School ends this week and I’m already scrambling for things
to do with my kiddos that do not involve screens – limiting tv/video
games/computer time is the goal this summer. But its daunting. Here’s a list of
some of the best things I’ve found to do in the past – PLEASE share any ideas
you may have too!!
1.
Scavenger Hunts. These are great for kids
learning to read and with energy to burn (which sums up my 6 year old!). And
the beauty? You can make a new one on a regular basis. Outside you can choose
nature items (a green leaf, a small twig, a purple flower, pink rock) or if its
raining – make one for the house (a green piece of paper, a lego girl, blue
crayon, and a napkin). You can even make one for the car to entertain while on
errands (a red car, billboard, gas station, fire truck, moving van). These
things are endless. Grab some “prizes” from the Target $1 bins and let them go!
2.
Make art! will fully admit that a lot of times,
I do not allow paint out often. But its summer, do it outside! Get some
canvases from the art store, washable fingerpaints and throw on the bathing
suits (or just a diaper for the younger set) and let them go nuts. You’ll be
amazed what they make. And what you’re left with to hang in your home – we did
this before and I’ve had people ask where they can BUY prints from the artist
hanging in the hallway. My six year old has “commissioned” works for people as
a result! Best part? When you’re done – hose those kids down. They’ll think its
hilarious.
3.
Playdoh. Yeah, it falls in with the same rules
as paint most of the year, but again, it summer – take it outside. We all know
what happens when we push the square shape into the playdoh, boring. But what
if you press a stick in it? Or a funny shaped rock? Or a leaf? Encourage the
kids to sculpt things they see, or things they don’t. Imagining far off
adventures in the backyard is good for the soul!
4.
Wash your car. This serves two purposes: your
car is clean and your kids are happily excited. For as long as I can recall, my
son has loved washing cars. If you throw him a couple of bucks for helping, it
teaches him to work for something – which I love!!! But beyond that, letting
him play in the sudsy water, rub a big ‘ol messy sponge on the car, and let it
(and him) get sprayed down with the hose is tons of fun. Our neighbors probably
can’t figure out why I “obsess” about the car…but really I’m just entertaining
the kid!
5.
Water your lawn. Same thing as the car. Set that
sprinkler up and show those kids how its done. The sprinkler outranks the kiddy
pool and slip and slide at our house. There’s something extra free about using
your dad’s sprinkler to have the time of your life running around like a fool
in the yard. You can twirl, roll, kick, and run with all your might – everything
a kid likes to do. BONUS POINTS: put your insecurities or whatever away and get
in that sprinkler. The kids will be talking about it for days. You’re making
memories here people!
6.
Go to the library. It’s free people. Most
libraries have summer reading programs (we’ve earned more silly little toys the
last few summers!), this is great for many reasons. First, it keeps the kids
entertained without breaking your bank. There is no shortage on entertainment
in books. Secondly, it keeps their skills up for the school year. At some point
they DO go back to school and it’d be nice if they remember SOME of what they
learned the previous year. Lastly, you’re giving them a lifelong gift. Reading
is power and reading is important to get where you want to be in life. Plant
that seed young. Grab yourself a book, set the example. Create a cozy reading
spot and time in the house for some daily quiet time for EVERYONE to enjoy.
7.
Google your city. Our city is full of things
that are free for kids to check out. Art fairs, festivals, children’s concerts,
park parties, story hours, and many other things. We wandered a free Civil War
camp reenactment two years back and our six year old STILL talks about that and
remembers things. Keep those little brains going!
8.
Go old school. Remember being a kid and playing
games outside all day in the summers? We had limited options really, but kids
now days aren’t as isolated. Remember back to being a kid and invite some
friends over to join in some old school fun. Ever play kick the can? Capture
the Flag? Red Rover? Hopscotch? Leap Frog? Duck Duck Goose? Red Light, Green
Light? Mother May I? Simon Says? I bet most of your kids haven’t. Heck, reading
that list, my kids don’t even know all of those. Show them how it’s done!
9.
Celebrate something silly. There’s a million
places to find wacky holidays that really exist, so live it up. July 7 is ice
cream cone day – make an ice cream bar! June 20 is juggling day. Give it whirl –
just don’t get discouraged. July 19 is New Friends Day – head to the park with
one goal in mind: MAKE A FRIEND! There’s plenty of sites to check out (here’s
one example: http://www.squidoo.com/365holidays)
but make any day special.
10.
Make summer bucket list. Sometimes, your kids
are the best ones at coming up with things they want to do. And often times,
they’ll shock you. Some goals my son has made in the past? Be able to ride his
bike to Grandma’s house (she lives 1 mile away), learn to whistle, learn to
snap his fingers, and see a bird’s nest. Really? I’m freaking out about how to
afford 800 lessons, trips, play dates, and other things and THIS is what you
want to do? I love it. We’ve done it all. I’m excited for this year’s list!
11.
Hit up the Farmer’s Market. Between the people
watching and all of the new sights and smells, your kids will be entertained. You’ll
be able to find some fresh fruits and veggies to fill their bellies too! AND they
might just be more willing to eat it if they were a part of getting it. Worth a
shot, right?
12.
Make fort. Indoors or outdoors, forts rock. You
can read in there, play in there, draw pictures, take a nap, eat your lunch –
and pretend all sorts of fantastic things. You’d be amazed how far a couple of
chairs and a sheet can take your kids.
13.
Play board games. We love board games at our
house but from what I’ve seen visiting friends some of that is getting lost.
Makes me sad. Spruce up your collection. Our favorites include Phineas and
Ferb, Sorry, Connect Four, ISpy, and Chutes and Ladders. Not only are the kid
entertained but they’ll start talking. Again, the memories and relationship you’re
building over a couple of dice is priceless.
14.
Bake something awesome. My son loves to flip
through my cookbooks (usually the ones involving cakes or cookies) and picking
out something to bake. He loves going to the store to carefully choose his
ingredients, then puts on his apron and helps measure, stir, and prep
everything. The oven is my domain, but he’s ready to share whatever he’s made
and is always very proud to see his final work.
15.
Have a picnic. Go all out. Pack sandwiches, some
light sides, desserts, and drinks. Spread out the blanket and enjoy an old
fashioned picnic. Some menu ideas: turkey and cheese sandwiches, sunbutter
sandwiches (I’m sure some of you can do peanut butter), crackers, grapes,
apples, strawberries, popcorn, watermelon, cookies, and whatever other goodies
your kids love. Change things up and keep them entertained.
There’s some things to get you started. Really, just use
your imagination. Kids are simple. They want to have fun, they want to be a
part of things, and they want to be with you. Notice I did not say anything
about making time to check your facebook, email, words with friends, or
whatever other silly games you play. Save that for nap time or bed time.
You’ve got three short, precious months to enjoy your kids
at the ages they are. No second chances. Think outside the box, get a little
crazy, and enjoy every last bit of it. And if you have other ideas – please share!!
I gotta get through a whole summer too!!!
