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50+ Cool Summer Snacks

July 29, 2019 by Kelly Dedeaux

50 Cool Summer Snacks / by BusyMomsHelper.com / great popsicle, ice cream, lemonade or other cool recipes

School’s out for the summer – excuse me while I feel a bit crazy with both excitement AND worry! I’m looking forward to more time with them, less rushed mornings, creating our OWN schedules, and plenty of family adventures. I’m also a bit nervous about the ‘I’m bored’ phrase that I know will occur far too often. That, along with ‘I’m hungry’, of course! Luckily we’ve got plenty of delicious recipes for kids with these 50+ Cool Summer Snacks!

50 Cool Summer Snacks / by BusyMomsHelper.com / great popsicle, ice cream, lemonade or other cool recipes

Whether you’re a fan of popsicles or ice cream, slushies or lemonade, we’ve got plenty of great summer treat recipes for you to try out! They’re also really ‘cool’, so your kids will happily enjoy them 🙂

Cool Summer Snacks

Rainbow Popsicles from The First Year Blog

Rainbow Popsicles

Banana Split Ice Cream Cake Loaf from Life, Love and Sugar

Banana Split Ice Cream Cake Loaf

Frosty S’mores Brownie Bars from Busy Mom’s Helper

Frosty Smore

DIY Gogurts from Art From My Table

homemade gogurt

Strawberry Julius from Busy Mom’s Helper

Strawberry Julius

Kansas City Dirt Cake from Lil’ Luna

dirt cake

Creamy Watermelon Coconut Milkshake from Cook Nourish Bliss

Creamy watermelon coconut milkshake

No Churn Brownie Bite Ice Cream from Juggling Act Mama

No Churn Brownie Bite Ice Cream

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie via Busy Mom’s Helper

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie a blend of pumpkin yogurt and banana with-delicious-Fall-spices.

Cherry Cheesecake Popsicles from The Busy Baker

cherry-cheesecake-popsicles-3

No Churn Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream from Fearlessly Creative Mammas

Ice Cream

Jello Shaved Ice from Tips From A Typical Mom

Jello Shaved Ice 3

Fresh Strawberry Lemonade with Honey from Art From My Table

strawberry lemonade

Popsicle Brownies from Somewhat Simple

popsicle brownies

Strawberry Mango Popsicles from Busy Mom’s Helper

strawberry mango popsicles 5

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Banana Bites from Not Enough Cinnamon

Chocolate Covered Frozen Banana and Peanut Butter Bites

Healthy Orange Julius from Busy Mom’s Helper

orange smoothie

 Strawberry Lemonade Bars from The Baker Upstairs

strawberry lemonade bars

Melon Ice Cubes from No Biggie

melon ice cubes

Homemade Fruit & Yogurt Popsicles from Busy Mom’s Helper

Osh Kosh 14

Cotton Candy Ice Cream from Home and Plate

Cotton Candy Ice Cream

Lava Flow Popsicles by One Lovely Life

lava flow Cool Summer Snacks

Individual Frozen Key Lime Pies from This Silly Girl’s Life

Key Lime Pie

Watermelon Pudding Pops from Clean and Scentsible

Watermelon Pudding Pops

Chocolate Chip Mint Greek Yogurt Pops from Country Cleaver

chocolate chip mint greek yogurt pops

Fruit Pizza from Bakers Royale

Fruit Pizza Bakers Royale1

Two-Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites from The Baker Mama

Two-Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites

Fruit Infused Water from I Heart Naptime

Fruit infused water

Pomegranate Coconut Popsicles from My Fussy Eater

Pomegranate Coconut Water Popsicles

Milk & Cereal Breakfast Popsicles from In Katrina’s Kitchen

Milk and Cereal Breakfast Popsicles

Choco-Taco from Love Bakes Good Cakes

Homemade Choco Taco

Watermelon Popsicles from Cooking Classy

watermelon popsicles

Easy Frozen Yogurt Bites from Eating on a Dime

frozen yogurt bites

4-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet from Cincy Shopper

Easy Watermelon Sorbet Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

cookie dough sandwiches

Fresh Watermelon Cake from Sprinkle Bakes

Fresh Watermelon Cake SprinkleBakes 2

Strawberry Mojito Mocktail from Art From My Table

strawberry mojito

Coconut Creme Ice Pops from Simply Stacie

coconut cream pop

Sand Pudding Cups from Food Fun Family

sand pudding

Watermelon Lemonade from The Recipe Critic

Watermelon Lemonade

Berry Pomegranate Smoothie Pops from Juggling Act Mama

Berry Pomegranate Smoothie Ice Pops via Juggling Act Mama

Banana Split Bites from Our Family of Seven

Banana Split Bites

Watermelon Coconut Ice Cream from Baking Ginger

watermelon coconut ice cream

Blueberry Lemonade from Art From My Table

Blueberry Lemonade

7 Insanely Delicious Ice Cream Sundaes via Buzzfeed

ice cream sundae

Cake Batter Popsicles from Just Add Sprinkles

cake batter popsicles

No Bake Ice Cream Cupcakes from Juggling Act Mama

No Bake Ice Cream Cupcakes decadent treats

Frozen Hot Chocolate from One She Two She

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Watermelon Pie from Make and Takes

watermelon pie

Pomegranate Ice Cream from Art From My Table

pomegranate ice cream

Filed Under: Dessert, Drinks, Snack Tagged With: kids, Round-up, Summer, treats

Craft Lightning: Ladybug Bird Feeder Summer Camp Craft

July 8, 2019 by Kelly Dedeaux

Craft Lightning: Ladybug Bird Feeder Summer Camp Craft / by Busy Mom's Helper #summercamp #kidcraft

Wow, what an insane couple of months it’s been! I’d say time has flown by…but even that’s an understatement! In just a month, Wonder Woman will be heading to 3rd grade and ALL of my boys will be going to preschool three days a week. Am I excited? Heck Yeah!!!! But there is still a little sadness that the summertime fun is over. Until then, though, here’s a super fun activity for Craft Lightning: Ladybug Bird Feeder Summer Camp Craft! originally shared July 2014

Craft Lightning: Ladybug Bird Feeder Summer Camp Craft / by Busy Mom's Helper #summercamp #kidcraft

As part of Craft Lightning with The Country Chic Cottage and 30 Minute Crafts, this month’s theme is Summer Camp Crafts. What could be more fun that a super-simple, totally adorable Ladybug Bird Feeder?!

ladybug bird feeder 5

For those that have checked out the Craft Lightning posts before, you know that the rule is they must be able to be completed in 15 minutes or less (not including drying time, of course). So as busy as the summertime is, I’m sure anyone can fit in 15 minutes of fun craft time to make this Ladybug Bird Feeder with their kiddos!

