Footprints in the Sand

A great way to pass the day at the beach is with some great arts and crafts that even the hardest to please kids will love. Combined with my love of all things Disney, Family Fun actually has a great website and a section dedicated to arts and crafts for the kids. They have projects you can do outdoors, even at the beach! My favorite is this one as it not only gives them something fun to make at the beach (or you can do at home if nowhere near the water), but it's also a keepsake to remind you of your fun this summer.

Materials:
Plaster of Paris
Small bucket
Freshwater
4-inch lengths of string, optional

Instructions:
Choose a site to cast your molds -- the moist, hard-packed sand near the water's edge works best.
Firmly press both feet into the sand. The prints should be about 1/2 inch to 2 inches deep. (If your child can't press down that hard, he can use his finger to dig down into the print, following its shape.)
Mix up the plaster, according to the directions on the package, so that it has a thick, creamy consistency. Pour the wet plaster gently into the footprints.
To make hangers, tie a knot about a half inch in from each end of the pieces of string. As the plaster begins to harden, push the knotted ends into the plaster and let dry.
After 20 to 25 minutes, gently dig the footprints out of the molds and brush away any excess sand. Set sole-side up in the sun for about an hour to let harden.