I know that with the economy the way it is today, that many of us are having trouble being able to afford taking our children out to the places they want to visit in order to have fun. I am one of those people and I have found that even the simplest things can give kids plenty of time for fun and enjoyment without it costing much, if anything at all!
Here are a few things that I have found for my children and the ones that I care for in my child care that are very affordable or free for the taking...
1- Picnic lunches!
---I have enough shade in my yard for the kids to sit under and eat lunch. Whether you use a table or blanket, I have found that having them eat lunch outside under a shady spot will actually give them something fun to do for at least a half hour or more, since we all know kids love food and can always get distracted with talking and playing.
2- Taking them to the park!
---Kids love playgrounds, and even if you have one at home they always love playing on someone elses. Things are just better that way!
3- Play dates with friends, family or neighbors!
---Like I said...Things are just better when it's not theirs! Find some friends that need to entertain their children too and switch houses on the kids, go to one house one day and another the next.
4- Water!
---Kids love getting wet when it's hot outside! So don't be afraid to turn on the sprinkler, squirt them with the hose or even use a cup and dump it on their head. Have fun with it....Start a water fight! Trust me they will love it, especially if they can get you back for getting them wet!
5- Exercise!
---If you can go for a walk, bike ride or play some sort of game that gets them up and moving they will usually go for it. Children get bored when they are just sitting around (even if they are watching TV) because they don't feel like they are actually doing something. So get them up and moving and you will notice a difference!
Well, hope you have fun this summer and remember....Change it up!! Even the slightest bit of change is a big change to children, so find something that they may have not done in a while and do it with them!
Good luck!! If you'd like, don't be afraid to check us out at www.1stclasschildcare4kids.com or give us a call at 801-543-9453. Thanks and have a great day!