Summer vacation can be a blessing and a curse: it’s great to spend valuable time with your kids, but it can be difficult to find things to do with your young and energetic little ones. You want to play with them and actually have fun yourself. So, what’s a mom to do? We’ve got you covered with five creative ideas for summer activities you’ll love.
1. Chalk it Up
Use sidewalk chalk to create a giant mural on the ground and invite other kids and parents to help. Copy a picture you know or create your own and stay cool by fixing mistakes with a hose—and turning it on each other as well as drawing in the shade or under a beach umbrella or awning!
2. Personal Drive-In
Rent a projector (try your local library) and screen your kid’s favorite movie on a white sheet you can hang on your house or fence. Drive right up and blast the air conditioning in your car.
3. Sprinkler Party
Ask all the parents in your neighborhood to turn on their sprinklers at the same time. Gather the kids (and any adults who want in on the fun!) and run through all the sprinklers, one after another. You can even turn it into a race, obstacle course or game!
4. Inside Fun
Create an indoor campsite with couch cushions and blankets. Turn off lights and bring out the flashlights. Read stories and let the imagination run wild. Create stories by talking turns, one word at a time.
5. Get Painting
Have a Paint Night at home with an online course you can all do together. Virtual Paint Nights are available anytime you are in the mood. Collect paints, paint brushes, paper towels and paper plates and let the instructor guide you to a masterpiece via on-demand video. Be creative in the yard or in the house with air-conditioning!
