Food + Fun

Resorts Kids Love

Elaine Heitman, Eve White,

Parents plan family vacations fully intending to make everybody happy, but, let’s face it, if the kids ain’t happy, nobody’s happy. With that in mind, you’ll want to take special care to select a destination that appeals to the kids, even involve them in the planning process, so that it truly is a "vacation" for everyone!

Traveling and the New Red Tape

Shelley Bokman,

Since September 11th, we have been subject to many new security precautions. Knowing the alternatives, most of us understand we must tolerate these new regulations, along with whatever extra time and energy they require. But, as parents, we now have even more "red tape" to get used to. We have researched some of the new rules for you to help you become more aware and better prepared for your child’s next trip.

50 Years of High-Flyin' Fun

Site Staff,

While throwing a popcorn lid at a Thanksgiving Day picnic more than 50 years ago, inventor Walter Fredrick Morrison was inspired. Afterward, he took a gravity-defying concept to an innovative toy company with a plan to bring his revolutionary flying disc concept to back yards, parks and beaches everywhere.

20 Outings under $20

Sarah Wright,

If you’ve found yourself frustrated by the cost to take your family out for a day of fun, we can relate. This summer, enjoy the following 20 things for under $20 based on a family of four. Details are subject to change, so be sure to call before you go.

Airport Diversions and other Kid-Friendly Tips

Site Staff,

Summertime travel with children, especially when it includes airports, can be challenging. Jerry Chandler, aviation expert and father of five, is a correspondent for Cheapflights’ "Flight News" blog. He offers these tips for families flying with kids. • Book direct, non-stop flights whenever possible, to avoid airplane changes.

10 Tips for a Summer Block Party

Gina Roberts-Grey,

Looking for a way to finally introduce yourself to the new neighbor down the street? Are your kids begging you to host an all-day water balloon war? Whether wanting to swap recipes or socialize within the neighborhood, block parties are time-honored traditions in neighborhoods all across the country.

Give Board Games a Spin

S.C. Torrington,

The next time your family is making a beeline toward the video game department of a toy store, try taking a detour into the board game section. You’ll find plenty of old favorites and new variations. Along with the simpler luck-of-the-dice racing games for younger children, there are complex scenario strategy games for older kids and teens.

Clearpixel

Recipe: Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Alex Allson,

Involve the kids with this easy to prepare recipe. It can be readily made in large quantities for freezing, and there’s a good chance your whippersnappers will love it. At least that’s what I’ve found when preparing this for my client’s kids and at home. After you’ve done the initial sautéing, bring the kids in to help you layer all ingredients before it goes in the oven. There’s an opportunity to introduce some culinary math. Units of measure: 1 pint = 2 cups; 1 cup = 8 fl. oz.; 1/2 cu

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Make Johnny Appleseed Proud!

Jessica Fisher,

If Johnny Appleseed would love North Carolina! Our state has an abundance of fresh farm apples to pick this fall, so take advantage of it. Try any of these fun activities or recipes to make the most of the season.

September - In the Kitchen

Alex Allson,

This summer’s release of Ratatouille, presented an opportunity to inspire our three children to eat something new. The movie tells the story of a Parisian rat named Remy, who possesses a particular talent for cooking. And Ratatouille – a Provencal peasant dish of sautéed and baked vegetables - features heavily in the picture’s finale.

Recipe: Ratatouille

Alex Allson,

NEAT EATS Ratatouille This recipe originates from the southern Provencal region of France, and contains a healthy spread of mixed vegetables – eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and green peppers – that are sautéed and then roasted with herbs. The sautéing and consequent browning brings out the sweetness in the vegetables, and so may appeal to the taste buds of your children. If you’re thinking, "Not for my kids!" go with the extra incentive of showing them the Pixar movie before serving

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Recipe: Green Lasagna

Alex Allson,

The pluses to this recipe are boundless. Lending itself to bulk preparation, and then storage in the freezer, this variation of lasagna is healthy (the green comes from spinach), with some easy preparation, followed by brief sautéing and quick assembly.