Guest Author - Previous BellaOnline Editor
A lot of child free people are at a loss when it comes to entertaining kids. I asked some parents I know for some ideas to help you out if you are planning to spend some time with the children in your life (nieces and nephews, friends’ kids, younger cousins, etc.) this summer!
1. Go strawberry picking and make something out of the strawberries when you get home, like jam, muffins, or chocolate covered strawberries.
2. Take them to a zoo or an animal farm, especially someplace that lets you get up close and personal to feed the animals.
3. Go to the play area at the local mall and then get some goodies like ice cream or cookies before sending them home. If they are older, take them to the video game store or something like that.
4. Local museums are perfect for spending some time and most have kid friendly exhibits. A great option if you are entertaining kids of multiple ages.
5. Pack a picnic and go to a park, especially one with a playground. Keep it simple. Pick up something at the prepared food counter at your local grocery store, add some fruit and juice boxes and you’re good to go! And the best part? No mess at your house!
6. You can bring things to the park like binoculars to search for birds or bugs. Bring a butterfly net and a mason jar and let the kids see what they can “catch.” (Remember that these critters are meant to be wild, so be sure the kids understand that you won’t be taking any of them home at the end of the day!)
7. For the really creative aunt or uncle, you can create a treasure hunt at the park. Or for an easier option, make up a scavenger hunt.
8. On a nice, hot day, let them help you wash your car. You’ll get something done, and they will love getting wet!
9. Baseball games are always fun. Minor league ticket prices are very reasonable. Splurge for a hot dog and nachos. (This is best for kids who are 5 or older – younger ones will get bored)
10. Rent bikes or ask their parents to bring their bikes along. Go to a trail to avoid traffic. This is an excellent way to tire children out!
11. Rent a video game with older kids, or ask them to teach you how to play their favorite game.
12. If they are spending the night, have game night! Find something that is appropriate for the age of the kids – the boxes will be marked for you. Other simple game ideas include charades, a draw-guess game (like pictionary), or card games like go fish, blackjack, etc. Pick up some yummy snacks and you’re all set for the evening!
13. Take them to a fun class where they can paint their own pottery or make some jewelry. Museums and home improvement stores usually offer classes for kids too. Take them out for lunch afterwards.
14. Cook with older kids! Let them help you make lunch/dinner or cookies. You can even turn your house into a fun little restaurant of you want!
15. Crafts are perfect for anyone. All you need is some elbow macaroni, glue, paint, string, and some paper or cardboard and let them go! For the holidays you can help them make some cute pictures out of their hand or foot prints (hands make great Thanksgiving turkeys, and feet are excellent Easter bunny ears!)
16. Make a photo collage with them. Take digital pictures of your day together and print them out when you get home. Let them make a collage on cardboard or in a frame to take with them when they go home.
17. Everyone loves going swimming! To be safe, go to a public beach or pool with a lifeguard.
18. Mini-golf is fun for just about all ages! Some places will have batting cages and go-carts for older kids too.
19. And the quintessential favorite – go out for ice cream!
Hopefully these ideas will help you have some fun with the kids in your life. And remember, the best part about this…at the end of the day they go home with their parents!
Send me an email if you have a great idea that isn’t on this list. Child free people everywhere will thank you!
SPECIAL THANKS to Kristen and Michele for your ideas!!
