
  1. Hide 12 eggs for each child/team when the children are not in the area.
  2. Give each child/team a copy of clues #1 and #2 (click on the image to enlarge the graphic before printing).
  3. Have the kids to solve each riddle and write their answers on the blank section on the right.
  4. The kids may hunt one egg for each correct answer - give hints if needed!
Here is page one of clues for the Easter egg scavenger hunt:
Katrena's Free Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt Clues Page1
 Here is page two of clues for the Easter egg scavenger hunt:
Katrena's Free Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt Clues Page 2
These are the answers for the Easter egg puzzle questions:
Answers for Katrena's Free Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
You may also wish to read:
Find more scavenger hunts, printables, and other fun ways to connect with the family at the Wildflower Bouquets site map.