There are a lot of really cute board and wooden puzzles to be found but unfortunately they also tend to be fairly pricey. We’ve got a handful of coloring books and I thought it would be fun to attempt make my own board puzzle out of cardboard.
The nice thing about making my own puzzle is I have full control over what is on the puzzle as well as the difficulty of the puzzle. For my penguin puzzle I decided to keep the pieces fairly big and simple, but as my son gets better and better at puzzles it would be super easy to cut out more pieces and up the complexity. So far our six piece puzzle is perfect!
Supplies Needed:
Two pieces of cardboard (from shipping boxes, not cereal boxes)
A picture (colored or printed)
Exacto Knife
Glue
Foam Paint Brush
Brads
Steps:
I started by coloring my image. If you have an older child it might also be fun for them to have a puzzle made from an image they colored.
Take your glue and mix it with water. I usually do two parts glue to one part water.
Cover one piece of cardboard with the glue mixture then press your picture onto it.
Cover the top of your picture (now glued to the cardboard) with another layer of the glue mixture. Make sure to get the edges really good and press out any wrinkles as you go.
Let your picture dry.
Cut off the excess cardboard around your image.
Cut out the pieces you want for your puzzle using your Exacto knife. I would suggest leaving at least an inch wide boarder around the inside of your puzzle so that it has a little more structure when piecing it back together.
Glue the outer boarder of your image to the second piece of cardboard, creating the back of your puzzle. Let it dry, then cut off the excess cardboard from the back piece.
Press a brad into each piece of your puzzle so that your child will have something to grip when taking the pieces in and out. Then put a thick dot of glue on the back of the brad so it stays in place. Let it dry.
Piece your puzzle back together and you’re ready to go.
Thanks for reading!
Have you tried to make a cardboard puzzle? I would love to see the puzzles you’ve created or hear about any of your experiences or thoughts to make it better in the comments section.
Every year Boston celebrates the ferries again running to the Boston Harbor Islands by offering free ferry rides for the day, which is a pretty good deal considering tickets run about $20/person otherwise.
Last year Free Ferry Day was Saturday May 9th, so I suspect free ferry day will be in the near future. There are no advanced registrations and the first ferry leaves promptly at 10am. If you want to do this, get there early! This event is super popular, we tried to get to the harbor early, we aimed for getting there at 9:45, though we didn’t end up actually getting there until closer to 10 but by then tickets were already sold out until 1PM! That was a little too long for a toddler and a pregnant women to be waiting around so we decided we would save the trip for when my mother came to town and instead took our time exploring the city for little bit.
A few weeks later we again made attempted the harbor trip and we were not disappointed. The little kids loved riding the ferry and I didn’t realize at the time that we would get to have a historical tour while we rode Harbor Ferry. The tour included pointing out the different islands and why they were important. We also had the bonus of seeing the Blue Angels (Military Jets) fly overhead in formation a few times for a special event which was pretty awesome.
The ferry ride was about 45 minutes from Boston Harbor to Georges Island. We got off and let the kids explore the little play ground for a few minutes and then attended one of the islands free tours. There we were able to learn all about the fort, hear some interesting stories about prisoners trying to escape, and learn about the Bostonians feeling bad for the southern prisoners during the Civil War and sending over blankets and boots so they wouldn’t freeze during the horrible Boston winters.
I didn’t realize until we got there that swimming wasn’t allowed from Georges Island because of the strong currents surround it, but we ended our day with a nice picnic lunch and a gorgeous view of the city.
Things to Note:
1) Price Free on Free Ferry Day, otherwise $17/adult, $10/children ages 3-11, under 3 free but call to make sure that they have space.
2) Free Ferry Day No pre-reservations, and get there early if you want tickets because they sell out fast. At 10AM (when they open) tickets were already sold out until 1PM.
3) Kid Friendliness This is a great activity to bring your children too. My toddler loved riding the ferry and once we got to Georges Island there was tons of things for him to explore from the playground, to the shoreline, to the green space to the open fort.
4) Stroller Friendliness If you’ve got little ones you are probably going to want your stroller to walk around the fort. We had no problem bringing ours on the ferry (but there weren’t many people riding the ferry) There seemed to be plenty of space on the ferry and I suspect they realize parents are going to need their strollers so on crowded days expect to collapse yours and have it stored in the corner for the ride.
