Summertime may be difficult whether you are a stay-at-home parent or a working parent. When children are at home all day, or out of the routine of school, they become quickly bored. Boredom frequently leads to complaining or other sorts of misbehaviour.
So, what if you want to keep your kids entertained but don’t want to spend a fortune taking them to the zoo twice a week? Here are some inexpensive solutions for keeping your sanity while keeping your kids engaged this summer.
Invest in Some Good Kids Garden Toys
Don’t forget to provide your kids with the best outdoor kids’ garden toys while you’re busy transforming that backyard into a genuine haven. It’s true that kids may never grow out of their love for screens, but the appropriate garden toys and games could entice them into playing outside and spending some meaningful family time.
Even if you don’t have a private pool or a large yard, there are some greatest kids toy options that will encourage your children to run, jump, climb, throw, swing, and use their imaginations. Just remember to bring sunscreen and sun caps if you intend to spend the entire day outside. Here are some kids garden toy choices for you to consider:
- Twister Splash is a recreation of the indoor game with just one difference: the coloured spots actually SPRAY water! Perfect for some quality family time as everyone playfully tries to be the last one standing while slipping, sliding, and falling. The set includes a waterproof spinner, a hose connector, and instructions for playing the game. Whoever remains standing the longest wins! With this kind of entertaining kids garden toy water sprays from every location you put your hand on which guarantees fun for everyone!
- Future baseball stars who want to practice their swing in the backyard or at the park will go crazy for a T-ball set. Additionally, some parents claim that it is the ideal height for toddlers.
- A bubble maker because it will occupy kids without requiring you to do anything. Literally, you just need to turn it on to create an instant bubble fantasy that will captivate them for HOURS.
- Triangular rope ladder that can be suspended from a branch of a tree or the ceiling to offer countless options to swing, perform acrobatics, or shout.
- A backboard basketball set is a popular addition to many yards. The finest feature of this toy is that it can be adjusted to six different heights, so it can grow with your child’s height (and get better at shooting hoops). With an expanded rim to make it simpler for kids to play, the hoop’s height spans from 75 to 150 cm. The basketball hoop, which includes an inflatable ball, has a weather-resistant shell and a foundation that can be filled with sand or water to increase stability. Kids between the ages of 1.5 and 5 are best suited for the backboard basketball set.
Plan a Sleepover
Summer is the ideal season to have guests stay the night because of the long days and relaxed mornings. Upgrade their next stay with comfy handcrafted sleeping pods. All you need to make this happen is a collection of pillowcases and pillows and some simple sewing abilities. Snack time can be made easier with a charcuterie board suitable for children that include crackers, grapes, cheese, and mandarin oranges, as well as a dessert version that includes cookies, fruit snacks, and candies.
An outdoor movie night can be a great pastime for a sleepover. Ask the kids to grab their sleeping pods and go outside to watch a movie under the stars. Project their favourite movie onto your garage door or on an exterior wall. Pop some popcorn, and stock an outside cooler with single-serve beverages. Shop at your neighbourhood dollar shop for an assorted package of candies for a genuine theatrical experience.
Create a Craft Station
Give your home a dedicated spot for a summer-long craft station, such as the dining room table. Get all the things that your children might require to create enjoyable summer projects, such as glitter, scissors, feathers, crayons, and paper craft supplies. Additionally, keep an eye out for recyclable items like milk cartons, cereal boxes, and toilet paper rolls.
There is a number of craft ideas that require you to only buy paper craft supplies and glue. Here are some for you to try:
- Paper Snake Chain – Make a flexible snake out of a paper chain! Kids find this craft project super fun to make.
- Colourful paper lanterns – Paper lanterns are widely used in China and Japan and are generally associated with festivals. With adult supervision for smaller children, this paper craft project is appropriate for all ages and doesn’t need a lot of materials. Step-by-step instructions on how to make your own paper lanterns can be easily found online.
- Marble run – Make a marble run at home with cardboard tubes. You could use the inner tubes from toilet paper, kitchen paper, or even wrapping paper to make the different sizes and levels for the marble run to make a marble obstacle course!
- Folded Paper Bracelets – Making folded paper bracelets from your kids’ artwork is a creative upcycling idea. Make a custom bracelet using vintage paintings or even junk art. It’s a wonderful way to put to use all the priceless pieces of art that are piled high or nailed to the refrigerator. If you don’t have any extra artwork, don’t worry; craft paper in various colours works just as well. Search the internet for detailed instructions to create an amusing bracelet concept. You could even go all out and create a crown!
- Paper waving craft – Paper weaving is a simple hobby for kids that is perfect for developing fine motor skills. Take everyday scraps and turn them into vibrant art with this easy paper weaving craft for kids.
Get Kids in the Kitchen
Ask the kids to help you in the kitchen. Cooking is a terrific method to teach them about measuring, meal planning, proper food handling, and so much more, in addition to letting them express their creativity. Start with straightforward foods like putting chocolate chips in raspberries and let them work their way up to sous chef status.
Allow Them to Be Bored
Allowing your children to be bored is an important step towards surviving summer as a parent. As children’s lives become more structured, they are increasingly left to their own devices. Of course, once you let them go, they become bored because toddlers need to learn to play independently and be creative. Boredom, according to scientists, is crucial for developing creativity!
So, give your kids some downtime. Allow them space and time to come up with activities, and don’t instantly load their calendars when boredom occurs. It doesn’t get much more affordable than that!
