School is out for just a bit longer for some of us, and you have probably heard the phrase “I’m bored”, a time or two over the last few months.  There are so many fun things to do during the summer. 

The good thing is, that most of them are free or very cost effective.  Some of the more obvious things would be going to the local park, swimming pool or splash pad.  These are all usually free or cost very little.  Make it even more fun and invite some friends along for your kids to play with.  However, some days you may not feel like traveling outside of the home, or that mountain of laundry may be calling your name.

Below are some fun and time-consuming activities for kids.

• CARWASH GAME
  • For this activity, you need 3 tubs, buckets, bowls or something that can hold water. Fill the first bucket with some sand or dirt and a small amount of water. Fill the second bucket with soapy water.  Fill the third bucket with clean “rinse” water.  Grab some toy cars/trucks (or honestly any toys), and have your child get the toy dirty, washed, and then rinsed. If you have old toothbrushes or sponges you can place those in the second bucket. Place a towel at the end of the assembly line for the “drying station”.  Most kids love this activity and will keep them busy for a while!

• PICNIC
  • Lunch time! Grab an old blanket and place it in the yard, under a nice shade tree if possible! Wrap up some of your kids’ favorite lunch foods… PB&J, cheese and crackers, apples slices, goldfish, juice pouches, etc. and pack in a basket or lunch bag.  Make it a big event.  Kids like having activities out of the everyday norm.  To make this more fun, bring a book or two outside with you and read to them while they eat their lunch

• WATER CHALK
  • Chalk is a staple summer activity, but have you ever combined chalk and a bucket of water?? For some reason, this always seems to entice kids more than just plain ole’ chalk. Have your child dip the chalk in the bucket of water and then draw with it.  The colors are more vibrant and it glides easier along the cement.  Another way is to wet the cement first and then color with the chalk. This does have a tendency to get messy.. but its just chalk! A little water and a cloth makes for easy clean up.

• TENT SANDBOX
  • No sandbox? No problem! If you don’t have an old child-size tent lying around, check out your local garage sales. This is the perfect item to start up a sand box.  You can find bagged sand at your local hardware store.  Set the tent up outside and fill with sand! This will provide shade for your child, and can be zipped up when done playing to keep outside pests and animals out.  Any ordinary toy can be placed in the sand box to make it more interesting.. and then can be washed using the above-mentioned CARWASH GAME.

With summer wrapping up and school around the corner, these activities are perfect weekend fun for the fall weather as well.  The PLC Health Clinic staff would love to help you come up with more age appropriate activity ideas with your kids if you need help.  Just call us at 419-238-9177 or email us . 

Sources available upon request.