Dear Melissa,
Help! My kids start back to school soon. It seems as if the summer has simply flown by and we have not had time to truly enjoy it. What are some cheap/free things we can do as a family before we get back into the school routine?
I can’t lie. Summer is my FAVORITE season. I like nothing better than hanging out on my back porch, either as a family, or alone and curled up with a good book. Heat index 100? Bring it on. That just calls for moving the lawn chair under the shade tree and adding extra ice to my tea!
I, too, begin to feel the panic that sets in after Independence Day. Summer is ending. So much is left to do. How do I prioritize? Here is a list of some of my absolute favorite family-friendly activities that are appropriate for all levels of abilities and require little-to-no money and little-to-know Pinterest savvy!
Water day. It’s a no-brainer. Most people don’t have the luxury of their own swimming pool, but this is no excuse to stay dry on a hot day! Fill random buckets with water and grab a bunch of Dollar Store water soakers and sponges. Spread throughout your back yard and let the water fun begin! Want to get a bit fancier? Adding water balloons to the mix is an obvious choice. Preschool and lower elementary-aged kiddos also enjoy having various plastic bowls/cups/spoons for playing kitchen. Another good choice is having your little Picassos draw with sidewalk chalk, and then use the water cannons to erase their masterpieces. Want even more inexpensive ideas for water day? Visit my Water Day Blog from last year!
Ice Age. Again, it’s crazy hot outside. You can create a frozen wonderland to cool things off. Take plastic figures (dinosaurs, action figures, etc.) and freeze them in large bowls of water. Then, simply give the kiddos some small hammers, nails, butter knives, forks, etc to chisel the creatures out. (Obviously taking into consideration the fine motor skills and safety awareness of your little ones!) Get buckets of ice water, throw in some sponges, and have a “snowball” fight. Add in an afternoon snack of popsicles or ice cream, and you have created a full afternoon of frozen fun!
Back Porch Time. This one is super easy. Simply take your favorite frozen afternoon snack, sit outside with our kiddos, and ponder the big questions in life without the interruptions of all of those fancy electronic devices. (The ban on electronics goes for you too Mom & Dad!) So far this summer, my 4 & 7-year-old and I have had some very interesting debates: evolution vs. creationism, t-rex vs triceratops, Washington vs. Lincoln, Santa vs Easter Bunny, apples vs. pears…you get the idea. Sometimes the conversation will be heavy (and followed by the very necessary point that we DON’T then discuss religion & politics at school!), and other times it is very silly and mundane. The point is that you are talking to your children.
Car Wash. Do you notice a theme yet? I like to be outside, but I like to be able to keep cool. Park your car in the driveway. Grab some buckets, sponges, dish soap, and your trusty water hose. The kids get to get wet, messy, stay cool…and your car gets clean. Now that’s a win-win!
Tent. Set it up either outside or inside. Store-bought or home-made from an old sheet. Help the kiddos set up a tent and then actually spend some time together inside. Read books, tell stories, have a picnic, go crazy! Feeling a bit more adventurous? Grab some sleeping bags and actually spend the night in it!
Write. Ok, you have been meaning to have the kids sit down and do this all summer, but there is no time like the present. As I put it to my own kiddos: “Don’t do it for your mother, do it for yourself. Some day you will be a grown-up, and you will like to remember what you were doing when you were a kid”. It is often too hot to play in the afternoon anyway, so why not take a writing break? For the little ones, have them draw/color a favorite activity or particular interest. For older children, have them write a few sentences on what they liked best about this summer. Even better, have an older child write their own book. Make it a big deal that you are placing this in a “forever spot” to keep and share when they are grown.
Read. School days will be upon us before you know it. Now is the time to make reading fun. Again, the important word here is fun. Allow even big kids to snuggle on the couch as you read to them. Allow children to read comic books or items of interest that may be below their reading level. Take them to the library or bookstore and allow them to explore. Show them that you too enjoy reading by reading frequently in their presence. It is never too late to foster a love for reading!
That thing. You know…that thing. That thing that you have been wanting to do all summer, but haven’t found the time to do? Well go do it! Make time! You only have a few weeks left.
What are your plans for the last few weeks of summer?
Do you have a bucket list? If so, please share!
Resources:
Activities Under $10 That Will Keep Your KidsBusy All Summer Long, Mike Spohr, www.Buzzfeed.com (accessed July 2015)
10 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer, Kellye Carter Crocker, Parents.com (accessed July 2015)