10 Halloween Decor, Games, and Activities for Teenagers
Ah, your little preschool darlings have blossomed into not so darling teenagers. Sigh. At least a few times a year, you'll still get some of those old time, good vibes with birthdays and holidays. Halloween is our favorite time of the year. Rarely have we lived in a place where trick or treating door to door was a possibility, so we've always gotten creative. Throw your teens a Halloween Party with these cool ideas and activities for Halloween! Oriental Trading generously sent us the supplies for this post. We hope you enjoy our tips for Halloween decor, games, and activities for teenagers!
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Teens won't admit it, but they love to play funny games and win prizes. Sure, they'll groan how uncool you are, but inside they'll feel all giddy and look forward to the fun! This Halloween, tone it down, be cool, and have fun!
10 Cool Halloween Activities for Teens
Dragons guard the Halloween candy dish.
These Cheesy Ghost Chicken Nuggets taste delicious and make a spooky appetizer for a Halloween Party. Be prepared to work quickly, the cheese gets solid fast.
Use a paint marker to write 'Boo' on the bottom of one mini popcorn bucket. Have everyone check their buckets. Whoever gets the 'boo' wins a special prize. Be sure to tell everyone else to boo the winner! Teens like that stuff, you know.
The REAL story of the Jack-o-Lantern started with a turnip.
Oriental Trading has tons of cool decorations for Halloween parties. Our teens chose to go with a dragon theme for their Halloween party. We ordered dragon skeletons, swords, gloves for knights in shining armor, and more.
For the Halloween party tablescape below, we used a black light up bat wreath as a centerpiece decoration for our candy dish. If you're having a sleepover party, build memories by making a Halloween wreath as a favor to take home.
The black light up bat wreath is perfect for various themes. In fact, it can be used as a centerpiece decoration for a Medieval-themed Halloween party. Be sure to include other Medieval decorations. For starters, give your walls an ancient look by covering them with stone wallpapers and hanging shields. Also, provide minimal natural light using chandeliers and torches. Equally important, don't forget to dress appropriately for the event. Men can sport a "noblemen" look by wearing tunics, leggings, and breeches. Meanwhile, medieval costume ideas for women include long gowns and ankle-length tunics belted at the waist.
Play ring toss with the candy filled milk jugs and some Halloween bracelets. When the kids toss a bracelet over a jug, they win the jug and the bracelet!
Halloween Party Candy Theme Table Decorations.
Creature Pizza Biscuits are easy and fun to make as a Teen Halloween Party Activity. Just dip them in marinara sauce for a tasty appetizer. Learn how to make them here: Pumpkin Face Pizza Biscuits.
Edible Art: Pumpkin Biscuits.
The large Dragon Skeleton is perfect for posing for pictures for teens to share on their social media! #HalloweenGames After they've posed, blindfold them, tape a paper flame (with tape on both sides) to the end of the sword, and play PIN THE FLAME ON THE DRAGON.
Pin the Flame on the Dragon Party Game.
Make your own Halloween Pumpkin and Ghost lights with plastic cups and cheap string lights. Learn how here: Pumpkin and Ghost Lights for Party. When teens arrive, give them each a cup and some markers. Let their creative juices flow and then collect the cups and pop them on a strand of lights. Hang it on your entry way, so they can see their art work as they head home.
Don't forget the worms! For a cool teen HALLOWEEN party the best ideas are the grossest (is that even a word) ones. Our world famous SLURPIN' FOR WORMS game is a necessity! Especially, when you use the realistic gummy earthworms from OTC.
Realistic Earthworm Gummy Candy from Oriental Trading.
On Halloween, a house party full of teensneeds haunting! Hang sheets to make mazes throughout the rooms, turn out the lights and light the way with strobe lights or flickering string lights. Add creepy creatures at every corner, and make the final exit a 'dead' end.
Emergency Cash Sources Every Mom Should Know About
Everyone needs a rainy day fund. Don't get me wrong, being a full-time mom is great, but raising children is very expensive. Especially, when you're a single mother. Whether you've raised many children from birth to adulthood or you're taking care of your first child, there are always extra expenses that don't fit into your weekly budget. With the price of childcare rising, along with all of the other unexpected expenses you'll experience as a parent, you need to know about available emergency cash sources. Here are some tips on how to save for a rainy day fund and ensure that you have access to extra money for your family should the need ever arise... And, you know it will.
