School is out and you want to find ways to help your children continue to learn. How do you test their knowledge in an exciting way? Don’t worry! There are multiple ways to keep your kids learning all summer long.

Outdoor Games

Make the most of the outdoors this summer while playing games that will get your kids moving and learning!

Waterballoon Sight Words helps kids cool off in the summer heat and teaches them new words.

Number Line Run is a math game that teaches young kids math and is a refresher for older kids to brush up on their skills.

Crafting

Crafting is a wonderful, interactive way for kids to learn and have fun. Start crafting to get your kid’s creative juices flowing.

The Archaeologist Alphabet Matching Game is for young children learning the alphabet and capitalization.

Mystery Clock helps young children learn how to read and tell time.

Fractional Flowers teach children about fractions

Ice Cream in a Bag is a great way for kids to learn about science and enjoy a delicious treat. 

Apps

Getting your children to play on a tablet or smartphone shouldn’t be too hard. However, finding educational apps for them can be.

Funbrain Jr. teaches young children about numbers, letters and patterns.

Toontastic teaches kids about the elements of storytelling by having them choose characters and settings to create their own story.

50 Languages mixes audio and text learning methods to help children pick up basic vocabulary and fluently speak short sentences in more than 50 different languages.

Endless Word uses fun graphics to bring sight words and short sentences to life for young readers.

Math Galaxy Word Problems Fun is for children in grades 1-8 and provides arcade-style maze games to enhance problem solving skills for word problems.

Free Science Bear has more than 200 questions and links to videos for middleschoolers to learn about the periodic table, chemistry, atoms, elements, forces and other physical science subjects.

Netflix

Similar to playing on tablets and smartphones, kids love to watch TV. There are many educational, kid-friendly shows on Netflix that kids can learn from.

“Wild Kratts” covers biology, zoology and ecology.

“Super Why!” encourages kids to read by looking into a story and solving different puzzles and problems.

“Sid the Science Kid” uses comedy explain basic science facts.

“Animal Planet” has various documentaries about animals and their habitats.

“Liberty’s Kids” uses fictional characters to teach kids about the United States and the major events during the Revolutionary War period.

Now you know how to make learning fun this summer! Whether your kids want to play outside, craft, play digital games or watch Netflix, they can do so and continue to learn.

Before the outbreak of COVID–19, my husband and I spent five days traveling across the island of Sicily. While we typically like to plan each day of any trip, the small geographic size, low costs and many sights allowed us to drive across the whole island without a concrete plan in mind. We started in Palermo, then drove east to visit the volcano Mount Etna and coastal city of Catania. Then, we went down to the west coast city of Agrigento to see the Valley of the Temples and Turkish Steps before making our way back to Palermo, where we experienced a soccer game, a surprisingly growing craft beer scene and, of course, amazing food.

We rented a car at the airport to get us into Palermo and while we needed the car to get around the rest of the island, parking was a real challenge in the capital city. Do some research ahead of time on where you can park overnight. We ended up moving to different underground ramps because we couldn’t find safe parking options on the street.

A word on driving—in Palermo, it was hectic and a rather stressful experience, but if you commit to your driving decisions, you’ll be fine. Sicilian drivers didn’t necessarily follow the rules (so much double parking!), but in our experience they weren’t overly aggressive.

We booked a low-cost Airbnb in Palermo near the harbor and could walk anywhere we wanted from there. We spent two days wandering around the city, eating pizzas and fresh seafood, visiting street markets and walking along the coast. We were pleasantly surprised to find the craft beer scene was buzzing. We stumbled upon a few different craft beer bars within walking distance of our apartment.

On day three we jumped in the car and drove to Mt. Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, in the western part of Sicily. This three-hour drive from Palermo was accompanied by fields of lemon, lime and olive trees and gorgeous, rocky landscapes. We drove around lava formations as we wound our way up the mountain and parked at the base of the peak, where you could take a cable car or hired bus closer to the summit. There were also lots of opportunities for hiking around and up to the peak. Before we rode to the top, we had a pizza and an antipasto platter for lunch, accompanied by local wine of grapes grown in the area’s lava-rich soil.