Ladybug Bird Feeder Summer Camp Craft

Ladybug Bird Feeder Supplies

  • Can (#10 works great, or you can do smaller if that’s what you have), cleaned out
  • Lid to can
  • Red paper
  • Black paint
  • Large googly eyes
  • Wood stick/peg
  • Scissors, tape and/or glue
  • Plastic foam-mesh pieces
  • Bird seed

Directions

  1. Use your black paint to add dots onto the red paper. When dry, tape or glue it around your can sides.
  2. Cut a large hole in the lid, and put it on the can. Cut or poke a hole in the lid for the wood stick/peg and attach it. Glue the googly eyes onto the top of the face (lid) part.
  3. Cut the foam-mesh pieces into rounded wings for your Ladybug. Attach one to each side.
  4. Fill with bird feed, and enjoy watching the birds come munch!

Craft Lightning: Ladybug Bird Feeder Summer Camp Craft / by Busy Mom's Helper #summercamp #kidcraft

To check out the other awesome ideas based on this month’s Craft Lightning theme: Summer Camp Crafts….be sure to head over to check them out!!!

Ladybug Bird Feeder Summer Camp Craft

Filed Under: Kid Friendly Tagged With: Craft, Summer

Gluten-Free 4th of July Sugar Cookie Pizza

June 28, 2019 by Stephanie Kirkos

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie 4th of July Pizza l Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper

Hello, and Happy Summer! This is Stephanie from Steph in Thyme, and today I’m sharing a festive 4th of July recipe that you can bake and assemble with your kids, or bring along to a BBQ. This Gluten-Free 4th of July Sugar Cookie Pizza slices and serves like a savory pizza for a creative twist on a picnic dessert. (originally shared June 2015)

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie 4th of July Pizza l Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of gluten-free products in grocery stores. Every time I go to the store, I encounter a new product. My newest gluten-free find is a Gluten-Free Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix by Pillsbury. I stumbled upon it in the baking aisle, intermingled with non-gluten-free baking mixes. Gluten-free funfetti?? What a pleasant surprise!

With 4th of July around the corner, I picked up a few boxes to create a treat fitting for the day (2 boxes for $4, I couldn’t resist). But the patriotic treat couldn’t be just simple sugar cookies – it had to be a fun, crowd-pleasing dessert people would reach across the picnic table for.

This sugar cookie pizza is really just one giant sugar cookie, but it’s fun to think of it as a large pizza, a simple crust ready for you to decorate with toppings. And what toppings are more festive for the 4th of July than bright red strawberries, deep blue blueberries, and a creamy white whipped cream?

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie 4th of July Pizza l Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper
To save time slicing the strawberries, I recommend using an egg slicer. It slices the strawberries evenly at one time to make pizza prep faster and efficient.

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie 4th of July Pizza l Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper
Keeping with the theme “fun and different,” I whipped up a dairy-free whipped cream made from chilled coconut milk instead of traditional whipped cream. This coconut whipped cream is silky smooth and simply divine, subtly flavored with coconut and a dash of almond extract.

In addition to serving as the “sauce” on this pizza, it’s also delicious dolloped over a bowl of fresh fruit or ice cream.

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie 4th of July Pizza l Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper
I arranged the blueberries and strawberries in a flower-like pattern, placing a large handful of fresh, ripe blueberries in the center then arranging the strawberries in a double-layer until I reached the edge of the sugar cookie crust, outlining the fringe of the whipped cream with more fresh blueberries.

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie 4th of July Pizza l Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper
You can serve the sugar cookie pizza immediately after you decorate it, but I found it easier to slice after it chilled in the fridge for an hour. The whipped cream sets and the fruit doesn’t move around as much when you’re slicing it like a pizza – because it’s just way more fun to eat it that way.  

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie 4th of July Pizza l Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie 4th of July Pizza l Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper
Print Recipe

Gluten-Free 4th of July Sugar Cookie Pizza

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time17 mins
Servings: 8 -10 slices

Ingredients

  • 17.5 oz box Pillsbury's Gluten-Free Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix
  • 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk (from the can, not the carton), chilled in the fridge for 24 hours
  • 3 tbsp confectioners sugar
  • 1 tsp gluten-free almond extract
  • 2 cups thinly sliced strawberries
  • 2 cups ripe blueberries

Instructions

To prepare the cookie:

  • Pre-heat oven to 375 F. Spray a 12 " pizza stone, pizza pan, or baking sheet with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the butter, egg, and baking mix. Beat on medium for 1-2 minutes until combined. Add the water, scrape the sides of the bowl, and mix for another minute until a soft dough forms.
  • Roughly shape the dough into a large ball with your hands and place on the center of your pizza stone, pan, or baking sheet. With wet hands or a damp rolling pin, gently roll out the dough into a circle about 10" in diameter. Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.
  • Remove cookie from the oven and let cool completely. (I left the cookie on the pizza stone and served it right on the stone). With a sharp knife, gently glide it between the cookie and pan, separating any areas that may have stuck.

To prepare the coconut whipped cream:

  • Chill a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer in the freezer for 10 minutes. Take the chilled canned of coconut milk and flip it upside down, opening it from the bottom. Pour off the liquid, either setting aside for smoothies or discarding.
  • Remove the cold bowl from the freezer and scoop the solidified coconut milk into the bowl. Beat with a stand mixer or hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and peaks form. Add the confectioners sugar and almond extract, beat for additional minute until well combined.

To assemble the cookie pizza:

  • Spoon the coconut whipped cream over the cooled sugar cookie crust, spreading in an even layer over the cookie.
  • Trace the outline of the outer edge of the coconut whipped cream with a single line of blueberries. Add a handful of blueberries to the center of the pizza. Arrange the strawberries around the blueberries in a circle, adding another layer of strawberries on top, if desired. Continue adding an alternating ring of strawberries and blueberries until you reach the outer ring of blueberries.
  • Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for an hour (ideal). Slice the pizza into 8 to 10 slices with a sharp knife or pizza slicer.

