5 Fishing Activities: Aquarium Crafts for Kids: Fun Microbiology Homeschool Lessons

These 5 Fun Fishing Activities and Kids' Aquarium Crafts make nice Companion Projects for Preschool Books or Homeschool Microbiology Lessons

Whether you have preschoolers, elementary students, or teenagers in homeschool, you'll find the perfect aquarium craft here. These easy fishing activities and projects work as companion lessons for microbiology or aquatic science too! Scroll down to find the right activity for your child's age level. Enjoy!

Aquarium ActivitiesL Fishing Crafts for Science Lesson Homeschool.

Paper plate fish aquarium activity.  Visit Make and Takes for details.

These paper plate fish from Make and Takes are great for an elementary or preschool classroom bulletin board. Just cover you board with blue paper, add a strip of black paper across the top, and you've got your own giant aquarium full of fish. 

To make this more than just an art project, use it as a companion activity for a lesson in microbiology or under the sea science. 

Have the students choose a different species of aquatic life to study, write about, and then design their own to display in the aquarium.

Manatee Viewing Center Field Trip

These Mason jar Aquariums by Hello Wonderful are ideal for children of all ages.

The Mason Jar. In Indiana, we are partial to Ball Jars, but either way the jars are so versatile! I recently purchased a set of 1/2 gallon Ball jars*.

Half Gallon Ball jars are perfect for aquarium crafts and mini terrariums.
Get yours here.

This little fishing theme activity from Hello Wonderful is great for a birthday party or a lesson in microbiology. Imagine the possibilities. Use it as an attractive way to display a Beta fish, study snails in the round, or even make a terrarium.

Goldfish Aquarium Craft from In Design Art and Craft.
I suggest filling yours with Goldfish Crackers for an edible snack  craft on the go.

This Goldfish is another recycled bottle craft. This is a fun, easy aquarium craft for preschoolers or after school activities. The children can learn to recycle and reuse too!

Why oh why is this filled with beads? Yeah, you know I like to focus on edible crafts for preschoolers. Let's fill ours with Goldfish Crackers and then the kids can use them as a fun snack on the go.

This is our aquarium craft for kids. Make a pretend aquarium in a Ziploc baggie.

1 Quart Ziploc Bags for Classroom*

Aquarium Crafts for Middle or High Science

Giant Stuffed Paper Activity from Teaching in Room 6.
What, these aren't fish crafts? I know, I know just continue reading.

So many years ago, I was the Program Director of a large (very) before and after school program. We used the giant paper rolls to make and decorate our parade float. We made giant, stuffed paper fish puppets. I took pictures with a film camera. I have no idea what happened to those pictures, but I'd love to share the idea with you.

Teaching in Room 6 is a fantastic blog to get ideas for classroom projects. I found the Colony Lesson (pictured above) which demonstrates the how to make giant fish puppets, plus you could go one step further and have your student detail the life cycle of aquatic life or fun facts about the fish on their fish puppet.

You will need:

Giant Rolls of Paper in various Colors

Heavy Duty Stapler

Markers, Paint, or Crayons

Trash! Use old newspapers or recycle classroom worksheets

Dowel Rod or Stick 2'-4' long

To Make a Giant Fish Aquarium or Sea Life Craft:

Allow 2-3 days to complete the project in a classroom.

Study the type of fish or sea life you want to create. Dolphins, Crabs, and Octopuses make awesome Parade Puppets.

Draw the sea creature on two layers of paper. Get that? You need to cut two of each sea creature. Try to make it life size or oversize. A great way to measure for a fun size puppet is to have a child lay on the paper and then make your fish the same length.

Once the creature is drawn, cut it out and decorate. You can give one side of the puppet the features of the animal (eyes, nose, fins, etc.). On the other side (to make an informative science project) draw the life cycle of the fish or illustrate fun facts about sea life.

After the drawings and decorations are completed, grab your stapler. Staple the edges about 1/4" from the edge of the paper, be sure to leave an opening in the creature's belly.

