Whether you're in the limbo that is the end of school and start of summer camp, or you simply don't want to enroll your kids in the latter, then you have experienced the daily struggle of figuring out how to entertain your children away from tablets and television. We at Beiruting Kids have rounded up 10 summer activity ideas.
1. Arts and Crafts:
Children need an outlet for their creativity, and this works for all ages and keeps them busy for hours. Spread paper on a plastic table or any area that is easy to clean, dress them in old stained clothes and let them start! For example, painting with special non toxic material, drawing with colored pencils or crayons, using safety scissors to cut and glue cardboard with crepe paper and the list goes on.
2. Bikes and Co:
If you have a terrace at home or even an enclosed outdoor parking space, your kids can use it to ride their bikes, scooters, skateboards and basically anything with wheels including remote control cars. This will give them an illusion of going out when in fact they are still within the household premises making use of all that extra energy.
3. Educational Fun:
On very hot days when you want to stay in, read books to them, or better yet, have them read books to their dolls and toys, this makes children be teachers for a short period of time and you can listen in to see how they are interacting with their pupils. When applicable, summer homework sent over by the school can be made into a fun task, schedule daily time and evaluate their progress with positive rewards such as stickers or a mere encouraging word.
4. Outdoor Spaces:
Make use of public spaces within short driving distance of your home, scout out parks and gardens, take a few snacks and create a mini picnic, you will be pleasantly surprised when you find out how simple things make kids happy. There are also plenty of non-green areas in the city where kids can also take their bikes and toys and spend the afternoon.
5. Pool Day:
If you happen to have access to a pool, then it's a great way to spend the day, but don't be wary if you don't because inflatable pools do the trick. You can give your kids the same toys they would use on a sandy beach or an Olympic size pool for your smaller home version and they wouldn't mind.
6. Playdates:
Choose one or two of your child's close friends and invite them over to play, and keep the cycle going weekly, each day at a different mom's home. You can always choose to have a playdate at a playground, but if your kids are of a younger age, then it would probably be a hassle to watch over them as they play in a public space, so the comfort and safety of a home wins.
7. Explore Lebanon:
There is nothing more educational and fun than road trips. It's true that you must prepare for the long car ride with snacks and activities, but once you reach your destination, whether the beach in South Lebanon or an old castle turned into a museum the wait will be worth it because not only will kids enjoy the change of scenery, they will learn about the history and geography of their country. If you have a village home, plan to spend weekends there so your children can reconnect with nature and get away from the city.
8. Indoor Public Spaces:
Don't underestimate the usefulness of malls and supermarkets when kids need to walk about and you are out of ideas. In malls they can window shop, be around people and enjoy the crowds, and there are plenty of options for a quick refreshment break when they get tired. Supermarkets are a great way to get some errands done while kids choose the item(s) that they want to take home.
9. Relatives:
This might sound like an odd suggestion, but nothing makes the elderly happier than seeing the young ones of the family, so why not plan a visit to their homes? The kids will be over the moon that their (great)grandparents, great aunts and uncles are doting on them, and you will get the chance to sit down for once and drink your coffee!
10. Kitchen:
On those days when you must cook for the family but the kids are feeling restless, offer your young ones colorful pasta in plastic containers for some sensory play. Your older kids can watch and learn as you cook and may even contribute in handing you the ingredients from the fridge and help with what you may need.
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