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Summertime is almost here and what better place to kick off your summer adventures by planning a family vacation to the beach, lake or a trip to the incredible Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge? Summer is the perfect time to take your family to the waterpark resort, which was recently named by Trip Advisor as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Families in the United States! The resort features a massive indoor waterpark, as well as a bowling alley, mini golf course, outdoor ropes course, and a spa just for kids of all ages.

Great Wolf Lodge is a nationally recognized leader in water safety. Ellis & Associates, a renowned international organization focused on aquatic safety has recognized Great Wolf Lodge several years running with its top award for water safety. Since opening its first resort in 1997, Great Wolf Lodge has welcomed millions of families and accumulated a wealth of tips to help keep families safe around water.

May is National Water Safety Month, so there is no better time to share these tips with your family for a safe summer of fun!

Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system and be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards before you or other family members enter the water.
Encourage your child to wear a life jacket. Many public pools and water parks provide life jackets for your use free of charge and it’s better to be on the safe side if your child is not a confident swimmer.
Never assume someone else is watching your child. Even with lifeguards nearby, you have the responsibility for your child. The best way to keep your child safe is to play right alongside them.
Stay hydrated. Swimming and playing takes a lot of energy, especially during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks and rest in a cool location.
Forget the Bling. Before heading to the beach, pool or water park, avoid swimsuits that have ties, grommets or decorations that could get caught on something during water activities.
Skip the flip-flops. Look for sandals with a heel strap or a full-coverage slip-on water shoe that will stay in place both in and out of the water.
Too much sun is no fun. Be sure to limit your exposure during peak hours of 12pm-3pm and reapply waterproof/sweat proof sunscreen every 80 minutes.
Take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important in any environment. This is a skill we all can benefit from – on land and around water.
Read all of the signs before going on a waterslide, pool or attraction. Make sure your child meets the posted requirements. If you have questions about an attraction, ask an employee at the facility.
Plan ahead. As a family, decide on a meeting place to go to if anyone gets separated. Kids can take off in instant and crowded parks and beaches can make it difficult for little ones to find you. Choose an easy-to-spot location that can be easily found by all family members.
If you see someone struggling in the water, call for help. Remember “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go!” Even professionally trained lifeguards don’t enter the water without having the proper flotation devices to keep themselves safe.

Most of us dread Daylight Savings Time. For parents, it’s a few months where our time spent outdoors comes to a halt and we wonder how to occupy the remainder of the evening with our children. And contrary to popular belief, the answer is not Benadryl =) Here are a few ideas I’ve compiled from readers and my own DST adventures to help you get out of the house with your Bambino(s) this winter. Don’t forget to check out our Indoor Fun Guide for other options!

Ideas for fun outside of your home-

1. Go for a dip at Wilson swimming pool.

2. Bloombars has evening performances.

3. Drop by a pet store to observe the animals and maybe see some dogs getting groomed.

4. DC Library holds late afternoon events.

5. Take a trip to Target or Whole Foods and walk the aisles. Try not to buy everything.

6. Cardoza High School Pool is opening their doors and allow the public to come swim.

7. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends.

8. Hotel lobbies can be fascinating, especially around the holidays. Plus, they have bathrooms.

9. Get creative at Treehouse Atelier, Little Loft Art, Anna Banana or All Fired Up.

10. Child’s Play or Barnes and Noble (Bethesda location closes Dec. 31, 2017) can be great places for your kids toys and books. Again, try not to buy everything =)

11. Go out to dinner at one of these DC restaurants that offer entertainment for kiddos.

12. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk.

13. Check the bus route and take a random ride.

14. Fairmont Hotel has a piano and a pretty garden, is fairly tolerant of children climbing up and down the stairs and enjoying the lobby’s holiday decorations.

15. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage has free, daily shows that usually begin at 6:00pm. Catch the show or just part of it , explore and walk the long foyer and look at the mirrors, ramps, etc. Go outside onto the terrace and watch the cars on the bridge or boats on the water.

Ideas for indoor fun-

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s).

2. Make a fort, add pillows and blankets and watch a movie or read stories.

3. Put on a play.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun (put your OCD tendencies aside).

5. Make your own play doh.

6. Download some educational apps on your device and set a timer.

7. Have your child help organize/fold socks when you’re doing laundry.

8. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy.

Safe Summer Fun: 11 Family-Focused Water Safety Tips + Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge

23 ideas for entertaining children after Daylight Savings Time