Now, grab some clean trash (old tests work great). Stuff your fish to desired fatness! Insert the dowel in the center most point of the base of the animal and staple around the dowel to attach. This might require some tape too. Ta Da! You have a giant fish puppet on a stick. Fish Sticks! These are great to carry around the school on a parade walk, enter into your local parade, or go one step further. 

We made lots of these, designed a large piece of cardboard to look like an aquarium and attached several to the cardboard aquarium. Older kids marched in the parade carrying the display while the younger ones danced around them with their fish sticks. Super Fun!

If you aren't feeling so social or industrious, replace the pole in the belly with a string in the back and hang them from the classroom ceiling.

Here's our tiny sample made with regular size construction paper.

Image coming soon.

Recommended Reading:

Pretend to go Fishing Creative Play Activity

Easy Recycled Paper Rainbow Fish Craft

My Visit to the Aquarium Children's Book*

The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums *






ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Things to do in Indiana: Farm Visits and Field Trips for Homeschool: Anderson Orchard Mooresville, Indiana

Visit a Fruit Farm for a Homeschool Field Trip like this Orchard in Mooresville, Indiana

Did you know orchards aren't just for apples? For homeschoolers looking for educational things to do for a field trip in Indiana, farms and orchards are a great way to learn about business, supply and demand, and raising produce.

Anderson Orchard  is a U-pick Fruit Farm tucked in the hillsides of Mooresville, Indiana. Family owned and operated by Paul and Carolyn Anderson since 1969, it offers u-pick on a variety of fruit. Pick your own apples, raspberries, plums, peaches, pears, and pumpkins on the 150-acre farm. Each year, the orchard opens in July.  Early in the season, you can pick cantaloupe, blueberries, and sweet cherries. Soon after, you can pick raspberries and plums! They even invite you to try the apples, right off the trees to find your favorite.

Orchards and Farms make for great Homeschool Field Trips.

Companion Math Book Resource for 4th - 8th grade lessons: Ad* Jumpstarters for Math, Grades 4 - 8

Picking Plums at "U-Pick", Anderson Orchard in Mooresville
 on a Homeschool Field Trip. The trees are beautiful!

Anderson Orchard Play Area.

Anderson Orchard  is a U-pick Fruit Farm
tucked in the hillsides of Mooresville, Indiana.

Spend an inexpensive summer or fall afternoon with family. Grab a bag or box, then hike or drive through the various variety of apples. Kid's will enjoy the beautiful plum trees that look as if they popped right out of a Dr. Seuss story. Stop back at the scale to pay for your goodies and then it is off to the market where you can enjoy a fantastic apple slush for only $1.00 while perusing produce. A playground beckons, so don't forget to relax and let the kiddos have some fun while you slurp your slushie.

Apple Slushie at Anderson's Orchard in Mooresville, Indiana.

September is the Apple Festival and Craft Fair. Enjoy fresh apple cider and apple butter made from Anderson Orchard apples. Visit the concession stand for caramel apples, cider slush, and more. Most items are try before you buy with samples available for your tasting pleasure.

Amazing view of the hills of Mooresville, Indiana from Anderson's Orchard.

Field Trips and Tours are available with advanced registration.

Anderson Orchard is located 2 miles west of Mooresville on Main Street. Approximately one mile west of town, Main Street turns into Greencastle Road, immediately after White Lick Road. Directions

Orcharding seems to be a popular past-time with the Anderson surname in Indiana.

Bud and Gloria Hopkins are the owners of Anderson Orchard at Pleasant View. The orchard has been in operation since the 1930’s. The Hopkins’ purchased the orchard in 1994. They offer U-Pick Pumpkins and a Corn Maze.

Jacob's Orchard in New Castle, Indiana was previously owned by Rex and Patti Anderson. The farm has been an orchard for about eighty years. In the past, it has been the Anderson Orchard, Summit View, and Bowers Orchard. They offer field trips and fresh, doughnuts that go perfect with apple cider. In mid-September be sure to visit for their pumpkins and fall fun including a ginormous haystack.