5) Getting There Take the “T”, parking downtown is an expensive mess. The Blue Line – Aquarium “T” stop is right around the corner from the ticket booth, less than a block away.
6) Things to do on Georges Island
Play on the playground
Relax on the shoreline and enjoy the amazing view of the city
Walk through the small museum
Tour the fort with or without a guide
Play in the “Yard” (Huge green space that the fort surrounds)
Have a picnic
Climb the fort
Summary and Rating ★★★★★
Five Stars. We loved this outing and it seems like one that is perfect for people of all ages. We all enjoyed the ferry ride and the bonus historical tour on the way to George’s Island. The Island itself was both beautiful and fascinating. We loved being able to walk around and explore the fort, when the tour guide was not moving fast enough for our young son it was easy to step away and run around with him, then jump back in at different points. It was the perfect place for a picnic and all in all a wonderful day trip.
Have you been here before? If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below.
A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on. I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “D” letter objects them on hand. If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “D” objects.
Dachshund: A small breed of dog with a long body and short legs.
Dad: A father; a male parent.
Daffodil: A flowering plant with yellow or white trumpet-shaped flowers.
Daisy: A small flower with white petals and a yellow center.
Dalmatian: A breed of dog with a short coat and distinctive spots.
Dam: A barrier built to hold back water and create a reservoir.
Dancer: A person who performs various types of dance.
Dandelion: A common weed with yellow flowers and fluffy seed heads.
Danish: A delicious pastry originating from Denmark.
Dark Chocolate: Chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa and less sugar.
Dart: A small pointed missile thrown or shot as a weapon or in a game.
Date:A particular day or time; also refers to a sweet fruit.
Dayfly: An insect that lives for only a short period, typically a single day.
Deadbolt: A lock that can only be opened with a key or knob on the inside.
Debit Card: A payment card that deducts money directly from a bank account.
Decal: A sticker or design that can be transferred to another surface.
Deck: A flat surface or platform, typically outdoors and attached to a building.
Deck Chair: A portable chair with a folding frame, often used on ships or decks.
Decoration: Ornamentation or embellishment used to enhance appearance.
Deep Freezer: A large freezer that can maintain very low temperatures.
Deer: A hoofed animal belonging to the Cervidae family.
Deer Mouse: A small species of mouse found in North America.
Deer Tick: A parasitic arachnid that feeds on the blood of deer and spreads diseases.
Den: A small, cozy space used as a private retreat or resting place.
Desert: A barren or arid land with little vegetation and a lack of precipitation.
Desk: A piece of furniture with a flat surface for writing, studying, or working.
Dessert: A sweet dish typically served after a meal.
Deviled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs that have been halved and filled with a seasoned mixture.
Diamond: A precious gemstone known for its brilliance and hardness.
Diaper: A garment worn by infants or adults to absorb and contain waste.
Dice: Small throwable objects used in various games of chance or strategy.
Diesel Truck: A type of truck powered by a diesel engine.
Digit: A single numerical symbol, ranging from 0 to 9.
Dill: An herb with feathery leaves, often used as a seasoning in cooking.
Dill Pickles: Cucumbers preserved in a brine or vinegar solution with dill flavoring.
Dill Weed: The feathery leaves of the dill plant used as a culinary herb.
Dime: A unit of currency in the United States equal to 10 cents.
Dinner: The main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening.
Dinosaur: An extinct group of reptiles that lived millions of years ago.
Dip: To briefly immerse food into a liquid, typically a sauce or dip.
Director: A person who supervises and oversees the production of a film or play.
Dirt: Loose soil or earth; often used for gardening or construction.
Dirt Bike: A lightweight motorcycle designed for off-road riding.
Disco Ball: A mirrored ball that reflects light to create a sparkling effect in a dance party.
Dish: A shallow container used for serving or cooking food.
Dishpan: A shallow basin used for washing dishes.
Dishwater: The dirty water that remains after washing dishes.
Disk: A flat, circular object, often used for storage or as a data storage medium.
Diving Board: A spring-loaded board used for jumping into a swimming pool.
Divinity:A sweet confectionary made from sugar, egg whites, and flavorings.
