What are some fun things to do this summer with the kids?
Answers:
I have a 5 yr old little girl, so I understand, but I homeschool her (she JUST turned 5 so she will START kindergarden next fall) I keep her busy by taking her to the park (most of those are FREE and crawling with other kids to play with) take a packed lunch, tell him it's a picnic, and have him help make the lunch, don't worry if it's not perfect. Get a season pass for you and your son to a water park (or public pool), it might be a little expensive upfront but it will be worth it's weight in gold. Go for nature walks (5 yr old boys LOVE that) tell him to collect as many rocks (or leaves...stay away from poison ivy) as they can find, or make your own nature Bingo card (put pictures of squirrels, birds, certain types of EASILY identified plants, keep it general like a TREE, or a BUSH) have him cross the things he find off, the more he finds to cross off the bigger the prize will be (and the prize can be something small like a fun sized bag of M&Ms or some stickers or maybe HE gets to chose what's for dinner that night). Get involved in cooking together (for the future his future girlfriends will LOVE it he knows how to cook). I make cookies with my daughter on a weekly basis. Find a playgroup (I've never heard of any that cost any money to join). Also trips to the zoo (which CAN be expensive, but then again if he's REALLY interested in going you can get a season pass and although it's expensive upfront it's worth it). Pawn him off on grandparents for a week (let them wrack their brains on how to entertain him, and it gives you some time ALONE with hubby, or if you are without a hubby, you can have time to go out and not have to worry about finding a babysitter, or being sober when you get home). Still need some more ideas? Ask him! You'd be surprised that kids come up with some interesting things to do that don't cost anything (like my little girl LOVES to have tea parties... I know not something your little boy would want to do, BUT we make a BIG deal out of it, we get dressed up, I do her make up and hair, we make cookies and have REAL tea... the idea is GO ALL OUT for something little, does he like to make couch-cushion forts? Well make a day of it and make THE BEST couch-cushion fort that ever was, then make him some armor using card board and tin-foil, so he can defend his new castle (still feeling a bit brave? Do your make up so you look like a dragon, or scary witch who's going to attack the fort/castle). Kids LOVE that sort of thing. Most of all HAVE FUN!
Other Answers:
play dough
modelling clay
finger, foot, and body painting (outside)
make a kite and go fly it
treasure hunts
obstacle courses
And anything outside during the great weather!
take him to parks and set up play dates for him with kids around his age. Make sure you remember the sun block if you are going to be outside in the sunshine, which I highly recommend doing everyday that it's possible. Do lots of crafts, paint or draw pictures, make something that you know he likes. Maybe if its a rainy day you can have him help you bake his favorite sweet. There are lots of things you can do, remember it doesn't take much to entertain a child his age. Scavenger hunts ( they work indoors and outdoors really )
sidewalk chalk a plenty! (create themes to draw if inspiration is lacking- my three year old loves to make train tracks for his toy trains)
Outdoor bowling! ( they have little sets with 6 pins and three balls- all plastic mind you- for $10 and under )
Hoolahoops!
Bubbles!
If there's a farmers market where you live, that can be fun too- plus great summer fruit to gnosh on!
I love summer, just getting out of the house is fun!
vacation bible school.beach.duck pond.swimming lessons. Well, he's old enough to start fishing...... keeps them quiet for hours + keeps them out of trouble when they get older.
Swimming lessons (never know when they'll come in handy)
Picnic somewhere
Zoo / Amusement Park
Source(s):
http://www.john-duck.co.uk/html/fishing.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0746058772/qid=1148114485/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_0_1/202-1803687-5659022
well board games
going to a beach or water park...
going to a nice movie
go play sports with him
play video games
Source(s):
this is all i can think of at 5 am... just have fun with each other...
When you find yourself at a loss for ideas, try Family Fun magazine. Its the magazine you read when your child is beyond the ideas in Parenting magazine
Source(s):
Family Fun magazine take them to swimming pool
the library! most libraries have a summer reading program. my mom took us to two different libraries when i was a preteen and my brother was about 5 or 6 for a couple of years. the prizes will vary, but it is great because they get to interact with other kids. some libraries have crafts and special guests like puppeteers and much more. check your local library and it is all free! or it should be.
More Questions & Answers...
- Toilet troubles?
- How do you get your toddler to stop peeing in their underwear?
- Can immunizations make a child lethargic?
- any mothers have bilingual kids pls IM me?
- Should I continue taking my 3 yr. old to his weekly playtime gymboree outting, if he doesnt want to go?
- What r the advantages n disadvantages of play group to our kids?