Recommended Reading:

Fall Fun in Indiana

Apples by Gail Gibbons

Homeschool Lessons

Make your own Slushie

Ad* Bushel of Veggies for Classroom Pretend Play

Bushel of Veggies for Classroom Pretend Play.

5 Best Minecraft Gifts for Kids: Boys and Girls Love Minecraft Toys_ they make Great Birthday Presents

5 Birthday Present Ideas for Kids who Love Minecraft

My kids love Minecraft. Basically, any kid who is allowed to play it falls in love. Minecraft doesn't discriminate. Girls love it as much as boys, maybe more! So, what do you get the kid who has everything Minecraft? Here are some super cool birthday gift ideas for kids who love Minecraft! Best birthday gift ever, that's what they'll say when they unwrap your cool toy. Hugs will follow or a happy dance. Unique Minecraft Gift

All of these toys are available on Amazon, if you click and make a purchase, we get a small percentage as commission. (See disclaimer below). How do you think, we buy all this Minecraft stuff anyway? Enjoy!

Minecraft Legos are available on Amazon.

1.  Lego Minecraft*, yes please! We love it. As a person who studied architecture, but now writes a blog, these are my favorite. Oh what fun I'd have designing buildings for Steve.

Legos are great for kids ages 7 and up (they are a choking hazard). Word on the street is teens love them too! Who doesn't love to play with Legos?

Minecraft Wall Torch flash light for creative play. C'mon, let's pretend something.

2.  Minecraft Think Geek Wall Torch by Think Geek*, okay, it is really just a fancy flashlight, but we like it anyway! It keeps the Creepers away at night. It also makes for stellar pretend play. Even older kids will get in on the act. This is perfect for kids of all ages.

Cute Minecraft Animal Figures make a great birthday gift for girls or younger kids.

3. This Minecraft Animal Toy Pack* is perfect for pretend play. Younger Minecraft fans enjoy pretending with these cute critters. Older girls will love to display them in their bedrooms as a novelty.

Unique Minecraft gift: Periodic Table of Minecraft T-shirt.

4.  Minecraft Periodic Table Youth T-Shirt*. We have this and the kids fight over who gets to wear it. Yeah, we're nerds like that. It is a unique Minecraft gift for Minecraft freaks and geeks!

Minecraft Creeper Hoodie perfect gift for teens.

5.  Need a gift for a teen boy Minecraft lover? This Minecraft Creeper Hoodie* is perfect! It makes a cool Halloween costume too.


Recommended Reading:

Free Printable Minecraft Crossword Puzzle

How to Make Cool Minecraft Skins

Minecraft Birthday Party Ideas

Minecraft Woodcarving Idea

Minecraft: Essential Handbook: An Official Mojang Book*

Gift Ideas for Kids who Like Legos

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Gold Mining for Kids: Gem Stone and Rock Mining Tips to Teach about Minerals

Want to pan for gold and mine gemstones? We've got rock mining tips, ideas, and vacation trips: Do you like to Collect Minerals?

Whether you are on vacation or exploring your own backyard, kids love to collect rocks and study minerals. They love to buy rocks and gem stones at all those tourist traps.You know the ones, where they get a scoopful of polished stones and fill a velvet bag full of precious gemstones. Ugh. How is this fun? It certainly isn't educational. We went gold mining for gemstones atop Crockett Mountain in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Here are some money saving tips and advice to get authentic mining rough, so you won't make the same mistakes. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

Grandma's Homemade Applesauce: Life is Good in the Kitchen, The Heart of the Home

Miss Old-Fashioned, Homemade Applesauce like Grandma Used to Make?

