A Day of DIY Lion Activities for Kids

As the proverb says, March (or Spring) will go "In like a lion, and out like a lamb" or "In like a lamb and out like a lion." 

Our March definitely went "Out like a Lion" so because we have some lion lovers in the house, we were trapped inside due to weather and sickness, and we had THE PERFECT book for such a thing, we had a day of "Lion Lessons".

THE BOOK

We read the book (multiple times) by Jon Agee which has seven steps to becoming a lion and then we proceeded to try them out for ourselves and added a few more.

TAIL MAKING

A $2.88 bundle of yarn allowed us to make lion tails and manes for our little lion cubs. For the tails we just cut off 10 or so strands a few feet long and then loosely braided them and added some extra pieces at the bottom. Kids can tuck the end into their pants or pants pocket and it stays in pretty well. 

MANE MAKING

For the mane we cut 15 small pieces (roughly 3 inches long each) and then tied them together with another small piece to form a "puff". We used that same piece of thread to tie the "puff" to an elastic headband. Once all the "puffs" were on the headband they can put it around their head and have a mane.

MUST HAVE PAWS

The kids got these slippers for Christmas and I have enjoyed watching them run around in them about as much as they have enjoyed using them. So funny and they love to use them to dress up as lions both on their hands and their feet. 

POUNCING PRACTICE

No, they didn't pounce on these two. These two watched the kids jump/pounce into a giant pile of blankets and pillows from a VERY safe distance.  

THE ARTWORK

We traced circles on art paper using dessert plates and then let the kids use washable paint and plastic forks to make manes around the circles which then became lions. Walmart has lion sun catchers for a dollar that you can use with paint or markers. Since we did these activities during springtime we had to throw a lion Easter Egg into the mix. 

THE EATS

This is the only picture I have from a lion party we had earlier in the year. Easy to make and the kiddos love it. You'll need two box cake mixes. Chocolate cupcakes for the mane and whatever flavor you choose for the face which is a circular cake pan.

LION DEN

We build a giant blanket and pillow fort under the kitchen table to be used as a lions den and they played happily in there for well over an hour. 

LION ROAR

It goes without saying that the Lion Roar was practiced All. Day. Long.

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How To Host A Leprechaun Party

The kiddos are just starting to understand what a Leprechaun is so we had a Leprechaun party to search for Leprechaun Gold, build a Leprechaun Village, and snack on green treats. Fingers crossed we have a visit to our village sometime from a  sneaky little leprechaun leaving treats.

I made a quick trip to the dollar store for a few themed St Patty's Day items. Gold coins, mini green hats, stickers, and some sparkly green shamrocks. I also picked up a rainbow of paint swatches.

Then I pulled out random things from my house and crafty stash. Popsicle sticks, yarn, clothes pins, cookie cutters, green and gold paint, and a footprint stamp I use for baby showers. 

Finally, I keep a box of just random stuff. Used hot chocolate cans, baby food jar lids. Just weird random stuff so when the time comes for the kids or myself to create something we have a box of go to building stuff. Saves money and makes you be creative.

We laid out our goods and got to work. We built a village fit for any Leprechaun and had so much fun doing it. We pulled it off the kitchen table and put it on the floor out of the way where the kids can play with it for a week or so until its time to move on to the next holiday.

For our party snacks we put some Wiltons Green Melting Chocolate on the kids favorite pretzels and added some green sprinkles.

When we were done village building we headed outside to search for leprechaun gold. We hid pieces of gold and the kids put it in little "Lucky" sacks we made with glue and glitter. Easy easy.

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Friday Favorites

If you follow us on Instagram you know our Dad had a birthday last week. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorites that we used for his birthday and family party in case you are party prepping for a birthday of your own. 

THE CAKE

The man loves chocolate. Really loves it. Over the years we have tried many (and I do mean many) a chocolate cake but have found that the Betty Crocker Super Moist is our favorite. 

THE CANDLES

We try to change up cake toppers a bit every year. This year I found these Happy Birthday candles at the Dollar Tree for a $1 but I have seen them at Walmart as well if you can't find them at your dollar store. The dollar store also has good wrapping paper every now and again so if you see some you like stock up because chances are when you come back it will be gone and only ugly stuff left. 

THE DECOR

Targets dollar spot is always a great place for party goods but I actually found Snoopy plates and party decor (not pictured) on sale in the birthday aisle. If you know you have a bday coming up check there every now and again and you'll be surprised at what you might find. I also found some cool hanging Snoopy decor that the kids and Grandpa loved. Birthday paper is also from the dollar store. Sometimes their stuff is not great but the last few times I have needed paper they have had some good stuff. Worth checking out.

THE CARD

I made photo Valentine cards at Walgreens this year, did same day pick up and was not impressed. But, for my Dads birthday my kids and I made this cute Birthday sign and then I used Shutterfly to make him a birthday card. It will take longer but it will go straight from Shutterfly to my Dad. With the coupon code I used (and they almost always have one) it was $2-4 dollars cheaper than buying a card at the store and sending it. Plus this way he has pictures of his grandkids (it let me use 3) on the card instead of some random picture. It takes a bit of planning. (Ours will miss his birthday by at least a week.) But, next time I'll think ahead and try the same thing again for Grandma.

So those are my latest favorite party finds. If you can't tell I'm loving the dollar store right now. I already have a small stash of stuff for my little boys birthday that is coming up. But, more on that later. :) Happy Friday all! 

xo, Jordy

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