Summer break is in full swing. I recently wrote a blog that shares some tips on how I help make summer break a success in our house. However, if your kids are anything like mine, their attention spans can be short and I’m constantly on the hunt for new things for us to try. I always love doing all the fun, crazy and silly things that keep them laughing and exploring, but I will admit that there are some things I like doing more than others. Surly I am not the only Mom who cries a little bit on the inside when they ask to make slime or decorate something in glitter! I think my carpets and floors will forever have a sparkle to them. However, there are some activities that we have tried this summer that have been thoroughly enjoyable for the kiddos and me. If time allows you to, give some of these a try and let me know how it goes!
Outdoor Fun
It is no secret that Cody and I love to be outdoors. I am so glad we are passing that joy down to our children. Some of our best memories from this summer are when we are outdoors playing.
Hairdresser
Any other ladies love having their hair played with? It is so relaxing and luckily my daughter loves to do it! We set up a pretend hair salon and I gladly take on the role of being her muse.
Bake or Cook
Yes- this one can get a bit messy, but I love to have my kids helping me out in the kitchen. Since we are already creating the mess, I try to have us make something that we can take advantage of eating throughout the week. They love to learn new recipes and get excited when Daddy comes home to try our newest creation!
Outdoor Movie
Movie time is always fun. I love to snuggle up as a family and laugh. During the summer, it can be a really nice change of pace to have a movie night outside. Gather neighbors and friends, find someone with a projector, and grab lots of pillows. All that is left to do is sit back and relax!
Scrapbooking
I know most people do not print out pictures like they used to. If you are like me, all of your photo albums are now stored on your phone, but I do still love going through old family photos from when I was younger. My kids also enjoy when I take time to print out pictures of them and put them into a scrapbook. It gives them a fun craft to work on for the afternoon while preserving something that will hopefully be really special to them one day.
Reading
We are big fans of going to the public library and picking out books to read. One of my favorite things to do with the kids is finding a book that is fun and appropriate for all of them and reading together as a family at night. We look forward to picking up on the next chapter every evening and seeing where the story is heading!
Volunteer
I have always enjoyed helping others and I love that we are instilling these values into our kids. I do not think they are ever to young to learn the importance of lending a helping hand to someone who is in need. Check out your local resources to find volunteer opportunities that would be appropriate for you and your kids to try together!
