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Post by PaigesMom on Jun 21, 2004 15:10:04 GMT -5
This school bus drivers last day was TODAY ;D  Finally! Can I just tell you how hot it is driving around a tin can with 72 additional people in it besides you and your 2 toddlers on a 96 degree day, lol, Anyways, other than the park and outdoor play and some small attractions in our area (very small zoos), I'm stumped on how to keep these 2 toddlers (2&4) busy all summer long in the heat - which I cant stand. This is the first year we wont be inside as they're not 'babies' anymore and the health problems are to a minimum, so I need ideas, and quick, lol Suggestions?? |
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Post by Jackie on Jun 21, 2004 17:42:08 GMT -5
Years ago in Kansas City when Ed was in med school ....I had three kids under 5 and no A/C so we spent lots of time playing in the lawn sprinkler....also Slip and Slides were a brand new item on the market so we did lots of that (not me ;D)
Also if you dont have a sandbox you might make one....or just go buy some playground sand and dump it on a spot in your grass.....(but figure out a way to cover it from the cats). We didnt have a second car then so most of my summer days were spent at home or taking walks....we didnt even have a park close enough to walk to.
My kids could have spent the better part of every day , too in their wading pools...and they make fun ones now with fountains and slides, etc. Not very original ideas....sorry....
Jackie
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Post by christie on Jun 21, 2004 18:48:53 GMT -5
Here are just a few ideas I got off the net ... The Costume Box: This is foolproof fun for children of almost any age. Your kids can go into the costume box and come out exercising their imaginations whether it's rain or shine all summer long! Start building your costume box today. Take everyday household items (that are easily replaceable) and turn them into props and costumes that your children will cherish. Take wooden spoons and turn them into magic wands with paints and glitter and ribbons. Old baby blankets can become super-hero capes with a little felt and glue or a few quick stitches at the sewing machine. Old hats and scarves are always fun for children to pretend. A feather boa is a must (and can be easily found at any party supply store). Costumes are fun to make. I recently found a fabric store which supplies organic cottons and I plan to make lots of little fairy wings and skirts with ribbons and bells dangling for my little girl. Make dragon wings or dinosaur scales, too! You can find some of these already made and ready to purchase at BlueLadyBug.com Most importantly, put on part of a fun costume yourself and engage in play with your little ones -- run a few laps around the backyard or help them build a castle out of the sofa cushions! Nature Walks: The world is full of wonder -- just step outside each morning and the sunrise is different and new. Explain to your children why there is dew on the grass early in the morning. Take your children to the park or to the mountains or to the beach and explore. Before you go you can check out nature books from the library which identify different birds, insects, trees, flowers -- whatever sparks the interest of your particular children -- and take it along with you and identify the different animals and plants you see. Collect leaves and twigs and make a collage or collect enough sticks and twigs and go home and build a small log cabin or a tee-pee for your child's dolls. Pack a healthy lunch and take a break in a pretty place. Enjoy a day away from television and the same old toys in the toybox. Help your children cultivate a love for the outdoors by playing outside with them and helping them to explore the different terrains of your community. If you live near a lake with a swimming area, take them swimming in the lake! Artsy Fartsy: Maybe you have a little Picasso on your hands -- the best way to find out is to give her a paintbrush! Let your kids experiment with different mediums in art: try pastels, chalk, oil pastels, crayons, colored pencils, tempera paints, finger paints, clay. If you have older children, you could take them to one of those paint-your-own-pottery shops which seem to be cropping up in every urban setting in the United States these days. This, however, is not recommended for children under age 6, in my opinion. You can always make your own pottery with homemade playdough -- just let it dry for a few days and then paint it once it's dry. Here's an easy recipe for homemade playdough -- I love it -- it is nice, soft and definitely non-toxic! Playdough Mix together in a heavy bottomed pot: 2 c. flour (any kind but self-rising will do) 1 c. salt 4 T oil (any type of cooking oil will do) 2 c. water 4 t cream of tartar Stir constantly over medium heat until it rolls about in a dry mass and looks dry, not shiny. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature. Will keep for 2 months. The Library: Free Fun! Children love the library. I remember trips to our library when I was a child. I loved the smell of all of the books. So many pages, so much potential, so much knowledge! How exciting! Most local libraries have story-time for children of many different age groups. These story-times usually include singing and puppets and can introduce your children to many new and interesting books they may not have had any interest in outside of such a fun venue. Call your local library to find out when the story-times are for your child's age group and plan to attend regularly. It will give you something to do each week and provide some needed summertime structure for children who are accustomed to going to school during the week. Just type in Summer Fun for Toddlers in your search and you will find lots of ideas. Enjoy the Summer and have fun  CC  |
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Post by PaigesMom on Jun 22, 2004 19:18:04 GMT -5
Thanks gals for your ideas........I'm just so glad to be OFF, it doesn't really matter what we do!!!
Debbie
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Post by Robin on Jun 23, 2004 19:04:08 GMT -5
Gosh CC has some good ideas. I completely agree with the costume box idea. It was the best thing since ice cream until Chase got too big for the costumes. A hint, I know someone who works at a good will store and she said they have tons of costumes all thru the year. Aslo your babies sound the perfect age for a slip and slide!! Mine still love it. And last but not least..... a HUGE box from the aplicnce store! My kids STILL love big refrigerator boxes!!!!
Enjoy your summer! I so know what you mean about being thrilled to be off for the summer!!!!!
hugs, Robin
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