My Discovery Destination

02/10/2025

Find your Cupid name and tell us how well it fits you, and why~

02/10/2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 National Bird Feeding Month Adventure: Feed, Observe, and Appreciate Nature Together!

Hey Families!

Happy National Bird Feeding Month! February is the perfect time to celebrate our feathered friends and help them during the colder months by feeding them. Not only is it a great way to support local wildlife, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about nature, birdwatching, and how we can all play a role in protecting the environment. Let’s make this month a fun family adventure by creating bird feeders, observing birds, and learning about different bird species together!

💎 Parent Tip: This adventure is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the importance of caring for animals and the natural world around them. It encourages kindness, responsibility, and observation skills.

What You’ll Need:
• Bird seed (you can buy a variety of mixes or choose specific seeds for local birds)
• Pinecones, toilet paper rolls, or empty toilet paper rolls for homemade feeders
• Peanut butter (optional for sticky bird feeders)
• String or twine
• A bird identification book or app (optional)
• A camera for capturing photos of the birds you see
• A notebook or journal for birdwatching observations
• A quiet space near a window or outside for birdwatching

Adventure Steps:

► Learn About Birds:
Start the adventure by talking about the importance of birds and how they help the environment. You can introduce kids to the different kinds of birds that live in your area. If you have a bird identification book or app, use it to research local species together. Talk about what different birds eat, where they live, and what sounds they make. If possible, you can show pictures or videos of local birds to help familiarize your kids with what they might see.

► Make Homemade Bird Feeders:
Get creative by making your own bird feeders! Here are a few ideas:

→ Pinecone feeder: Spread peanut butter on a pinecone and roll it in birdseed. Tie a string around the top and hang it in a tree.
→ Toilet paper roll feeder: Spread peanut butter on a toilet paper roll, roll it in birdseed, and then thread a piece of string through the hole to hang it up.
→ Simple seed bowl: Fill an empty bowl with seeds and place it outside in a safe spot for the birds to find.

Need more ideas? Check out this link for several easy and fun bird feeders you can make with your kids!
https://mydiscoverydestination.com/discovery/adv/2312/

Have fun with the process, and let the kids get involved with spreading peanut butter or choosing the seeds.

► Set Up Your Bird Feeding Station:
Once your homemade bird feeders are ready, find a good spot outside to hang them. You can use trees, bushes, or even set up a bird feeder pole in your yard. If you don’t have outdoor space, you can place feeders on a window ledge or balcony to keep watching from inside. Make sure the area is safe and quiet so the birds will feel comfortable coming to eat.

► Birdwatching Time:
Now comes the fun part—birdwatching! Spend time together observing the birds that come to visit your feeders. Use binoculars to get a closer look and watch for different bird behaviors. Keep a birdwatching journal where you can write down:
→ The types of birds you see
→ What they’re eating
→ The time of day they come to feed
→ Any interesting behaviors or features (like a bird hopping or singing)

If you’re outside, try to stay as quiet as possible so you don’t scare the birds away. Watch how they interact with each other and the environment.

► Create a Birdwatching Challenge:
Turn birdwatching into a family challenge! Each time a new bird species visits the feeder, take a photo and add it to a family birdwatching album. See if you can spot a certain number of different species during the month, or try to capture the birds in action—whether it’s feeding, flying, or interacting with the environment. You can also track the times of day when the birds visit the feeders.

► Craft a Bird Habitat:
If you want to go a step further, create a safe space for birds by planting native plants or setting up a birdbath. Native plants provide food and shelter for birds, while a birdbath gives them a place to drink and bathe. As a family, spend time planting, decorating, or setting up the birdbath and watch how the birds appreciate it.

► Share the Knowledge:
Encourage kids to share what they’ve learned about birds with friends or neighbors. They can make a simple informational poster, write a short article, or even tell a story about their favorite bird species. This will not only help reinforce what they’ve learned but also inspire others to care about birds and nature!

💎 Parent Tip: You can teach kids how to make their environment even more bird-friendly by reducing waste, planting bird-friendly plants, and respecting their space. Birds rely on us to create safe habitats, and small actions can make a big difference.

Celebrate National Bird Feeding Month by getting outside, learning about birds, and making the world a better place for them. Whether you’re feeding, observing, or creating a bird-friendly habitat, today is all about nurturing nature, enjoying quality family time, and connecting with the wildlife around you!

02/10/2025

Yesterday was National Pizza Day-- but this whole WEEK is Great American Pizza Bake Week!

