My first option is the swimming pool. But since I work full-time the kids don't get to go except on the weekends. Here are some ideas we use when the pool is not an option:
Get the outdoor playing done EARLY in the morning before it is too hot... around 8:30-9:00 is a good time to go out.
Fun Foam Shape Stickers: A bucket of those fun foam "Cool Shapes" will occupy little hands and minds for a while. Let them decorate sheets of fun foam or just plain paper.
Of curse there are non-violent video games and Christian movies, etc.
Read books with your kids. Have older kids read a story that a younger children.
Play with blocks or tiles such as the Mag Fun tiles or Block It for Discovery Toys www.discoverytoyslink.com/dadams
Kids can act out a Bible story.
Our kids are still young (ages 5 and 7) and we still insist they have a rest period.
This used to be called "nap". We have them get on their beds and "rest". No talking. Sometimes they really do end up taking a nap for 1/2 hour or so. I even read that doing this helps them sleep better at night.... and so far it has proven true!
Also Chores.... let the kids help you around the house. Post a list of each child's chores... (a picture schedule is great if they are not old enough to read yet) Give them a quarter or some other token system at the end of the day when they finish all their chores.
Good snacks:
Carrot sticks / Ranch Dressing
Fresh Fruit
Honey Grahams with a little Nutella or peanut butter
Jello with or w/o fruit
What are your summer fun - too hot to play out - ideas?
Get the outdoor playing done EARLY in the morning before it is too hot... around 8:30-9:00 is a good time to go out.
Fun Foam Shape Stickers: A bucket of those fun foam "Cool Shapes" will occupy little hands and minds for a while. Let them decorate sheets of fun foam or just plain paper.
Of curse there are non-violent video games and Christian movies, etc.
Read books with your kids. Have older kids read a story that a younger children.
Play with blocks or tiles such as the Mag Fun tiles or Block It for Discovery Toys www.discoverytoyslink.com/dadams
Kids can act out a Bible story.
Our kids are still young (ages 5 and 7) and we still insist they have a rest period.
This used to be called "nap". We have them get on their beds and "rest". No talking. Sometimes they really do end up taking a nap for 1/2 hour or so. I even read that doing this helps them sleep better at night.... and so far it has proven true!
Also Chores.... let the kids help you around the house. Post a list of each child's chores... (a picture schedule is great if they are not old enough to read yet) Give them a quarter or some other token system at the end of the day when they finish all their chores.
Good snacks:
Carrot sticks / Ranch Dressing
Fresh Fruit
Honey Grahams with a little Nutella or peanut butter
Jello with or w/o fruit
What are your summer fun - too hot to play out - ideas?
