Summer is Blazing By
Summer is speeding along and I don’t know about you, but by this time of summer I am usually exhausted and looking for fun ideas to keep my kids entertained. We did our family camping trip and our spring/summer cleanup so now what do we focus on for the rest of the summer? Today I discuss some ideas to keep the kids entertained so you may find a few minutes to get your tasks done and maybe even relax and renew yourself.
Mom, the Summer Activity Director
Summer is great! In fact, it is my favorite time of year. But sometimes I get overwhelmed trying to figure out how to keep my kids occupied. I never get much done for myself in the summer because I am playing activities director for the kids. So today I share 7 activities you can have your kids do that will give you some much needed mom time to do what you need!
Backyard Fun or Safe Outdoor Space
Nature Scavenger Hunt – if you are lucky enough to have a fenced yard or park close by you can send them on their way. If not, take a project to the park and let them do their thing for a bit while you get a small project done. Click HERE to get the Summer Scavenger Hunt
Water Balloon Fun – Fill up water balloons and let the kids engage in playful water balloon fight in the backyard or safe outdoor space.
Sidewalk Chalk Art – Provide colorful chalk and let the kids unleash their creativity by drawing and decorating the sidewalk or driveway with beautiful artwork.
Nature Journaling – Give the kids a notebook and some colored pencils and encourage them to explore the outdoors, observe plants and insects, and draw or write about their discoveries.
Indoor Fun
DIY Bird Feeders – Set out pinecones, peanut butter and bird seed and have the kids make a simple birdfeeder. Hang it by a window and watch the birds enjoy the treat.
Indoor Obstacle Course – Set up a mini obstacle course or have the kids set it up using hula hoops, cones, jump ropes, boxes and more. Let the kids challenge themselves and have fun completing the course. They can use timers and see who is fastest or change it each time the group finished the course.
Indoor Picnic – Have the kids fill a basket with their favorite snacks. Make a fun drink like Italian soda or Iced tea with things they can put in to make it seem special like different syrup flavors for the Italian sodas or sugar and cream for the iced tea. The picnic can also be taken to the patio, balcony or back yard if you wish.
Independent Kids Give Mom Some Time
Teach your kids to be more innovative and independent so that you can breathe, do a load of laundry or take a few minutes to read. One task we do at the beginning of the summer is to write our favorite activities on popsicle sticks and put them in a vase or jar. When they do not know what to do have them go pick an activity from the fun jar.
Remember, even though these activities can be done without constant supervision, it’s essential to ensure the safety of younger kids and periodically check on them to make sure they are having fun and not getting into trouble!