So, school it out(for most. We're still working on finishing up Math), and with that comes the dreaded question from your kiddos, "What are we going to do today???" With any luck you'll already know the answer, but if you are looking for some things to do maybe this fun list can help you look like a rock star mom(or dad).
- Read
- Ask your kids some things they're interested in. After you have a few things search the topics at your local library. Most libraries have online card catalogs. Our local library will let you pick your books online, place them on hold, and THEY will pull them and put them on a hold shelf for you. All you have to do is go pick them up! Such a help for busy parents! The library is your BEST friend. You read books FOR FREE!
- Want to take reading to the next level? Read short excerpts from books and have your kids recite back to you
- Find fun places to read. Grab an old blanket and throw it out on your front yard, sit under an umbrella table on your patio, read at the pool, read at the park, read on the trampoline. There are so many ways to enjoy a good book. My kids love to read under a tent too. We'll put a blanket over the office table and wallah, a table tent reading nook.
- Bath time
- Daytime baths are fun. Add bubbles and the kids will play in there until they're nice and pruney.
- Bring in kitchen stuff. My kids LOVE to play with colander. Let them "cook" a fancy meal. Follow the bath up with a REAL lunch.
- Throw in light sticks for an extra fun bath. We've done this a few times. We can only do it at night because we have a sky light in the bathroom, but it's SO much fun and gives the kids something to do after bath too.
- Get bath tints! They aren't expensive and will tint the water for bath time fun.
- Cook
- Make homemade Popsicles! They are SO so easy to make. You can use Applesauce, yogurt, fresh fruit...the list goes on and on. You can either pick up an inexpensive mold from just about anywhere, or you can use an ice tray. Be sure you let them freeze up nicely before you try to pop them out or you'll have a mess!
- Make no-bake goods. Rice Krispy Treats and no-bake oatmeal cookies are just the beginning of the ideas for fun "cooking" with kids.
- Let kids make their own pita pizza's. They'll love this simple lunch. We make dessert ones too. Don't want to pay extra for pita's just use tortillas.
- Let them get in on snack time prep. There are so many CUTE snack ideas here.
- Free Outings
- Call your local fire department and set up a time to see the fire station. Be ready to be flexible because the station can't shut down for you, but they are always so nice to us and always have fun goodies for the kids. Be sure to take some sort of thank you gift(a drawing or a batch of cookies works great!).
- Go to the library. Most of the time they have summer reading club. They usually have fun concerts and activities too. Stop by and see what they have to offer. You'll likely be surprised!
- Set up play dates with friends. Kids playing with other kids is ALWAYS a hit. Pick one day of the week and let that be play date day. Mix it up and make it fun.
- Do crafts with recycled materials. You'll be surprised what kids can come up with if you give them an empty paper towel roll. You don't have to buy expensive pre-made crafts to have fun. Keep it simple and let THEM be creative.
- SPLASH PARKS!! Those two simple words will become your best friends! Seriously, find out if your town has a splash park. We have TWO within 30 minutes. They are FREE and FUN! I like to follow up any HOT activity with Sonic happy hour. You can get a kids-sized slush for .50 or so. SO. MUCH. FUN!
So, I hope you are encouraged to go enjoy your kids. Remember, this is your life. Soak it up!
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