When I think about childhood memories, my mind often wanders to the kitchen. The Food Network has a program dedicated to life in the kitchen, "The Kitchen" features host, Katie Lee, surrounded by beautiful LG Electronics. The Kitchen is fully equipped with LG Appliances from the Refrigerator and the Ovens to the Microwave and the LG Cook-top. It is the perfect place to make Grandma's homemade applesauce. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

My grandparents and the cousins circa 1975.
Grandma's Homemade Applesauce traditionally made by my Aunt Verna.

I remember peeling and coring apples on an old appliance that attached to the kitchen table. After we used the apple-corer-peeler, everything went into what could have just as easily been a torture device, but somehow we weren't frightened by it. 

We begged to have a go at peeling the apple and then placing the pieces in the apple grinder. As an adult, I realize it is far less complicated to grab a knife and just peel my apple. The grinder we used is now obsolete, but these memories have stuck with me. Recently, my mother reminded me that my grandparents moved from the family homestead when I was just 9 years old. Funny, those times in Grandma's kitchen feel like yesterday.

We'd go to an orchard or a friend's house and pick our own apples and then bring them back to make "Grandma's Homemade Applesauce." Grandma's kitchen was tiny and crowded with Grandma, my mother, three aunts, and all the little cousins running in and out the backdoor. The table took up all of the free space in the kitchen with just a small, one person width around the perimeter. It didn't matter. No one seemed to notice. It was good to be so close to each other, working together to create something to share with the entire family. Each time, we ate the applesauce, we'd remember this day. I love the homemade applesauce to this day, but we no longer make it this way.

If I'm lucky, my aunt will share some of her special sauce with me. My kids like it, but they have no idea why it tastes so good to me. Memories are made in the kitchen. Life is good in the kitchen. We all need to spend more time around the table, getting to know each other, learning new skills, and enjoying the heart of the home.

I'm sharing Grandma's Homemade Applesauce Recipe and process, so you can make your own kitchen memories. I want you to experience how good life is in the kitchen.

Old-Fashioned Homemade Freezer Applesauce

6-8 Tart Apples, washed, peeled, and quartered. (Red & Golden Delicious work well-

or your favorite, just know that some apples are softer and/or sweeter than others)

Freezer Bags

1 Tbs. Lemon Juice

1 Tbs. Butter

1 Cinnamon Stick or 1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 Tbs. to 1/2 C. Water

1/4 C. Sugar per Pound.

In large sauce pan, begin with 1 Tbs. Water, Apples, Cinnamon, and Lemon Juice. Depending on your apples you will use more or less water. Many apples don't need any water added at all. Bring to a boil and then cover and cook over low heat until desired consistency. Some people prefer chunky applesauce, so for that the cook time is less.

Stir in butter and sugar to taste, if desired.

Grandma used a food mill to strain the applesauce. You can use a blender, food processor, or leave them as they are.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Spoon into freezer bags leaving 1/2 - 1" head space.

Flatten and stack to freeze.

Applesauce is good for at least 1 year frozen and 2 weeks once thawed and opened.

Tell us your kitchen story at Mom Confessions. LG Home Appliances are your partner in creating memorable cooking experiences and “Life’s Good” moments in the kitchen.

*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of LG. The opinions and text are all mine.

Recommended:

Lunch Box Ideas

Homemade Face Paint Recipe

Eagle Creek Park Earth Discovery Center and Bird Sanctuary: The Perfect After-School or Summer Camp Activity

Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis has a lot to offer when it comes to Things to do in Indiana

TwitPintGoogle PSeptember 14, 2011

Take a scavenger hunt and find animals hidden in the mural.

One of of my favorite things to do in Indianapolis is to visit Eagle Creek Park. The park is full of fun, free (or nearly free), educational things to do with kids. The activities are spread out, so ask for a map when you enter the gate. I say free, but your car is charged a small fee to get through the gate.

Eagle Creek Park Earth Discovery Center offers educational activities.

We enjoy bird watching at the Bird Sanctuary, Friday Night Frog Watches for Families, Swimming at the Beach, and visiting the Earth Discovery Center which is full of science and nature programs. You can visit the air-conditioned Earth Discovery Center and do a self-guided tour to learn about turtles, frogs, and other creatures that inhabit the park. We especially like the scavenger hunt room. They also offer summer camps and afterschool programs. If you are adventurous and want to spend some money try the Go Ape experience.