Notes

You can use your favorite gluten-free sugar cookie baking mix in place of Pillsbury, adjusting the butter/water content if the mix isn't a comparable size.
If making the coconut whipped cream ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container. Remove from fridge and allow to warm up to a chill temperature - not cold or room temperature. Beat for 1-2 minutes until fluffy again.
Depending on how you decorate the pizza, you can use more or less fresh fruit.

Filed Under: Dessert, Recipe Tagged With: Blueberries, Cookies, dessert, Fruit, Gluten-Free, Guest post, Steph in Thyme, Strawberries, Summer, Whipped Cream

75+ MORE Summer Activities

May 27, 2019 by Kelly Dedeaux

75+ MORE Summer Activities / by BusyMomsHelper.com / Fun kid activities / Great family activities

We’ve been out of school for a week. ONE WEEK. Already my kids have had moments when they pull the ‘I’m Bored’ card. Luckily there were so many great ideas in my original 75+ Summer Activities post for me to look to – but why stop there? Y’all loved that list so much, I decided to share 75+ MORE Summer Activities! Plenty of fun kid activities, crafts, family games and even delish summer snacks you can all enjoy.

75+ MORE Summer Activities / by BusyMomsHelper.com / Fun kid activities / Great family activities

75+ MORE Summer Activities

Squirt Gun Painting from Wonderful DIY

Squirt Water Gun painting with kids

DIY Tetherball from Simply Kierste

tetherball

Easy Campfire S’mores from Busy Mom’s Helper

Easy Smore's by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Nature Hunt Bingo from Bitz ‘N Giggles

Nature Hunt Bingo

All-Natural Fruit & Yogurt Popsicles from Busy Mom’s Helper

Fruit & Yogurt Popsicles / by BusyMomsHelper.com / Homemade Popsicles / Great recipes for leftover baby food #ad #CookingWithGerber

Egg Carton Turtles from Emma Owl

Egg Box Turtles

Octo-Pop Popsicles from Over the Big Moon

octo pops

Backyard Ker-Plunk Game on All Parenting

75+ MORE Summer Activities

Bubble Refill Station from La-La’s Home Daycare

MORE Summer Activities

50+ Cool Summer Snacks from Busy Mom’s Helper

50 Cool Summer Snacks / by BusyMomsHelper.com / great popsicle, ice cream, lemonade or other cool recipes

12 Bird Feeders for Kids to Make from Crafty Morning

12 bird feeders for kids to make

Backyard BBQ Printable Invite from Busy Mom’s Helper

Printable backyard barbecue invitation | One Mama's Daily Drama for Busy Mom's Helper

Flamingo Ring Toss from Sugar and Cloth

75+ MORE Summer Activities

Life-Size Angry Bird Game from My 4 Misters and Their Sister

75+ MORE Summer Activities

Chunky Monkey Popsicles from Glitter ‘N Spice

chunky monkey popsicles

Water Bottle Flowers from Kid Friendly Things To Do

water bottle flowers

Giant Lawn Checkers from Hallmark Channel

75+ MORE Summer Activities

Rainbow Paper Dahlia Flowers from Craftaholics Anonymous

diy paper dahlia flowers

Limeade Popsicles from A Simple Pantry

Limeade Popsicles

Citrus Pearler Bead Coasters from My Frugal Adventures

75+ MORE Summer Activities

Giant Connect Four Game from Instructables

75+ MORE Summer Activities

Slip-n-Slide on Digital Misery

75+ MORE Summer Activities

Spinning 3D Hot Air Balloons from Crafty Morning

3d spinning hot air balloon craft for kids

Pipe Cleaner Snakes from Kids Activities Blog

Pipe Cleaner Snake Craft

Giant Word Game from Constantly Love Struck

75+ MORE Summer Activities

DIY Fruit Fans from The Idea Room

folded up fans

Giant Paper Pinwheels from Kids Activities Blog

DIY paper pinwheel

Milk & Cereal Popsicles from In Katrina’s Kitchen

Milk and Cereal Breakfast Popsicles

DIY Yard Yahtzee from The Pinning Mama

Yard Dice 1 web

Jellyfish Bowl Craft from I Heart Crafty Things

paper bowl jellyfish craft

DIY Catapult from Busy Mom’s Helper

Craft Stick Catapult / by BusyMomsHelper.com / a great busy activity for kids / super easy kids craft project!

Shoot & Splash Outdoor Activity from No Time for Flash Cards

water play target practice

Whipped Pineapple Pops from Super Healthy Kids

Whipped Pineapple Pops

30 Science Experiments for Kids in Summer from Growing a Jeweled Rose

summer experiments for kids 00

Cupcake Liner Ice Cream Cones from I Heart Crafty Things

cupcake liner ice cream cone craft

Squirt Gun Refill Station from First Home Love Life

squirt gun refill station

Sour Worm Popsicles from A Mom’s Take

Worm Popsicles

DIY Ladder Golf from Here Comes the Sun Blog

DIY Ladder Golf Title

If you missed our original 75 Summer Activities list – see it here!

75+ More Summer Activities for Kids and Families / round up by BusymomsHelper.com

Filed Under: Kid Friendly Tagged With: activities, Family, Games, Round-up, Summer

Over 100 Staycation Ideas

March 18, 2019 by Kelly Dedeaux

Over 100 Budget-Saving Staycation Ideas / by www.BusyMomsHelper.com #staycation #summer

Don’t have the budget to swing an expensive vacation this summer? Even though Disneyland, cruises, and road trips are super fun, for the normal person it’s just not practical to splurge on one every single year. It’s still nice to have some type of family vacation, though, right? Well, here’s the list to save your vacation woes…Over 100 Budget-Saving Staycation Ideas!

Over 100 Budget-Saving Staycation Ideas / by www.BusyMomsHelper.com #staycation #summer

 

Yesterday was Wonder Woman’s last day of 2nd grade, so our house is on ‘official’ summer break mode. Seriously, WHY do kids go crazy the DAY it’s summer break? Do they have a switch? Whatever it is, I do find it slightly annoying. Anywho…since we’re trying our hardest to get out of debt, we’re putting the big N-O to any big vacation plans this year. I don’t want to do NOTHING, though, so went on the search for some awesome Staycation Ideas. This list of over 100 ideas will have us spending plenty of staycation time together, and I’m sure there’s something perfect for your family, too!