Here are some interesting pizza facts (from National Today) to share with your kids:
→Americans eat approximately 350 slices of pizza every second
→There's a whole month for pizza: October has been National Pizza Month since 1987
→Saturday is the most popular day to order pizza
→The most expensive pizza in the world costs $12,000
→Dough-spinning is an official sport at the World Pizza Championships

This week take some time to enjoy the adventure we released for National Pizza Day. Here it is again:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 National Pizza Day Adventure:
Create, Cook, and Enjoy Together!

Fun Fact:
Pizza is a ROUND food delivered in a SQUARE box and served in TRIANGLES.

Hey Families!

Happy National Pizza Day! Today is the perfect day to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy one of everyone’s favorite foods—pizza!

Happy National Pizza Day! Guess we know what's for dinner tonight . . . or is dessert pizza your thing?

Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza, a veggie-loaded masterpiece, or a fun, customizable pizza, this adventure is all about making, sharing, and enjoying pizza together as a family. Let’s get our hands doughy and have some fun!

💎 Parent Tip: Pizza-making is a great way to teach kids about cooking, teamwork, and to encourage their creativity. Let them make designs on the pizza, choose the ingredients- including a few unusual toppings, or think of a clever way to serve the pizza. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to different ingredients and flavors from around the world.

What You’ll Need:
• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Pizza sauce (tomato sauce, pesto, or white sauce)
• Shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, etc.)
• Toppings (vegetables, meats, fruits, etc.)
• Rolling pins and baking sheets
• Oven or pizza stone for baking
• Optional: Fun pizza-themed decorations (like pizza-shaped plates or napkins)

Adventure Steps:

► Learn About the History of Pizza:
Start the adventure by talking about the history of pizza. Share how pizza originated in Italy and has evolved over time into different styles, like Neapolitan pizza, deep-dish pizza, or even California-style pizza. You can also talk about how pizza became popular in the United States and around the world. Did you know that the first pizzeria in the U.S. opened in New York in 1905?

If you have a world map, point out Italy and trace pizza’s journey across the globe. You can even talk about how different countries have their own pizza traditions and toppings.

► Create Your Own Pizzas:
Now for the fun part—making your own pizzas! Start by dividing the dough into individual portions so everyone can create their own personalized pizza.

Here’s the process:
→ Roll out the dough: Use a rolling pin or your hands to spread the dough out on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
→ Spread the sauce: Let the kids spread their favorite pizza sauce on the dough. You can even try different sauces for variety—tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, or even pesto!
→ Add toppings: Get creative with toppings! Use vegetables, meats, cheeses, fruits, or even fun ingredients like pineapple or different herbs. Encourage everyone to get as creative as they like—make smiley faces, animal shapes, or letters with the toppings.
→ Add cheese: Don’t forget the cheese! Top your pizzas with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or any of your favorite cheeses. You can even sprinkle some parmesan or goat cheese for extra flavor.
Bake Your Pizzas Together:

Once everyone has their pizza ready, it’s time to bake!

→ Preheat the oven to the required temperature (usually around 450°F/230°C) and let the pizzas bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly—about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your pizzas.

While the pizzas are baking, you can talk about how the dough rises, how the cheese melts, and why the toppings cook differently. It’s a great time to get the kids involved in understanding the science of cooking!

► Pizza Party!
Once the pizzas are done, gather around the table and enjoy your creations. You can have a pizza tasting party, where everyone tries each other’s pizzas. Talk about what flavors you like best, what combinations were surprising, and how different toppings change the taste. It’s a fun way to share and learn what everyone’s favorite toppings are.

► Pizza-Themed Crafts:
After the meal, get creative with pizza-themed crafts. You can make pizza-shaped decorations out of paper or cardboard, or even create fun “pizza slice” bookmarks. Let the kids color, cut, and decorate their own mini “pizzas” using colored paper, markers, and stickers. It’s a fun way to continue the pizza fun after the meal!

► Host a Pizza-Topping Contest:
If you want to make things even more exciting, host a pizza-topping contest! Let the kids come up with their wildest, most unique pizza combinations. Some categories could be “Most Colorful Pizza,” “Most Creative Combination,” or “Best Family Pizza.” You can take a vote on the best pizza in each category and award fun prizes!

💎 Parent Tip: Use this opportunity to teach kids about food choices and nutrition. Show them how they can balance their favorite pizza ingredients with healthy options like vegetables or lean proteins.

