How to Help Kids Fight Summer Boredom

School is out for the summer! A couple months to just do nothing... but the excitement can sometimes quickly turn into boredom. The whine of the kids along with the summer heat can be exhausting- unless you have a plan. Here are some tips to keep the kids occupied and happy without spending a lot of money.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• computer or newspaper
• transportation
• craft items
• spending money
• library card

1. Free Movies: Many local theaters offer free family friendly movies once or twice a week. These are usually held in the morning on a weekday. Many times they will also offer a special kid friendly snack pack at a nominal price. Call your theaters to see if they are offering anything and where to find the schedule.
2. Learn to Use the Computer Think Library: Most libraries hold summer reading programs. Some are geared towards smaller children like puppet shows and story time. For older kids you may find a reading reward program that offers a prize for reading a specified number of books. Libraries also have CDs and DVDs that can be checked out.
3. I Love NY Day Trips: Summer is the perfect time of year to explore a little further from home. Check out what is available within a short drive. Museums, aquariums, zoos and historical attractions can often be educational as well as fun.
4. Decorating Doll Cake Crafts: Keep a well stocked box full of craft supplies along with lots of ideas. Many craft stores will offer special craft days for kids where kids can go in and create on a Saturday morning. Give the store a call or check their website to see a schedule.
5. Garden: Let the kids have their own garden. Let them plan what to plant. Have them be responsible for taking care of it and make it a big deal when the food is harvested.
6. First Fish Explore the Outdoors: Hikes, fishing, tubing, parks and swimming are all great summer activities. For added fun: If you don't have a boat you can usually rent a canoe or paddle boat for a few hours.
7. Camp: There are many camps that only last a week or two. The local YMCA is a great source for these. These are great if scheduled in the middle of vacation as it helps break the summer up a bit. If a sleep away camp is not possible think backyard camping complete with s'mores.
8. Include the Neighborhood: Help the kids plan a neighborhood event. Let them advertise, plan and come up with refreshment assignments, etc. Ideas for a neighborhood activity could include a water baseball game, scavenger hunt, night flashlight walk to look for jewels [insect eyes], etc. Use your imagination. The possibilities are endless.
9. Ballet Class Sports and Lessons: The summer is a great time to sign up for a sports activity, music lessons or dance class. Reward them with a trip to a minor league game or dance recital at a local college.
10. Hobbies and Collecting: Support a hobby or collection interest or help start a new one. There are many hobby kits available for purchase or you can make up your own. Baseball or Pokemon cards are examples of collections that could hold an interest for many years. Learning to cook simple recipes can be fun and exciting. There are many cookbooks geared for the younger chef.
11. Dress up Box: Fill a large Rubbermaid box with old clothes, purses, shoes and glitzy jewelry. Look in second hand stores for old boas, rhinestone and sequined items.
12. Calendar for Success: It is easy to let the distractions of life take over and good intentions will replace those well made plans unless they are calendared in. Spread your activities evenly through the summer and you will find that it just may be the best summer ever!