4 Ways To Keep Your Kids Entertained This Summer
Once the school year ends and the summer begins, your kids may get bored sitting in front of the television or computer all day. Luckily, there are lots of activities you can do with them. Here are four ways to keep your children entertained this summer.
- Get Active
The summer is a great time to get everyone in shape. Swimming in a pool is a fun way to stay cool while working up a sweat. While you can purchase inflatable pools, they pale in comparison to above- and in-ground pools. Reliable swimming pool contractors in Dallas can build you the pool of your dreams.
There are other exciting ways you can have fun with water outside your home. Try filling up some water balloons and using them as baseballs. You can even create your own slip-and-slide with a garden hose and a tarp. When it is too cool to get wet, your family can still stay active by playing frisbee or croquet in the yard.
- Stay Indoors
Of course, not every summer day lends itself to outdoor activities. When there is excessive heat or a strong thunderstorm, your kids can still have fun.
If your children always want to help you in the kitchen, try teaching them how to cook. Making dinner can become a family activity. Have the younger kids stir ingredients and serve as taste-testers. Older children can operate certain appliances or wash and peel vegetables.
After dinner, gather in the living room for a movie. Hold a film night once or twice a week and let a different member of the family pick the movie each time. Everyone can dress in comfortable loungewear and snack on healthy treats such as fruit slices and air-popped popcorn.
If you have any classic board games collecting dust in your basement, bring them upstairs and teach them to a new generation. Younger children should enjoy simpler games such as Chutes and Ladders. For older kids, opt for strategic games such as Monopoly, or word games such as Boggle.
- Get Creative
Art activities can also keep your kids entertained on stormy days. You do not have to organize a set activity ahead of time, either. Just give them a pile of pencils, crayons or markers and watch their creative juices flow. Just be sure to purchase nontoxic markers and paint, particularly if you have toddlers.
Once the weather gets a bit nicer, your kids can head outside and create some chalk art on the sidewalk. On your way back into the house, have everyone grab a few rocks. The kids can then paint the rocks and use them as gifts or garden decorations.
If your kids are not interested in drawing or coloring, they can express their creativity in other ways. Purchase some clay or playdough and let your kids shape it however they want. You could also create music together or take photos around town.
You can even document the fun activities you do all summer with a family mural. Grab a long piece of white paper and have everyone in the household draw or paint pictures of the season’s fun adventures.
- Explore Your Hometown
Your city or town probably has tons of local events during the summer months. Check online to see what is happening near your home. You may find a county fair or free concert. You could also visit your local park and enjoy a family picnic.
If you have a bit of extra money to spend, take the children to a movie or show. Minor-League baseball games are fun for the kids, as well. They typically have family-friendly activities and giveaways. Finally, see if there are any museums or old farmhouses you can tour.
Whether it is a warm and gorgeous day or a hot and rainy one, there are plenty of things you can do with your children over the summer. Any of the above activities should keep your kids entertained for hours.
