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Summer means a lot of things… a lot of fun things. But also a lot of not fun things. Sunscreen, bug spray, chlorine in the pool. All things that can irritate skin. The last thing I need to worry about in the summer is chemicals in our laundry detergent that could further irritate skin.
all® free clear provides a great clean and is the #1 Recommended detergent by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians; letting me and my family live free of skin allergens and sensitive skin worries but also getting our clothes clean, fighting tough stains, whitening whites, and brightening colors.
Washing with all® free clear helps remove three of the top everyday allergens dust mite matter, cat and dog dander, as well as certain fragrances. And while all® free clear is not intended to treat or prevent allergies it’s nice to know that I’m getting those aggravating things off our clothes with each wash. Whether I’m using all® free clear liquid or all® free clear mighty pacs® when I’m in a hurry, I can be sure that my clothes are clean and FREE.
You can find all® free clear products, including all® free clear liquid or all® free clear mighty pacs® at a store near you. I got mine at Dollar General!
Thanks to all® free clear, we are #FreeToBe outside and messy all summer! I want to share with you some of our favorite outside things! We usually pick 3 or 4 of these and make a whole outside event of it!
Here are some ideas for some (messy) backyard fun this summer!
- Bubble Painting
This is one we’ve done in the past. It get’s quite messy. You can read my tips and tricks here on bubble painting.
- A Sudsy Swim
Fill a cheap plastic kiddie pool with water — and bubble bath! This has always been one of Bug’s favorite things to do! - Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk on the driveway is always a winner! But we always end up with chalk all over our clothes. So that’s why it makes the list of messy ideas. - Playing in shaving cream
Again, another one that Bug has always loved. I used to do this with my preschoolers too. In 12 years of teaching, I only met one kid that didn’t LOVE this. There are a few safety rules that go along with this one so make sure to supervise the kiddos. You don’t want any of them getting this in their mouth or eyes. See more about what we play with shave cream here. - Messy Outside Snack
Watermelon, Popsicles, or S’mores! We made S’mores using a homemade outdoor oven (a pizza box and tinfoil). It was science and delicious! - Cloud Dough!
Cloud dough is always a winner! It’s low on the mess list. But I definitely prefer it to be at least a back porch activity. - Splatter Paint
This one was born of the bubble painting. Bug wanted the paper on the ground instead of hanging on the fence but the bubbles never quite made it all the way down to the paper. So then he just started flinging it and throwing it. You could use regular washable paint but using the colored bubbles made it super easy to clean up. And colors he got on himself just rinsed off with the water hose. - Clean up!
The most important part of your messy play day is hosing off when you’re done!
How to have a successful messy, outside play day!
- Pick a day
Weather can be unpredicatable in the summer, depending on where you live. Where we live there is pretty much a chance of an afternoon thundershower every day. So you have to be kind of flexible but you also need to have a planned day. - Pick your activities.
I like to do a messy activity, a water activity and a messy snack. Then if we’re up for it and not exhausted, I’ll have another activity waiting. - Make sure you have everything you need.
If you need to purchase something for your day, do it ahead of time. If you have everything at home then gather it all up ahead of time. Start a box or basket and just toss the things in it you’re going to need – shaving cream, bubbles, towels. Then when it’s time, you can just grab your basket and head outside. - Start Early
Especially if you have little ones. Too much fun can be exhausting for the little ones. And no one has fun when it’s nap time and everyone is cranky. Plus, starting early helps you beat the heat. - Have fun!
I’m talking to you, Mom. Get messy with your kids. Splash with your kids.
- Have what you need to clean up!
For me, that’s all® free clear to get our clothes super clean when we’re done! - Plan another one.
And this time, invite some friends. :)
Buy all® free clear so you and your kids are #FreeToBe all summer long! Then continue the conversation by joining the all® free clear community and connecting with parents just like you!
Did I miss something? Tell me about your favorite outdoor play day activity!
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