Saturday, January 7, 2012

Fun Things for Kids to Do This Summer

Originally posted 6-21-11.

Summer time, summer time, sum-sum-summer time!  Yeah it's summer time!  Now, what to do with the kids???

Well just so you know, I have already told my kids that if I hear them utter the words "I'm bored!", we are getting out our new books and starting school. *smile!*  With that said, I've been doing a little research on what we could during our summer vacation, primarily on those days when the weather isn't cooperating.  Fun and free/cheap were both on my criteria, too.  I thought I'd pass on some of the ideas I've found, but if you have any input on this subject, we'd love to hear from you!
  • Make bubbles.  Don't worry if you don't have bubble solution or wands.  (Even on a rainy day the kids can make bubbles outside under a covered patio.)
  • Decorate T-shirts or pillowcases with fabric paint or Sharpie markers
  • Tie dye T-shirts, beach towels, pillowcases
  • Seed bead safety pin
  • Play with play dough
  • Make "designer" flip-flops by decorating with ribbon, jewels, buttons, etc.
  • Make tile coasters
  • Create a picture using string or yarn and glue
  • Paint "pet rocks"
  • Make friendship bracelets. If you'd like to watch instructional videos, there are a lot like this one on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHeWPmAlAD0
  • Bake cookies together
  • Play a board game
  • Play cards (Go-Fish, War and Uno are some of our 10 year-old daughters favorites)
  • Create a "camp" with blankets and pillows
  • Read a book or listen to one on CD.  (The library is a great resource for books on CD!)
  • Make puppets out of an old sock or a paper lunch bag and put on a play
  • Go see a $1 movie:   Go to www.regmovies.com see a list of theaters and films showing at your favorite theater. Click on "Specials and Values," and then scroll to the bottom of the page to find the "Summer Movie Express" page. Enter your zip code and it will give you a list of theaters and movies.
On a nice day:
  • Lay on the ground looking at the clouds.  It's fun to see what the cloud shapes resemble!
  • Go for a walk or bike ride
  • Go to a local park
  • Play hopscotch
  • Go "rock-hounding" or beach combing
  • Make a picnic lunch to eat in the back yard
  • Have a hoola-hoop or jump rope contest
Another great resouce I just have to mention is the Enchanted Learning website.  TONS of great ideas and home schooling tools are available for free (you don't have to pay the $20).

Also, I think kids need time to create their own entertainment.  It is important for kids to learn the skill of occupying their time (without electronics) or they will always be looking for someone or something to amuse them.  Just my two cents...

Photo:  Novastock

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