How to Plan a Great Weekend with the Kids

Sometimes you want to escape the humdrum of everyday life for something exciting, but a major vacation is not in the budget. Think about a Caribbean theme and with some creativity, you and the family can enjoy a weekend with an island flair. So, turn off the cell phones and take a break from the computers for a tropical themed weekend. Here are a few ideas to try.

Bring out the swimwear, the flip-flops, and beach toys. If you don't have a swimming pool, don't fret, a child's wading pool will do. You can sit around the pool and dip your feet into the water as the kids play. Bring out a patio table, umbrellas, beach towels, and even hang travel posters of island vacation getaways to set the scene.

Footprints in the Sand

Make a special tablecloth to adorn your table this weekend. Tape a sheet of butcher paper or a pastel tablecloth on the patio floor, deck, or sidewalk. Pick at least three bright tropical colors of tempera paint and pour a small amount into large aluminum pans. Explain to the family that the tablecloth is their island beach and that each person walks across the beach one at a time. Step into the paint pan with each foot (maybe a different color on each) and then walk across the surface. You may want to hold the person's hand, as the paint tends to be slippery. After the walk, have a bucket of water and soap for cleanup.

If you want to do this project on cloth, use fabric paints. These can be heat set on the fabric (follow the package directions) and you will have a permanent memento. When dry, use this cloth to decorate your table for meals.

Shells, Shells, and More Shells

Bring out your collection of beach shells or if you don't have any, they can be purchased at most craft stores. They can be displayed, sorted, counted, glued on collages, made into jewelry - shell craft ideas are almost limitless.

For example, kids can be amused for a great length of time painting brilliant colors and designs on shells. If you can find three shells that are alike, try the Shell Game with your family. Hide a small object, like a penny or nut, under one of the shells lined up in a row on the table. Move the shells around and around and then have the children guess which shell the object is hidden under. Kids love this game and the opportunity to outsmart the dealer.

Musical Islands

Place several hula-hoops on the floor or ground in an open space. Put on the music and ask the children to pretend the hoops are islands and that they are on a trip. Invite the kids (and adults) to begin their travels by walking, hopping, tiptoeing, or skipping around the island hoops as the music plays. Explain that when the music stops, they must stop traveling and "visit" one of the islands by placing a foot (or body) inside any of the hoops. (More than one person can visit any of the island hoops). Turn on the music again and send the travelers back on their way, skipping and hopping, but his time remove one of the hoops. Every time the music stops, have one less hoop available. Challenge the players to squeeze closer together and use their ingenuity to find ways for every traveler to fit a foot or toe in the fewer and fewer spaces, even when there is only one remaining island!

Limber Up With the Limbo

Pick up a recording of limbo music (or any reggae or calypso music will do). Gather the group and explain the rules. A broomstick will be held at the same height for everyone for each round. A person who touches the bar or reaches down to touch the ground as he/she moves under the bar is eliminated. For each new round, the bar is lowered six inches or so, and everyone who has not been eliminated will have a turn. Start the game with the bar high enough for everyone to easily slide under for a few rounds. For very young children, a heavy rope instead of a broomstick is recommended. See how low you can go!

Tropical Island Memory Game

Gather the family together and give them this beginning sentence: "If I were stranded on a tropical island, I would take along...a guitar, food, my best friend, a hammer for coconuts and _______." Each person adds one item in turn and has to remember all the other things on the list.

The Island Finale - Tropical Treats

Set your table with your "footprints in the sand" tablecloth and load it with these yummy treats.

Start with "sailboat sandwiches" which are crescent dinner rolls hollowed out and stuffed with tuna salad (or any other filling you family enjoys). Take a slice of American cheese and cut the rectangle on a diagonal. Insert a toothpick into each triangle to make the little sails that you poke into the edible boat.

A "fruit boat" can be made from a half of a fresh pear. Scoop out the center and brush with lemon juice to keep it from turning brown. Make cheese sails (like above) and insert these into the circle. Plate this edible boat on a plate with shredded lettuce (as the waves) and little Goldfish crackers swimming in the sea.

Don't forget to blend up some fruit smoothies from all the delicious summer produce.

This weekend getaway with the kids will be so much fun, you won't want to return "home"!