Dock: A platform or structure extending from shore into a body of water.
Doctor: A medical professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries.
Dodo: An extinct flightless bird that was endemic to the island of Mauritius.
Dog: A domesticated carnivorous mammal, typically kept as a pet or working animal.
Dog Bed: A soft, padded sleeping surface for a canine.
Dog Bowl: A dish used for serving food or water to a dog.
Dog Collar: A strap or band of material worn around a dog’s neck for identification or control.
Dog House: A small shelter or house specifically designed for dogs to provide them with protection from the weather.
Dog Leash: A long, narrow strap or rope attached to a dog’s collar or harness, used to control, restrain, or lead the dog.
Dog Toy: An item specifically designed for a dog to play with and provide entertainment.
Dog Treat: A snack or food item specifically made for dogs, often used as a reward during training or as a special treat.
Doily: A small ornamental mat or napkin, typically made of lace or embroidered fabric, used to protect surfaces or add decoration.
Doll: A small toy representation of a human, often used for play or as a collector’s item.
Dollar Bill: A paper banknote or bill with a specific denomination, usually worth one dollar.
Dollar Sign: The symbol ($) used to represent the dollar currency.
Dollhouse: A miniature house used as a toy or decorative item, often furnished and designed to resemble a real house.
Dolphin: A highly intelligent marine mammal known for its playful behavior and sleek appearance.
Dome: A rounded or curved roof or ceiling that forms a half-sphere or hemispherical shape.
Domino: A small rectangular tile with two sides, each of which is marked with a number of spots (dots).
Donkey: A domesticated hoofed mammal resembling a small horse, typically used as a working animal.
Donut: A small, ring-shaped cake, typically sweet and often glazed or powdered with sugar.
Door: A hinged or sliding barrier that allows access to an enclosed space, usually in a wall, building, or vehicle.
Door Handle: A mechanism or device attached to a door that is used to open or close it.
Door Hinge: A joint or mechanism that connects a door to its frame, allowing it to swing open and closed.
Doorbell: A device usually located outside a door that, when pressed or activated, produces a sound or signal to indicate that someone is at the door.
Doormat: A mat placed at an entrance or door that is used to wipe or clean the soles of shoes and prevent dirt from entering a building.
Doorstop: An object or wedge placed against a door to hold it open or prevent it from slamming shut.
Dorm: Short for dormitory, a building or residential hall that provides individual living quarters for students, usually in a college or university.
Dots (Small Circles): Small circular marks or points often used for decoration or as a design element.
Dots (The Candy): A type of candy with a small, round shape, often fruit-flavored and coated with sugar.
Dough: A mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients used as a base for baking bread, pastry, or other baked goods.
Douglas Fir Tree: A type of evergreen coniferous tree that is native to western North America, often grown for timber or as a Christmas tree.
Down Pillow: A pillow filled with the soft, fluffy feathers found underneath the tougher exterior feathers of birds, typically used for comfort and support during sleep.
Dozen: A group or set of twelve items.
Drafting Table: A specialized table or desk used by architects, artists, or engineers for drawing or drafting.
Dragon: A mythical and legendary creature resembling a large, fire-breathing reptile or serpent, often depicted with wings and scales.
Dragon Fruit: A tropical fruit with a bright pink or yellow outer skin and white or pink flesh speckled with small black seeds.
Dragon Statue: A decorative sculpture or figurine that depicts a dragon.
Dragonfly: An insect with slender body and two pairs of long, transparent wings, usually found near water.
Drain: A pipe or channel used to carry away liquid waste or excess water.
Drain Cleaner: A chemical or product specifically designed to remove blockages and clean drains.
Drain Plug: A stopper or device used to seal or close an opening in a drain or pipe to prevent the flow of liquid.
Drawer: A sliding storage compartment or box, typically found in furniture, used for keeping various items.
Drawing: The act or process of creating a picture, diagram, or representation using lines and marks on a surface.
Drawing Paper: A type of paper specifically designed for drawing, often with a smooth texture and heavier weight.
Dress: A clothing item typically worn by women that covers the body from the neck to the knees or ankles.
Dresser: A piece of furniture with drawers used for storing clothes, often found in bedrooms.