Celebrate National Pizza Day by making it a fun, interactive adventure full of creativity, cooking, and family bonding. Whether you’re making personal pizzas, having a pizza-topping contest, or just enjoying your favorite flavors, today is all about bringing everyone together to enjoy the deliciousness of pizza!

02/10/2025

For National Random Acts of Kindness Week Be the Change you want to see in the world. Here are some ideas to get you started . . .

We also have a fun Kindness Week Discovery Hunt. You can get connected by downloading the Goosechase App and search for code 'Kindness'.

02/10/2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 National Umbrella Day Adventure:
Explore, Play, and Create Together!

Hey Families!

Happy National Umbrella Day! Today is all about celebrating one of the most useful and fun inventions—the umbrella! Whether it’s to keep us dry on rainy days or to add a little style to our outfits, umbrellas are a family favorite. Let’s make today a fun adventure full of creativity, play, and exploration, all centered around this trusty tool.

💎 Parent Tip: This is a great opportunity to teach kids about the importance of umbrellas in different cultures and how they have been used for centuries to protect from both rain and sun. It’s also a fun chance to get outside, be active, and learn through creative play.

What You’ll Need:
• Umbrellas (or create your own using craft materials!)
• A small outdoor space (yard, park, or even a sidewalk)
• Craft supplies (markers, paints, fabric, or paper for decorating)
• A camera to capture the fun moments!

Adventure Steps:

► Learn About the History of Umbrellas:
Start the adventure by talking about the history of umbrellas. Share some fun facts, like how umbrellas were first used in Ancient Egypt to protect from the sun, or how they evolved in China and Greece for both sun and rain. You can also talk about how umbrellas were once symbols of wealth and status before they became a common, practical tool. If you have a globe or map, you can show kids where umbrellas are used in different parts of the world.

► Umbrella Dance Party:
Celebrate National Umbrella Day with a fun umbrella dance party! Pick some of your favorite tunes, grab your umbrellas, and dance around to the rhythm. You can pretend you’re in the rain, twirling and playing with the umbrellas, or even come up with your own umbrella-themed dance moves. Kids will love the physical activity, and it’s a fun way to get everyone moving.

► Umbrella Obstacle Course:
If it’s a rainy day, go outside and create an umbrella obstacle course! You can set up challenges like:
→ Balance a small object on the umbrella and walk from one point to another without it falling.
→ Jump over puddles or pretend to dodge raindrops (if you’re outside, make sure to stay safe!).
→ Spin in circles with your umbrella open, trying to keep your balance.
→ If it’s sunny, you can still use your umbrellas as props for creative games. Pretend the umbrellas are shields, or create a game where you pass the umbrella around without dropping it!

► Make Your Own Umbrella Designs:
Get creative by decorating umbrellas together as a family! Use fabric paint, markers, or stickers to create your own unique umbrella designs. You could turn your umbrella into a colorful rainbow, a character, or even a galaxy! Each person can design their own umbrella, or you can collaborate on a family umbrella masterpiece. This is a wonderful way to show off your creativity and make your umbrella feel extra special.

► Umbrella Relay Race:
Set up an umbrella relay race! You can split the family into teams, and each team member must race from one point to another with their umbrella, without dropping it. If you have a small ball or bean bag, try balancing it on the umbrella while you race. The team with the fastest time wins the race!

► Create an Umbrella-Themed Story or Play:
Use the umbrellas as props to create a mini play or story as a family. You can make up a fun adventure where umbrellas come to life, or where your family is caught in a storm and has to use their umbrellas to navigate through tricky situations. Encourage the kids to be as imaginative as possible—do the umbrellas have special powers? Can they fly, or protect you from more than just the rain?

► Umbrella Photoshoot:
End the adventure with a photoshoot featuring your creative umbrella designs and all the fun activities you did! Strike some fun poses with your decorated umbrellas, whether it’s spinning in circles, dancing in the rain, or pretending to walk through a storm. Capture all the memories, and share the photos with your friends and family.

► Fancy Drinks:
Make a fun, punchy drink and top it with a paper umbrella.

► Umbrellas in the Movies:
Watch movies with iconic umbrella scenes such as Singing in the Rain and Mary Poppins.

💎 Parent Tip: Umbrellas can be a great tool for teaching kids about weather, protection from the elements, and safety. Use today as an opportunity to talk about how important it is to stay dry or shaded in extreme weather and why umbrellas are such a helpful invention.

Celebrate National Umbrella Day by embracing the fun and creativity umbrellas bring. Whether it’s through dancing, decorating, playing games, or telling stories, today is all about making the most of this handy tool and having a blast together as a family!