If you try to save on every purchase that you make, you might be able to store away a little extra money for a rainy day fund. For example, utilizing coupons is a great way to see your weekly grocery bill go down. With the money that you don’t spend on household expenditures, you can start your own ‘mattress money’ fund. Of course, you don’t actually need to keep your savings under the mattress, but keeping tangible funds somewhere in your home will come in handy during an emergency. Alternatively, using a credit card when you are in a pickle isn’t a bad idea so long as it is for an absolute emergency. In fact, having a couple of credit cards with large available balances is great for when you have an unexpected, last minute child related expense.
A lot of people still think that the only types of personal loans available are the ones that are offered by local banks. The truth of the matter is that there are all sorts of lenders who regularly make short term personal loans. At loanpig.co.uk, for example, small to mid-sized personal loans are often approved online in minutes. So, if you have a big expense that you only have a few days to come up with the money to pay, a short-term loan can save the day. These types of loans also come with manageable repayment terms, so you don’t have to worry about your debt skyrocketing. While you may not want to take out a short-term personal loan to pay for a child’s birthday party, it's certainly reasonable to take advantage of a small loan to help deal with emergencies or to help bridge the financial gap between pay periods.
There isn’t anything wrong with accepting or even asking for a little financial help whether you're a busy mom or anyone else. There are charities that help moms furnish their nurseries, aid them in rebuilding after tragedies, and just give a hand where needed. A friend might start a fundraiser for a working mom who has always been frugal and yet still is barely managing to make ends meet. There are charities that help moms get toys and clothes for their children during the winter holiday season as well as fundraising efforts that have given working class families the ability to go on amazing international holidays. Find what funds might be available to your family for emergencies and more.
It is often very difficult for moms to think clearly when facing a financial emergency. You may go whizzing about looking for ways to pay an expense when the solution is right below your nose. Take a breath, relax, and think back to all of the ways you have prepared yourself and your family for the future when seeking a solution. These days, there are all kinds of ways to earn money online. Got stuff to sell? Give Facebook Marketplace a try!
Fun Activities to do with Teens in Greater Indianapolis
Did you type in your search bar, 'fun activities with teens near me' or 'things to do with teens near me?' If you're looking for fun things to do with teenagers in Indiana, we're compiling a list and editing it often! No matter the season, whether you live in Indiana or you're on vacation, you'll find things to do with teens as a family. These Indiana things to do are also perfect for your teenagers birthday parties.
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Things to do with Teens in the Greater Indianapolis Area
Oh my gosh, it's fun! Is axe throwing safe for kids? Well, it's no less safe for kids than it is for adults, particularly for adults who've been drinking. Is axe throwing safe? If you follow the rules, if you go slow, if you pay attention to your surroundings, yes!
They'll give you a quick lesson, tips, and rules to follow. Make sure everyone listens. For me, the hardest thing to remember was to wait for the other thrower to throw BEFORE you go after your axe. Think of it like bowling. Be polite and go one at a time. Then, when you're both done throwing, go together to retrieve your axes.
Tip: It's a hour. It seems pricey for an hour, but you'll be tired and your muscles will ache. Got a kid who doesn't listen and likes to run around? Don't bring them here. Everyone is required to sign a waiver.
Tomahawk Throwing at Conner Prairie, Fishers, Indiana. Ask about Tomahawk Throwing when you purchase your ticket at the gate. There's lots to do at Conner Prairie, but this is probably the thing teenagers will most enjoy. Conner Prairie also offers balloon rides, weather permitting.
Tip: What makes Bounce U more teen friendly than other bounce and jump places? It's not all slides and bounce houses. You can box, sumo, and joust. Also, they lead the teens in the activities while you sit and use the wifi or participate, whichever you prefer.
Dave and Buster's, Castleton, Indiana is a fun place for teenagers. They offer many youth activities including birthday parties for teens and kids of all ages. Enjoy bowling, pool, arcade games, virtual reality games, and dancing games
Woodland Bowl on 96th Street, Indianapolis offers fun teen activities like bowling, Pirate Laser Tag and Miniature Golf.
Avon Clermont Danville Plainfield Speedway
Western Bowl, near Plainfield and Speedway Indiana
Roller Cityis just across the parking lot from Western Bowl. Offering $2 Tuesdays.
Beasley's Orchard Apple Festival, Danville, Indiana. Apple Cannons and lots more, but your teen will love shooting the apple cannons. Thank me now.
