printables Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Camping Word Games and Activities

Paula — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:38:29 +0000

There is something magical about trading the glowing screen of a tablet for the crackle of a campfire. Camping offers a rare chance to disconnect from the frantic pace of daily life and reconnect with nature and each other. It’s one of our favourite things to do in the summer months. When the kids were little we packed a regular activity bag or a bunch of tools to help them stay calm-ish while we drove to wherever we were going. Camping word games and activities, road trip word games and activities were staples. So I started offering them here too and they seem to be super popular so I keep them on offer throughout the year. Whether you are seasoned campers or planning your very first backyard adventure, the great outdoors is the perfect classroom without being overly school-like, if you know what I mean. Everything outside is a learning experience. But you don’t need to work too hard at it. Let your kids lead and interject occasionally to shape the conversation. Listen it’s not 100% certain you will never hear I am bored when you are camping away from all of the modern amenities that your house might have. But there’s so much to do when camping that it seems less likely that you will struggle to find ways to explore or stay active. Road Trip and Camping Activities On a rainy day or a slow, low key, morning you might still be looking for something simple to do. The trick to a successful trip isn’t just about packing enough marshmallows; it’s about having a few engaging, nature-focused activities up your sleeve to keep little explorers occupied while you set up the tent or prep dinner. That’s where Camping Word Games and Activities can come in handy. So print them off now before you embark on the road trip. While you are at it. Consider these road trip games too. Introducing the Ultimate Camping Activity Pack for Kids To help make your next trip stress-free and full of wonder, we’ve put together our new Camping Activity Pack for Kids. This printable resource is designed to turn your campsite into a hub of discovery. Inside, you’ll find: Ready to elevate your family camping experience? Download the pack today and turn every moment in the woods into an adventure to remember! Grab your gear, pack the sleeping bags, and get ready for a weekend of starry skies and s’mores. Happy camping!

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Four Ways Tracing Helps Preschoolers Learn

Paula — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:45:35 +0000

Before a child can draw a masterpiece or write their own name, they have to master the language of lines. For a preschooler, holding a crayon is a major athletic event for their tiny hand muscles. Tracing is often the bridge between random scribbles, designs and intentional creation. This early activity isn’t just about following a dotted line. Tracing is also about building the foundation for literacy and art. Helping a child prepare to learn and advance through school can be an active process and parents or early caregivers can help by sharing some workbooks, work sheets, digital activities, games and more. From Squiggles to Skills Quite simply tracing helps preschoolers learn. Here are four ways that tracing helps your little one grow new skills. 1. Building Muscle Memory Writing and drawing require fine motor coordination. Tracing teaches the hand and brain to work together to navigate curves, sharp corners, and straight paths. Over time, these movements become automatic, and intentional making it much easier for them to transition to freehand drawing and writing later on. 2. Understanding Shapes and Structure Every letter in the alphabet is essentially a combination of simple shapes and lines. By tracing a circle, a child is actually practicing the letter O. By tracing vertical lines, they are learning the backbone of an L or a T. Tracing helps them deconstruct the world into manageable pieces. It helps them learn to print letters and strong words together on paper eventually as they get older. 3. Boosting Confidence There is nothing quite like that satisfied moment when a child completes a goal. Tracing provides a starting skill that allows kids to produce recognizable shapes and patterns immediately. This success keeps them engaged and excited to keep practicing. When tracing helps preschoolers learn a new skill, they take pride in what they have learned. 4. Developing Spatial Awareness Tracing teaches kids where to start, which direction to move, and when to stop. This sense of spatial orientation is crucial for keeping letters on a line and ensuring they don’t run off the edge of the paper. Ready to get started? I’ve put together a comprehensive Tracing Bundle designed specifically for little hands. From whimsical wavy lines to geometric shapes, these printables are the perfect way to turn practice into playtime. Download the printable below and watch those squiggles turn into skills! Don’t Miss these other Educational Tools There are several Life Cycle Booklets that appeal to elementary age kids Keep them busy learning all summer Bald Eagle Life Cycle Learning Games Booklet Horse Life Cycle Frog Life Cycle Educational Booklet PIN IT For Later: Don’t forget the paper and supplies Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission when a purchase is made.

