Most children do not go to school and the long, lazy days of July and August lie ahead. You’ve probably already heard the dreaded phrases “I’m bored” or “There’s nothing to do.” So what can you do to entertain those kids who are bored and don’t know what to do? Here are some helpful ideas to fill those long summer days and cure the rainy day blues.

bubble fun

A jar of bubble fluid will provide hours of laughter and fun. You can buy bubble mix almost anywhere, but part of the fun of bubbles is making them yourself. Make your own bubble solution and then blow it both indoors and outdoors on calm and windy days. Try our bubble recipe and make a fun bubble machine.

picnic time

Whether it’s in a park, on the beach, or in your backyard, picnics are so much fun! Bring a picnic basket, cooler, beach bag or cardboard box, a large blanket or tablecloth to sit on, disposable or recyclable plastic plates and cups, and sunscreen. Pack non-perishable items like drink cases, prepackaged cheese and crackers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, trail mix, raisins, etc. Don’t forget to include the special things kids need: bubble fluid and wands, butterfly nets, bug jars, sand buckets and shovels, sidewalk chalk, a beach ball, a Frisbee and ball, a bat and a glove.

Water activities

• Provide the children with a hose that has a spray head and a cloth. Let them wash their toys and other surfaces.
• Fill a small bucket with water. Using an old paintbrush, let the children paint or write with their paintbrush on the sidewalk, steps, etc.
• Hear squeals of laughter as children run through the jets of water from a water sprinkler. Connect a garden hose to a sprinkler head then turn on the water and let the fun begin.

CoolTreats

• Prepare and serve some fresh delicacies. Keep grapes, berries, and chunks of cheese on hand in the refrigerator. Let the kids make their own skewers for an easy lunch (choking hazard, not for children under 3).
• Make popsicles with your child’s favorite fruit juice. Put the juice in an ice cube tray. When the juice is partially frozen, place a craft stick in each cube.
• Cut a peeled banana in half. Insert a wooden stick into the end of each banana half. Top bananas with peanut butter, then sprinkle with crispy rice cereal. Dip in chocolate syrup and place on a plate in the freezer for several hours.
• Check out children’s cookbooks from the library and let your children experiment with simple meals.

Beach party

Watch The little Mermaid movie, and then have a “beach party”. Fill a small “kiddie pool” with water (adult supervision required) and let the kids wear swimsuits, bring beach towels, and play with beach balls. Make our Mermaid craft.

oceans of fun

Learn about ocean animals and keep a variety of craft supplies on hand to make some of our ocean-inspired crafts.

sun prints

Cut shapes out of paper, spread re-adhesive glue on the back of the shapes, then glue them to construction paper. Tape the paper to a sunny window, facing outside, and leave for at least a week (longer for higher contrast), then remove the cutouts.

Bug Buggy

Look for interesting insects in your own garden or in the local park. Look for bugs under rocks, old logs, leaves, and patio pots. Examine them under a magnifying glass. With your young entomologist, identify your findings (have a notebook and crayons handy to make some scientific sketches).

Things to do in your local area

Make a list of things to do in your area: visit the zoo, a museum (art, history, science, children), or a park; go fishing, walk, or ride a bike; take a trip to the local library; go see a play, or better yet, plan your own neighborhood play; or do a community service project like picking up trash or visiting the elderly.