Your teens with racing aspirations can participate in Wild Wednesdays with a signed, notarized waiver. They'll love you forever... if they live through it.
Great Times just outside of Beech Grove, Indiana, off I-465 is a fun place to take teens when in the Indy area. Teenagers can race karts, ride boats, and then head next door to the Expo Bowl bowling alley which offers a Laser Tag experience.
Pioneer Park Flying Soaring Eagle Zipline, Mooresville, Indiana. This zipline is mommy friendly too. Afraid of heights? Hold your breath, but take a chance. This is an Eagle shaped car (think an amusement ride) you sit in and fly through the trees. Best part? It's only $5 per rider. The park also has an awesome swimming pool, trails, and a covered bridge.
Double B Arena, Mooresville, Indiana, Mutton Busting and Bull Riding. You read that right, your teens and preteens can ride a bull for $20 and other rodeo experiences. Bring your ambulance.
More to come, we'll be updating this post monthly. For more things to do with teenagers in Indy stay informed on our Kids Creative Chaos Instagram profile.
Self-care is often not a parent’s number one priority. First and foremost, they tend to the wants and needs of their child, and everything the parent wants and needs comes in a resounding second place. Parents need to take care of themselves to properly care for their children. We've compiled some self care tips for parents.
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Living without self care for too long, however, will do neither parents nor their children any good. It will lower the elder’s morale and make them more susceptible to fatigue, and the younger won’t get the care they need as a result. If you feel that you, as a parent, are guilty of not taking care of yourself as often as you need to, then, you need to make a change.
To see what you can do to take care of yourself without forgoing your responsibilities as a parent, be sure to check out the following self care tips for parents.
Guide on How to Take Care of Yourself as a Parent
Don’t be adverse to napping
If you find yourself with a bit of spare time on your hands (if your parents offer to have your child for the afternoon, for instance), don’t feel that you need to spend your free time cleaning the home or getting dinner ready. Spend your break wisely, even if that means taking a little nap. Sleeping is always an excellent idea for parents, especially those that feel particularly run down, and even a few minutes here and there will prove beneficial. No matter the time of the day, if you feel in need of some rejuvenation, just get your head down for a nap!
Exercise regularly
On the other hand, physical activity can also prove to be a significant benefit in this instance. Whether you head to the gym, go on a run, take a brisk walk, or workout at home while your child is playing or sleeping, you will release endorphins around your body when you engage in physical activity, and these endorphins will make you feel instantly more positive. When you are tasked with the demanding job of being a parent, being positive as often as you can is pivotal, which, in turn, makes exercising regularly a must.
If you really are opposed to strength training and cardio work, then why not try yoga? This form of exercise, whether it’s rigorous or gentle, will release the endorphins as mentioned above just as well. What’s more, it will keep you in shape both physically and mentally to boot. Making you a better parent!
Engage in therapy
Sometimes, all you need to do to take care of yourself as a parent is to engage in therapy. When you talk to a neutral third-party, you'll be able to dump a lot of the feelings, fears, and worries that you have long carried around with you without having to worry about what your friends and family may think about you. The neutral advice that they offer will also allow you to see your life from a whole new perspective. Again, this will make you a better parent.
For more information on how you can engage in a therapeutic program, especially that that is centered around substance abuse and mental health, make sure to check out Forwardrecovery.com. With compassionate and effective programs on offer, Forward Recovery could help you to become not only a better person but a better parent.
By making a point of taking care of yourself, both you and your child will benefit. Take the advice laid out in the guide above, then, and start putting yourself first for a change. Self care while you're parenting is essential to a healthy family life. Don't feel guilty to the time you need for yourself!
Homeschool Videos for Teens Homeschooling? If you're looking for educational videos for teenagers YouTube, we recommend the following 10 Educational YouTube Videos for teens. We've rounded up teen friendly homeschool videos in science, history, health and wellness, and internet safety. Many of them are filmed or acted out by real teenagers. Enjoy!
Post contains affiliate links.
10 Amazing Science Tricks Using Liquid
Teenagers are fascinated by unusual and different tricks and/or oddities. This is a great way to teach science while keeping their attention.
A Glimpse Of Teenage Life In Ancient Rome This animated video shows how teenagers had different lives in ancient times. It's a good way to learn social history and the hard times teenagers went through on a completely different level than today.
Teenage Anxiety
These days, teenage anxiety is common. This video helps teens realize they aren't alone.