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Summer Survival Activity Pack

Paula — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:06:00 +0000

Summer vacation is right around the corner for many of you and might have already started for some depending on where you live. Boredom Busters Now that summer has officially arrived, it won’t be long before the kids are bellowing for something to do. I’m bored. Amuse me. I mean I am paraphrasing here but you know exactly what I mean. While we all cherish those long, sunny days and the break from the school-day hustle, every parent knows the boredom bug usually makes its appearance within the first week. So what’s a mom or dad to do? Well, maybe you have them booked in solid summer camps and activities all season long. Nothing wrong with that. (Other than the cost actually.) What Does Summer Survival Look Like for You? And maybe on a few of those days you pop by online resources like this site to print out some activity pages. Road Trips? Whether you are prepping for a long road trip, looking for quiet activities to balance out the high-energy outdoor play, or simply need a sanity-saving tool for those unpredictable rainy afternoons, I have exactly what you need. Summer Activity Pack to the Rescue I am thrilled to introduce the Ultimate Summer Survival Activity Pack—a substantial, 25-page treasure trove designed to keep little hands busy and creative minds engaged. This is a thoughtfully curated collection packed with everything kids love. From brain-teasing word searches that sharpen those observation skills to intricate colouring pages perfect for mindful downtime, and open-ended drawing prompts that spark the imagination, this pack is designed to be your go-to resource for the summer or even just for a couple of weeks. Survive and Thrive I know how hard it is to balance keeping kids entertained while managing your own busy schedule. That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of “What can I do now?”—just print, play, and watch the boredom melt away. Summer survival should also be enjoyable and maybe even creative and fun. In fact, I bet years from now if you ask your kids what they remember from the summers of their childhood, at least one of them will say that road trip to the cottage up north. Or maybe it’s do you all remember that time we were rained out camping and we sat in the tent or trailer and played cards and did word games all weekend? After all, summer doesn’t need to be perfect and you shouldn’t just need to survive it. Have some fun and hit pause and turn the negatives into positives when able. Grab Your Activity Book Are you ready to grab your copy and make this summer the most creative one yet? By now I think you know exactly what to do here. Click on the link above and save it then print it out. These are for your personal use only. You may not republish. Thanks for reading! Believe me I know that the start of the summer especially for working parents can be rough. The transition is chaos and trying to work with kids underfoot is challenging. BUT that said, summer also tends to fly by and it is the best season to get outside chasing long sunny days at the beach or building core memories with a camping trip that will warm your hearts well into February when the snow and ice feels embedded deep in your bones. I have so many other summer printable activities to try and a few ideas of things you might want to do this year as well. Here’s a tool that can help you get started. Summer Bucket List Use this summer bucket list to prioritize the best summer activities that you plan to do and want to ensure you do not miss a moment of the fun. Check out my Road Trip Activity Book for those days when you are in the car or the van for hours on end Happy Summer!

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Free Summer I Spy Printable

Paula — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:29:00 +0000

The sun is shining, the days are long, and let’s be honest, the quest to keep everyone entertained during the warmer months can be a full-time job. Whether you’re lounging in the backyard or packing for a weekend getaway, having a few tricks up your sleeve for those “I need a distraction” moments is key. That’s where this Summer I Spy printable comes in. Word and Picture Games I’m a huge fan of I Spy games and word searches because they are the ultimate quiet time hero. They don’t require batteries, they don’t make noise, and they actually get kids focusing on the little details. This version is themed with all the classic icons of the season. From ice cream cones to sunshine and hummingbirds (my favourites this time of year) These games are a fantastic way for younger kids to work on their counting and observation skills, but it’s honestly just as satisfying for older kids who love the challenge of clearing the whole page. A Few Fun Ways to Use These Ready to get started? You can find the download link below. Grab some crayons, find a nice spot in the shade, and enjoy a few minutes of seasonal fun! Don’t forget the paper and supplies Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Other Activities Bald Eagle Life Cycle Learning Games Booklet Horse Life Cycle Frog Life Cycle Educational Booklet Post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission when a purchase is made.

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Canada Day Word Games Packet

