Sunsational Summer Activities
By Ann Martin
When school lets out for summer, everyone can't wait for summer to begin! It's an exciting season filled with picnics, barbeques, and endless summer days. Here are some fun summer activities to keep the entire family entertained throughout the summer.
Outdoor Activities to Keep Cool
Water Balloon Fight - Reach your inner child by filling up lots of those little balloons with water and have a full out water balloon fight! Not only will it keep you cool during those hot summer days, but once you run out water balloons, you'll be getting your exercise by running form those that still have plenty of balloons.
Dance in the Rain - Sounds a bit silly, I know, but when those unexpected rain clouds pop up and your plans for the pool have been delayed, send everyone outside in their bathing suits to enjoy Mother Nature's Swimming Pool!
Turn on the Sprinkler - If it's not raining go ahead and turn the sprinkler on to keep cool. The kids love running through it and your grass and flowers will be getting a drink at the same time.
Pack a Picnic - Pack all your favorite picnic foods and head off to explore a new park or nature preserve.
Start a Collection of Outdoor Treasures - Have the kids tart their very own nature collection. Be it small stones, leaves or even sticks, having them create and begin their very own collection will give them the feeling of ownership and pride.
Set up and Obstacle Course - Get the kids moving by setting up an obstacle course! It does not have to be complicated and you can use the materials that you have on hand. Be sure to set up the sprinkler somewhere in the course for them to keep cool!
Indoor Activities to Keep Cool
Check Out Your Local Library - Typically when school lets out, the local library runs special summer programs for kids of all ages. Sign the kids up for their own special program and for that summer reading program as well!
Movie Day - On some summer days, it gets just too hot to even be outside. Choose a children's classic, pop some popcorn and beat the heat.
Game and Puzzle Day - After a day of swimming, it is nice to wind down together. Have a game or puzzle day for those times where everyone needs to relax. Whip out the Old Maid cards or play a game of WAR. Puzzles would be great to complete together as well.
Make Your Own Playdoh - With just a few ingredients, you can make homemade playdoh in no time. It's fun and easy to make and keeps fresh for months.
Make homemade popsicles - have the entire family help you creative delicious and healthy homemade popsicles out of fresh fruit and or juices. Be as creative as you like, as they will be quite delicious no matter the ingredients.
Ann Martin is a writer for Dinnerware Center, which offers an extensive assortment of dinnerware and tableware sets such as the
Noritake and the
Oneida Flatware sets. Ann is also a writer for other family and home-related websites. When Ann is not writing, she enjoys reading.