Dried Apple:An apple that has been dehydrated to remove most of its moisture, resulting in a shriveled texture.
Dried Banana:A banana that has been dehydrated, often resulting in a chewy and sweet snack.
Driftwood: Pieces of wood that have been washed up on the shore of a beach or river, usually smoothed and bleached by the water.
Drill: A power tool used for drilling holes or driving screws into various materials.
Drink Bottle: A container designed for carrying and consuming beverages, often made of plastic or metal.
Drinking Glass: A glass container, typically used for drinking water, juice, or other beverages.
Drinking Straw: A thin, cylindrical tube used for sipping liquids without having to place one’s lips directly on the container.
Driveway: A private road that leads from the street to a house or garage, meant for vehicles to access the property.
Drizzle: Light, fine rain falling in very small droplets, often creating a misty or damp atmosphere.
Drop: A small amount of liquid or an object falling from a higher position to a lower one.
Dropper: A small tool used to dispense liquid in small quantities, often consisting of a plastic tube with a rubber bulb on one end.
Drum: A musical instrument consisting of a hollow cylindrical body covered with a stretched membrane that is played by striking or tapping.
Drum Set: A collection of various drums and cymbals assembled together to create a complete percussion instrument.
Dryer: A household appliance used for drying clothes by circulating warm air and removing moisture.
Dryer Sheet: A small sheet made of fabric or paper that is placed in a clothes dryer to reduce static, soften fabrics, and add fragrance.
Duck: A waterbird with a broad bill, short legs, and webbed feet, known for its ability to swim and fly.
Duckling: A young duck before it reaches maturity and develops adult plumage and characteristics.
Duffel Bag: A large bag made of fabric, usually cylindrical in shape, used for carrying clothing and personal items during travel or sports activities.
Dumbbell Rack: A storage stand designed to hold dumbbells of various weights, keeping them organized and easily accessible.
Dumbbells: Handheld weights used for strength training and exercise, typically consisting of a short bar with weighted plates attached to each end.
Dump truck:A heavy-duty vehicle used for transporting loose materials, such as sand, gravel, or construction debris, by tilting its bed to unload the contents.
Dumpling: A small ball or lump of dough that is boiled, steamed, or fried and commonly filled with meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings.
Dust: Fine particles of dirt, pollen, or other matter that accumulates on surfaces or is suspended in the air.
Dust Mop: A household cleaning tool with a long handle and a large, removable head covered in a dust-catching material, used for sweeping or mopping dust from hard floors.
Duster: A cloth or tool used for cleaning or dusting surfaces by trapping and removing dust particles.
Dustpan: A flat, scoop-shaped tool used for collecting dust and small debris from floors, often used in conjunction with a broom.
Dutch Oven: A heavy cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid, typically made of cast iron, used for slow-cooking stews, soups, and other one-pot dishes.
DVD: An optical storage medium used for storing and playing back digital audio and video content.
Dwarf: A person, animal, or plant that is significantly smaller in size than the average or expected size for its species.
Dwelling: A place of residence or habitation, such as a house, apartment, or other living space.
Dye: A substance used to impart color or make color changes to textiles, hair, or other materials.
Dye Kit: A package or set that includes various dyes, often with different colors or types, along with instructions for use.
Dye Stain: A colorant that has permeated or permanently colored a material or surface.
Dyed Eggs: Eggs that have been soaked or immersed in a dye, resulting in a colored shell.
Dynamite: A powerful explosive material consisting of nitroglycerin or a similar compound, typically used in construction, mining, or demolition activities.
Can you think of any other letter “D” words? If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.
I started a day ahead of time by filling an ice cube tray with water and few drops of food coloring so that we would have different colors of ice.
I cut out our “I’s” and, with a pencil, I drew little boxes along it so it would look like stacked ice blocks… (though once we started coloring our “I’s” the lines pretty much faded away). Then I popped out the colored ice cubes and put them in a small dish. We took out the different colored ice cubes and rubbed them across our paper “I’s”, painting with the dyed ice.
A couple of things to note. I tried to freeze tooth picks in my ice cubes, so we would have something to hold, but didn’t have a lot of luck getting them to stay. It would have been nice to have something to hold the ice cubes with besides our hands because the ice was cold and the dye was colorful. We ended up holding the ice cubes with little strips of paper towel to “paint”.
