What is it about summer days that seem to bring out the whinnyness in children, no matter their age? Is it really that hard for children to find something to do?
One thing I am going to try this summer is "Theme Days". Each day of the week has a theme and then we do something to fit the theme that day. Some of the activities maybe both my children and I together or we may do things separately, but I hope we will be motivated to do somethings. I'm not thinking we'll spend a whole lot of time on this, even as little as half an hour, but it will be technology free time. So far I have only come up with two theme days:
Make It Monday ~ Work on some sort of art or craft project. I have many craft and sewing projects which I would like to finish, maybe this will be incentive for me.
Writing Wednesday ~ Something that involves pen or pencil and paper. It doesn't matter what, even crossword or find a word puzzles are fine, just keeping those fine motor skills in use. For me this will probably be lesson plans. :)
Here are some other ideas for kids boredom busters.
At Home
Make a college. Use a theme such as one color, locations, food, etc.
Get out or make musical instruments
Create a tent an indoor tent with blankets, chairs, couch cushions, etc
Water fight ~ for a number of years the dollar store has had pencil style water guns. With a bucket of water this can bring lots of fun on a hot day
Create a family newspaper
Learn a new hobby Some ideas might be sewing, crafting (many types to choose from) genealogy, cooking, gardening
Explore nature
Have a tea party
Try a new art supply. Companies like Crayola debut new products quite frequently and something new usually occupies a child for a while. To help your pocketbook watch for coupons and sales from craft stores.
Cook
Easy, cool summer favorites include things like no bake cookies, popsicles, jello, ice cream sandwiches.
Or even try your hand at making your own ice cream, an online search will produce easy recipes to try.Maybe even find some new recipes for quick lunches.
In the Community
Investigate whether your library has a summer reading program. Not only do these offer incentive prizes, libraries often sponsor programs and events to attend. Some of these programs are done by staff from museums and other local attractions and they may offer discount coupons to attendees.You can't beat a chance to do something else for less money.
Several book store chains also have summer reading promotions where children can earn a new book. In addition some banks and restaurants have reading programs with incentives like money in a savings account or free food.One national chain which does this is Pizza Hut. Check with your bank or favorite restaurant.
For online reading programs check out websites like Scholastic, Sylvan (this is year round, not just the summer) or for Homeschooling families Homeschool Buyers Coop. Incentives will vary.
Go Bowling. Many bowl alleys nation wide participate in Kids Bowl Free. A summer program where children can bowl up to two games a day free (just pay shoe rental). There are some age restrictions, so check out the requirements thoroughly. You need to register and then are sent coupons each week to take with you to the bowling alley.The program has started in some areas, but not all over.We went bowling several times a week last year and my kids thoroughly enjoyed it. They can't wait for bowling to start this year.
Visit local museums, historical sites, tourist attractions, etc.
See if local business give tours of their establishments
What fun things are you doing this summer?
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