• Babies
• Building a Family
• Children
• General Parenting
• Newborns
• Teenagers
• Toddlers
• Pregnancy

Squashing Summer Boredom

Indoor activities

Squashing Summer Boredom

Do your kids spend the summers moping around the house, watching television and complaining of boredom? Put an end to summer sluggishness by providing your children with activities and ideas that will get them motivated and moving. Squash summer boredom and have a wonderful season!

Culinary Projects

Are your children always underfoot in the kitchen? The summer can be your opportunity to teach them how to cook their favorite dishes. Plan out meals, make shopping lists, and hit the grocery store together. Cooking is a fun way to spend time with your kids while teaching them something new. Plus, they'll have the satisfaction of being able to say, "I made it myself!"

Go to a Museum

At the start of the summer, check out your local museum's schedule and search for exhibits that your child might find interesting. Mark them on your calendar, and read up on the exhibit and the subject matter before you go. Challenge one another to remember facts and data, and turn this learning experience into a fun day that your child will look forward to.

Summer Scrapbook

Encourage your child to create a scrapbook that documents her experiences throughout the summer. A scrapbook can be more fun - and less demanding - than journaling. Your child can draw pictures, paste in concert or movie tickets, and use bright colors and glittery accessories. This arts and crafts activity will motivate her to stay active so that she will have more experiences to describe in the book.

Get creative

Volunteer

Check out churches, soup kitchens, or community centers in your area for volunteer opportunities that are appropriate for kids, and encourage your child to get involved. Volunteering will do more for your child than just keep him busy: it will offer him a new perspective and introduce him to new and interesting people. Best of all, he'll feel good about helping others.

Put on a Production

Let your children experience the thrill of the stage by organizing a play, a film, or a dance with them and their friends. Have the group develop a story idea, write a script, and make costumes. Once the production is ready, assemble family members to watch the performance and perhaps videotape it. This is a fun and creative way for your kids to spend their time, and they can be proud of the end result on show night.

Garden

If you enjoy gardening, share your hobby with your kids. It's a great way to get your children away from the television and out into the sunshine. Gardening can be hard work, but your kids can help with the lighter tasks, and they'll enjoy learning about the plants and flowers that grow in your yard. Enjoy making the outdoors beautiful together - it's a great way to bond with your family!

Outdoor activities

Summer Festivals

Along with summer come fun festivals throughout the country. Did you know that the teeny town of Spivy's Corner, North Carolina holds an annual Hollerin' Festival, where a contest is held to determine the screamer with the most style? In Wisconsin, citizens of Prairie du Sac are challenged to see who can throw cow dung the farthest. You may not find a festival quite as wacky in your local area, but there is sure to be some sort of festival nearby. Take the whole family for a summer celebration.

Take a walk

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Summer weather doesn't last year-round, so take advantage of the balmy breezes and head out for a stroll with your child. Leave your cell phone at home and enjoy the day. Consider this a chance to chat with your child and find out what is happening in his life.