I can’t believe summer is almost upon us. This year my kids get out of school on May 31st and all I can think of is what am I going to do to keep them busy all summer long? I’m totally outnumbered so the goal is to come up with ways to wear out the kids this summer that don’t take a lot of effort on my part. And let’s face it, the point isn’t not necessarily to keep them busy. I want these kids collapsing into bed at night completely wiped out from their day.
Ways to Wear Out the Kids this Summer
The best summer activities are the ones that take place outdoors. So ideally, I’m going to wear out the kids in the fresh air and sunshine so they’re not indoors destroying my apartment.
Make a Bike Course
Give the kids some sidewalk chalk and let them make paths to ride their bikes on. They can sue the chalk to draw lanes for the bikes or draw arrows to direct the wheeled traffic. Encourage them to think like a driver and create rules for the road. Mailboxes make great stop signs! They might even come up with community jobs like police officer or delivery truck driver.
Head to the Trampoline Park
This is a favorite destination for kids. While it’s not an outdoor activity, the exertion of all that jumping is guaranteed to wear the kids out by the end of the trip! If price is a concern, check Groupon or call the facility and ask if they are offering any specials.
Any Water Activity
Get creative and think beyond pool, beach, and lake water. Even though my kids are way too big for a kiddie pool, they’ll still play in one on the back patio for hours. Dollar store squirt guns and water shooters add some excitement to a hot afternoon. Personally, I try and steer clear of water balloons. They make a huge mess and I usually end up getting asked to fill them anyway. The goal is to wear the kids out this summer, and not the mama!
Homegrown Olympic Games
Grab a few dollar store prizes and let the kids set up their own olympic games. With a little creativity (and a lot of hyping it up), this could potentially take them all day. I haven’t done this with my own kids, but I have done it with my elementary students. I had them make a flag to represent their team, come up with team colors, and practice their skill over and over. Things can get really competitive if you can scrounge up a timer for them to use.
The weather is too nice during the summer to stay indoors watching YouTube. If you need some help coming up with ways to wear out the kids this summer, I’ve got you covered. 😉
What are some fun, low-effort ways you keep kids busy during school vacation?