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The Best Ireland Vacation Packages for Families (2026)

September 10, 2026 ellen travel
Pinterest guide to the best Ireland vacation packages for families in 2026.

Every so often my kids ask for a trip that isn’t a theme park, and every single time my brain goes straight to Ireland. Here’s my honest reasoning, and it isn’t romantic at all. Everyone speaks English, so my nine-year-old can order her own food. The drives between the good stuff are short — we’re […]

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Unforgettable Celebrations: How Unique Venues Create Lasting Family Memories

August 29, 2026 ellen Leave a comment Tips
family eating breakfast

Family gatherings are like the special threads that weave together the story of our lives. And while the people are the most important part, where you choose to celebrate can turn a simple get-together into a cherished memory that lasts forever. When you move your family’s big milestone events out of the house and into […]

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Calm Activities for Kids Who Never Seem to Sit Still

August 25, 2026August 25, 2026 ellen Leave a comment Tips
child's hands filling a paint by number

Some kids come home from school and need to run. Others come home wired, bounce off three walls, and then melt down at 5pm because nobody, including them, noticed they were exhausted. Sound familiar? If it does, the fix is not another quiet activity you have to supervise. It is a small set of things […]

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Hosting a Memorable Gender Reveal Event

August 18, 2026August 29, 2026 ellen Parties
blue and pink stars for baby

Planning a gender reveal party is such a sweet way to share one of life’s biggest moments with your favorite people. It’s your chance to celebrate your growing family and let everyone in on the big secret all at once. But turning that lovely idea into an event everyone remembers takes a little bit of […]

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20 Easy After-School Activities for Kids Who Are Too Tired to Play

August 13, 2026August 25, 2026 ellen Leave a comment Tips
child coloring

There is a funny thing about kids after school: sometimes they come through the door saying they’re bored, but they’re also completely exhausted. They don’t necessarily want to go somewhere. They may not have the energy for a complicated craft or a big backyard game. And after a full day of learning, following directions, socializing […]

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The Dead Sea Squirrels Season 1 Soundtrack: Fun Music With a Biblical Message

August 12, 2026 ellen Leave a comment Music
dead sea squirrels

If your kids love funny characters, silly adventures, and stories with a positive message, The Dead Sea Squirrels is a fun series to check out. Created by Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of VeggieTales and the longtime voice of Larry the Cucumber, The Dead Sea Squirrels introduces kids to biblical stories and the teachings of Jesus through […]

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25 Fun Things to Do With a Waboba Moon Ball

August 2, 2026August 8, 2026 ellen toys
waboba moon ball

If you’re looking for a small toy that can get kids off the couch and moving, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. A ball doesn’t need batteries, Wi-Fi, or a screen to be entertaining. And the Waboba Moon Ball takes the classic bouncy ball and turns the bounce factor way up. Posts may be […]

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25 Fun Things to Add to a College Dorm Room for Movie Nights, Game Nights & More

August 2, 2026 ellen Best Of
cozy dorm room with large window

Going off to college is about much more than classes, studying, and figuring out where the dining hall is. A dorm room becomes a student’s home away from home. It’s where they relax after a long day, watch movies with friends, play games, listen to music, read, snack, and make some of those memories they’ll […]

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Things to Do With Kids While Waiting for a Doctor’s Appointment

July 23, 2026 ellen Leave a comment Tips
children playing games in a waiting room

Waiting for a doctor’s appointment with kids can feel like a lot longer than it really is. Even a 15-minute wait can seem endless when you have a bored toddler, an impatient preschooler, or a child who is already nervous about seeing the doctor. Posts may be sponsored. This post contains affiliate links, which means […]

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4 Smart Tips to Maintain Your Home (& Avoid Some Stress)

July 15, 2026 ellen Leave a comment Tips
can of paint and paint brush

As a parent, you’ll already know you’ve quite a bit to look after. Between work and looking after your kids, it can often feel like you barely ever have time for yourself. And then there’s the fact you’ll need to look after and maintain your home on top of that. Posts may be sponsored. This […]

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ellen

Welcome to In Our Spare Time, your go-to source for family-friendly fun. Discover honest reviews, entertaining articles, and fresh ideas for making the most of your free time with younger kids. From games, movies, and books to family activities and seasonal adventures, we help parents find simple ways to create memorable moments together.

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