*BONUS*

Interesting Umbrella TidBits:

→ The word umbrella comes from the Latin word umbra, meaning shade or shadow. Brolly is a slang word for umbrella, often used in Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Bumbershoot is a fanciful Americanism for an umbrella from the late 19th century.

→ The basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. There is evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China.

→ We can credit the Chinese for being the first to protect us from the rain. Their paper parasols received a layer of wax followed by lacquer that made the umbrella withstand the elements.

→ One of the first umbrella shops opened in 1830 at 53 New Oxford Street in London, England. The shop, operated by James Smith and Sons, still operates regular hours at the same location today.

→ In 1928, Hans Haupt’s pocket umbrellas appeared. Then, in 1969, Bradford E. Phillips, the owner of Totes Incorporated of Loveland, Ohio, obtained a patent for the first “working folding umbrella.”

→ Photographers use umbrellas with a reflective inside as a diffusion device when employing artificial lighting and as a glare shield and shade, most often in portrait situations.

Umbrella FAQs

Q. Is it bad luck to open an umbrella indoors?
A. There is a superstition surrounding the act of opening an umbrella indoors. Whether it’s true or not may depend on many variables. However, opening an umbrella indoors can be awkward, especially if it’s a tight space or crowded.

Q. Can umbrellas be used in any weather?
A. While we use umbrellas in the rain or sunshine, the wind tends to be the umbrella’s nemesis. Windy days turn umbrellas inside out and can make them ineffective at keeping out the rain.

Q. Can anyone celebrate National Umbrella Day?
A. Yes. Even if you don’t need an umbrella to protect you against the elements, you can celebrate the umbrella in other ways.

02/10/2025

Valentine's Day is coming up this week. Enjoy these 10 Tips to a Healthier Valentines Day:

→ Quality time: Quality time is a great way to show someone you love them. The memories made will last a lot longer than a sugar cookie, box of chocolates, or calorie heavy dinner. Whether it's staying bundled up at home and playing board games, or something more adventurous like snowshoeing, plan a fun, and memorable activity as a way to celebrate.

→ Box Favorites: If your child is having a Valentine's Day party at school, consider sending a healthy treat or snack. Mini bags of trail mix, pretzels, or whole grain crackers are all great ideas. Or skip the food entirely and send pencils, miniature notepads, or erasers instead.

→ Night In: Plan a romantic candlelight dinner at home using one of our healthy recipes.

→ Gifts that Promote Health: Consider gifts that promote health and well-being, such as a fitness tracker, a cooking class, or a massage. This shows thoughtfulness towards your partner's health.

→ Split It: If you choose to dine out, choose a restaurant that has heart-healthy options. Consider sharing your meal with your loved one to control your portion sizes.

→ Physical Activity: Instead of a fancy dinner, plan a physical activity. Play a game of racquetball together at your local rec center, bundle up and take a walk, or practice a dance routine together at home.

→ Bean Puree: Make your desserts in a healthier way. Use bean puree as a fat substitute when making cakes and cookies.

→ Healthy Pizza: If you will be celebrating with the whole family, make a heart-shaped with a whole wheat crust, or use a cookie cutter to make heart-shaped pancakes topped with berries, or heart-shaped peanut butter sandwiches.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: If you choose to have a drink, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol can have negative effects on health, so it's important to be mindful.

→ Enjoy: Don't deprive yourself. Holidays are meant to be enjoyed. A small slice of cake, a handful of candy, or a couple of chocolates are not going to ruin your path to creating better health. Moderation is key. Enjoy a small amount of what you like, and don't feel guilty about it.

02/10/2025

Here is a GREAT example of a random act of kindness~

What can YOU do to show kindness today?

02/10/2025

02/09/2025

Enjoy a little Random Acts of Kindness BINGO~

This is even part of one of our core Adventures - Simple Acts. HUGE Impact. Check it out at https://mydiscoverydestination.com/discovery/adv/2059/.

02/09/2025

Today kicks off National Random Acts of Kindness Week! What a great way to work our way to Valentine's Day!

Sit down with your family today and brainstorm several random acts of kindness you could each perform this week.

Write down all your ideas and then have family members check them off as you do them throughout the week! Set a family goal for how many you will check off. Maybe you can get 100 all together. Or maybe you just challenge everyone to do one per day.

Share with us in the comments below what things your family included in your list!

We also have a fun Kindness Week Discovery Hunt. You can get connected by downloading the Goosechase App and search for code 'Kindness'.