Over 100 Budget-Saving Staycation Ideas / by www.BusyMomsHelper.com #staycation #summer

 

Here’s 25 Awesome Staycation Ideas over at Living Well Spending Less

The Extreme Coupon Professors have 100 Staycation Ideas for Your Summer Fun

Over 100 Budget-Saving Staycation Ideas / by www.BusyMomsHelper.com #staycation #summer

Six Sisters’ Stuff shared these 30 Cheap Staycation Ideas, and they’re fabulous!

Forbes has a list of 16 Things To Do On a Staycation that’ll help get your brainstorming going

Over 100 Budget-Saving Staycation Ideas / by www.BusyMomsHelper.com #staycation #summer

My family (and sometimes just Hubby and I) will surely enjoy some of these 123 Amazing Staycation Ideas from the lovely Dating Divas

What better way to relax and enjoy yourself than with these 22 Ways to Turn Your Home Into a Staycation Resort from This Old House?!

Have you done any Staycations in the past that you absolutely loved? Please share in the comments below!

Filed Under: Kid Friendly, Travel Tips & Tricks Tagged With: budget, Family Night, money, Round-up, Summer

Summer Science Ending with a BANG!

August 25, 2016 by Nikki Cole

Summer Science Ending with a BANG! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Summer is ending! Not really ready for winter but before the end, let’s go out strong by doing Summer Science Ending with a BANG!

Summer Science Ending with a BANG! by NIkki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Adult supervision recommended. Please use good judgement and safety precautions for this exploding watermelon experiment. 

Watermelons are a very popular summer treat and I absolutely love them!  Well what’s even better than eating a watermelon?  Making one explode!  When I was first told about this experiment I thought no way and it’s not going to be cool at all, well I was wrong this experiment is intense and exciting and has you on your toes wondering when it’ll blow, how big is it going to get, and how many rubber bands? Yes you will needs lots of rubber bands and not small ones we had several that were too small and just broke trying to get it over the watermelon.

So yes this is definitely an outside experiment and be prepared to have watermelon all over your yard but trust me, it is completely worth it.  Summer Science Ending with a BANG! Is an experiment you can do several times and still be amazed, each watermelon does something different so it always keeps you on your toes.

Pick out a watermelon from the store; it doesn’t have to be the perfect one just a watermelon.  You will also need a couple big bags of rubber bands; I got mine at Wal-Mart and they are only a few bucks each.

Summer Science Ending with a BANG! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Grab a bucket or a table and dump out your rubber bands so they are easily accessible.  You also might want gloves if you are putting on the rubber bands.

Place the watermelon on the ground or some kind of stand so it is upright and not falling over all the time.

Stretch rubber bands over the watermelon so they wrap around the center of the melon.  We stretched usually 4-5 rubber bands at a time.  Place more on.

Summer Science Ending with a BANG! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

. . . . and more. . . .

Summer Science Ending with a BANG! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

. . . . and more. . . .

Summer Science Ending with a BANG! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

It will start to bulge on the ends but it still takes more rubber bands.  The watermelon will start to leak juice or even crack.  Once the crack gets about 2-3 inches long stand back and it will just pop or do something weird like ours and pop its top then explode! enter video here

Summer Science Ending with a BANG! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Summer Science Ending with a BANG! by NIkki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Filed Under: Kid Friendly Tagged With: food, fun, kids, science, Summer, watermelon

Summer Science Food!

August 13, 2016 by Nikki Cole

Summer Science Food! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Who doesn’t want to play with food, especially kids? With these fun little experiments the kids can eat (most of them) and also see some fun reactions with these fun Summer Science Food experiments.

Summer Science Food! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

These experiments do take a little time anywhere between an hour to a week or two but are totally worth it!  The smore’s activity is really fun especially for kids to see how to use solar oven and the heat to make food.  Now if you’re like me having completely melted chocolate is not how I like my smore’s but the activity was fun to see the marshmallows get soft and the chocolate melt.

Growing Bears

Gummy bears have always been a fun treat for me, they’re fruity and gummy and shaped like cute little bears.  Soaking gummy bears in 7up and making them bigger of course I’m up for that!  With this experiment it shows osmosis or in basic terms the gummy bears absorbing the 7up while still maintaining its form.  This is also a great recipe to make a flavored 7up or add some excitement to kids drinks this summer.

Summer Science Food! by NIkki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Supplies

  • Gummy bears
  • 7up
  • Bowl

Directions:

  1. Put gummy bears into a bowl and cover with 7up.
  2. Leave overnight or at least a couple hours.
  3. Drain gummy bears and see how they’ve grown.

Or

  1. Put gummy bears and 7up in ice cube trays, freeze.
  2. Once frozen put the ice cubes in 7up and have a fun drink.

Wiggly Worms

Wiggly worms are all over the side walk during rain storms and wiggle all over.  With this fun little experiment we will make colorful worms wiggle around in a glass.  This experiment does take a little patience.  Gummy worms also come way too big so slicing them into fourths helps make them lighter and more able to float around so this will require some adult help.

Summer Science Food! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Supplies:

  • Gummy worms
  • 4 tablespoons Baking soda
  • 1 cup Warm Water
  • 2 cups Vinegar
  • 2 clear glasses

Directions:

  1. Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda into 1 cup warm water.
  2. Cut gummy worms into 4 thin slices and place in the baking soda water solution.  Let sit for about a half hour.
  3. Pour vinegar into another clear glass.
  4. With a fork fish out some worms and place in vinegar.  Bubbles should form and the worms will start to pop up and wiggle around.  Only put in 4 pieces otherwise they’re too heavy and it won’t work.

Solar Smore’s

Who doesn’t love Smore’s especially in Summer?  I love Smore’s and while I rather my chocolate frozen on my smore this experiment was fun watching the marshmallows get soft and the chocolate melt.  Pick a really hot day and show your kids how to make a solar oven to make delicious treats.

