In the age of smart phones and tablets its easy to get lost from what life is really about... Having FUN!
Who doesn't like to break free from the mundane and technology and get back to basics. It's spring and for Virginia that means Summer temperatures. To keep cool here without locking ourselves in the air conditioned house and without spending a lot of money, we got a few sprinklers.
Quinn is such a water baby, he doesn't even put up a fight at bath time. We don't have room for a pool and the dogs make a mess of the kiddie ones. Plus sprinklers water my lawn while we have fun anyway, kills 2 birds with one stone.
Spending time with Quinn is relaxing for me. Even though when I look at him he reminds me of his sister, he is his own person and with out my daughter I would not be where I am today with a healthy toddler running around the back yard, chasing the dogs and picking up bugs.
So in the spirit of warmer weather I challenge you to go have fun with your kids and to act like a kid yourself. Let me know how you spend your summer days/nights.
Need ideas of what to do that doesn't cost a lot?
Here are a few.
Play in the yard - catch bugs, yes even girls can get down and dirty and learn about bugs.
Go to the beach- Depending on where you go at most you'll pay for is the parking. For you military folks if you are on a coastal base you can often go to the beach on base. (Damn Neck in VA has a fishing area and swim area)
Go to the Zoo - Some Zoo's often offer a free attraction and free to the public days, you just have to call your Zoo and ask. Or if you plan to go to the zoo often check into getting a membership.
Check out your community calendar- Look at your town (and near by cities) websites for a list of events going on right now, many of which are free. If you live in VA 7 cities Memorial day weekend there is the Pungo Strawberry Festival that is free to get into just pay for parking.
Go to your local library- many libraries have "story time" for young children. Also check their bulletin board for events like film night that are also free.
Play board games - If you have older children or toddler that understands play games on a rainy day or when its just too hot to go out.
Bake/Cook - What kid doesn't like to get help mom or dad cook or bake. You can even turn it into a learning experience. Adding in ingredients, cause and effect.
Get Crafty - There are so many pins on pinterst on rainy day crafts and out door crafts. This past weekend I put out a tarp and shaving cream and let Quinn get messy and took out some construction paper and food coloring and let him get creative.
Go to a local park - Teach your child to play a sport. most parks have areas for tennis and basketball. Our park has an open field to play football or baseball. And also just let your kids have fun on the playground equipment.
Practice Yoga - Can be done inside or in the back yard. Some Yoga poses help excited kids calm down and redirect their energy.
Blow Bubbles - What kid doesn't like to blow bubbles and chase them around the yard. Pair that with a dog that loves bubbles too and its a fun time.
Build a fire - Roast some marshmallows and make s'mores. I like to make ours with fudge stripe cookies, it's easier for little hands to eat since you don't have the chocolate slipping around on a graham cracker.
Go for a bike ride - If you have a bike and helmet already you are set! Most state parks have riding trails and its great exercise.
Take a walk - After lunch why not walk up to the corner store, and get a cool treat.
Fire Works - If you live where you can light them off yourself, have yourself a fireworks show, or if you are like me and live in a big city check your community events and see where some will be lit off.
Get a sprinkler - Or make one with a 2L bottle.
I'd love to hear what you do with your kids leave me a comment.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Belle*
ENJOY SUMMER!!!
Post a Comment