It’s about that time of the year again when the sun will shine brightly, the birds will sing loudly, the flowers will be in full bloom. Summer’s around the corner, and my little ones could not be happier. Also, everyone will flock to the beaches. Along with the freedom to build sandcastles on the beaches and play long hours in the pool, they also have a long break to look forward to.
Next, the problem’s mine. I have to think of new ways to keep them occupied throughout the summer. Otherwise, I’ll hear “we-are-so-bored” rants right on the third day of their vacation. Well, if your problem is similar to mine, I have a solution. Here is a list of five summer activities that your kids are sure to enjoy:
Foil River – Can’t take the little ones out boating? Fortunately you can help them build a river right in your backyard. All you need is aluminum foil and a garden hose. So, take a few sheets of aluminum foil and roll up the sides to make a U-shaped stretch of an artificial river. Turn on the garden hose and let the water flow through the aluminum river. You can also build ice boats by freezing colored water in ice molds and topping it with toothpicks that can hold tiny flags. Sit back and watch the excitement unfold. Your little ones are sure to have a blast with this activity. Even after the ice boats have melted, your kids can sail paper boats in the artificial river.
Stamping Glory – Worried that your kids will create havoc stamping in your living room when bored? With this fun activity, they can go stamping without you having to worry about any damage. Spread out a wide sheet of white cloth in your yard. Also, hand your kids some paints, cut potatoes and apples, along with sheets of bubble wrap, tied to their feet. Let your kids dip the potatoes, apples and their feet in the paint. They can create stamping impressions across the sheet. This is a great activity to help your little ones let loose and open a whole new world of fascinating pattern ideas. An interesting variation to this activity is to let your kids stamp within the outline print of their favorite cartoon characters. Doing this will improve their concentration skills and help them develop a neat hand at art.
Dress Up Parade – Who wants to watch fashion shows on TV when little fashionistas are sitting right in your house. Involve the entire neighborhood and their kids in a fun evening of dress up parade. Keep 2-3 themes for the evening and have the kids dress up in outfits according to the theme allotted to them. The evening is sure to be fun not just for the kids but for all you adults too. You can follow up the fashion parade by distributing delicious treats and gifts to all the teeny tiny models.
Outdoor Movie Screening – Movie nights are loved by all kids and adults alike. Here’s a way you can double the fun. Put up a projector and screen a movie out in your backyard. Take charge of the snack counter and make some delightful munchies for the kids to enjoy. You can involve other families in the movie carousel too!
Balloon Ping Pong – We all have those days when we just want to sit back and do nothing, but our kids don’t let us. I sail in the same boat, and it’s during times like these that the balloon ping pong activity comes to my rescue. All you need is two paper plates, two ice cream sticks, and one balloon to prepare for this amazingly entertaining activity. Next, stick the ice cream sticks on the paper plates to make the ping pong bats. Let+ your kids have fun bouncing the balloon to and fro. Ensure your kids play in a room free of any breakables so as to prevent damage.
Finally, Let your kids cherish some great moments with these amazing activities. Also, which one of the 5 activities is your favorite? Let me know in the comments section below. You may also like 4 Top Family Activities in Bali.
Author Bio – Aradhana is from India. She is a veteran writer on topics concerning parenting, child nutrition, wellness, health and lifestyle. As a regular contributor to popular sites like Huffington Post, Natural news, Elephant journal, Thehealthsite, Naturally Savvy, curejoy and MomJunction.com. Aradhana writes to inspire and motivate people to adopt healthy habits and live a stress-free lifestyle.
Good ideas and I think we've tried many of them more than once but the foil river is a big favorite. We also play balloon volleyball! No paper plates required and when we get tire we make balloon art — bug faces and such with colored markers! I can't wait for summer!