Eagle Creek Bird Sanctuary:
The Perfect After-School or Summer Camp Activity

When you visit the largest park in Marion County and one of the largest city parks in the nation, you will discover many treasures hidden among the 3,900 acres of land and 1,400 acre reservoir. The Ornithology Center or Bird Sanctuary is accessed by two main gates, which charge $3 per bicycle, $5 per vehicle, and $50 for a season pass.

Homeschool activities at Eagle Creek Park

Need to unwind after-school? The Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center is the perfect place. On most Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m. you can take your children to 'Meet a Raptor.' Park Staff will introduce you to a live bird of prey and even let you get up close and personal in an intimate setting. It is a great opportunity to sneak educational programming into an afternoon of fun.

Eagle Creek Ornithology Center: 

Field Trip Info or Homeschool Groups

The Center is nestled between the reservoir and a fun frog pond, which offers many opportunities for bird and frog watching. Check the special events calendar for "Friday Night Frog Watches" where you can learn to identify the various sounds of frogs vs. birds. Also, outside the center, (weather permitting) rescued hawks and owls are exhibited in special cages. A rustic deck, perfect for outdoor picnics, overlooks the reservoir.

Inside, boasts two bird viewing areas complete with binoculars and reference materials. One area overlooks the reservoir. Here, you can challenge your children to a game of eye spy that focuses on the various bird species flying over the water.

On any given day, you will spy a Great Blue Heron, Loon, or one of the two-hundred and sixty other species of Indiana Birds that call Eagle Creek Park home. Kids won't need binoculars to view the circus of squirrels that have taken over the manmade bird sanctuary fighting with Blue Jays and frightening Cardinals.

The indoor exhibit is filled with Indiana wildlife in their natural habitat and interactive computer kiosks with fun facts. The best kept secret is the kiosk which allows you to listen to various bird songs, match them with the appropriate picture, and even compose a little tune of your own. All of this is included with the park's general admission. For an additional fee the park offers after-school programming at the Earth Discovery Center.

Programs and Activity Calendar

Make a day of it in the summer and visit the beach too. Swimming is $3-4 per person, they have lifeguards, and life jackets are available on request. Yes, there is acutally sand on the beach. Enjoy!

Recommended Reading:

Beginning Birdwatching for Kids

Things to do in Indiana

National Geographic Kids Bird Guide of North America: The Best Birding Book for Kids from National Geographic's Bird Experts

Birds, Nests and Eggs (Take Along Guides)

Things to do in Indianapolis Indiana: Downtown Central Library for Kids

Central Library's Learning Curve in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana has Free Things to do that are Fun for Kids

Recently, we took a trip to the downtown Indianapolis Central Library. I've been meaning to do this for sometime, but after several years of summer day camp and kid's misplacing books or videos, we have quite a hefty library fine. I plan to chip away at it slowly. If you also have a library fine and are under 18, keep reading. We found out the library has a program where you can "pay off" your fines with good behavior! More info about that later. In the summer, we are always looking for FREE, FUN, and EDUCATIONAL things to do in Indianapolis or other parts of Indiana. This futuristic architecture, in the form of a public library, fits the bill perfectly.

Central Library Funnel in Reading Nook. It plays a little movie.

This year, my goal is to treat each week like summer camp with my own kids - Less the getting up at 5:30 a.m., the toting 12 other kids everywhere we go, the need for epipens, a change of underwear (and a bag for the previous soiled pair), the waivers, the checklist, and the stress! We are on a mission of discovery. Anything within 2 hrs. of our home is up for an impromptu field trip. 

In this Futuristic Library, you can lounge and read, listen to a story, or watch one.