The mountain was covered in ice and snow and a chalet greeted us at the top, selling various souvenirs and goods, like local limoncello and almond and pistachio liqueurs. Once outside, we could walk around the mountain on our own, watching the steam pour out of the volcano and the clouds hover around us. One moment it was blue sky and we could look down and see the beaches of the Ionian Sea, and the next moment we couldn’t see ten feet in front of us because of clouds and fog moving through.

After our volcano adventure, we drove down towards the coast and booked a room in Catania, Sicily’s second largest city. We spent the following day walking along the coast and touring the Norman Castle (Castello Normanno), which overlooks the sea and was only connected to the coast after Mt. Etna erupted in 1169. Compared to the snowy, cold mountain the day before, we were in summer clothes, eating gelato and wandering through charming fishing villages.

From there we drove a few hours across the island to visit a couple of sights: the Valley of the Temples and the Turkish Steps. For this, we used the HotelTonight app to find a hotel in Agrigento, a beachy town on the coast.

We arrived at the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) late afternoon and this was one of the best spontaneous decisions we could have made because we got to watch the sun set over the sea, high up on the hill surrounded by gorgeous ruins. This UNESCO site is the most well-preserved collection of Ancient Greek temples surrounded by gardens and almond trees. It could not have been more picturesque and walking through the monuments was another reminder of the layered history of Sicily.

The next morning, we drove to the Turkish Steps (Scala dei Turchi), only about fifteen minutes away from our hotel, where we walked along the beach and climbed up the stairs for beautiful views of the coast. This rock formation was unique because of its characteristic white layers; the name is said to have come from frequent raids by the Turkish Moors.

While there were a number of other places on the island we would have liked to visit, we also wanted to spend a little more time exploring Palermo, so we drove the two hours back to the city for a pasta-and-wine-filled lunch, followed by a visit to the Palermo Cathedral.

Our last stop was a Palermo–Messina soccer match, where we were surrounded by passionate and loyal Sicilians. Between rainy downpours and timeouts, the chanting and cheering never ceased and fellow spectators brought us right into their impassioned celebrations even though we didn’t speak a lick of Italian.

We found Sicily to have lots of character and a unique culture from the other cities we have visited in Italy. While spontaneity may not be possible on every trip, Sicily was a great place to take on each day as an unexpected adventure, letting each city and place reveal itself to us.

More often than not, the main reason people skip exercising is because they dread it. You may find it hard to wake up early to hit the gym. The thought of being out of breath and turning red doesn’t appeal to you. Or you feel like there isn’t enough time in the day. Whatever your reason, here are five fun and enjoyable ways to exercise this summer:

1. Swimming 
Hot summers call for nice, long dips in the pool. Play water sports, such as pool volleyball and pool basketball (don’t try dribbling). Try being interactive with your kids and participate in classic pool games. This is a great way to splash around, have fun and squeeze in some exercise.

2. Hiking
An easy way to break a sweat while having fun is to hike. Luckily, Europe has tons of hiking trails and mountains to explore. It is always safer and more fun to bring someone else along with you. You can go at your own pace and take in the beautiful surroundings Europe has to offer.

3. Walking
Summertime in Europe is perfect for traveling, festivals, events and more! Whether you’re staying local this summer or traveling, you can always get a workout by walking. If you’re staying nearby, look into local festivals and events happening this summer. You’ll be walking around and enjoying what your city has to offer. If you’re traveling to a different city or country, you’ll be walking from one tourist spot to the next. This form of exercise may be more appealing than running on the treadmill for an hour. However, make sure to bring your walking shoes to avoid painful blisters.

4. Biking
Has your bike been locked up on the side of your house for months? If so, break it out and take it for a spin. You can save gas (and money) by biking to work or the local grocery store if you’re picking up a few items. In the evening, ride with family or friends. As with hiking trails, Europe has a lot of bike friendly routes.

5. Play sports
It may be time to dust off those old soccer cleats. You can sign up with your local recreational league for whichever sport you want to play. If you don’t want to give too much time, you can play fun pick-up games such as basketball, soccer, baseball or whichever sport that you enjoy playing with family and friends. Plus, who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Theses pick-up games can be played in your backyard, local park or anywhere you have space to run around.

