I wanted to share with you guys an article of mine that will be in the July/August issue of our local Crystal Coast Parent magazine. So some of you may see this again soon. And feel free to share your own ideas!
JUST FOR KIDS
It’s Summertime at the Coast!
Summer has finally arrived once again. School is out and we can look forward to long, hot days in the sun. We all know that children are ecstatic as they leave that school building for the final time of the school year. With all sorts of ideas and energy (that we moms sometimes on wish we shared) they rush home excited to begin their vacation. Most of the time our children (and especially older children) need little incentive to get them going. They are pretty good at coming up with entertainment for themselves.
There are cases, however, when creativity wanes and a little help is needed. I’m sure none of you are ignorant to the term “childhood obesity” and the fact that it exists. Maybe this is an issue for some of your children. Or maybe not. Perhaps some of our children are simply not as active as we were when we were their age. You may have one of those who would rather sit beside the pool playing his PSP than ever actually get in it.
Or perhaps a few weeks have gone by and so has the initial enthusiasm of endless summer fun. The pool and the beach may not be as fun as they were the first ten trips.
Whatever your case may be, here are a few outdoor activities to share with your little ones this summer season.
1. Body Paint!
It already sounds fun, doesn’t it? For this, you and your children can get as creative as you like. Grab some paintbrushes (big or small), nontoxic tempera paint, shape sponges, and bathtub crayons. The kids can have fun painting themselves, each other, and maybe even mom and dad! Cleaning the paint off can be just as much fun as putting it on was! Just bring out the hose, the sprinkler, the kiddie pool, or run down to the shore if you live close enough.
You can also let them decorate the driveway with some colorful chalk and water. Wet the pavement and keep it wet as the children draw their pictures. What may now look like a big ‘ole mess will look pretty cool when it dries.
2. Castles In The Sand
This one may sound like an old favorite, but the twist I put on it as a child may be just the inspiration your kids need to actually complete their sandcastle project. Instead of building up, have them try digging down, which is much easier. Start by digging a shallow square or rectangle in the firm, somewhat wet sand. Then form walls to create separate rooms and mold furniture, such as tables and beds. The “sandcastle” will look like a dollhouse in the sand. This will be a big hit for the younger girls. They can even bring out their own dolls and accessories if you are able to (and don’t mind) washing them clean afterwards.
Boys may prefer to dig a boat or car in the sand. Give them a few ideas, and then let them get creative.
3. Treasure Hunt
At low tide take some buckets, walk along the water line, and see what can be found there. You may be able to find all sorts of treasures that kids will love—starfish, crabs, jellyfish (look but don’t touch!), snails, hermit crabs, seaglass, maybe even fish caught in small pools. Some days you may not see much to excite you, but other days you will get lucky and come upon things that your child has never seen before. Linger over and cherish those moments of awe. You never know when they will come again.
4. Bubble Pool
If the backyard pool is becoming a bit boring, add bubbles! This is sure to spark their interest again. The best way to create lots of bubbles is to add bubble bath before filling the pool. Hold a spray nozzle to the pool as it fills and the bubbles rise. Sit back and soak up some sun as the kids enjoy their extra large bubble bath!
5. Balloon Fish
While the hose is out and the heat index is 105, help the children fill balloons with water. Supply them with markers and let them create their own fish with the filled balloons. When fish get old, encourage them to come up with new ideas. When the coloring is done invite the neighborhood kids out and let the water war begin!
These are only a few ideas to get you started. Think back on your own summers as a child. What games did you play? What activities did you think up on your own? Share them with your children. Or, with the family’s help, create new summertime traditions of your own.
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