02/09/2025

We'd love to hear what YOU are doing for .

You can get some ideas from our Kindness Week Discovery Hunt.

Get connected by downloading the Goosechase App and searching for code 'Kindness'.

02/09/2025

Right?

02/09/2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 National Pizza Day Adventure:
Create, Cook, and Enjoy Together!

Fun Fact:
Pizza is a ROUND food delivered in a SQUARE box and served in TRIANGLES.

Hey Families!

Happy National Pizza Day! Today is the perfect day to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy one of everyone’s favorite foods—pizza!

Happy National Pizza Day! Guess we know what's for dinner tonight . . . or is dessert pizza your thing?

Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza, a veggie-loaded masterpiece, or a fun, customizable pizza, this adventure is all about making, sharing, and enjoying pizza together as a family. Let’s get our hands doughy and have some fun!

💎 Parent Tip: Pizza-making is a great way to teach kids about cooking, teamwork, and to encourage their creativity. Let them make designs on the pizza, choose the ingredients- including a few unusual toppings, or think of a clever way to serve the pizza. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to different ingredients and flavors from around the world.

What You’ll Need:
• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Pizza sauce (tomato sauce, pesto, or white sauce)
• Shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, etc.)
• Toppings (vegetables, meats, fruits, etc.)
• Rolling pins and baking sheets
• Oven or pizza stone for baking
• Optional: Fun pizza-themed decorations (like pizza-shaped plates or napkins)

Adventure Steps:

► Learn About the History of Pizza:
Start the adventure by talking about the history of pizza. Share how pizza originated in Italy and has evolved over time into different styles, like Neapolitan pizza, deep-dish pizza, or even California-style pizza. You can also talk about how pizza became popular in the United States and around the world. Did you know that the first pizzeria in the U.S. opened in New York in 1905?

If you have a world map, point out Italy and trace pizza’s journey across the globe. You can even talk about how different countries have their own pizza traditions and toppings.

► Create Your Own Pizzas:
Now for the fun part—making your own pizzas! Start by dividing the dough into individual portions so everyone can create their own personalized pizza.

Here’s the process:
→ Roll out the dough: Use a rolling pin or your hands to spread the dough out on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
→ Spread the sauce: Let the kids spread their favorite pizza sauce on the dough. You can even try different sauces for variety—tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, or even pesto!
→ Add toppings: Get creative with toppings! Use vegetables, meats, cheeses, fruits, or even fun ingredients like pineapple or different herbs. Encourage everyone to get as creative as they like—make smiley faces, animal shapes, or letters with the toppings.
→ Add cheese: Don’t forget the cheese! Top your pizzas with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or any of your favorite cheeses. You can even sprinkle some parmesan or goat cheese for extra flavor.
Bake Your Pizzas Together:

Once everyone has their pizza ready, it’s time to bake!

→ Preheat the oven to the required temperature (usually around 450°F/230°C) and let the pizzas bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly—about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your pizzas.

While the pizzas are baking, you can talk about how the dough rises, how the cheese melts, and why the toppings cook differently. It’s a great time to get the kids involved in understanding the science of cooking!

► Pizza Party!
Once the pizzas are done, gather around the table and enjoy your creations. You can have a pizza tasting party, where everyone tries each other’s pizzas. Talk about what flavors you like best, what combinations were surprising, and how different toppings change the taste. It’s a fun way to share and learn what everyone’s favorite toppings are.

► Pizza-Themed Crafts:
After the meal, get creative with pizza-themed crafts. You can make pizza-shaped decorations out of paper or cardboard, or even create fun “pizza slice” bookmarks. Let the kids color, cut, and decorate their own mini “pizzas” using colored paper, markers, and stickers. It’s a fun way to continue the pizza fun after the meal!

► Host a Pizza-Topping Contest:
If you want to make things even more exciting, host a pizza-topping contest! Let the kids come up with their wildest, most unique pizza combinations. Some categories could be “Most Colorful Pizza,” “Most Creative Combination,” or “Best Family Pizza.” You can take a vote on the best pizza in each category and award fun prizes!

💎 Parent Tip: Use this opportunity to teach kids about food choices and nutrition. Show them how they can balance their favorite pizza ingredients with healthy options like vegetables or lean proteins.

Celebrate National Pizza Day by making it a fun, interactive adventure full of creativity, cooking, and family bonding. Whether you’re making personal pizzas, having a pizza-topping contest, or just enjoying your favorite flavors, today is all about bringing everyone together to enjoy the deliciousness of pizza!

