It’s time to get outside and enjoy the wonderful summer weather. The early morning, and evening are the best times to get your children outside, when the sun is not as hot, and there’s less need for sunscreen.
Exercise doesn’t have to be hard work, it can be fun especially if the whole family does it together. Summer’s a great time to get in shape and get some outdoor exercise. Here are some of the summer outdoor activities we do around our house to get moving.

Take an evening walk around the neighborhood. You can visit with neighbors, and enjoy a little …read more

This month, the b5media Lifestyles channel decided to have a little fun with one of summer’s favorite pastimes – picnics.  As we take a trip around the blogs in the channel, you’ll find recipes, tips and a few laughs as well.  Enjoy!
Whether you’re having a picnic, a barbecue or just looking for a fun activity to do with your kids outside, here at PlayLibrary I offer a list of 50 outdoor toys and games that are perfect for summer.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crunch by Robust Cooking
Watermelon Raspberry Lemonade at All Holiday Cafe
Rice Krispie Treats at Keeping the Castle
Homemade Oreo Ice Cream at …read more

Spring is here and that means summer is on its way!  Of course, I live in Florida, so it’s always summer, but I remember the anticipation for summer once April hit from my years growing up in New Jersey.  In fact, before my husband and I moved to Florida, we bought a kiddie pool for the triplets to enjoy during their first summer.  I spent awhile online trying to decide what would be the best kiddie pool for three babies who would turn 1-year old midway through the summer.  Hard pool, inflatable pool, big, small – there were so many …read more

The Midwest (USA) is nothing if not the land of festivals from the early spring months well until the pumpkins are ripe and ready for carving. I enjoy taking the kids to these types of events because it pulls us away from so much of the commercial activities that we get used to attending. Instead, it gives us a glimpse into the oddities, eccentricities, and unique features of our own neighborhoods and communities. It also gives us a change to meet our neighbors and to remind us of the many things that make our homes, “home.”
Here are …read more

We met some friends this week at a new park in our area. A friend (hi, friend ) was so excited to share this find with us and all the kids. And the kids had a blast!
Have you been to a spray park (I’ve also heard them called a “sprayground”), yet? They seem to be popping up at parks in this part of the state, with one even expected soon at the park next to our house. With large, colorful structures shooting water out in all directions, they are an exciting attraction to the …read more

After discussing some of the more expensive and seemingly over-the-top pool toys, I have to share some of my favorite summer toys, starting with the yard sprinkler. It’s not that expensive, the kids love running through it, it’s close to home (no wrangling wet kids into car seats and onto towels for the drive!), and your yard gets a nice watering as well. What could be better, or more refreshing?! So, go ahead, get the kids out in the yard, and take a run through yourself, too, mom and dad!
Is running through the sprinkler a popular summer …read more