5 Things to Do This Weekend

Ah! The week's over, and you can finally relax a bit with your kids this weekend (in between the soccer games, swim meets, birthday parties, and neighborhood barbecues, of course!). If you're in need of a little inspiration for what to do during that downtime, we've got you covered. Read on for five things you and your family need to do this weekend!

01
TEACH: There are a few life skills you should teach your teen before he or she leaves home.

TEACH: There are a few life skills you should teach your teen before he or she leaves home.

While your children probably don't appreciate everything you do for them — cook, clean, fix the car, unclog the toilet, etc. — it's a sure bet that they will once they leave home. To keep your kids from suffering their way through hefty plumber and laundromat bills, make sure they don't leave home without mastering these simple life skills. Source: Instagram user rdeokie

02
DO: Your kids can't cry boredom with this list of free Summer activities.

DO: Your kids can't cry boredom with this list of free Summer activities.

Even if you have already booked a great family getaway and are halfway through Summer camp, there will surely be afternoons when your kids simply need something (anything!) to keep them busy. And while outings to the zoo and water park are guaranteed to be easy wins, those $15 (or more) entry fees add up. We've come up with 100 of our favorite ways to keep the kiddos busy both indoors and out this Summer — without spending a dime! Source: Etsy user nhayesdesigns

03
MAKE: Give the oven a rest and pull out the crockpot for these tasty Summer meals.

MAKE: Give the oven a rest and pull out the crockpot for these tasty Summer meals.

Crockpots are a cold-weather essential, but if you're accustomed to putting your slow cooker away from April to September, you may want to reconsider. These 20 recipes do what the grill cannot, allowing your dinner to cook itself while you head off to work, Summer camp carpool duty, or whatever else the day has in store. From pulled pork to vegetarian lasagna that lets you put all of that seasonal squash and zucchini to use, you're guaranteed to find a few great meal ideas to get your family through the second half of Summer.

04
LAUGH: Every birthday cake can't be Pinterest-worthy, which is why we love these birthday cake fails.

LAUGH: Every birthday cake can't be Pinterest-worthy, which is why we love these birthday cake fails.

The effort parents put into having a special birthday cake for their children is deserving of a slow-clap standing ovation. Be it store-bought or homemade, birthday cakes are basically the most important part of a child's birthday, so we do whatever it takes to get them the confection of their dreams (even if it doesn't always pan out). Maybe that's why we can't stop laughing at these birthday cake fails. Source: Instagram user lmaryp

05
INSTILL: Manners aren't hard to teach, but kids really do learn by example.

INSTILL: Manners aren't hard to teach, but kids really do learn by example.

If you think children are lacking manners these days, you're not alone. Just ask Faye de Muyshondt, founder and author of Socialsklz For Success, she will tell you that the times have changed. "For a while you had, 'Helicopter Parenting,' and then it went to the other extreme where the parent was the kid's best friend," she says. But being a child's BFF doesn't mean parents should push manners to the back burner. De Muyshondt shares her tips for teaching manners, and making sure they stick! Source: Flickr user wwworks