Lakeside Collection Blog » Family

Free National Park Admission

Kimberly Kraft — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:20:18 +0000

This weekend, in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, all national parks will offer free admission. The admission fees will be waived Saturday through Monday (1/14 – 1/16) for all 397 national parks.

Start planning your weekend getaway to enjoy some of the best outdoor parks this country has to offer.

Economical Family Fun

Kimberly Kraft — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:25:27 +0000

With the holiday season fast approaching, many families are saving every penny toward gift shopping. Couple that fact with colder weather and quality family time tends to suffer. If you are trying to tighten your belt a little but still want to engage the whole family, here are some ideas.

Take a Hike:

The weather in parts of the country is starting to turn brisk, but old man winter has not quite swept in yet. Get outside for a nice hike. No TV, no distractions, just the whole family enjoying quality time together. This time of year is especially wonderful. While autumn weather sometimes requires an extra layer, the gorgeous changing leaves more than make up for the rosy cheeks.

Bon Appétit:

Family cooking allows for quality time that is purpose driven. If you do not like to cook, why not follow the old adage that many hands make light work. Plus you may be surprised what delicious dishes your kids come up with. For younger kids, have them help you with the main course. Older kids and teens can be charged with appetizers/sides or the favorite…dessert! Need ideas, Lakeside.com has a variety of cookbooks perfect for whatever type of chef you are. A personal favorite, Delicious Treats Cookbooks, is full of creative and scrumptious sweets you can make right at home.

Family Game Night

A classic but favorite. For littler kids, the 4-1 Disney board game set is easy-to-learn and fun for ages 3 and up. Older kids will love 5 Second Rule. This game has a simple premise, just name 3 of something. But under the pressure of the clock, drawing a blank when trying to name 3 breeds or dogs, or saying a silly answer like ‘Justin Beiber’ for name 3 famous bald people is bound to happen!

Fourth of July Memories

Mary Kearney — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:23:51 +0000

Photo by Stuck in Customs

Article by Sherry Alvarez, Accounts and Order Processing Manager

The temperature outside is quickly rising and it is time to break out the sunscreen. Finally, you, your friends and your family can spend time outside. Do you enjoy camping, the beach or just being outdoors? There is so much you can do in the summer.

I enjoy many summertime activities like biking, camping and one of my favorite holidays, The Fourth of July. As far back as I can remember, The Fourth of July was a time when you had cookouts, you went to the local carnival where you spent your weekly allowance trying to win that stuffed bear while enjoying some cotton candy. You could barely wait to view the spectacular fireworks.

This is something that I now get to enjoy with my family and friends. Every year we go to the Great Lakes Naval Base. We bring our cooler of snacks and drinks, spread out a blanket and a couple of lawn chairs, throw the Frisbee around and then sit back and enjoy the entertainment. The big moment comes when they start the fireworks. They are amazing and although I’m not a kid anymore, I still sit there with my family in awe of the beautiful colors.

So whether I’m at the beach, in my backyard or enjoying The Fourth of July, I find all kinds of items at the Lakeside Collection to make these times even more enjoyable. Check our collection of coolers starting at $3.95 and couple that with our collections of throws and you will be set. You’ll probably want to sit down and our chairs start at a very low $6.95.

Soon you will be making great memories with your family that they will come to cherish as I do with mine!