A Summer Celebration With The Kids

Celebrations in the summer are great days of the year to be with family. Many families across the country will be celebrating together with fun festivities outdoors during this season. The chances are that many of these families will have small children joining them. Make sure that your celebration this year is suited for young children. To make your summer celebration is a success with the kids; make sure to keep these three things in mind.

1. Have Fun Activities – It is essential that you have fun things available that can keep the kids occupied and away from boredom. Have fun outdoor games available for them upon arrival. You can also incorporate sports such as softball, basketball, or catch. Games like tag and hide-and-go-seek are great things to keep as back-ups if anyone doesn't like the other activities. You can include a creative activity such as painting pots or clay figures. It is very important that you include something to keep the kids active.

2. Prepare Good Food – Good food that kids love is going to be something that you are really going to want to consider putting some effort into. It is a very popular option to grill during summer celebrations. So burgers, bratwurst, and hot dogs are all great options. Keep in mind that side dishes are also great ideas. An example of a great recipe is listed below. Keep in mind that you are going to want to portion this food for the kids. Have desserts prepared and ready for the children after the meal.

3. Choose a Comfortable Location – Making your location comfortable and suitable for little kids is great thing to keep in mind. Bring chairs and tables for kids to sit and eat at. Also don't forget to bring picnic blankets for the kids to sit or laydown on. The chances are with all of the activity going on that they will probably want a nap. Make sure that you can find shade to sit in and consider bringing a tent if shade can't be found.

Smackaroni Salad

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cans (15 oz each) Chef Boyardee® Mac & Cheese

• 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped or quartered

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 1/2 cup sliced green onions

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

• 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Place Mac & Cheese in large bowl. Add eggs, celery and onions; stir to combine. Blend together all remaining ingredients in small bowl. Add to macaroni mixture; stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Calories: 154

Carbs: 10g

Protein: 4g

PREP TIME: 15 (MINUTES)

TOTAL TIME: 45 (MINUTES)

SERVINGS: 12

This post was written on behalf of Chef Boyardee. For recipes for kids such as beefaroni and beef ravioli or other ways of cooking with kids visit the Chef Boyardee website.