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As the end of the school year gets closer, we are hoping that the end of the Corona Virus gets closer as well. As parents, we know that the summertime “I’m bored” announcements will be especially rapid-fire this year if social distancing extends into the summer. While we are hoping for the best, we want you to feel prepared for possibly keeping your kids entertained from home, so you feel good knowing that they are safe. Even if the stay at home orders get lifted, we understand it may not be time to go running back to Disneyland just yet. Here are some fun summer activities that will keep your kids entertained from the comfort of your home.
1. Have a double feature movie marathon
Long summer days where it’s too hot to play outside are the perfect days for a movie marathon. Deciding on the movie may be the hardest part, but make some classic movie snacks and pick your favorite series. Harry Potter and the Hunger Games are perfect for families with older kids, while Disney movies with a sequel are great for families with younger kids; think Frozen or The Lion King. Eat meals in between movies and have a fun lazy day while also spending time with the whole family.
2. Make an at-home water-park
This one takes some prep time, but you can go as extravagant or as simple with this as you want. Pull the old slip and slide out of the garage or order a new one (they go for upwards of $20 on Amazon) and get the hose ready. You can utilize what you already have, like a trampoline or kiddie pool or purchase new items to make this a fun recurring activity. You can try water balloons, dish soap on the trampoline (be careful, this is fun but slippery), or even just good old fashioned playing in the hose.
3. Try having themed dinners
This one is fun for the whole family and makes for some pretty hilarious memories and photos. First, pick a theme, for example, Disney, favorite book characters, characters from a favorite T.V. show, or dress like Mom or Dad night. Then, figure out a prize that will go to the family member with the best costume, like 15 extra minutes of T.V. time, or an extra helping of dessert. Make sure you give everyone ample time to figure out a costume. Have everyone reveal their costume at dinner, and vote on the best one. Don’t forget to take pictures!
4. Create a reading competition
This one works best if you have older kids or kids who you know love to read. Make this a whole family competition to really up the ante, or keep it within the kids to take some pressure off mom and dad. Make a chart and a timeline and let everyone know that they have the summer to read as many books as possible. Again, come up with a prize for the winner and decide on some ground-rules, like if you want to measure by page number or by book. Set an honor system in place and get to reading!
5. Start a garden from your kitchen
Now may not be the best time to take a trip to Lowe’s for gardening supplies, but try using the seeds from your own kitchen to grow some sprouts! Avocado pits can grow when they are placed in a cup of water, and apple and watermelon seeds can grow in a plastic bag taped in a sunny window. When you see sprouts, transfer them to small cups with soil and give the kids the responsibility of watering them. This is a fun activity that teaches responsibility and excites the kids as they see the plants growing.
With a little creativity, a summer from home doesn’t have to be a bad thing. This could be the time to create fun memories and traditions that last for every summer, like gardening, and at-home water parks. While these quarantine-friendly activities may be a bit harder to put together, it will be worth it to have fun and spend time with the family.
