Summer is finally here and the kids are out of school which means as a mom you need to have some great activities planned that will keep your kids busy and keep you from having to hear how bored they are. Even if the weather is bad there's still plenty to do this summer vacation to keep the whole family happy and to take advantage of the warmer weather.
It may sound boring and redundant but send the kids outside. Chances are they've been cooped up all winter long in the house and in school each day. Chances are that most moms have been stuck inside as well so sitting outside supervising or getting in the middle of all the fun will benefit you too! If you have a yard large enough for them to run around in let them play basic games like tag and hide and go seek. If it's hot out turn on the sprinkler or give them the hose. Pull out all the sports equipment, balls, bikes and even take a minute to turn some older inside toys or items into outside toys. Old toy cars can add new fun to the sandbox, old plastic cups or bowls can make great water or sand toys. Children can usually occupy themselves for hours with the easiest things so take advantage of that in a place where they can't make a mess of the house and it's good for the family to get some fresh air and sunshine.
Head out early one day to the local park. You can pack a lunch, pack books, toys and even bikes if you have the room and you can spend the whole day enjoying the outdoors as a family. Older kids and parents can lounge on blankets reading or playing games and the little ones can explore the outdoors and look for bugs or animals. You can hike on trails if they are open, fish in a nearby creek or even play on a playground. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, beverages and snacks and you'll have enough to keep everyone busy all day.
Plan a field trip day. If the weather is going to cooperate, have the kids pack backpacks with a lunch, snacks and activities for the car. Pick a location that is somewhere not so close to home that you don't get to visit too often. It will be even more fun if you decide not to tell anyone where you're going and let it be a surprise. The kids can guess where you're going on the way there and you can even give them clues every so often to keep them guessing. Drive to a local zoo, amusement park, boardwalk or museum and spend the day there as a family.
If it's a rainy day but the weather is still warm send the kids to play in the puddles. Get them dressed up in their rain boots, rain coats and hats, hand them umbrellas and send them out in the yard to splash in the mud and water. Kids will think this is the greatest activity ever and it will cool them off on a warm day. When it's time to come in have them dry off, change into clean clothes and you can have them snack on warm cookies and milk.
Enroll your kids in a summer camp, educational classes or sports to keep them busy with an activity that will occur once or twice a week for the duration of summer vacation. While kids need the break from working hard all school year, they are used to having some form of stimulation and interacting with other kids their age. You can sign up for gynamstics, dance class, baseball, soccer, science camps, cheerleading camps or swimming lessons. Most of these activities are very affordable and not only will it give kids some time to focus on what they like but it will give Mom the opportunity to get some things done with the free time as well.
Just because it's summer vacation doesn't mean fun and activities need to die down for a few months. Summer provides plenty of time to catch up with friends and family and to let parents reconnect with their children who are busy with school and activities most of the year. Just spending time outdoors can be fun for the whole family and there are plenty of activities you can plan ahead of time that will keep everyone happy.
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