We understand that sometimes it can be hard to make time to give back to our communities. But getting your kids involved in community service projects and activities can teach them valuable skills and life lessons like compassion, respect, and empathy. To get your family inspired, here are 5 ways to teach your kids to serve their communities.

\n1.  Bake cookies or brownies for your local fire station.  The firemen will really appreciate this simple but delicious gift, and it’s a fun way to teach your kids how to help out your community and thank local heros.\n\n2.  Volunteer to be a foster family for a pet from your local animal shelter.  Taking care of a pet is a big learning opportunity for children. It teaches them responsibility and kindness to those who can’t take care of themselves.  Adoption also helps to keep strays off the street.\n\n3.  Pick up trash at your local creek. Creeks and rivers are something we all share.  Teach your children to show respect for public property.  Even little kids can help clean up your city streams.  Look up a local Creek Week association near you:  http://www.creekweek.net/\n

4.  Volunteer to take your neighbors’ dogs for a walk.  Do it for free!  This can really help busy neighbors or older folks who can’t walk their dogs.  Your kids will learn how to take care of animals, respect public property (like sidewalks and dog parks), and help others.

\n5.  Make care packages for homeless people.  Fill bags with some hand sanitizer, tissues, a granola bar, etc. and hand them out to people in need that you pass on the street.  This simple act of kindness can encourage your children to be compassionate towards others.

Limited Time 2014 Funderland Groupon Deal

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For a limited time we’re offering three great offers on Groupon so you can save on all your family’s fun plans! Everyone loves a great deal and your family deserves the fun! Hurry, this Funderland Groupon offer is only being offered for a short time and subject to availability. Don’t miss this offer! Visit our Groupon deal here!

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Choose From These Deals:

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• Two Groupon-exclusive, unlimited-ride weekend wristbands with a Funderland souvenir cup for $27.50 (a $49 value)

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• Four unlimited-ride weekday wristbands with four snow cones or cotton candies for $35 (a $75.80 value)

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• Weekday basic birthday package for up to 10 for $69 (a $139.50 value)

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Basic Birthday Package Details:

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• Two hours of birthday-party area and unlimited rides for each rider

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• Book of 10 tickets

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• Birthday-party host or hostess to help set up, answer questions, and administer hand stamps

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• Printable birthday party invitations

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• Funderland birthday shirt and coupon for a free wristband or tickets on a future visit for the birthday child

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Click here for hours and days of operation. For more information please email us at [email protected]

It’s everyone’s favorite thing to scream: “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” Gather up all your kids and their buddies for a special day of play and sweet treats. Now through Feb. 28th, enter to win a playdate for 15 at Funderland Amusement Park and an ice cream party for 15 at Gunther’s Ice Cream Shop. Then clear your calendar and call your friends!

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How to enter:

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• Visit and like our Facebook page

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• Complete your entry by noon on 2/28/14

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• After you submit your form, you’ll have the opportunity to share the giveaway with your Facebook friends and receive 1 bonus entry for every friend who enters!

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Prize* valued at $200 includes:

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Funderland Playdate for 15

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• 2 hours of unlimited riding for up to fifteen people.

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• 15 drinks – choose soda, juice, bottled water

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• 15 snacks – choose cheddar bunnies, applesauce, chips, carrot sticks

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Gunther’s Ice Cream Party for 15 (1 of the following per person)

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• single scoop of ice cream

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• small ice cream sundae

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• small fruit freeze

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• small ice cream float

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• small 50/50

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• novelty item (pie case)

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\n* Some restrictions apply. Please see official rules for details.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, you’re probably thinking about what you can do for your family. Here are four simple ideas to get your creative juices flowing:\n\n1. Spend time with your family. \nThis may seem obvious, but it’s important. Go on a walk, go to the park, read to your kids, play games together — these are all easy ways to spend time with your children.\n\n2. Visit a relative you don’t see much.\nIt can be really encouraging when you visit an elderly relative, or just someone you don’t see much. Invite them over for lunch or bring them a plate of cookies.\n\n3. Do something special with or for your family.\nThis can include cooking a special dinner, going out to do something fun together, or staying home and having a family game night. A special treat like this can help break up the monotony of everyday life.\n\n4. Send them a love note.\nA quick note on a post-it in your kid’s lunch box, or in your spouse’s car is a sweet way to say “I love you” and show your family you love them.