I rubbed my ice really fast along my “I” and I got more of a speckled look, my son took bunch of ice cubes and laid them out over his “I” and he got more of a blended colorful look.
When we were finished we let our I’s dry then glued them to our paper.
While we waited for them to dry we talked about different things that are cold.
Have you made this craft? What was your experience like and do you have an suggestions to make it better? I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.
A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on. I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “F” letter objects them on hand. If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “F” objects.
Disclosure: I want to give you a heads up that this blog does use affiliate links (which means I make a percentage of the sale if you buy something) and this post might be sponsored or contain affiliate links. In either case please know all opinions are my own.
Fable:a short fictional story, typically with animals as characters, that teaches a moral lesson
Fabric: cloth or material made by weaving or knitting fibers together
Face: the front part of the head, including the eyes, nose, mouth, and cheeks
Factory: a building or group of buildings where goods are manufactured or assembled on a large scale
Fairy: a mythical creature often depicted as having magical powers and wings, typically portrayed as small and delicate
Falafel: a Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, spices, and herbs, formed into balls or patties and fried or baked
Falcon: a bird of prey with long, pointed wings and a hooked beak, known for its speed and agility in flight
Family: a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption who live together and share common values and responsibilities
Fan: a device or contraption used to create a current of air, often used for cooling or ventilation purposes
Farm: a piece of land used for cultivating crops and raising livestock, typically managed by a farmer or a group of farmers
Faun: a mythical creature from Roman mythology, often depicted as a half-human, half-goat entity associated with nature and fertility
Feather: any of the flat appendages that cover a bird’s body, providing insulation, lift for flight, and decoration
Feet: the lower extremities of the legs, used for standing, walking, and running
Feijoa (Tropical Fruit):a fruit native to South America, also known as pineapple guava, with a green, aromatic flesh and a sweet-tart flavor
Felt: a type of fabric made from compressed fibers, often used for crafts and as a lining material
Fennel: a flowering plant with feathery leaves and an edible bulb-like base, often used as a herb or vegetable
Fern: a type of non-flowering plant that reproduces through spores and typically has feathery or lacy leaves
Ferret: a domesticated carnivorous mammal, related to the weasel, often kept as a pet or used for hunting rodents
Feta: a salty, crumbly cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, typically associated with Mediterranean cuisine
Fettuccine Alfredo: a pasta dish made with fettuccine noodles tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan cheese sauce
Fiddle: a stringed musical instrument played with a bow, typically associated with traditional folk music
Fig Newtons:a brand of filled cookies made with a soft, cake-like exterior and a sweet fig filling
Fighter Pilot: a military aviator trained in combat tactics and techniques for aerial warfare
Figs: a sweet, pear-shaped fruit with a soft flesh and a thin skin, often associated with Mediterranean cuisine
Film: a thin, flexible sheet or strip of photographic material used for taking photographs or recording moving images
Finch: a small seed-eating songbird, typically known for its colorful plumage and melodious song
Finger: one of the five digits on the hand, used for grasping and manipulating objects
Fins: the thin, flat, paddle-like structures on the body of a fish or other aquatic animal, used for propulsion and stability in water
Fire: the rapid chemical reaction of a combustible material with oxygen, typically characterized by flames, heat, and the emission of smoke
Fire Engine: a specialized vehicle equipped with firefighting equipment, used to transport firefighters and to extinguish fires
Fire Extinguisher: a portable device used to control and extinguish small fires by releasing a fire-suppressing agent (e.g., foam, water, or gas)
Fire Fighter: a person who is trained and employed to extinguish fires and perform firefighting duties
Fire Hose: a large, flexible tube used to carry water or fire-retardant chemicals from a fire hydrant or fire engine to extinguish fires
Fire Hydrant: a valve or outlet in a public water supply system, typically located in the street, used by firefighters to access water for extinguishing fires
Fire Pit: a structure or container designed for containing and safely burning fires, often used for warmth, cooking, or recreational purposes
Fish: a vertebrate animal that lives in water, typically with gills for breathing and fins for swimming
Fish Bowl: a glass or plastic container used for keeping fish as pets, typically filled with water and equipped with a filtration system
