Food and Fun

Nothing screams "Summer's here!" quite like a ripe, juicy bite of watermelon. Take advantage of the summertime favorite's short shelf life by serving it up in an extra-special way. Whether you're carving a whole melon or turning it into a frozen treat, these nine fun ideas are sure to delight your little ones. Eat up!

"Usually it takes me a good four months to plan a party from scratch (mostly because I'm a control freak who loves to DIY), but for this fairy-tale birthday party, I wanted to incorporate simple decor ideas and create a magical ambiance that anyone can pull together quickly and without much fuss," says Bird, a mom of two, a graphic designer, and the founder of party site Bird's Party. Using her Pink Fairy party printables — full of summery pinks, greens, and butterflies — a cool crafts table, and an amazing toadstool birthday cake, Bird created a whimsical party with decor that feels like an indoor garden. And, true to her mission, it's supereasy to re-create! Keep clicking for all the details.

With two cold-weather babies, I've always envied moms who could plan an outdoor birthday party and take advantage of their backyard or local park. Nature makes the great outdoors ideal for garden parties, water games, messy projects, and sporting events — and best of all, they can be done at a fraction of the price of indoor ones without rental fees. Check out 44 fun parties you can throw right in the yard, without ever worrying about how you'll fit all those kids in your home!

If your iPad looks anything like ours, it's filled with apps for your kids, rather than yourself. You're also probably always on the lookout for a new app that will not only occupy your little ones' time, but teach them something at the same time. There are more than 33,000 kids' apps in the iTunes store, so finding the best ones out there can be a chore. Lucky for you, we've found recent additions to the iTunes store that will make both mom and tot happy. From new color-educating apps for toddlers to a movie-making app from Disney, check out our favorite latest downloads now!

It's tempting to stock up on popsicles and ice cream when you start to feel the heat. But as moms share here, there are healthier (and even tastier) Summer snacks you can easily make at home. From cantaloupe sherbert to a fruity cashew parfait, all of these family favorites are simple, delicious, and healthily homemade.

Pastry chef Melody Brandon of Sweet & Saucy Shop has been the sugar-loving mind behind of some of our favorite parties ever (like this under-the-sea birthday party and this vintage-inspired colorful baby shower). She was also the guest of honor at this swoon-worthy pink ruffle baby shower, but Melody's bump has now grown into little lady Blake, who recently celebrated her first birthday in sweet and saucy style!

"I have always loved putting bows and headbands on Blake since the day she was born, so I thought the 'Bows for Blake' theme would be fitting and lots of fun," Melody says. Melody went big with the bow theme, enlisting her sister to help create an incredible bow backdrop, dressing up almost all of the amazing dessert selections with bows, and, of course, putting a bow on Blake! Add in the pink-and-gold color scheme, a gorgeous photo display of Blake's first year, and one happy birthday girl (we would be too if we had a playroom that looked like hers!), and you have one sweet party. Keep clicking to check out all the details.

Homemade gifts are all the rage when it comes to Dad's big day. Before you pull out the crayons, paper, and glitter, get thee to the computer and get ready to print! The web is filled with gorgeous printables that add a lil creative juice to your lil one's gift this year. Check out our favorite Father's Day finds for your printer, from printable posters to cupcake toppers to tags for his favorite brew!

Every little kid thinks that his dad has special powers — Crazy strength! Under-the-bed monster removal! — so why not treat him like the superdad he is with a luncheon inspired by old-school superheroes? Your party is just a few printables away! Dawn of Not Just a Mommy created an inspirational luncheon full of supersnacks and cool decor that all the dads and kids in your life will love. Keep clicking for all the details!

Nothing screams Summer like ice cream, but you don't have to run to your favorite ice cream shop every time you have a craving. Ice cream makers can be found pretty inexpensively (Cuisinart makes a great one for under $100). After you're up and churning, we've found 11 homemade ice cream treats that will appeal to kids of all ages — and their parents. From gelato-topped cupcakes and ice-cream-stuffed waffle sandwiches to unique recipes that will make your ice cream taste like strawberry Pop-Tarts, oatmeal cookies, or bananas and peanut butter, these treats are sure to add some cool, tasty fun to your Summer! Keep clicking to find your favorite sweet treat.