Help Me Make a List for Summer Fun – 4 Ideas to Get Started

I love summer and having the boys home but there are times when I’m racking my brain on what creative new activities we can throw into the mix of our traditional summertime fun. Afterall there are only so many museum visits, lemonade stands, movies and days at the pool a mom can deal with!  And I refuse to go to the mall. So as the last day of school is quickly approaching, I’m making my list in advance to help me through those hot, muggy days when all else escapes.

Here are a few thoughts to keep the fun going and the boredom away:

• Letterboxing – A real life treasure hunt may await you right in your own neighborhood or city.  Letterboxing is an intriguing pastime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming “treasure hunt” style outdoor quest. Check out this site for how to get started and to search for boxes in your area.  We have not yet done this but really look forward to trying this out and making our own rubber stamp out of those used school erasers.

• Back Yard Camp Out- Here’s a last minute idea on a nice summer night.  If you have one, set up a tent or get creative and make one out of sheets.  Maybe even just sleep right under the stars and do a little gazing.  My phone has the Google Sky Map application so when I hold the phone up to the sky, it shows and identifies the specific constellations.  And on June 26th, it’s the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Camp Out to encourage all of us to connect with family and friends in the great outdoors.  Register your family or group, get ideas and upload photos afterwards.

• Raindrop Collection Contest – Even though it’s rainy, get ‘em outside provided there is no lightning and it’s safe.  Have your kids gather up as many containers or recylables as they can to collect rain.  Then measure or by sight determine who collected the most.  Of course, don’t toss the water but  save for that dry, hot day to come.  If you haven’t yet installed a rain barrel, this might be the way to start and the kids can help you fill up with their collected drops!

• Shopping Spree at the Used Bookstore – With a few hard earned dollars or even with prize money from the above contest, let your kids have at it and pick out a few used books or games.  With this handy directory, you can search for stores in your city and when you are traveling too.  Better yet, visit your local library and get them their own card if they don’t have one yet.  Rather than going straight home, stop by a park, nearby creek or any outdoor venue to enjoy and squeeze in some additional summer reading.

This is just to get me started.  What green, outdoor and eco-friendly ideas do you have?  Please share and I’ll continue this post giving “nods” to your creativity.