Entertaining children is a job in itself. I am a firm believer that you should not pack your child’s schedule with things to do from minute to minute. Also as a parent you do not have to entertain them at all times. Children need to learn how to entertain themselves from time to time. However it is important to spend time with your children and we have put together a fun list of things you can do when boredom hits!
Make Shimmer Jars
Shimmer jars are fun and act as a great nightlight. To make these you’ll just need mason jars with lids, glow sticks and water. You could use superglue to seal the jars closed if you think the kids will open them. Break the glow sticks and put the liquid in the water. Shake it up, expose it to light and it glows.
Catch Fireflies
Give the kids jars with holes poked in the tops and tiny fishing nets. Let them run around at dusk and catch as many fireflies as they can. They can put a few blades of grass and small sticks inside the jars. These jars can be placed in their bedroom as a nightlight substitute.
Construct a Grill Pit for Gatherings
Make a homemade grill pit just for campfire grilling. This would be used for items like campfire s’mores, hot dogs, sausages and other items that can fit on a stick. This is fun in both the summer months and the fall. Nothing beats sitting around and open fire to keep warm.
Thrift Shopping Day
Take the kids to the local thrift store on a sale or discount day. Let them each pick out a complete outfit or two. Letting them shop for their own clothes gives them a sense of maturity and helps develop their individuality. Or enjoy a day at the Dollar store where a little bit of money goes a long way and the kids enjoy picking out what they want.
Craft Days
On those rainy days, pop in a few movies and have craft time while they play. Let the kids make items that can be used around the house like bill organizers, decorative baskets and homemade candles.
Make Superhero Outfits
This is another rainy day activity inside the house. Provide the kids with old bed sheets, markers and embellishments. Let them design their own superhero outfit, name the character and act out the character all day. Of course your superhero’s will need their own lair so it is the perfect time to set up a fort.
Camp in the Backyard
You don’t have to leave the house to go camping. Set up a couple tents with a campfire in the backyard. Have flashlights, hot cider or cocoa and a few snacks handy. Don’t forget the ghost stories and things that go bump in the night to keep the kids entertained! Perfect with Halloween around the corner.
Redecorate Bedrooms
Once the kids are old enough to have hobbies and favorite characters it’s a good idea to theme their bedroom accordingly. Let them do the decision making this time. If the space is decorated with their imaginative minds, they’re more likely to maintain the space better.
Weekend Sleepovers
Even though it will be hectic, let the kids each have a couple of friends over on the weekends for sleepovers. Plan activities and movies for the kids, along with some healthy snacks for them to munch on. Don’t give them a bedtime for these events, let them wear themselves out and sleep in the next day.
Local Kid-Friendly Events
In most major cities, there are summer festivals and events that are family and kid-friendly. Most have games and entertainment that children can partake in and have fun, along with rides and any junk food item they can imagine.
Most of these activities take place right at home, and cost little to put together. What is most important isn’t the money you spend but the time you take to spend with your children. Make the most of the time that you have at home and make it fun for you and your children.
