Part of the fun of July is staying up late to see the fireworks. Remember the fun of July 4th with this simple craft using pipe cleaners and paint to create fantastic bursts of color. While you paint, talk about the sights and sounds your family experienced during fireworks displays. Older children may also enjoy watching this video about the science of fireworks.

Materials

• Large fuzzy pipe cleaners
• Paper suitable for tempera paint
• Several contrasting colors of tempera paint
• Scissors

Directions

1. Take 4 large pipe cleaners. Fold them in half and twist to form a handle.
2. Fan them out to create a starburst "brush."
3. Dip into one color of paint and make a print by placing the pipe cleaner starburst on the paper.
4. Now print over the first image using a second color.
5. Do 2 to 3 layers on each image to create multiple lines and colors.
6. Add glitter if you wish.

 -Dana D.

Sesame Street Family Play is a great tool to get your family interacting and active together. The app is full of ideas (up to 150) to help keep kids entertained in various situations like at the store, in a restaurant or while traveling. Simply follow the prompts and as you select for your location and number of players, you are given suggestions of silly and entertaining activities using basic, everyday items. With this app, you are also promoting learning that is fun! Some of the activities will get you moving and working your muscles while others work on memorization, letters, numbers, critical thinking, science concepts and more. Bring some extra fun to bath time, while waiting in line or anytime as you talk and play with your child using this app available from the Apple app store for $.99.