May is Allergy Awareness Month, which spotlights the 32 million people in the United States that experience food allergies, including 5.6 million children. Here at Partake Foods, this cause is close to our hearts. Denise Woodard, founder and CEO, started Partake after her daughter, Vivi, was diagnosed with several food allergies. Today, she's on a mission to bring delicious, allergy-friendly foods that those with and without dietary restrictions can enjoy and share with confidence.

Summer's upon us and the sunshine is calling us outside. If you're looking for allergy-friendly activities ideal for the warmer months, keep reading for 4 Allergy-Friendly Activities, Crafts, and Recipes to Celebrate Summer.  

Sweets for the Heat

Summer isn’t the same without a nice, cool treat. There’s something so nostalgic about a popsicle. It brings back memories of chasing the ice cream truck down the street to make sure you didn’t miss it. But if you or someone in your family has any food allergies, it might be hard to find safe treats. 

This summer, we’ll be making our own popsicles to ensure they’re allergy friendly. Bonus: it’s also a fun, kid-friendly activity! 

These Coco Nilla Cookies and Cream Popsicles are a summer snack dream. All you need is Crunchy Partake Cookies (in any flavor), coconut milk, yogurt (dairy-free works too), maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Head to our blog post HERE for the full recipe.

Get Outside! 

The days are warm and longer—ideal for enjoying a full day outside. For expert advice on how to make the most of the warm months, we turned to Meghan Fitzgerald, co-founder of Tinkergarten, a class-driven website that helps families raise healthy, curious and capable kids. Meghan started Tinkergarten to encourage families everywhere to learn outside. She’s also a mom to a gluten-sensitive child. 

Meghan believes that, “Kids' bodies, brains and spirits are at their best when they’re outside. When I was a teacher, if you had told me that I could make my classroom both engaging and calming at the same time, I would have done whatever it took—and nature does both of those things by design. After the year we’ve had, our kids need the restorative and inspiring benefits of playful time outdoors more than ever!”

In honor of summer, we’re partnering with Tinkergarten to give our community a free class! Learn more and redeem your class HERE. 

Make Your Own Forest Friends

Before you head out on your next family walk or hike, make a forest friend to bring with you! One of the best ways to help kids practice caring for others is to help them turn an ordinary sock into their own forest friend. 

This craft uses items you have around the house and creates a sensory experience for kids as they manipulate soft socks, stretchy rubber bands and rice. And, once they’ve made their homemade friend, the possibilities for imaginative outdoor play are endless! 

Read on for instructions on how to make a Forest Friend: 

1. Ask, “Would you like to see how we can turn a sock like this into a forest friend?” Then, follow the steps below letting kids do as much of the process as they can. Or, get your child’s help to start, then complete the forest friend while your child enjoys exploring the rice and scoops in the bin.
2. Set the sock up so it is easier to hold and fill. You can put a lid from a mason jar or a roll of tape in the top at the opening of the sock.
3. Use a scoop to fill the sock about a third of the way with rice. This forms the base/body. [Pro Tip: Do all scooping over the bin to catch spilled rice.]
4. Put a rubber band tightly around the sock at that point.
5. Continue to fill the sock with rice to create a smaller section for the forest friend’s head. Put another rubber band on to seal the top. Use scissors to either cut the remaining sock off, or cut down the middle to make into ears if you want.
6. Draw a face on the forest friend.
7. Play!

Plan an Outdoor Movie Night

Why watch a movie on the couch when the weather is amazing? This summer, we’re moving our movie nights outside. Here’s how to follow our lead: 

• Set up a white sheet with a projector. Pro tip: Many libraries rent projectors. 
• Layer blankets, pillows, and outdoor folding chairs so there’s lots of options to pick your favorite, comfy seat. 
• Get everyone showered and in pajamas before the movie. This way, if your little ones fall asleep, you can carry them right into bed.
• Don’t forget the snacks! We love Lesser Evil popcorn, Cookies & Cream Brownies made with Partake Brownie Mix, and McBride Sisters wine for the adults! 
• Pick your favorite family movie and enjoy! 

For more fun outdoor activities like these, download Tinkergarten's May activity calendar HERE!