A great workout doesn’t mean you need to spend hours in the gym or that you need to be drenched in sweat. The important thing to remember is to remain active and to enjoy the type of exercise you’re doing. Now get up and get moving this summer with these fun exercise ideas!

Running around Europe for the past few years has given me some incredible opportunities to try some truly amazing food. From the sweets in France to the savory sandwiches in Portugal, I have zero regrets about eating my way through many of the countries. Though you simply can’t try everything, here is a list of foods that I highly recommend searching out on your travels (in no particular order). 

Germany

Flammkuchen - This pizza-like dish is made up of a light and flaky crust, classically topped with crème fraîche, caramelized onions and bits of bacon. 

Kaese Spaetzle - Think of a German macaroni and cheese dish, but better. Instead of noodles, spaetzle is used, which is like a tiny dumpling. The spaetzle is then covered in melted Emmentaler cheese and topped with caramelized onions, then baked.

Schäufele - A pork shoulder dish, this piece of meat is roasted in the oven with vegetables and often doused in beer. Recipes vary, of course, but the product is always delicious. 

France

Brioche French toast - French toast is good with any bread. Add brioche bread and it really kicks it up a notch! This fluffy, melt in your mouth concoction is a simply divine breakfast or brunch option. Eat it with salted caramel, ice cream and whipped cream for one of the most amazing desserts you’ve ever tasted!

Chocolate cake - For some reason, chocolate cake tastes best in France. It’s something about the consistency that’s not quite a cake, brownie or mousse; it’s the most perfect combination of all three! It’s so moist and decadent that you can’t help but devour every morsel. 

Czech Republic

Marinated cheese - If you’re from the Midwest like I am, you are sorely missing cheese curds and all the other dairy products that are constantly consumed in the area. Never fear! The Czech Republic has marinated cheese with onion, spices, garlic and chili peppers. Though it’s not exactly the same as a cheese curd, it will satisfy your cravings. 

Trdelnik- Also known as chimney cakes, this sweet treat can be found in food stands throughout Prague. It is made by adding layers of dough on a spit and forming a hollowed-out cake. It is then covered in sugar and baked over an open fire, creating the perfect combination of crunchy and soft. Fill it with any combination of sweets, ranging from strawberries to ice cream. 

Italy

Carbonara - You simply cannot leave Italy without eating pasta, and carbonara is at the top of my list. This creamy pasta is made with egg, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. When in Rome, or anywhere else in Italy, be sure to stuff yourself! This amazing dish just doesn’t ever taste quite as good outside of Italy. 

Hugo Spritz - The Hugo drink is made up of the perfect combination of Prosecco, elderflower syrup, seltzer and mint leaves. Though I’ve had it in many places, Italy does it best. It’s so fresh and crisp that it pairs perfectly with any meal, especially in the summer heat. Do not be fooled when you find this concoction bottled in your local grocery store. It’s not the same and fresh is always best! 

Greece

Gyros - This one is so obvious it almost doesn’t bear mentioning. However, you can get the best gyro you’ve ever tasted from a food stall for about 2.50 euros in Greece. This Mediterranean treat is served on a pita with the meat of your choice (usually chicken, lamb or beef), lettuce, onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce. 

Spain

Churros - One of my fondest memories of Spain was having churros with chocolate for breakfast. These dough pastries are fried and covered in sugar and served with a warm cup of chocolate sauce for dipping. I’ve also had chocolate-filled churros in Portugal. They are delicious either way. 

Tinto de verano - This refreshing drink translates to “red wine of summer” and is simply a mix of red wine and a carbonated drink, served over ice. The best part is that you can buy this in plastic bottles at the store like soda. It’s similar to sangria, but doesn’t contain fresh fruit and is generally less expensive. 

Portugal

Pastel de Belém - This egg custard tart was invented by monks centuries ago and is still relevant in the world of sweets today. The caramelized top almost looks burnt but tastes like heaven. The center is a creamy consistency wrapped in a flaky crust that dances on the edge of perfection. Eat these bite-size treats whenever you get the chance. 

