Main Street Magazine. Blogspot 2: Quick Tips

Finding activities to keep the kids busy is an important part of my family’s summer plans. The last thing I want is to have the kids starting at me saying, “Mom, I’m bored.” Boredom doesn’t lead to a fun summer for anyone.

Now that we’re in the heart of summer, many families find themselves running out of fun, yet frugal, things to do with the family this summer

Chances are you are drawing a blank as to what you can do to keep the kids occupied this summer. The days on the calendar keep coming closer to that moment when you hear the famous phrase: “I’m Bored!”

Before summer gets underway, I’ve learned to identify different activities that the kids can take part in that won’t break the bank. My hope is always that if I have a list of ideas prepared, I won’t get caught scrambling to find something fun for the kids to do., frustrating both them and me.

The Library, and / or ELC

I work hard to foster a love of books in all of my kids, so it’s not a big surprise that we go to the library a lot. Little kids love story hour at the library. If your kids are older, though, don’t overlook summer reading programs that allow your kids to earn books as a reward for reading. They also have movies and CD’s you can sign out with your library card for rainy days or the days in which inside can be fun. Let each of the children take turns picking a CD or a movie to watch. Some libraries or Early Learning Centers also have activities and toy borrowing programs as well.

Michael’s Craft Projects

Michael’s craft stores offer children’s craft programs once a month or so. For little or no cost, you can take your kids into the store and let them make something new. Fun project s like a Father’s Day gift, Joann’s craft centers have programs like these sometimes, too, so don’t forget to check out their websites.

Trips to the Zoo

Does your area’s zoo have a “free” day? If it does, why not take advantage of it? We go to the zoo three or four times during the summer months. We don’t try to see everything in one day, so we don’t experience as many cranky moments as some other families. We pack lunches too, to save on food costs.

Sidewalk Art

Once or twice a summer, we have a sidewalk art fair. Granted, this idea isn’t captivating enough to pass the entire summer, but used sparingly it can provide enough entertainment to pass an afternoon. We buy sidewalk chalk at our local dollar store. Then, when it’s sidewalk art day, we spend the afternoon drawing designs all over the sidewalk leading up to our front door. The kids get so excited as they imagine how impressed my husband will be when he gets home from work and sees their designs. Sometimes, we even write notes for him in the artwork. Let your kids show off their artistic skills to the entire neighbourhood by drawing colourful designs on the sidewalk in front of your house. Most dollar stores will have buckets of sidewalk chalk for a dollar or two. Challenge your little ones to draw the best picture they can. When your spouse comes home from work, they can give him a tour of their gallery. Or if you get the neighbourhood kids involved, host a ‘showing’ with the all the parents in attendance.

Picnic in the Park

What family wouldn’t enjoy a fun picnic together? Pack a lunch (or dinner) into a basket or tote bag and bring along a large, comfy blanket. If you can walk to the park, by all means do so. Suddenly, a routine meal is turned into a memorable event. Don’t forget to bring along a Frisbee or ball to play with after you eat.

Marbles

Have your kids ever played a classic game of marbles? If not, now is the time to introduce them to it. A bag of marbles is very inexpensive, but your kids will spend hours perfecting the art of “shooting.” You can use sidewalk chalk to draw the necessary circles onto your driveway and turn the kids loose.

Lemonade Stand

Foster an entrepreneurial attitude in your kids by letting them host a lemonade (or Kool-aid) stand. If your neighbourhood hosts a neighbourhood-wide garage sale, this is the perfect day for this project. Otherwise, you can allow them to open their stand in conjunction with your own family’s garage sale. Help them post signs advertising their little venture, select flavours for their drinks, and gather the necessary supplies. The kids will love having their own spending money and may even learn to appreciate how hard money is to come by.

Science Experiments

Who says summer vacation isn’t educational? A quick visit to your local library could reveal a ton of experiments that your family could complete in your own backyard. Look for one that doesn’t require a lot of special equipment and turn your little scientists loose.

Make a list

Make a list ahead of time of all the things your children like, is one into video games? Why not have a ‘game-off’ where your child invites a few friends and they take turns ‘gaming’. You could also have small prizes for them to win, which can be bought at Party Packagers or the Dollar Store for next to nothing. Does one like to bake? Buying pre-made cookie dough can save the mess and lets the children start rolling and cutting the dough right away for baking. Maybe one is into nature? A few bottles of water and some granola bars in a back pack and away you go for a walk- the key is to be prepared with some of your children’s favourite things, while keeping it simple and not breaking the bank.

~Janice Collins~

As seen in the June Issue of Main Street Magazine.

Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises

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