MAD (Mindie, Adam, Alex, David) Family Fun is the result of friends and family asking "How do you find so much fun stuff to do?" So, I decided to share with everyone! There are no BIG secrets involved, I promise. I just have a knack for finding fun and now I want to share it with you!

MAD Family Fun is a place to find activities, events and ideas to have more fun with your family. Enjoy!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Does your child get TOO much candy at Halloween?



Is there such a thing as too much Halloween candy? Maybe. But now there is a program that can not only eliminate some of it, but make your kids feel great and benefit our armed forces over seas. It is the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program. Too find a participating dentist near you, click here.

What is the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program?
Dentists nationwide "buy-back" Halloween candy from children in their communities and then send the candy to U.S. Military deployed in combat through Operation Gratitude or other Military support groups. The troops love the candy--for themselves, but also to give out to the children in the communities they patrol.

Halloween at your local zoo


Halloween is just days away!!! Are you looking for something fun and safe to do? Why not try your local zoo. Ours, Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, MI has the Great Zoo Boo. There is trick or treating, a carnival, rides, and just lots of fun to be had. It has become a tradition with our family.

I know other Michigan zoos have Halloween events like John Ball in Grand Rapids and the Detroit Zoo. Don't live in Michigan? No problem! Check with your local zoo! Don't know what the closest zoo is to you? Then check here!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bubble Guppies Halloween Party Game


I don't know about your kids but my son went through a Bubble Guppies phase. And for Halloween I found this game for him. You get to create different pictures and can even print them out when your done!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Do you live near a Meijer store?


Why do I ask? Well because this Saturday (Oct 29) they are having their Halloween Carnival Events from 11am-2pm. The event features spooky crafts for kids, frightening face painting, treats, free giveaways and much more. So why not save your grocery shopping till then and take the whole family.

Which Halloween candy is healthier?

Okay this is a loaded question! Candy and healthy are not to words that go together. But for all of us parents out there that WILL raid our child's candy bags, here are some tips if you are trying to watch your waistline.



Round 1: Twix vs. Kit Kat
The Winner: Kit-Kat
Twix bars contain much more sodium. A serving of three Twix bars has three times more sodium compared to an average size serving of Kit-Kat.

Round 2: Tootsie Rolls vs. Candy Corn
This battle, however, has to be declared a tie.
You would have to eat about 26 pieces of candy corn to equal the same amount of calories you would get from eating 4 Tootsie Rolls.

Round 3: Sweettarts vs. Smarties
The Winner: Smarties
Each Smartie roll contains about 25 calories and five grams of sugar. A serving of eight Sweettarts contains about 50 calories and 13 grams of sugar.

Round 4: Bubble Gum vs. Tootsie Pops
The Winner: Bubble Gum
A piece of bubble gum has less than half the calories and sugar (25 calories, 5 grams sugar), on average, than one candy-coated Tootsie Pop (60 calories, 10 grams sugar)

Round 5: Peanut M&M’s vs. Skittles
The Winner: Peanut M&M’s
Even though Skittles have fewer calories than peanut M&M’s, that doesn’t necessarily make them the better choice.  Unlike Skittles, peanut M&M’s are lower on the glycemic index, which means they keep you satisfied longer, and don’t spike your blood sugar as high.


 

Does your child still need a Halloween costume?

What!?!?! Halloween is less then a week away and your child still doesn't have a costume!?!?! Don't worry! Here are some last minute ideas!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Halloween Coloring Pages



The folks over at RaisingOurKids.com have a wonderful selection of printable coloring pages just for Halloween. Click on over and check them out!