Family Fun: You too can be a "cool" and "creative" parent!

Let me begin by explaining to you that I've never considered myself to be a very creative person but I'm always the person that someone describes as being creative... go figure. If you are not a crafty person or have no desire to be "crafty" then this is not the magazine for you. Stop reading. But, if you are someone who likes simple crafts, needs ideas to get your creative juices flowing, likes to experiment and create in the kitchen or in the great outdoors, then please read on.

When my son turned one year old I wanted to throw him a fun party to welcome him into "little-boyhood". What better than bugs and creepy crawly things, right? So I went searching for fun recipes, craft and decoration ideas on the web. Several times I found myself landed at http://family.go.com/ where I found a repository of wonderful craft ideas for any and all occasion.

While perusing this wonderful website, I found an offer for a 2 year subscription to Family Fun Magazine with 1 year FREE, the entire cost was Under $15. I figured it looked pretty good and the deal came with the standard offer that if I didn't like the magazine I could cancel. I was feeling a bit daring but figured that if the magazine was anything like the site it would be a good deal. So, I went for it!

I've been receiving this magazine for several months now and its one of the few magazines that I actually read and purposefully save. Many magazines that I receive I just flip through and eventually will toss out but this one is different.

Inside Each Issue

Index The index is a one page "Issue At A Glance". I usually prefer to flip through magazines page by page but for this magazine I do use the Index. Its particulary helpful as it is broken out into sections such as: Activities & Games, Computer Fun, Contests, Crafts, Food & Recipes, Ideas & Solutions, Reviews (Audio, Books, Software, Videos), Travel (Destinations & Tips, Festivals & Events, Museums & Exhibits).

Feature Articles Usually around five feature articles on various topics of interest to families.

FamilyFun.com This Month A teaser for extra content that is available online.

Mailbox - Letters from readers who share photos and stories about previous projects and what worked or didn't work for them, or give ideas that build on previous issues.

Family Almanac - Seasonal activities and crafts. There is always a good blend of activities that are for inside, outside, geared to either girls or boys, cooking, etc. If there is a holiday coming up these will all focus around that holiday. If not they are seasonal, such as a recent issue all about spring crafts.

Family Ties A short article/story that is usually submitted by a reader having to do with family. Not one of the highlights of the magazine but I'll read it if the topic is of interest.

My Great Idea There is always an indepth article from a reader about first-hand experience. Things like getting rid of cable TV and dealing or traveling advice for young children are ones that I have enjoyed. In addition there are a few submitted crafts, or "smart ideas" from readers that all tie into the theme of the issue or go with the main article.

Family Traveler Each issue features at least one review of a family centered destination. I like this because the suggested destinations are not necessarily the real popular tourist hot spots, but instead other more 'off-the-beaten-track' places that cater to families.

FamilyFun Home Fun project ideas that can be done in and around your home. This includes indoors and outdoors, in the backyard and even in the garden.

Cooking Class Very creative things to do with food. Usually there is at least one project which is how to make a theme type dessert for the current holiday or a season. There's also always several "kid-type" foods that can be prepared simply by the parent and child. Instructions are always step-by-step and kid capable steps are broken out in separate call-out boxes.

Click Here Suggestions for fun with the family computer including software recommendations, online sites, etc.

The A-List Recommendations and reviews of various media items including audio, books, video, and software.

Try This Now On the last page of each issue this is challenge or activity that can be done on the spot. Past issues have included a magic trick, an art craft, a mind game, etc.


A Mom's Thoughts on Family Fun

In a few words, I'd describe this magazine as Good, Clean (sometimes Messy), Fun. Each issue is around 140 pages that are literally jam packed with ideas of a wide variety. I get a big kick out of all the kitchen concoctions and "made for eating" food crafts. I'm not a nick-nack type of person so I don't like to make a million little small projects that might require storage, etc. I don't like to throw anything away so I avoid making things unless I know that they will be a keepsake type item. However, the food crafts are a whole different ballgame. The latest issue included an article entitled A to Z: from Apple to Zucchini. This article gives a unique way to prepare a fruit or vegetable for each letter of the alphabet in such a way that kids will find appealing. Also, they gave instructions on how to make a cake look like a remote control ("Clicker Cake") which is an idea that I am pondering for either an upcoming birthday or Father's day.

Or, if you prefer the great outdoors there are many backyard and garden activities in each magazine. Gardening is an activity that can be enjoyed by all members of the family and even the youngest of children can help out. I went to the Family Fun website and pulled up a couple of gardening articles that were included in past issues.

Some Articles Relative to Gardening

A Child's First Garden
http://family.go.com/crafts/season/feature/famf67garden/


How to Make a Butterlfy Garden
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/season/feature/butterfly1/butterfly2.html

Plant a Water Garden
http://family.go.com/crafts/season/feature/famf68garden/

Commentary on Family Fun

Many of the projects in this magazine end up on the Family Fun website but the actual paper version gives a lot more side info as well as additional photos, etc. For crafts I prefer to look at it on the magazine, and/or on the website and adapt the project to suit my needs.

My skill-level is far from expert and there is never anything too difficult in this magazine. The recipes and projects are all aimed at an average parent and young child.

One thing that I wish were included were more projects for toddlers and preschoolers. While there are always some very simple projects I would have to say that most of the projects are aimed at kids in the 7-10 year age bracket. I'd like more toddler projects, but thats also because all I have is a toddler!

Last but not least, about advertising. Of course there are ads in this magazine but nothing too annoying and not in a large quantity. All of the ads are relevant to products that families would have or be interested in. Most of the ads are actually for food products and many have recipes, tear out cards, coupons, etc attached. For example, a kids cereal ad that includes instructions on how to make a snack/dessert item would be typical.

Overall
This is a magazine that I enjoy thoroughly. The ideas are plentiful and there is a lot of variety. I usually get at least one idea for a current or future project out of each issue. I also save each magazine and have gone back and looked up ideas as well. I do plan on bringing several of these project ideas to my MOMS club meetings and also playgroup dates in the future. If you are looking for birthday party ideas, this magazine is a great resource.


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This review is part of a Gardening Write-off co-hosted by Ginahill and ed-grover to welcome in the growing season. Please take some time and read the contributions made by the Epinions writers listed below:

Aashtech, AdaDavis, ariel10575, artbyjude, BadKitty, BeeCharmer, bluehawq, bluekennedy, BonnieSayers, brendametcalf, Cntaur5, Deaser26, disartain, donnamr, donnie013, dramastef, ed_grover, Elsa70, Epinionsuser, Frazzledspice, GinaHill, hadassahchana, lkvanvoorhis, jankp, jkkelley, joydrop26, jro26, LadyCynic, LRGuis, MaryTara, Michiman1, MrCalcul8r, MrsNormanMaine, MumMumMum, Naphtalia, nifer, patsyv, Pogomom, Psychovant, purplewiz, sherrylee, skbreese, Susiedee34, Vormancian, Willeftk