Paula — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:44:00 +0000

You know by now that I love word games. Paper, printable, digital or apps: it’s all the same to me. And Canada Day is one of my favourite summer events, kicking off the summer season for many of us. So, combine Canada Day word games into a bundle or a packet and that is a recipe to share! Canada Day History Initially known as “Dominion Day,” Canada Day became Canada Day on October 27, 1982. The change reflected a growing sense of a distinct Canadian identity, separate from its colonial ties. Canada adopted the iconic maple leaf flag in 1965. Seventeen years later, the patriation of the Canadian Constitution took place (1982.) This event transferred the country’s highest law from British to Canadian authority. A Day of Festivities Across the country, Canada Day is a vibrant public holiday featuring a wide array of celebrations. Communities large and small host parades, concerts, festivals, and family-friendly activities. Barbecues and picnics are a common tradition, bringing together friends and families to enjoy the summer weather. Over the years we have caught numerous spectacular fireworks displays, a hallmark of the national celebration. Don’t miss my Canada Day Maze printable, a popular download here. Where to Go Most major city parks have a fireworks celebration. In London, Ontario, Canada Day often coincides with Sunfest, a multicultural celebration at Victoria Park downtown. In Ottawa, Parliament Hill in the nation’s capital holds thew official ceremony annually and it is well worth the trip. The event typically features musical performances by Canadian artists, speeches from dignitaries, and a ceremonial flag-raising. No matter where you live in the country, if you want a celebration, you can probably find one, but Ottawa’s celebrations are a highlight. I mean, if there’s one thing the nation’s capital does well, it is throwing a party. Culture, History and Reconciliation Of course, I’d be negligent if I didn’t note that Canada Day celebrations need to be tempered with this reality. We live on land stolen from people that were here before we were. Here are Some Ways to Educate Yourself Re: Reconciliation and How We Can Do Better Make time to read about the true history of the country. Attend a traditional pow wow and amplify indigenous voices. Read the 94 recommendations out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Make your own commitment to doing better and acknowledging the painful truth about Canada’s history. Read books by indigenous peoples and learn. Interesting Facts About Canada’s National Day: Remember to check out my Free Printable Pinterest Board where I have some other popular word games. How to Use these Games: To Print these word games out this month, you can right click on any of the images above and save and print off of your computer. Please do not reprint on your own site without attribution. Or download the entire lot of word games here: The answer key is included at the end of the word games package so use that if you are stuck. No matter how you celebrate, I wish you a happy Canada Day!

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Happy Birthday Colouring Pages Package

Paula — Fri, 01 May 2026 15:48:23 +0000

Birthdays are unique marker in our lives. And I mean generally speaking there are two camps around birthday celebrations. Love them or hate them and try to ignore. Either way, this year I am sharing a birthday printable package because I love to share and I adore word games and birthday colouring pages as many of you do too. My Hot Take I am not a massive birthday celebrator. It is often one more day of the year. For a time I worked at a spot where it was your job to bring in treats for everyone else on your birthday. So baking something the night before your birthday was an expectation. And it better be good. Typically, a lot of years I have worked on my birthday driving into the office because there are no great exceptions or built in acknowledgements of the day when you are an adult. If your workplace has a birthday PTO day then kudos for working at a place that gets it and appreciates you. Kid’s Birthdays are Events For kids, the anticipation is the best part. It is all about the party planning, the excitement of who is coming, and that feeling of being the centre of the universe for a few hours. But as we get older, I think the focus shifts a little. It becomes less about the noise and the guest list and more about those quiet moments of reflection. Maybe it is a special meal with your partner or just hearing from your kids, but it becomes a time to look back at the lessons learned over the last year and look forward to whatever is next. Comforting Rituals No matter the age, there is a certain comfort in the rituals we build around these days. Whether you are someone who needs a full weekend of festivities or you prefer a low-key dinner with good food and great company, those little traditions are what make the years feel distinct. Your birthday can be a wonderful excuse to hit the pause button, celebrate the people you love, and enjoy the simple fact that there is one more year of memories awaiting. Birthday Colouring Pages Package Ready to colour? Click on the above link to download your free high-resolution printable colouring pages today! For other colouring pages check out my Free Printables board on Pinterest. Please note this is a 6 page colouring book basically. It is for you to use and feel free to share with your family. But you may not republish or take these sheets and post as your own. Thanks and help me to keep these items free and accessible for all. Don’t forget these: Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Don’t forget to pin this for later. Post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission when a purchase is made.

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The Art of the Fresh Start: Free Butterfly Chic Planner