Self Control Video
This video on self-control shows teens how not to give into impulses and how to do the right thing. It's filmed in a funny way that will keep their attention.
Managing Anger & Fears
Teaches teens how to manage their emotions and shows teens they aren't alone
Communication Skills For Teens
This is a good video to help teens prepare for future job interviews.
"What Would You Do" An informative drug & alcohol awareness PSA. This YouTube video was made to educate students on the dangers of teen alcohol and drug abuse.
Harmful Effects Of Tobacco On The Human Body
Perfect for teens feeling peer pressure to smoke.
Top 5 Food Mistakes Teenagers Make
Teen interviews- an educational video on the importance of food for health and well-being.
Dangers Of Social Media For Teens
This video is an educational experiment on what someone can find about you online in only 6 clicks. Learn tips on how to guard yourself on social media and use it safely.
KCC is a member of the Mom it Forward Influencer Network. This post is sponsored by BODYARMOR. However, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Our kids are active and always on the go. They love team sports. So, we're always looking for ways to stay hydrated in the summer heat. This summer, we tried a new sports drink with electrolytes and the kids loved it! We've got some tips to help active kids stay hydrated in the summer while playing football, baseball, soccer, or even swimming. Keep reading for tips to stay hydratedthis summer and a fun giveaway. Enjoy!
This post may contain affiliate links.
The kids can't get enough soccer, basketball, football, swimming, and running. Whatever team sport they do, we love watching them play. One of the things we talk a lot about is how to stay hydrated without adding a lot of junk ingredients.
To keep their team hydrated, the coaches encourage sports drinks as a way to restore and balance electrolytes. While we agree with that goal, we don't always love the ingredient list on some of the popular sport drinks.
Ways to Stay Hydrated this Summer
Tip #1
Topping our list of cool ways to stay hydrated this summer is BODYARMOR sports drink. We're delighted to see a new sports drink with electrolytes that contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners. BODYARMOR SuperDrink smells divine and is a great tasting, premium sport drink that is low in sodium and includes coconut water.
Ways to keep kids hydrated in summer.
We've already started football practice and this 15-pack of BODYARMOR provides quick recovery and hydration for these hot, summer practices. It will be a regular drink at practices and games throughout the season. Here's why:
BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink with potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins – and has no artificial flavors or sweeteners
BODYARMOR provides superior hydration and comes in 9-great tasting flavors: fruit punch, orange mango, strawberry banana, tropical punch, blackout berry, mixed berry, grape, watermelon strawberry and lemonade.
BODYARMOR is a better alternative to traditional sports drinks, because it contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners and has potassium packed electrolytes, vitamins and coconut water.
We've been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and spending lots of time outside and at the pool and the kids are thrilled when BODYARMOR is a part of their healthy snack break. What a super drink for active kids! You can get yours at Sam's Club.
Our kids love the flavors they've tried. We love that it contains potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water, and vitamins. It's an awesome and healthier alternative to traditional sport drinks while still providing the needed benefits for hard working, sweaty kids! If they aren't drinking enough water, the kids will stay hydrated with BODYARMOR.
Your little athletes are sure to love BODYARMOR too. You can feel great about giving it to them! Kids Creative Chaos kids and moms approve.
Some Facts about BODYARMOR Sports Drink
Premium sports drink with no artificial flavors or sweeteners
Healthier alternative to traditional sports drinks
BODYARMOR provides your body with Superior Hydration
Another yummy way to stay hydrated is with YOGURT ICE CUBES. Pop them in your ice chest for a quick on the go snack while you're sitting on the sidelines. You'll be the most popular mom on the bleachers when the athletes taste this healthy hydrating snack.
Hydrate with yogurt ice cubes.
Tip #3
You need to stay cool to stay hydrated. So, even if you're drinking hydrating sports drink and eating yogurt ice cubes, the best tip is to cool off, drink lots of water, and rest in the shade. The United States Department of Labor suggests water, rest, and shade to stay hydrated in summer heat.
GIVEAWAY
One winner will receive a BODYARMOR cooler and a Sam’s Club membership. To enter, hop over to our Kids Creative Chaos Instagram profile and comment on the BODYARMOR post. Contest ends Midnight EST July 12, 2017
Cardboard Toilet Tubes turned Holiday Hats How many rolls of toilet paper do you go though each month? We've got to recycle that ca...
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