We’re right in the middle of summer, and while some kids
might still be having a blast, some might be bored. Everyone hates to hear that
word. Sometimes it might be tempting to just let them sit inside and watch TV,
but do something different!
Constantly taking children to theme parks, the movies, the
zoo, and more can eventually get fairly pricey. Instead, we’ve compiled a list
of 10 cheap summer activities that will stop boredom in its tracks!
1.
Lemonade stand
This traditional summer activity
is seen more and more rarely. Not only will it give your children something to
do, but it will help them learn the value of earning money! A lemonade stand is
easy to construct with a small, fold out table, or if you feel ambitious, build
a proper one yourself! If children set up the stand out front, simply keep an
eye on them. If they wish to venture to a busier street make sure to go with or
send an older sibling or babysitter with them. This activity can last them all
day.
2.
Make a fort
What kid doesn’t love forts? This
activity is great for both inside and outside. Forts can be built from all
sorts of materials such as blankets, pillows, sheets, cardboard boxes, plywood,
and more! Building the fort itself will occupy young ones for a while. Next encourage
them to decorate the inside. Children can have snacks, play games, or nap
inside their forts. This is another activity that could keep them occupied all
day!
3.
Have a themed picnic
Picnics are a common summer
activity, but have you ever tried a themed picnic? Themed picnics are a great
way to make a day out even more special. Themes can be food based, or can
extend to the activities and dress code as well! Need some examples? How about
food from around the world? Or sports, with tons of games to play? Maybe try
circus, with fun circus foods like cotton candy, popcorn, and more. There is
tons of room for creativity, so this event can be repeated simply by choosing a
new theme!
4.
Sprinkler
If you don’t have a pool and don’t
feel like dragging yourselves to one across town, then a sprinkler is a great
option. Simply set it out in the yard on a hot day, have kids change into
swimsuits, and let them at it! Suggest games such as water Simon says or “fill
the cup”. Take occasional breaks for the kids to snack and dry off.
5.
Library
If your kids are readers you’ve
probably already made stops to the library this summer. If not, now is the time
to encourage children to go! Reading is a very important skill and with so much
free time in summer children should be encouraged to read. Let them pick out a
couple books they like. This is a great way to spend a rainy day instead of
watching TV.
6.
Free concert in the park
A lot of community parks, cafes,
and more offer free concerts during the summer months. The best way to find out
about these is to check your community calendar. Music can range from
classical, to jazz, to rock, and much more. A fun event for the whole family!
7.
Camp in the backyard
Camping at a campsite can get
expensive and chaotic, but camping in your own backyard is free and close to
home! Set up a tent and sleeping bags, have a campfire, and let the evening
begin! Before dark play games in the yard. If you can have a fire, roast
hotdogs and Smores. If not, grill and eat outside! After dark it’s time to sing some campfire songs and tell ghost stories. Keep the technology inside and
forget you’re not in the woods!
8.
Make your own at home movie theater
Sometimes, kids just need a break
from the heat, or there’s a string of rainy days. If you want to involve
technology make it unique! Pick a day along with a selection of movies and turn
your living room into a movie theater. Set up a concession stand with candy,
popcorn, and soda. If you’re aiming to be healthier, opt for some fruit and
juice, with maybe just one unhealthy snack for the day. Then close the blinds,
turn off the lights, and enjoy a movie experience without the high cost!
9.
Write and illustrate a book
This is another great indoor
activity for summer. Staple some pages together and let your child write and
illustrate their own book! Older children might not need illustrations, but
younger children will enjoy making their project a picture book. If kids are
stuck there are tons of writing prompts online! Encourage them to use their
imagination, whether they’re making their own fantasy story or re-telling a
family vacation. Then share the stories with the rest of the family!
10.
Make an obstacle course in the yard
An obstacle course is a great way
to keep kids active in a fun way! Create an obstacle course for your kids or
encourage them to design their own. Obstacle courses can easily be made from
items you have around your house. Some examples? Use a piece of wood as a
balance beam. Toss beanbags into a
laundry basket or box. Crawl under tables or benches. You are limited only by
your imagination!
And there you have it! Ten ways to
entertain your kids this summer! Make sure to keep an eye on this blog for more
tips like this, product features, and free printables!