Francesinha sandwich - Originally from Porto, this sandwich is made with ham, smoked sausage and beefsteak. It is then covered with melted cheese and a thick tomato and beer sauce and completed with an egg on top. Though the name of the sandwich translates to “little Frenchie,” it is not for the faint of heart. This massive sandwich is 100% worth every calorie.

Whether you find these different types of food at food truck festivals or sit-down restaurants, they’re sure to be delicious. Nothing compares to savoring any type of food from its country of origin. Whether you’re after a sweet treat or a hearty dinner, you’re sure to find the perfect food in just about any country! Let your taste buds dance and sing as you sample your way through Europe!

There is nothing like a stroll or a brisk hike in the woods to clear the mind and recharge the soul. The word ‘hiking’ might bring up visions of overly stuffed backpacks, walking for hours on end and fighting every bug imaginable. That is partly true but you don’t have to be the die-hard expert to enjoy some of Germany’s beautiful trails. Here are some of our favorites.

Easy & Family Friendly

Trail: Bärenlochweiher - Heidenfelsen Loop

Location: Kindsbach

Length: 2.49 miles

Elevation: 300 feet

This short and easy trail is great for families. At the start of the trail, you can gaze upon Bärenlochweiher, which translates to “Bear Hole Pond.” Along the way, you’ll find the Pagans Stone, a Roman holy spring dating back to the 2nd century. Legend has it the water could treat certain eye ailments. The trail eventually circles back to the pond, complete with a swimming area and beer garden.

Trail: Karlstal Gorge - Pavilion Loop at Klugsche Mill

Location: Trippstadt

Length: 1.89 miles

Elevation: 125 feet

The Karlstal Gorge in Trippstadt is one of the most popular and beautiful sights in the Palatinate Forest. There are a number of trails that will take you to the gorge but the one that starts at the restaurant, Klugsche Mill, is an easy one for families to follow along. This trail is gorgeous in every season, but it is truly magical in the fall as the leaves start to turn.

Moderate

Trail: Großer Mannstein - Kaisertempel Loop

Location: Eppstein

Length: 9.78 miles

Elevation: 1,650 feet

Großer Mannstein is a breathtaking lookout point where hikers can see as far as Frankfurt. Three miles in, you’ll stumble upon the Bahai Tempel, featuring an impressive dome with intricate architecture. After trekking seven-and-a-half miles, you’ll reach the lookout point. It’s a great spot to take a break, have a snack and enjoy the view. This trail eventually leads to Kaisertempel. This building was once a temple for the founders of the German Reich but now serves as an adorable little restaurant. It also has a fantastic viewpoint over the villages.

Trail: Bockfesenhütte - Vier Burgen Tour Loop

Location: Neckargemünd

Length: 8.95 miles

Elevation: 1,625 feet

This trail has everything: fantastic lookout points, a river and four castles. Just under six miles in, is an additional trail, 4-Burgen Tour. This trail winds through four castle ruins along the German-French border. In fact, you’ll be crossing the border a few times on this trail. Some of the castles do have an admission to tour but it’s well worth the needed break.

Hard

Trail: Bärenhöhle - Bruderfelsen Loop from Haupstraße

Location: Rodalben

Length: 11.1 miles

Elevation: 1,425 feet

While a long trail, this one has tons of gems along the way. Bärenhöhle, which translates to “bear cave” is just one-and-a-half miles in. This is just the start of what will be a long series of stunning rock formations. The halfway point is Alte Burg. It’s hard to tell but it’s the ruins of an old Celtic castle made of red sandstone. It also provides a great view of the village.

Trail: Strahlenburg - Schauenburg Loop from Dossenheim Süd

Location: Dossenheim

Length: 9.53 miles

Elevation: 1,975

Panoramic views, castle ruins and vineyards make this long and difficult trail a delight. It takes you through an old quarry with steep climbs but rewarding views. This will no doubt take care of leg day for the next month. One of the ruins along the way has a restaurant and a good opportunity to take a rest and grab a beer.

Good to Know

Download the hiking app, “Komoot,” to help you pick out new trails, guide you along the way and even has tips and pictures from other hikers on the trail.