TV Free Summer Days
Summer is in full swing, and as a parent you might already feel like you are running out of ways to keep your kids entertained. Turning on the TV so that you can finally get a few things done feels like the the easiest solution. But, with a limited amount of outdoor days, we want to give you some alternative ideas to keep your kids engaged and entertained this summer whether the forecast is full of sun or rain.
1. Have a Water Day
You don’t need a pool to have fun in the sun.
Sprinklers, super soakers, and water balloon fights will get kids active and connecting with each other and even provides a great opportunity to connect with neighbors and friends.
If they (or you) aren’t up for getting completely soaked, you can still have fun with water by having soap boat races like this:
Supplies needed:
Rain gutter (can be found at Lowes in the lumber section)
Bar of soap (found at Dollar store)
Toothpick
Fabric and scissors
Glue gun
Cut a piece of fabric into a triangle, glue it onto the toothpick and stick it into the bar of soap. Simple as that! Run a hose at the end of the rain gutter and you are ready to race.
2. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Taking your kids on a nature or photo scavenger hunt will get them active while also challenging their minds. This can be as simple as a walk or bike ride around your neighborhood, but Rochester also boasts a variety of free local parks and trails all over our region that you can visit for a change of scenery.
Not familiar with these locations? Check ‘em out HERE. You can also download the Genesee Riverway and Trail Guide to get some ideas of places to explore and you could even see some waterfalls along the way.
Here is a great start for a nature scavenger hunt that you can tailor to your kids and your location. Teach your kids the importance of exercise and show them that it can also be fun.
On a rainy day, you can bring the fun indoors and have a household item scavenger hunt.
3. Family Fun Game Day/Night
Kids love to play games, and it’s a great way for the whole family to have some fun together. Pull out a board game, play Corn Hole or KanJam in the backyard, or create an obstacle course together. Your kids are bound to enjoy watching you run through an obstacle they got to help create!
Looking for a new challenge? Minute-to-Win-it games are easy, quick options that can be played in small or large groups and are sure to bring lots of laughs. Switch it up by challenging parents versus kids or boys versus girls! Memories are sure to be built with any of these options! Here is a list of Minute-to-Win-it games that you and your family can choose from.
Is there rain in the forecast? Too hot to be outside? Here are a few more ideas for some creative indoor family fun.
4. Rainy Daze Jar
Create a jar for rain days that is full of varying activities. Include indoor activities that are outside (or inside) your norm. Decorate a jar, or choose a special container, and fill it with popsicle sticks that have activities on them and you are all set! You could add activities such as:
Build a fort
Have an indoor picnic
Write someone a card
Play a board game (This could even have a specific game for each stick!)
5. Put On A Show
Just because you’re stuck indoors doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.
Have your kids take turns putting on a show. This could be a puppet show, lip sync battle, dance party, or your kids can make up their own musical or play. They will be using their imagination to create a day that they are sure to enjoy.
6. Have Your Own Cooking Class
Take this opportunity to teach your kids some new things in the kitchen, turning a drowsy rain day into a fantastic learning adventure that your kids will love. You and your kids can bake treats for a neighbor or someone from church, help make the meals for the day, or learn a new recipe together! The only rule: HAVE FUN!
Whether you're inside or out, summer is a great time for rest, trying new things, and stretching your brain in new ways. Keeping your kids busy during the long weeks of summer can seem like a daunting task, but whether rain or shine, we hope we've helped you spark fresh and fun ideas!
**Special thanks to Debbie Andrus, for writing this post! A recent communication graduate from Cedarville University, Debbie has been working as an intern with Kids Min this summer. In August she will be getting married and heading into a full time work in Toledo, OH.