The Central Library is very cool. If you are looking for a futuristic library, you've come to the right place. You enter the library through an old, historic building with an incredible view of the American Legion Mall which is really just a large, green space with war memorials. Be sure to turn and enjoy the view as you enter. Then, you enter a breezeway where you'll find the info desk and a small, reasonably priced cafe. Keep going, and you'll be whisked into the children's area, better known as The Learning Curve. 

The Learning Curve: A Children's Area at the Central Library, Downtown Indy.

The Learning Curve is housed in the modern, glass, curved building directly behind the main entrance. Don't be intimidated, just keep walking. The librarian help desks are mobile carts that float throughout the large children's area. Don't be shy. They are happy to help. Don't have a library card, (or have one you can't use) but you want to use the computers? Ask the librarian for a guest pass. No pressure, they don't try to upsell to a library card :) The passes are good for 1 hr. from the time you log in, but you can get another passcode as long as computers are available. This is a safe internet zone. The kids can play and share games with other kids within the library.

Study Pods, Think Tank, Kid's Activity Wall for Preschoolers, Pacer's Rent a Bike Program, and See-a-story spinning seats at The Learning Curve, Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana in the Central Library.

We went to see a FREE DISNEY MOVIE in Clowes Auditorium, Tinkerbell's, "The Pirate Fairy". It was awesome. During summer camps, we visited our local branch of the library and watched the movies in a large room while sitting on the floor with a bunch of sweaty kids and little or no air conditioning. At the downtown Indianapolis, Central Library, we sat in comfy, purple seats in an acoustically correct, air-conditioned theatre.You can rent the 300 seat Clowes Auditorium space for special events too.

After that, we headed to the children's theatre. When they aren't having puppet shows or reader's theatre, the kids can jump up on the stage and enjoy some creative play in front of a large green screen. While bouncing around, they can watch themselves on one of the video screens. They might walk on the moon or climb a mountain!

On the opposite end of the Learning Curve, you'll find the Think Tank.This is an enclosed space (it's stuffy in there) with whiteboard walls and a table full of dry-erase markers. Brainstorm an idea, solve a math problem, or just draw a cartoon. You can be noisy, because it is somewhat soundproof. 

There is also a tinkerlab, a preschool activity area, a techlab, a wall to learn braille, study pods, futuristic, spinning chairs where you can listen to a story, and (my favorite), a super comfy reading lounge with a central animated funnel. I sat down and did not want to get up. Next time, I'll work in this area while the kids enjoy the library. They couldn't sign up for the summer reading program or check out books because of those nasty aforementioned library fines. The library now offers an amnesty program. I need this too, dear Indy Library. 

So, what is the take away? Don't stress, get cool, stay out of inclement weather... Wait, there's more. The library has a parking garage- find the rates here. We parked in the street at the fancy, modern parking meters that accept credit cards (now there's a learning curve) and walked. At the front entrance of the library, you can rent yellow, Pacer's bicycles- but they are all adult size, no kid seats, or tandem bikes... hint hint.

There are so many fun things to do in Indianapolis! We hope you'll join us (virtually, of course) as we discover the wonderful things downtown Indianapolis has to offer. We will feature some of our favorite things soon:

Mass Ave. 

Toy Store, Flying Cupcake, Hot Dog Cafe, Fair Trade Market

The Circle

Ride or climb to the top of the Monument, Candy Store, Chocolate Cafe

Recommended Reading:

Things to do In Indiana

Architecture: The Art of LEGO Design

12 Patriotic Crafts and Games for the Fourth of July: Independence Day Activities for Kids

Hey Kids! Celebrate with these Games and Patriotic Activities for the Fourth of July

America likes to celebrate her Independence. We celebrate many holidays with fireworks and patriotic activities. If you like to craft or need activities for summer camp or a family reunion party, you've come to the right place. We are sharing a round-up of our favorite Fourth of July holiday activities for preschoolers, school age, teenagers, and adults too. Enjoy!

Fourth of July games for children from Better Homes and Gardens.

Some of the best Summer Games from the list below include an Uncle Sam Patriotic Hat competition. This is fun for a family reunion.