Summer Science Food! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Supplies

  • box with a lid
  • tape
  • saran wrap
  • tin foil
  • marshmallows
  • chocolate
  • grahm crackers

Directions:

  1. line the box with tin foil on the bottom of the lid and the whole inside.
  2. tape the lid so it stands up and slightly hangs over to close but not closed, the idea is to catch the sun and direct it down into the box.
  3. place your grahm cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate on the bottom of the box stacked like a smore.
  4. cover the box with saran wrap.
  5. leave out in direct sun hitting the lid and opening until chocolate is melted. Enjoy!

Summer Science Food! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Filed Under: Kid Friendly Tagged With: Chocolate, food, fun, kids, science, Smores, Summer

Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette Kabobs

August 13, 2016 by Kelly Dedeaux

Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette Kabobs / by Busy Mom's Helper #kabobs #marinade #sundriedtomato #vinaigrette #chicken

There’s quite a few things that make me think ‘summer’, and one delicious thing on that list is kabobs. Seriously, I LOVE a good kabob! Variety, grilling, and a great fun way to let the kids ‘help’ make their own dinner. Win! I especially love it when I find a delicious marinade for them, and today I’m sharing my absolute favorite: Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette Kabobs!

Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette Kabobs / by Busy Mom's Helper #kabobs #marinade #sundriedtomato #vinaigrette #chicken

We don’t have a normal grill. I know, that’s insane, but we don’t. We do have a little countertop electric grill I got Hubby our first Christmas together (and it still works…amazing!), so that’s what we use for now. It’s just not the same, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that by next summer we can be enjoying a REAL grill for delicious foods like this!

The marinade on these kabobs is super easy (add ingredients and blend….can’t get much easier than that!) and is so delicious! You can even use it for a yummy salad dressing, if you want. These kabobs become so juicy and full of flavor when you add the Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette, you’ll be making them again and again!

Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette Kabobs / by Busy Mom's Helper #kabobs #marinade #sundriedtomato #vinaigrette #chicken

Ingredients – Marinade

  • 1-2 cups Sundried Tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup Red Win Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp. Basil
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil
  • Salt & Pepper, to taste

Directions – Marinade

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and mix until it’s well combined.
  2. Ya, it’s that easy!

For Kabobs

  1. Choose your items you want for your kabobs. Some ideas may be: Chicken or beef, peppers (green, yellow, red, orange), mushrooms, pineapple, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, onions, etc. Get creative and mix it up!
  2. Use a basting brush to spread the Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette all over your food on the kabobs (or before putting them on, doesn’t really matter). Grill (or bake at 350 Degrees F) until meat is fully cooked through.
  3. Enjoy this lick-your-fingers-good meal!!!

Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette Kabobs / by Busy Mom's Helper #kabobs #marinade #sundriedtomato #vinaigrette #chicken

Filed Under: Main Dish Tagged With: Chicken, Dressing, Grilling, Marinade, Poultry, Summer, Vegetable

Summer Science OOBLECK!

August 13, 2016 by Nikki Cole

Summer Science Oobleck! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Summer Science Oobleck! Is it a solid or a liquid?  Oobleck is the most unique and entertaining substance you will ever play with.  It’s a solid and a liquid and provides entertainment for hours!  With just a few simple ingredients your kids will have a blast playing with this funny mess of Summer Science OOBLECK!

Summer Science Oobleck! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

This week we will be doing Summer Science Oobleck!  No there is not a huge lesson with this but talk with your kids about solids and liquids. Ask them before you make it what they think it will be like.  Summer Science Oobleck is about asking questions and making predictions on outcomes while also making a fun mess.  Ask them questions like what else goes from a solid to a liquid or liquid to solid?

Summer Science Oobleck! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

If you have a little bit older kids you can try explaining Oobleck to them.  Oobleck is considered a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it is a liquid whose viscosity changes depending on the amount of pressure.   Viscosity is a word that measures the friction in a liquid and defines how fast or slow a liquid flows.   Most liquids like water and honey have a consistent viscosity because they will flow the same no matter what pressure is applied.  Oobleck is different because if you squeeze it it will form a solid but if left alone it will run off your fingers like a liquid.  Because it changes from a liquid to a solid and back it is considered a non-Newtonian fluid.

Summer Science Oobleck! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

What you will need:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 ½ – 2 cups corn starch
  • Food coloring (optional)

Directions:

  1. Pour water into a bowl.
  2. Put a few drops of food coloring in if you want.
  3. Dump in about 1 cup corn starch and mix, it is easiest to mix with your hands.
  4. Slowly add more corn starch in until your oobleck is stiff when you try to roll it in your hands.  I used slightly under 2 cups.
  5. Play!  Try making a ball out of it, splash it around, smack it, drip it, have your kids play around with oobleck trying to figure out why it is a solid sometimes and a liquid others.

Summer Science Oobleck! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's HelperSummer Science Oobleck! by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Filed Under: Kid Friendly Tagged With: activities, experiments, fun, kids, oobleck, science, Summer, summer science

Summer Science Air & Gas Week 2

June 17, 2016 by Nikki Cole

Summer Science Air & Gas Week 2 by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Ready for more science and lots more fun?   I hope so summer is still young.  Summer Science Air & Gas Week 2 brings you some more information with more experiments that are sure to thrill your kids and even you.

Summer Science Air & Gas Week 2 by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Once again with these experiments some are out door activities because they will make a mess, although with this week there are a couple that are great for indoors by chance you have a rainy day.  Remember use these experiments to not only have fun but also to help teach your kids to keep them learning all summer and keep checking back as we post new Summer Science Experiments each week.

Gases in the Air

Can you put out a candle without blowing on it or touching it?  Because air is a mixture of gases that we can’t see this experiment helps show what the gases in the air can do.  The gas in this experiment is called oxygen which is very important and is used when we burn things or produce energy.

Supplies

  • Candle
  • Colored water
  • Glass jar
  • Bowl
  • Candle holder (I didn’t have one so I just used a small pot that raised the candle up a little bit)
  • lighter

Directions:

  1. Place the candle on the holder and then place it in the bowl.
  2. Pour some water into the bowl, it doesn’t have to be full but probably about half
  3. Carefully light the candle and see how big the flame is.
  4. Place the jar over the candle putting it straight down.
  5. The water level will rise in the jar and the flame will go out.
  6. The flame that we lit uses oxygen gas and since we placed the jar on it it used up the oxygen in there and so it had nothing to help it burn so it suffocated, the water rose up to replace the oxygen in the jar and the remaining gas in the jar is called nitrogen.

