If you have kids complaining about being bored, try creating a "summer bucket list" of fun activities to get them out of their funk. This way you can plan ahead for things to do considering the weather and your schedules. It also keeps the entire family active and away from long hours in front of the television. Try a few of these thirteen ideas and chances are you and your kids will have a blast checking items off of your summer bucket list!
Bike Rides
Bike rides are a great way to spend some time with your kids, get some exercise, and explore your neighbourhood or a local park. Plus, it's a great way to beat the heat! If you don't have bikes of your own, most communities have bike rental programs, or you can check out a bike from your local library. Before you head out, pack some water, snacks, and maybe even a picnic lunch if you're planning a longer ride. And don't forget your helmets! Once you're all set, enjoy quality time with your kiddos while getting fresh air.
Check out the local playground.
Hanging out at the playground is a fun way to spend an afternoon with your friends. The kids can run around and play on the swingsets and merry-go-rounds while the adults can chat and catch up. It's a great way to get fresh air and exercise; the kids always love it. Plus, it's cheaper than going to the movies or out to eat. So next time you're looking for something fun to do with your friends, meet them at the playground!
Feed the Ducks
Anyone who's ever been to a park has probably seen ducks waddling around and maybe even had the chance to feed them. Ducks are friendly creatures that enjoy interacting with people and especially love getting fed! Bread is their favourite food, but they will also eat pellets that can be bought at most pet stores. When feeding ducks, it's important to remember that too much bread can harm their health, so giving them only a tiny piece at a time is best. Ducks are fun animals to watch and interact with, so next time you're looking for something to do, consider heading to your local park to feed the ducks!
Have a Picnic at a Local Park
A picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends or family. And what could be better than a picnic at a local park? Parks are perfect for picnics because they usually have plenty of space and beautiful scenery. Plus, many parks have playgrounds, which can be a great way to keep the kids entertained. Just be sure to find a spot with shade, so you don't get too hot in the sun. And don't forget to pack some insect repellent, just in case of pesky bugs. With some planning, a picnic at the park can be a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Camping in the Back Garden
Camping is a great way to spend time with your family and friends, and it's a great way to get back to nature. But if you have young children, you might be unable to go camping at a campsite or park. That's where backyard camping comes in! Backyard camping is a great way to introduce your children to the joys of camping without having to worry about them getting lost in the woods. And if you live in an area with good weather, you can even do some stargazing! Set up a tent in your backyard, bring some sleeping bags and marshmallows, and you're all set for a fun night under the stars.
Check out Local Fairs
If you're looking for a fun activity with your kids, why not check out the local county fair? Most major cities will have carnivals, festivals or fairs to delight your kids. There will be tons of rides, games, and food to enjoy. And best of all, it's usually affordable. So if you're looking for a fun afternoon or evening out with the family, check out your local county fair.
Check out the Local Library.
Libraries are often considered places to check out books, but they offer much more! For example, many libraries have toys and activities for children of all ages, audiobooks, and educational computer games. Libraries are also a great place to take advantage of free resources and sign up for a library card if you don't have one to gain knowledge on various topics. So the next time you're looking for something to do, be sure to swing by your local library - you might be surprised by what you find there.
Hide and Seek in the Dark
Playing hide and seek in the dark is a great way to liven up the game. Not only does it add an element of suspense, but it also makes it more challenging to find hiding spots. Before you start:
Black out any windows and remove any hazards from the playing area.
Let everyone choose a place to hide.
Once everyone is in position, turn off the lights and begin counting. The seeker will then have to search for the hiders using only their sense of hearing.
This can be tricky, so give everyone a fair chance. Hiding and seeking in the dark is a great way to have fun and exercise your senses. So why not give it a try?
Do a Puzzle Together.
Taking the time to do a puzzle together can be a great bonding experience for you and your kids. It can also be a lot of fun! When choosing a puzzle, look for one that is age-appropriate. There are different difficulty levels for puzzles, so you'll want to make sure you select one that is neither too easy nor too difficult. Once you've found the perfect puzzle, sit down together and start working on it. Take turns finding pieces and fitting them into place. And don't get too frustrated if it takes a while to finish - the important thing is that you're spending time together and enjoying the process.
Berry Picking Time!
Now is the time to indulge in berry picking! From strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to blackberries, there are places in your local area that will let you pick them for free or a small entrance fee. This is a great activity to do with family or friends, and you'll enjoy the fruits of your labour afterwards. Just be sure to check for hours and other relevant information ahead of time. Then, head out to the patch with sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks. And don't forget your containers for all the berries you will pick! After a few hours of fun in the sun, you'll have plenty of berries to enjoy, whether it's eating them right away, making pies or jam, or freezing them for later. So please take advantage of berry season while it lasts!
Grow a Butterfly Garden
Butterflies are one of the most beautiful creatures in nature. They come in various colours and patterns, and their delicate wings make them seem almost ethereal. While butterflies are often associated with warm weather, they can be found in every corner of the world. There are over 750 different species of butterflies. If you want to attract these beautiful creatures to your garden, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to choose the right plants. Butterflies feed on nectar, so you'll need to include a variety of flowers in your garden. In addition, it's essential to create a habitat welcoming to butterflies. This means avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides, as these can be harmful to these delicate creatures. If you provide the right conditions, you'll surely see an abundance of butterflies in your garden.
You can check out some of the flowers that butterflies love here.
Sprinkler Fun
There's nothing like a cold blast of water on a hot summer day to help you cool down. And what could be more fun than running through a sprinkler? Whether you have a hose with a sprinkler attachment or an installed lawn sprinkler system, setting up a sprinkler is a great way to beat the heat. Just make sure the kids are wearing swimsuits, and you have some towels on hand. Then turn on the water and let them loose! They'll have a blast running back and forth through the spray, and you'll appreciate how much cooler they are when they're done.
As always, be sure to follow any guidelines on water usage, especially during extended dry times.
Let's Fly a Kite
One of the best things about flying a kite is that it's an activity that the whole family can enjoy. It's also a great way to teach your kids patience and coordination. First, head to your local park or an open field on a windy day. Once you've found a good spot, it's time to pick your kite. If you're unsure which one to choose, ask one of the salespeople at the store for their recommendations. Once you have your kite, carefully unpack it and assemble it according to the instructions. Once it's ready to go, give your kid a chance to hold on to the string while you run and launch the kite into the air. Watching their kite soar through the sky, they'll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. And who knows, they might even be inspired to try flying one themselves next time.
Summary
So there you have it – my top picks for summer bucket list fun with your kids. I hope you find something that will appeal to your family and get everyone out enjoying the warm weather. And don't forget to check out your local area – there are probably many great activities in your neighbourhood. Have a wonderful summer!