Paula — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:07:00 +0000

There is something inherently restorative about a blank page. Whether it’s the first of January, the start of a new school year, or just a particularly chaotic Tuesday morning, the act of sitting down with a pen and a plan feels like taking a deep, centering breath. For me, staying organized isn’t just about ticking boxes or meeting deadlines—it’s about reclaiming mental space. When the schedule is swirling around in my head, it feels like heavy static; once it’s on paper, it’s a list of manageable steps. Intentional Planning We all have those seasons where life feels like it’s moving at a hundred miles per hour. Between managing work commitments, navigating family schedules, and trying to squeeze in a bit of “me time,” the days can easily become a blur. I’ve found that the best way to combat that overwhelmed feeling is to embrace a daily ritual of intentionality. It’s that quiet ten minutes with a cup of coffee before the rest of the house wakes up, where I can look at the day ahead and decide exactly where my energy is going to go. Why Aesthetics Matter in Productivity I’ve tried every digital app and minimalist spreadsheet under the sun, but I always find myself returning to paper. There is a tactile connection between the hand and the brain that digital alerts just can’t replicate. However, I’ve also realized that if a planner looks like a clinical chore, I’m less likely to stick with it. I wanted something that felt light, airy, and—dare I say—a little bit whimsical. That’s where the Butterfly Chic planner aesthetic comes in. Butterflies are the ultimate symbol of transformation and grace. They remind us that even if things feel a bit messy right now, there is a process unfolding. Adding a touch of beauty to the mundane task of scheduling makes the whole process feel less like a to-do or a chore and more like a want. Designing Your Daily Flow This butterfly chic planner printable isn’t just about writing down appointments. It’s about organizing your life in a way that prioritizes your well-being alongside your productivity. In this daily planner, I’ve focused on: Whether you are planning a busy week of meetings, mapping out your next travel adventure, or just trying to keep on top of the grocery list, this planner is designed to be your flexible companion. Get This Cute Planner Now I am so excited to share this Free Butterfly Chic Daily Planner with you. It’s a little gift from my desk to yours, intended to help you find your wings and navigate your busiest days with a bit more ease and a lot more style. Ready to get organized? Click on the above link to download your free high-resolution printable and start your transformation today! Don’t forget these: Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission when a purchase is made.

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Pause the Panic Card Deck to Help with Anxiety

Paula — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Watching your child navigate the world with a heavy heart can be one of the toughest parts of parenting. Eventually they all hit an age where life stops being all about playgrounds and starts being about performance. That shift can be jarring. For many families often, and indeed for ours, age nine seems to be a significant turning point. This is the point often when little kid worries transform into something more complex, often peaking during those high-pressure teenage years. This was definitely the case in our family. I’ve written about our struggle with childhood anxiety before here several times. Our story was published in Today’s Parent several years ago. Over the years, we spent many hours working through cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, play therapy, talk therapy and more. With medications, therapy and physical tools, we are finally in a much better space. But it took time. Pause the Panic Card Deck Our kids struggle with separation anxiety and general anxiety disorder. Panic and anxiety attacks were a thing we dealt with on the regular. School was frequently where the panic manifested itself and where the anxiety spilled over. Relationships, grades, future planning all made my daughter’s panic and anxiety worse. Thankfully for a bit of time she could rely on a resource social worker (high school) who seemed to understand anxiety. Tests and Exams Performance starts to be a huge part of daily living for almost every high school student. Sure some sail through without a whole lot of worry, but few escape completely unbothered by grades, post secondary planning and even choosing a career. One of the most intense arenas for the anxiety/ panic struggle is testing and the school exam. While a little bit of “healthy stress” can sharpen focus, for a child with anxiety, an exam isn’t just a test of knowledge—it feels like a threat. Why Exam Season is a Perfect Storm Exam anxiety is a unique beast because it combines several “triggers” into one high-stakes week. The buildup is a lot and around here there are also several periods of standardized tests for EQAO. The what if I fail worry is often a near constant thought. There is the fear of the unknown: What if the questions are impossible? What if I study the wrong thing? Then, there is the physical toll. Anxiety doesn’t just live in the head; it lives in the body. By the time a teen sits down at a desk, they might already be dealing with a racing heart, shallow breathing, or a stomach in knots. When the body is in “fight or flight” mode, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for memory and logic—effectively goes offline. This is why a child can study for hours and then feel like their mind is a total blank the moment the paper is turned over. But What If? Exam anxiety makes everything feel urgent. Your brain shifts into “what if I fail?” mode. Your body reacts like it’s danger – even though it’s a test. These cards help you: Finally, there’s the weight of perceived expectations. Even if we tell kids that “grades don’t define you,” they are living in a culture that often suggests otherwise. For a teenager, the pressure to succeed can feel overwhelming. What Actually Helps? Moving through these years requires a toolbox that focuses on regulation rather than just “studying harder.” Here are a few strategies that can shift the energy: A Thing We Do Here One regular thing that helps my older daughter is a grounding technique that involves the senses. There are many ways to do this one but basically it requires the person to pause and find something you can see, touch, hear, smell and taste. You can 5,4,3,2,1 it or do 3 of each or we’ve even done a single one for each of the senses. (Five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one that you can taste or do three of each see, touch, and then deep breaths.) Both of my kids are constantly working on anxiety and the tools that help them both manage symptoms are always evolving. Anxiety over a lifespan changes as you grow. Lately, with some support from medication and the constant toolkit that we have always had since 6-8 years old, we have a better grip on symptoms. I mean this current timeline is actually a hard one for every single person at every age. Introducing: The Pause the Panic Card Deck We know that in the middle of a “brain fog” moment, a child isn’t going to remember a 20-minute lecture on mindfulness. They need something tactile, quick, and easy to follow. That is why I am sharing the Pause the Panic Card Deck. It’s a printable resource designed specifically for those “red zone” moments. Each card features a simple, science-backed grounding exercise or a cognitive reframe a student can keep in their pocket, pencil case, or taped to the front of a notebook. Give them back a sense of agency when they feel like they’re losing control. While you can’t take the exams away, you can give them the tools to walk into that room feeling a little more steady.