Summer Science Air & Gas Week 2 by NIkki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Weighing Air

This experiment wasn’t very informational but my husband and I had fun fighting the wind to make it work.  Air is not weightless, even though it is light it can be heavy.  With this experiment you can show that air has some weight to it.

Supplies

  • Balloon pump
  • Two tacks
  • Two balloons
  • Rubber band
  • Long piece of wood
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Tape
  • Thread

Directions

  1. Using the ruler find the center of the wood piece and mark it with the pencil.
  2. Carefully push the two pins into each side of the mark you made.
  3. Tie the thread to the middle of your rubber band.
  4. Fix the loops of the rubber band around the pins and lift the wood by the thread, it should balance.
  5. Tape a balloon on each end of the stick.
  6. The balloons should still balance.
  7. Take one balloon off and blow it up with air, then reattach it to the wood.
  8. The balloon that is blown up should weigh the wood piece down showing that air is heavy.

Summer Science Air & Gas Week 2 by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Warning: if you do this outside you will fight with wind like crazy, so this might be a great indoor activity.

Volcano Eruption!

I love volcanos, they are so fascinating! Show your kids some real pictures of volcanoes then go let them make one.  Explain to you kids how a volcano works.  A volcano has a long pipe that leads down from the top of the volcano to a deep underground cave.  There is melted rock or lava, and very hot gases that are stored down in that cave.  The pressure from these gases and melted rock sometimes force up the pipe to the surface.  The lava erupts from the volcano and flows down the volcano where it will cool and become solid.  Because the lava comes up and cools it will help build the volcano to be taller and bigger.  You can build a volcano a couple different ways, I had access to a sand box so I just made it in there but didn’t dye the water so I didn’t stain the sand.  You can also make it in a dish with sand or dirt and dye the water to show the color of lava.

Supplies:

  • Vinegar
  • Bottle (I used an empty franks red hot sauce bottle, if its narrow necked it shoots up better)
  • Baking soda
  • Funnel

Directions:

  1. Put about 1/3 cup baking soda into your bottle.
  2. Make a hole and place the bottle and build up the sand around it to look like a volcano but don’t cover the hole in the bottle.
  3. Carefully pour the vinegar into the bottle and watch the volcano erupt! Ours we poured some vinegar in about 3 different times but after that it was done.

Summer Science Air & Gas Week 2 by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Wind direction

We feel the wind every day but do you know where the wind is coming from?  Knowing the direction of wind can be important because it can change and affect the weather.  We can make a wind vane to see the wind’s direction.

Supplies:

  • Long pin/tack
  • Modeling clay
  • Scissors
  • Pot with a plastic lid
  • Ruler
  • Tape
  • Drinking straw
  • Pencil with an eraser
  • Colored paper

Directions:

  1. With the pencil make a hole in the middle of the lid of the pot and push the sharp end into the hole so the eraser stays up.
  2. Using the ruler and colored paper cut out four small triangles and two large ones.  About 3 inches on the large ones and 2 inches on the small ones.
  3. Roll up a piece of tape and tape the four small triangles to the outer edge of the pot so they represent north, east, south, west and point in that direction. (I wrote the directions on the paper as well)
  4. At the end of the straw cut short slits to insert the two large triangles.  Push one triangle point end into the straw and the base of the other to be the pointer.
  5. Carefully push the pin through the center of the straw and then into the eraser of the pencil.
  6. Spin the straw a few times to make sure it moves easily.
  7. Make a ring of the modeling clay and press the pot into it so it is stable and won’t blow away.
  8. Place you wind vane outside on a table or chair and watch the wind vane turn and show you the direction of the wind.  The direction of the wind is the direction from where it comes from, so if you straw points to the north the wind is blowing north.

Summer Science Air & Gas Week 2 by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Exploding Bottles!

We already know when vinegar and baking soda are combined we can make a volcano erupt or make gases to fill a balloon but what happens if they’re in a confined space?  This experiment will show how strong these gases can become.  This experiment can be very fun but be careful with it because with the pressure in the bottles it can pop early, although it doesn’t hurt if it’s just in your hand it can still be dangerous.  This experiment can also be done in a gallon plastic bag although I didn’t do the plastic bag because I felt like the bottles worked better.  These pictures also suck because it was hard to time them.

Warning: this experiment is messy and needs a parent to help with.

Supplies:

  • Empty water bottles
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • 3 tsp baking soda
  • Tissue
  • Food coloring

Directions:

  1. Put water and vinegar into the bottle and dye a different color if you want.
  2. In the center of the tissue put the baking soda.  Carefully roll up into a long roll and fold in the ends (you will need to fit it into the bottle but make sure the baking soda isn’t going to fall into the liquid right away) (if doing a plastic bag skip to step 7)
  3. Carefully push in the tissue to the bottle so it’s almost all the way in but not dropped to the bottom.  (we don’t want it to touch the liquid yet)
  4. Put the lid on not tight but a little loose.
  5. Hurry and shake up and down really fast but only about 3 times and throw high up in the air and away from you.
  6. POP! Sometimes it will pop in the air or explode on the ground!
  7. Plastic bag, seal the bag almost all the way except for a couple inches to put the tissue in.
  8. Drop the tissue into the bag and seal immediately.  Drop bag onto ground.
  9. The bag should expand, once it is expanded to pretty much max, pick it up and throw it high and far and it will explode on the ground.

Summer Science Air & Gas Week 2 by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Make sure to check back next week to learn about Water & Liquids with super fun experiments to keep everyone learning and never bored this summer.

Filed Under: Kid Friendly Tagged With: air, experiments, fun, gas, kids, science, Summer

Ready to Kick Summer’s Butt

April 12, 2020 by Kelly Dedeaux

Ready To Kick Summers Butt / Tips for surviving summer / by BusyMomsHelper.com #ad #FamousFootwear @famousfootwear

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear. All opinions are 100% mine.

The school year is rough – late nights, homework, packing lunches and rushed mornings. But as crazy as it is, the summer is downright insane! You’ve got camps, family visits, extra dance or sports, pool days, picnics, kids home All. Day. Long! Well, all day BESIDES when you’re running a million different directions with everything going on. It’s not even July yet, and I’m feeling a little beaten. But after some stubbornness and determination on my part, this is how I’m getting Ready to Kick Summer’s Butt! Ready To Kick Summers Butt / Tips for surviving summer / by BusyMomsHelper.com #ad #FamousFootwear @famousfootwear You heard that right – I’m ready to tackle whatever summer wants to throw at me! Now we’re doing dance twice a week instead of once? Got it. Dogs need a little extra attention and vet visits? Done. Last minute work trip for 3 days? No problem. Here are my 5 tips for a successful summer to help any other crazy mommas out there!

