This page contains information and tips for things to do this summer.
Starting a Summer Book Club and Book SwapKeep your kids entertained and reading over the summer by organizing a book club and book swap. Consider one for yourself as well. This is a page about starting a summer book club and book swap.
Making Temporary TattoosThis is a page about making temporary tattoos. It is easy to create temporary tattoos, by using the right materials.
Ideas for Summer ChildcareThis page contains ideas for summer childcare. When school is out it can be a challenge to find good, affordable babysitting.
Summer Activities for TeensWith the end of the school year comes summer and a time when teens have trouble finding activities to keep them engaged and having fun. This is a page about summer activities for teens.
Summer Activities for KidsThis is a page about summer activities for kids. It can be a big job keeping kids busy during the summer break from school.
Organized Packing for CampThis is a page about organized packing for camp. Preparing for school or summer camps can be stressful for kids and adults alike. Here are some techniques to make sure packing is a breeze.
Packing for Summer CampThis is a page about packing for summer camp. Summer camp is a great opportunity for kids. Making sure that everything they need gets packed is important. This is a page about packing for summer camp.
Saving Money on Summer CampsThis is a page to saving money on summer camps. Sending your child to summer camp is a great way for them to make friends, stay active and learn new things. Prices of summer camps vary greatly depending on the length, location and organization.
Homemade Slip 'N SlideShe spread a tarp out on the lawn, squirted it all over with Dawn dish soap to make it slick, then sprayed it down with water to make it good and wet. The kids were having blast running and sliding on this soapy tarp.
Family Movie NightIt will soon be time to get one of our "Jaws" movies out and get out the squirt guns, beach blankets, some sea shells, and towels. When the shark comes on, the kids squirt one another, When someone says the word "shark" on the movie, the kids do a Da Da! - Da Da! - Da DA! - the theme of Jaws.
Free Summer Museum Admission For Military FamiliesHundreds of museums across the nation, in all 50 states, are offering free admission to military members and their families. These are large museums like San Diego's Balboa Park. The free admission covers the military member, spouse, and children.
Free Summer Kids Movies At Regal CinemasRegal is doing their free kids movies again this summer. Here in Oregon, they are showing movies at 10 AM on both Tuesday and Wednesday. They are second run movies, I'm taking my boys to Planet 51 tomorrow.
Check For Free Community Summer MoviesMany local communities are hosting Movie In The Park nights this summer. Check your local paper or the community's website for time and date listings. Be sure to take a blanket/ lawn chairs and pillows for the little ones in case they get tired.
Very Young Kids Can Write BooksI was totally surprised when my granddaughter, who is 6, showed me a stack of six books she'd written. She came up with the idea herself to write and illustrate her own series of books. She uses only computer paper, colored pens and a paperclip to hold each book together.
Tips for Kids at Summertime Here are some things kids can do over summer. Plan ahead and stick to a schedule. Make flower beds, rock beds or hanging gardens. Make pet rocks.
Form a Mommy GroupForm a "mommy " group. Invite all your friends, co-workers, church groups, or school mates. Take turns having play dates at each other homes.
Set Up a Kid Friendly Guest RoomWe have an 11 year old coming for the weekend soon with her grandfather. They will be staying in a hotel but the weatherman says it'll be raining and storming all weekend so she won't be able to go outside and play with my dogs like I had planned for her.
Create Schedules For Summer VacationIf you have school age kids and are home with them full time or part time this summer, creating a daily and weekly schedule will help to keep the kids busy and on task and will make things a little less stressful for mom.
Set Up The Kiddie Pool In The KitchenTo help keep the babies cool, I fill up a plastic baby tub and place it in the center of my kitchen. My three and one year old play, get clean and tucker themselves out in twenty to thirty minutes. The indoor fun keeps their delicate skin "sun free" and the excess water on the floor helps to break up the ground in dirt in the tile grout.
Spray Painting For KidsThis is a fun outside activity for kids to do in the summer. I take spray bottles (either from household products that are empty or inexpensive ones from the dollar store or similar) and fill them with a small amount of paint and mostly water. Don't use too much paint or it will clog the sprayer.
Baby At The BeachIt's the time of year to take little ones to the beach. However, sand and babies don't mix. I find a 2 ring blow up wading pool is perfect. It's compact to the from the beach, safe, clean, and you can even make padded round sheets and blankies for the inside.
Summer Fun: Take A WalkThis morning, I had to take my van in for a tune up. Instead of having my husband meet me there and drive me home, I decided to walk home with my two boys (8 and 5). It was about 15 blocks through a suburban neighborhood and a beautiful sunny summer morning.
Inexpensive Target PracticeTape some dark construction paper on tiled, waterproof, bathroom wall. Fill water guns and try to hit the center of the construction paper!
Summer Fun On a Budget?Now that Summer is here, I'm finding it hard to think of new creative ideas to fill the days on a dime. I want to know what creative ways you fill the days with without spending a alot of money! Any ideas?
No-Cost and Low-Cost Family ActivitiesNo matter how we save money, every family needs fun things to do. Here are some suggestions on no cost/low cost things to do. In these times of rising fuel costs, you need to think about saving on your gasoline costs also.
Attend Free Summer Community EventsThis weekend, we attended Celebrate Hillsboro, an annual summer event provided by the businesses and city of Hillsboro, Oregon.
Almost Free Boredom BustersIn June the kids aren't bored yet; the thrill of summer vacation is still upon them. However, August is another story. With movie prices at $6 or higher and gas soaring in its price per gallon, how can you keep the kids busy and your budget happy?
The All-Important Summer VacationAs summer approaches prime time vacation season heralds its arrival as well. Enjoy the trip without the aching wallet with some planning.
Try Geocaching This SummerAs soon as I hear, "Hey, Gigi, let's go geocaching," from one of my grandkids, I'm ready to go.
Summer Book Club and Book SwapAre you getting ready to have your first yard sale of the summer yet? Have your kids gone through all of their books to add to your sale? If you have got a lot of kids that hang out at your house, why not start a Summer Book Club and book swap.
Dealing With a Sibling's Friends?I am 13 years old and I need some advise on how to deal with daily unannounced visits by my younger sister's friend. It's summer vacation and both our parents are at work. My sister's friend visits us every day from 1 pm to 5 pm and sometimes it's very annoying and sometimes I don't want her company.
Keeping Preteens Entertained In Summer?What can my grandson do to beat boredom this summer? He is 11 and is driving me crazy! I keep him in the daytime while his parents work. I won't let him play on the computer and he's tired of his Playstation games.
Summer Activities or Games for Children?I'm looking for games, or some type of activities for my grandkids to do since school is out. I'm helping raise them and I need ideas for ages 5 and 11. Thanks so much.
Summer Activities for Teenager With a Disability?I have a teenage son with a disability living in New York. His disability limits the amount of walking he can do. I do drive. I wanted to know what fun activities he can join or do during the summer.
Summer Fun for Boys?My friend and I both have two sons ages 13 and 11 and we are looking for some inexpensive ideas to help them enjoy their summer break without breaking our purses. Please help!
Summer Actives for Teens?My friends and I are 17 (girls) and we're looking for more things to do. We have access to a car.