Lay out the supplies needed to make a paper hat: Construction Paper, Paper Plates, Tape, Glue Sticks, Scissors, Glitter, even Cheap Birthday Hats to decorate, and Star Stickers. Then, have the party guests (at their own leisure) sit down at the crafting table and make a cool hat for the Fourth of July. Explain it is a decorating contest.

Guest wear the hats while playing games, eating barbecue, and enjoying the party. Pass out squares of paper (post it notes work great) and have everyone vote for their favorite hat. For example, "Uncle Mike's hat is the best" or ""I like Johnny's hat". The winner of the "best patriotic hat" gets a tiny flag to celebrate the win. Don't forget to share all the fun hats on Instagram and Pinterest!

• Patriotic Fruit Kabobs from Pinterest
• Fourth of July Games for Preschoolers
• How to use Sparklers and other Fireworks Safely
• Patriotic Games for Kids to play Outdoors
• Simple Fourth of July Projects for Preschoolers
• Independence Day Games to Play at Summer Camp
• Make your own Firework: Candy Rocket from Cardboard Tube
• Patriotic Party Games for Adults
• How to Make a Patriotic Hat for Independence Day
• Make a Star Spangled WhirlyGig to Hang from the Ceiling
• Free Printable American Flag

Click the image for Patriotic Party Games for Adults from Reader's Digest.

Recommended Reading:

Other Holidays in July

History for Kids: The Fourth of July for Kids - The Incredible Story of Independence Day - Including an Interactive Fourth of July QUIZ! (History for Children)

A Catered Fourth of July (A Mystery With Recipes)

Explore Indiana_ Home of the Endangered Myotis Bat: Sodalis Nature Park in Plainfield, Indiana

Things to do in Indiana: Take a trip to Sodalis Nature Park to Spot a Myotis Bat

We love to explore new things, especially FREE things to do in Indiana. One day, while exploring in the countryside (of what I thought was Morgan County), we stumbled upon a large area of preserved lands and followed the signs to Sodalis Nature Park. This Hendrick's County park sits near Morgan and Marion Counties down Camby Road, just off 975 East. Since then, we've discovered the many family activities held on Saturdays in the new shelter, travelled many of the hiking trails, and even participated in the catch and release fishing. Yes... we made the bat houses and you should too!

Hike the animal trails at Sodalis Park.

Sodalis Nature Park: Home of the Endangered Myotis Bat in Plainfield, Indiana. 

Nestled at the edge of three Indiana counties, the Sodalis Nature Park is Plainfield's best kept secret and one they'd love to share. The 5 1/2 acre catch and release pond has an ADA accessible fishing pier and picnic areas with charcoal grills. Relax at one of the pleasantly placed picnic tables and you might spot a Great Blue Herron fishing. Walk along the bank and marvel at the little tadpoles and frogs.

In cooperation with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Hendrick's County created the 210 acre park to protect the endangered Myotis Sodalis Bat which resides in the area. The park now preserves native wildlife, woods, open spaces, and grassy areas for all to enjoy through the well-marked nature trails named after various animals you might catch along the trails including, Bobcats, Beavers, and White-tail Deer.

The park is open from dusk to dawn and offers Saturday programming. Admission is free but some programs require registration. Park naturalists do outreach at area libraries, "Animal Tales".  Schedule of Events

Make a day of it and visit these Mooresville area attractions:

Mum Farm, Gravity Hill (This didn't work for us. It isn't a smart choice either), Treasure's Flea Market (This is awesome! You will find great deals here.), Anderson's Orchard (Try an Apple Slushy), Pioneer Park (Great playground for preschoolers and early elementary age kids), Zydeco's Cajun Restaurant (Known for their alligator), Academy of Hoosier Heritage Museum, Gray Brother's Cafeteria (Try the giant, pork tenderloin), and Fairfield Friends Quaker Church.

Recommended Reading:

National Geographic Readers: Bats

Bats by Gail Gibbons