#1: Fake it Until You Make it I think I want to make this my new motto, because you’ll be surprised the wonders it does! I love wearing yoga pants and going bra-less when I’m at home all day – but I’ll admit I feel much more ready and confident when I actually get dressed! That being said, I hate fancy shoes. You ladies that can rock those heels or designer flats – double thumbs up because this unbalanced gal just can’t do it. I don’t feel comfortable or confident in them – but I’m planning to stock my closet with this Women’s Meditation Shooting Star Sandal because they are AMAZING. Comfortable – like I’m not even wearing shoes (the kind of comfort yoga pants give you!), sturdy so I don’t have to worry about whether I’m chasing kids at the park, racing through the grocery store with 4 kids in tow, lounging by the pool, or just waiting for the next dance lesson to be done. Ready To Kick Summers Butt / Tips for surviving summer / by BusyMomsHelper.com #ad #FamousFootwear @famousfootwear They’re sandals, but I feel totally confident in my appearance in them! Yes, I wear them to date night and will be wearing them at an upcoming work event because they help me feel THAT confident! Fake it ’till you make it – look ready, feel ready, be ready. I get totally nervous at work events or meetings, but act like I’m completely fine and know what I’m doing (half the time I have  no clue). This helps it be successful! Such a silly thing, but it really works. Need some ideas? Instagram is awesome for that!#2: Put Your Best Foot Forward Okay, this can mean LITERALLY by wearing outfits and shoes that bring out your confidence, like discussed in #1 – but here I mean use your strengths to your advantage. Me, I’m a total list-maker. It’s annoying, but it IS one of my strengths. Instead of fighting it, I’m going with it and the lists are helping me manage this summer schedule of insanity my family has. Ready To Kick Summers Butt / Tips for surviving summer / by BusyMomsHelper.com #ad #FamousFootwear @famousfootwear For you, maybe your ‘best foot’ is talking – make friends and work out carpools. Chat in circles about tips for the best times for swim lessons or how to afford that summer camp. Perhaps your ‘best foot’ is cleaning – you’re nuts, and please come clean my house. No, really! Swap cleaning for babysitting or carpooling. Or it can even be cleaning your home so you FEEL more at peace and comfortable, even with all the hectic summer running around.#3: Reward Yourself You’re working hard, taking care of the family or job or the house. You’re running errands and handling appointments. Heck, you may even be in charge of the meals and shopping! You deserve a little reward – it can even be an incentive for some goals, or a little boost to get you through the week. Maybe it’s a pair of awesome new shoes from Famous Footwear – ones that will help you ‘put your best foot forward’ like in #2 and make you feel confident in your tasks like in #1. Maybe you’re earning a night out with the hubby, or a girl’s night to just be yourself and unwind with the ladies. You DESERVE a break! Ready To Kick Summers Butt / Tips for surviving summer / by BusyMomsHelper.com #ad #FamousFootwear @famousfootwear #4: Have Fun Summer is plenty of fun for the kids (despite the ‘I’m bored’ we hear constantly) with all their camps, activities, friends, parties, etc. – but it can and SHOULD be fun for you, too! Don’t be so focused on the errands and tasks at hand that you don’t enjoy yourself along the way. I’m not a big fan of swimming, but you can bet when we’re at the pool for the kids I’m having a fun time with them – soaking up the sun, laughing at their playing, just bringing out the best in it. We’re so busy, we forget to laugh. DON’T! Find the humor, the happy, the great moments. That’s what life’s about anyway, right?#5: It’s Okay to Say No You hear me right – it’s OKAY to say no. In some cases it’s encouraged! If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted or just can’t do another swim lesson – say no. It’s not the end of the world. You need to pick your priorities, and then arrange around THOSE. We were going to be doing swim lessons AND 3 extra dance lessons a week ON TOP OF everything we already had going on this summer. I took a good look at our situation and said ‘nope’ – well, it might have been a ‘heck nope’, but you get the idea. We’re already busy enough, we don’t need more. They’re fine without swim lessons right this second. And my Iron Man will be fine without starting dance lessons for a bit because we can’t commit to that many per week.You’re not Superwoman – you can’t do everything. Even if you could, doesn’t mean you should. Breathe, prioritize, and don’t be afraid of turning some things down so you can focus on what’s most important – your family, and YOUR health, too. This summer will go by and be crazy, fun, exhausting, exciting and memorable (hopefully in a good way). The point is it WILL GO BY, so don’t let it be so rushed that it isn’t worthwhile. And know that there’s a school year in site in a few short months to help! Ready To Kick Summers Butt / Tips for surviving summer / by BusyMomsHelper.com #ad #FamousFootwear @famousfootwear Let’s see what we can do to take the next few months and say ‘Hey Summer – I got this!’

Comment here and on @famousfootwear Twitter & Instagram what YOUR top shoe picks are that would help you put your ‘best foot forward’ and look/feel your best this summer!

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Filed Under: Organization & Cleaning, Products we Love, Time Management Tagged With: life, motherhood, parenting, sponsored, Summer

Summer Science Air and Gas

June 11, 2016 by Nikki Cole

Summer Science Air & Gas by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Summer is here!  I’m so excited for summer, warm weather, no school (not that I was in school or have any kids), but just the idea of summer and all the different activities you can do is amazing!  Now those of you with kids let me help you out with some really fun weekly Summer Science experiments you can easily do with your kids so they continue learning (without feeling like they’re learning) and having a blast with new experiments they can do and have fun with for hours. To start the summer off we will do Summer Science Air and Gas!Summer Science Air & Gas by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

With these Weekly Science Experiments I’ll include a little lesson that corresponds with the activities and multiple experiments that go along with that lesson to keep your kids engaged with learning.  Now lets be honest, some of these experiments, I think you will have more fun with than your kids.  I don’t have any kids but there’s a couple of these that my husband and I had a really fun date night with doing little science experiments so enjoy yourself, these are to be fun not only for your kids but for you too, they’re cheap, easy, (not always very clean so I recommend doing them outdoors), and your kids will remember these memories for years!

