It’s the age-old question that anyone with kids or taking care of kids has when the last day of the school hits. What to do this summer? Entertaining kids isn’t always easy, but it can be fun, practical and affordable. There are several, easy at-home ways to entertain kids this summer season. A bit of creativity can guarantee satisfying summer days and very happy kids.
Indoor Activities
Who says indoor activities are boring? Truth is kids can’t spend every minute of the day outdoors, so here are some fun ways to keep them occupied inside.
Little Chefs: Getting kids to help cook lunch and dinner is a great way to encourage healthy eating habits. Give kids easy tasks to help with meal preparations and/or snacks. This is a fun way of making healthy and helpful meals.
Game Night: Board games can be a fun way to spend a family night together. Best of all it keeps kids minds stimulated during the lazy days of summer. Try making it a weekly ritual by setting aside one day or night of the week for family game night.
Pen to Paper: Get children’s creative mind thinking! Ask them to think of their own idea for a book and have them write and illustrate it on paper or the computer. When the book is complete, invite their friends over so they can share their book with them.
Outdoor Activities
If it was up to kids would spend every waking moment of their summer vacation outdoors – kids love being outside. Make the outdoors even more fun with these activities.
Tag with a Twist: Add a twist to the ordinary game of tag by including water balloons, so it becomes water balloon tag. It’s double the fun and is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Little Gardener: Have a vegetable garden? Get kids to help plant vegetables and teach them about the basics of growing crops. Leave a small portion of the garden or a barrel of soil for them so they can have their own mini garden to take care of throughout the summer season. Not only does this keep them occupied outdoors, but it’s educational at the same time. Don’t have a vegetable garden? The same can be done with growing flowers or outdoor plants.
Bubbles and Shapes: Kids love blowing bubbles and it's always fun watching them. Bubble soap doesn't have to be bought from the store every time either. Try making home-made bubbles by simply using mild soap, like dishwashing soap and warm water. When it comes to blowing bubbles, bigger is always better. Use previous existing wands, or items around the house to make different shaped bubbles, like straws, or by cutting a piece of string and tying it to form a circle. Kids will love the different shapes and sizes.
Day Trips
Kids love doing new things and visiting places they’ve never seen before. Check out some ways to add adventure to the summer holidays.
History made Fun: Local neighborhoods aren't well known until truly explored. Many neighborhoods are filled with various historical sites. Take advantage of the great weather and take a walk to visit local historic sites in the neighborhood. These are often open to the public and free. It’s a great way to get kids exploring!
Shiny and Red: Schedule a day to visit a local fire hall. Most fire halls usually have days and times where they give free tours, so call the local fire hall and get some information. Kids will be fascinated with the chance to tour a fire hall and see a fire truck up close.
Team Fun: Sports are always a fun and great way to get some exercise in kids' daily routines. Gather a few friends and make it a day in the park playing a favorite sport. Try putting together small teams and make it a weekly schedule. This turns a trip to the park into a whole lot of fun.
Rainy Days
It’s inevitable, summer days always come with occasional cloudy, rainy days. That doesn’t mean no fun. Here are some ways to add a little sun to a gloomy day:
Fruity Delight: Instead of eating often sugary store-bought popsicles, opt out for home-made juice popsicles. Try making tasty and healthy treats by simply using a favorite juice, or even home-made squeezed juice. Add fresh cut fruit like strawberries or blueberries for some extra flavor. Pour juice into Popsicle fillers, freeze, and enjoy! Kids will have fun making them, and will look forward to having them afterwards.
Busy Baker: Cookies, brownies, and cakes – a lot of kids have a sweet tooth. Rainy days are perfect for baking favorite sweets, and kids love helping out as much as they enjoy eating them afterwards. Make this into an even more fun activity by wrapping cookies into boxes that kids can decorate to bring to family and friends.
Lights, Camera, Action! : Let their inner star shine. Ask kids to put together a skit. Get creative by using old clothes and props around the house. Kids will have a ton of fun putting it together and be excited to perform it afterwards. Take out the camcorder to record the performance and watch it later.
Of course, these are only a few ways to entertain kids. What’s important is that having fun with kids doesn’t always have to break the bank. There are plenty of activities and things to see that are inexpensive and just as enjoyable. And don’t be afraid to ask kids for creative ideas on how to have fun, their active imaginations would surprise anyone. Enjoy the summer!