02/09/2025

Another great Valentine's Day message to send your loved ones through words and actions!

02/08/2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Global Movie Day Adventure:
Explore, Laugh, and Discover New Worlds Together!

Hey Families!

Happy Global Movie Day! Movies have a magical way of transporting us to different worlds, inspiring creativity, and bringing families together. Today is the perfect day to celebrate the joy of watching movies from around the globe. Whether it’s a heartwarming family film from your home country or an animated adventure from another part of the world, let’s turn Global Movie Day into a fun family adventure full of learning, laughter, and imagination!

💎 Parent Tip: Global Movie Day is a great way to introduce kids to different cultures, languages, and storytelling styles through film. It also encourages discussions about diversity, creativity, and the power of cinema.

What You’ll Need:
• Access to a movie streaming service or DVDs
• A cozy space to watch the movie together (pillows, blankets, popcorn!)
• A world map or globe (optional)
• Paper and markers for creating movie-related crafts (optional)

Adventure Steps:

► Choose Your Global Movie:
Start by choosing a movie from a different country or culture. You can watch an animated film from Japan, a heartwarming drama from India, a fun adventure from Brazil, or a classic French film.

Here are some ideas:
→ Animated Movies: “Spirited Away” (Japan), “The → → Triplets of Belleville” (France), “The Secret of Kells” (Ireland)
→ Adventure and Action Movies: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (Iceland), “City of God” (Brazil)
Family-Friendly Movies: “The Intouchables” (France), “The Kite Runner” (Afghanistan)
→ Classic Films: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (China), “Pan’s Labyrinth” (Mexico)

You can even make it a fun “movie passport” activity where you “travel” to a different country by watching a film from that region. Mark the country on a map as you go! (You may want to celebrate the whole week-- or month!)

► Prepare Your Global Movie Snack Bar:
Enhance the movie-watching experience by creating a global snack bar inspired by the country where your movie is from. You can either prepare a traditional snack from that culture or have a few different options to try:
→ Japanese snacks: Sushi rolls, rice crackers, or mochi
→ French snacks: Croissants, cheese, and fruit
→ Mexican snacks: Nachos, tortilla chips with salsa, or churros
→ Italian snacks: Pizza, pasta salad, or gelato

Let the kids help pick out the snacks and set up the snack bar. This adds a fun cultural twist to the adventure and brings in a taste of the country.

► Watch and Discuss the Movie:
Watch the chosen movie together and discuss the experience afterward. Some good questions to ask the family might be:
→ What was the most interesting part of the movie?
→ Did you learn something new about the culture, language, or traditions?
→ What made you laugh, and what made you think?
→ How was the movie similar or different from movies you usually watch?

This is a great time to encourage discussions about how movies can teach us about other cultures, and why it’s important to experience stories from different parts of the world.

► Create a Movie Poster or Craft:
After watching the movie, get creative by making your own movie poster based on the film you watched! Everyone can draw their favorite scene or character and add a title to the poster. You can even create a film-themed craft related to the movie (e.g., making a dragon puppet from “How to Train Your Dragon,” or creating a magic amulet from “The Secret of Kells”).

If you’re watching multiple films from different countries, you can create a movie scrapbook with drawings, postcards, and fun facts about the films.

► Movie Marathon or Series:
If time allows, make it a movie marathon or a “movie night series” by watching two or more films from different cultures. For example, you could watch an animated film from Japan, a live-action movie from France, and then finish with a documentary from Africa. Compare the different filmmaking styles, storytelling methods, and the lessons you learned from each movie.

► Start a Global Movie Club:
If you really enjoy the experience, start a family “global movie club” where you pick a movie from a different country each month. Watch the movie, discuss it, and learn about the culture. Over time, you’ll have explored different genres, stories, and perspectives from around the world!

► Mom & Dad's 1st Movie:
Share with your kids what movie you and your significant other first saw together. This should be a great way to lead into a discussion on your early dating years and courtship. Kids LOVE hearing about when their parents were dating~

💎 Parent Tip: Use this adventure to teach your kids about diversity, storytelling, and how cinema connects us to different cultures. Movies have a unique way of expanding our worldview and allowing us to empathize with people from different backgrounds.

Celebrate Global Movie Day by enjoying films from different cultures, trying new snacks, and expanding your horizons. Whether you're learning about new countries, laughing at funny scenes, or discovering powerful stories, today is all about the magic of cinema and the joy of watching movies together as a family!