This week, and probably next week because there are so many experiments that you can do, we are going to talk about and play around with Summer Science Air & Gas!

Lesson:

Air is all around you, you can’t see it, but it has many different strengths and it is what keeps us alive.  Animals, plants, and even you need air to live, we all breath it to survive.  Air is needed to make fire, is used to make machines work, even aircrafts need it when they fly.  Air is made up of “gases” or a substance that can change shape and “expand” or grow bigger to fill any shape or space it is in.  When you ride your bike the air you pump into your tire takes the shape of the tire so you can ride it around.

Balloons have a gas in them called Helium; Helium is lighter than air which causes balloons to float in the air, because the Helium is in the balloon it will take the balloon up as high as it can go, you can get a balloon and let it go outside and it will float up until you can no longer see it.

Parachutes float through the air by having the air push upward against it so it will slowly and safely lower someone to the ground.  Air is made up of two main gases, called nitrogen and oxygen, with small amounts of other gases.

Experiments:

Warning these experiments can be messy so do them outside instead of getting water all over your house.

Crush with air

Air is so strong it can crush a plastic bottle!  You cannot feel air, but it presses against every surface, this is called “air pressure”.

You will need:

  • Ice
  • Funnel
  • Hot and cold water
  • 2 liter empty pop bottle
  • Bowl

Directions:

  1. Stand the bottle upright in a bowl and pour the hot water into it.  You don’t need to fill it all the way, I only fill it about 1/3 full.
  2. Screw the top on the bottle.  Lay the bottle in the bowl and pour ice and cold water over it until the bowl is full, then stand the bottle up.
  3. In a minute the bottle will collapse!  As the warm air inside of the bottle cools, it applies less pressure.  The pressure of the air outside is stronger and crushes the bottle.

Crush With Air by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

 

Seal with air

You can keep water from falling out of an upside down glass with just a small card like magic!  Air pressure forces the card upward, against the glass, the pressure is strong enough to stop the weight of the water trying to push the card away.

You will need:

  • Thin flat card
  • Glass (make sure the rim isn’t chipped)
  • Water

Directions:

  1. Fill the glass with water until almost full
  2. Place the card on the glass and hold it down so the card touches the rim all the way around the glass.
  3. Still holding onto the card carefully turn the glass upside down.
  4. Still holding the glass let go of the card.  The water stays in the glass! (warning this experiment seems really stupid and little but I found it very interesting and fun)

Summer Science Air & Gas by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Form a Gas

Have you ever inflated a balloon without blowing into it or using a pump?  You can by combining two ingredients to form a gas called carbon dioxide.  This is the gas that forms the bubbles in pop and carbonated drinks.

You will need:

  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Balloon
  • Funnel
  • Empty bottle (I used an empty 20 oz bottle)

Directions

  1. Pour some vinegar into the narrow-necked bottle until it is about a quarter of the way full.
  2. Using the funnel, fill the balloon with baking soda, fill it pretty full but not completely, I guess you could say mine was about ¾ the way full.
  3. Stretch the neck of the balloon over the bottle careful not to spill the baking soda into the drink yet or all over your table.
  4. Lift the balloon and slightly shake so that the baking soda falls into the bottle.  The vinegar begins to fi and bubble forming the gas carbon dioxide which fills the balloon up.

Form A Gas by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Balloon Rockets!

Airliners fly around the world at high speed.  They have large jet engines that produce a powerful jet of air to push the airliner through the sky.  We can see how air can push objects with balloons.  Did you now jet engines power the fastest cars in the world as well as high-speed aircraft.  A jet engine sucks in air at the front and heats this air with burning fuel.  Then it sends the hot air blasting out from the back of the engines which forces the aircraft or car forward at very high speeds.

You will need:

  • Thread/yarn
  • Tape
  • Balloon
  • Balloon pump
  • Drinking straw

Directions:

  1. Feed the thread through the straw so it will move easily.
  2. Stretch the thread from a distance like across a room, from your pourch to your fence, we did from our canopy to our fence which was about 40-50 feet long, making sure the thread is tight.
  3. Blow up a balloon and while holding the neck place two pieces of tape around the straw to stick to the balloon.
  4. Let go of the balloon and watch it rush along the thread at high speed!

Balloon Rockets by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Mento Geysers!

Now this one is a little harder to explain to kids but the experiment is amazing and kids love it.  The reason mentos react with pepsi and other carbonated beverages is because the structure of the Mentos themselves allow carbon dioxide bubbles to form extremely quickly, which when this happens fast enough you will get a Geyser.

You will need:

  • 2 litter pepsi, diet coke, coco-cola
  • 1 pack of mentos per 2 liter
  • ¾ inch pvp pipe about 6 inches long

Directions:

  1. Once again this is an outside experiment with some space and make sure you don’t have clothes on you don’t want dirty.
  2. Place the 2 liter on a stand or table and take the lid off.
  3. Unwrap the mentos and place them in the pvp pipe.
  4. Once all the mentos are in the pvp line it up with the opening of the 2 liter and let them fall in.
  5. You might not get all the mentos in because the reaction is instantaneous but just drop as many as you can in and watch the geyser form.

Mento Geysers by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Shaken pop!

Ever wonder why pop will squirt all over when shaken?  Carbon dioxide that we’ve been talking about is in are favorite soda beverages which gives it its bubbles.  When a can of pop sits the extra carbon dioxide will just sit at the top of the can so when you open it it just fizzes a little and escapes.  When you take a can and shake it right before you open it the carbon dioxide gets all mixed up so when it pushes out to escape all the pop will come with it.

You will need:

  • Cans of soda (I used diet 7up because its clear, wont stain, and no sugar so no sticky mess)
  • Cups or something to knock down
  • Table
  • pen

Directions: You can just use these as a water fight as well

  1. on a table set up some cups in a pyramid.
  2. Grab a can of soda and in the center of the tab there’s a little circle, punch a hole in this with the pen.
  3. Grab the can and place your finger over the hole and shake it for a few seconds.
  4. Point and knock down the cups.

Summer Science Air & Gas by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's HelperSummer Science Air & Gas by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

Filed Under: Kid Friendly Tagged With: activities, experiments, fun, kids, learning, science, Summer

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