Do you go into summer with a plan, or do you just cross your fingers and wish for the best? I am somewhere in between. I’m excited for lazier days, not rushing out of the house every morning, and to be able to just relax and enjoy each other more!
But I am not excited for the inevitable boredom and whining from the kids. Because of that and because this isn’t my first summer rodeo, I have compiled a fun list of things you and your kids will look forward to, as well as a list of idea to give the kids to avoid the whole “I’m bored” comments. Download the list here.
Hitting the boredom bug? Here is a huge list you can give to the kids (or designate if they’re younger).
SUMMER BOREDOM BUSTERS
|
Inside Activities |
Outside Activities |
|
Read a book |
Chalk |
|
Read a book to your siblings |
Bubbles |
|
Write a letter to a friend or family member |
Create an obstacle course |
|
Play make believe (veterinarian, library, police…) |
Go for a bike ride |
|
Organize your room |
Go on a nature walk (or just explore your yard!) |
|
Fashion show |
Play a sport |
|
Have a photo shoot |
Hopscotch |
|
Playdough |
Pull weeds |
|
Build a birdhouse |
Lemonade stand |
|
Learn a skill (art tutorial on YouTube, learn a language) |
Climb trees |
|
Learn music (download an app, some don’t require owning an instrument) |
Flashlight tag |
|
Play dress up |
Regular tag |
|
Floor is lava obstacle course |
Set up a camp/tent |
|
Play a board game |
Paint with water on the driveway |
|
Create a book of your own |
Play in the sprinklers |
|
Coloring books |
Wash the cars |
|
Puzzles |
Paint rocks |
|
Make a fort |
Make a scavenger hunt for your siblings or neighbor friends |
|
FaceTime faraway loved ones |
Have a relay race |
|
Talent show with siblings and friends |
Squirt gun fight |
|
Do a chore unprompted |
Take the dog on a walk |
|
Bless someone (random act of kindness) |
Offer to walk your neighbor’s dog (go one step further and start a business! Create a flyer) |
|
Make a recipe for the family |
Sell popsicles |
|
Camp out in one room for the day |
Draw your surroundings |
|
Create an indoor ice cream shop (with menus and everything!) and sell to your family. Bonus to make your own ice cream! |
Draw the clouds and turn into an object |
|
Draw your own magazine of something that interests you (clothing, animals, puzzles) |
Take pictures of nature |
| Read a book in the craziest location (closet, on the washing machine, under a table, in a cabinet, etc) | Read a book in the craziest locations (in a tree, in a truck bed, back to back with a friend, etc) |
| Indoor picnic | Make s’mores |
| Play store | Have a picnic |
What other summer boredom busters are on your list? Do you have activities your kids look forward to each summer? Share below and inspire others!
// More Ideas for Summer Fun in Des Moines //
Pro tip: If they keep saying they are bored, I give my kids chores. They stop saying that really quick…
