- Scavenger Hunt- send them on a hunt for, well whatever keep them busy...rocks, plants, trees, bugs, etc. Give them a list and a pen and have them set off in search of the items on their list. Or hide pictures/ items around the backyard. If they are too young to read make a visual list.
- Toy Exchange- Organize a toy exchange with other mom's of bored children in the neighbourhood. Have your child select one toy--that is clean and in good condition--to bring to the event and the kid's swap with one another--new (to them) toys all around!
- Container gardening- Help your kid's select something to grow in their own container garden---let them do them maintenance on it and watch it grow.
- Compost bin- This one could go hand in hand with the container gardening, let them help with the compost and use it with their container garden.
- Water paint- Literally. Give the kids a bucket of water and some paint brushes and let them go to town on the side-walk, house, fence, deck....whatever. My kid's enjoy this activity---it's amazing how long they can spend with this one. Side-walk chalk is another option.
- Plan and Make a meal- Let them choose what to have for supper. Sit down with them, let them do the planning and cooking (with supervision).
- Volunteer Power Outage- Encourage them to turn off the game console, put down the phones and switch of the television. Encourage them to read, go outside, go play at the park, draw, etc.
- Backyard Waterpark- Found this site that illustrates what I'm talking about here. Another idea would be a DIY Slip N' Slide or water Blob. Don't forget the sunscreen.
- Community Options- What programs does your community offer? Don't know? Well perhaps now is the time to find out. Parent and Kid programs, Public Library, Swimming Lessons, Sports, Recreational Center, etc.
- Public Library- I just mentioned it above but I really think the library is awesome and not used enough. I know here, our library offers some of the latest movies, video games, etc...borrow some and have a movie night with popcorn and jammmies, borrow some books to read with your kids or to experiment with (ie: learn origami or something), when I was a kid we were heavily involved in the summer reading program at our library where we recorded the books we'd read and could compete for prizes, etc.
- Yard Sale- Admit it, you have things you need to get rid of, we all do! Organize a garage sale with your kids. Have them go through their own neglected items, set them up, and share in the proceeds.
- Family Activities- Backyard camping, family hike or bike ride, backyard cook-out, games, etc.
- Invent-A-Game- Provide them with some items and have them create their own game. Go to a used clothing store and purchase items for dress up games---as a kid we dressed up constantly and made our own fun, my kid's today do the same thing!
- Newspaper Snowball Fight or Sock Wars!- Bunch newspaper scraps into balls or roll up your socks into balls and have the kids (join in parents) battle each other till they drop!
Don't forget to get out there with your kids and have some fun. Take advantage of the time
you have while your kids are still young.
I hope that gave you enough ideas to get started. If not here are some links with
MORE IDEAS!!!!
- Summer FUN Activities to Stay Cool
- 10 Outdoor Games in 15 minutes or less
- 10 Off-grid, Backyard games for your family
- Kid's Crafts and Activities
- Inside, Rainy Day Activities