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Earth Day Word Search

Paula — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:44:00 +0000

Earth Day is an annual reminder that our planet’s health is a shared responsibility. But it is also a celebration of the incredible natural beauty surrounding us. From the rugged coastlines of our favourite travel destinations to the crisp air on a mountain peak, nature is the ultimate backdrop for our lives. Which is exactly why we need to care and take care of the planet. As we look toward more sustainable ways to live and explore, Earth Day serves as the perfect moment to pause, appreciate the environment, and recommit to protecting the ecosystems that sustain us. To celebrate this day this year, I have put together a little challenge. Sharpen your focus and see how many eco-friendly earth related terms you can find in the word search below. Whether you are a sustainability enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to engage with the day, this word game is for you. See if you can spot all the hidden words that define earth day in this Earth Day word search. Earth Day Word Game Earth Day Vibes Every Earth Day April 22 I recognize the value of the planet we live on. In fact, that’s a goal for every single day not just April 22. But at this time of year it helps to have a reminder that we can all do better. We can all recycle a bit more or upcycle/ renew what we have. It’s not hard to choose products and brands that are better for the environment. Maybe this is the year to take a moment to coordinate something active and outdoors. Perhaps that’s a neighbourhood cleanup or just you and your family going out to clean up your corner of the world. Around the world, over 190 countries recognize and celebrate Earth Day. Check your city or your local news to see what is planned in your area. Tree plantings, free trees, neighbourhood cleanups and events are often scheduled around here. Don’t Miss the free tree giveaway in London, Ontario. One year we got two gorgeous trees for the yard. One was ruined by an animal over the winter but the second is thriving in my front yard. Earth Day Facts The first ever Earth Day took place April 22, 1970 in the US. That event is often thought to have launched the modern environmental activism movement. To print this one out just click on the clean link above and save it. Print a copy or share with family. Don’t Get Caught Without Paper Test Drive this new printer if you want to print it out and have some fun. This post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Products Needed: Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Don’t miss this Earth Day crack the code printable while you are at it! This Earth Day crossword printable for kids is also a simple and fun thing to do.

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Keep Kids Busy with This Free Easter “I Spy” Printable!

Paula — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:21:00 +0000

We’ve all been there: the Easter dinner is almost ready, the eggs are hidden, but the kids are starting to get that “pre-chocolate” restless energy. You need about fifteen minutes of peace to get the ham out of the oven or finally finish your coffee while it’s actually hot. Enter the Easter I Spy! This is one of my favourite types of printables because it’s a “quiet” game. It challenges the kids to hunt for hidden bunnies, decorated eggs, spring chicks, rainbows and baskets tucked away in a festive scene. It’s like a mini scavenger hunt they can do right at the kitchen table. Why You’ll Love This Easter I Spy: How to Play: Easter I Spy It’s time to put those Easter I Spy detective skills to the test! Whether you’re waiting for the Easter Bunny to arrive or just looking for a fun quiet-time activity, here is how to get started: Colour as You Go: To make it even more fun (and to keep track of what you’ve already found), use a different coloured crayon or marker for each object. Find & Count: Look closely at the big picture and try to find all the hidden holiday items. Mark the Key: Once you find an item like a tiny chick or a rainbow, write the total number you found in the box next to that item. You will see where to do this at the bottom of the page. Supplies You May Need Remember to visit my free printables board if you need help looking for other free activities for your kids. For a high quality print out of life cycle content do not miss this Bee Life Cycle activity. Other Products: Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission when a purchase is made.

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