Category Archives: activities for kids

Cheap Summer Camp for Kids

May 5, 2011activities for kids, summerKirsetin

photo by philms

Summer camp conjures different images for everyone who’s over been: running laps and shooting hoops; cool science experiments with assorted chemicals; canoeing across the lake and roasting s’mores by the fire. Wherever you went, whatever you did, you remember it.

But times are tight and camps don’t come cheap. What’s a frugal mom to do?

Don’t fret. There are plenty of ways to give your kids new experiences without breaking the bank.

1. Identify your goal. Why do you want to you send your child to camp? Do you want him to learn a new skill (golf, painting?), have an outdoorsy experience (use a compass, ride a bike trail) or just socialize with some kids while you get a break?

2. Marshall the troops. “Camp” is easier when you involve other kids and moms. Try to have 4-5 moms, so that you can each be responsible for “camp” one day and you can enjoy a little time off on the others.

3. Make a plan. Pick which week you’ll have camp and choose which day(s) you’ll be the Camp Counselor. Unsure about what to do on your day? Here are a few ideas:

Nature hunt. Hike through the woods using a compass and collecting rocks, sticks, leaves, etc. Afterwards, create an art project from your finds.

Water day. Play in the sprinkler, “paint” on the sidewalk with water and sponges, and get out the squirt guns. This is the perfect day for popsicles – you can just wash it off afterwards!

Visit the animals. Do you have a nearby zoo or a nature preserve? Kids can learn a lot from nature; take advantage of your natural surroundings and let them explore the world.

Board games. Yep, old-school style! Games like Life and Monopoly are fun and help kids learn basic life skills (like math!) along the way. Break out the snacks and games, and have yourself some old-fashioned fun.

Plant a Garden. How cool is it when seeds pop up through the soil? Cool! Get kids started on the joys of growing flowers or food by helping them plant a garden of their own. Use an egg crate for the seeds and soil so each child can take it home and watch their garden grow.

Rainy Day Fun. It’s a good idea to have a back-up plan in case the clouds roll in the morning you’re planning your nature hike. Here are 10 rainy day activities for kids that will work instead. It even includes a recipe for homemade play-doh!

More creative ideas: search Apples4theTeacher.com and Outdoor Activities at Kaboose.

4. Celebrate. The last day of camp, host a party with lots of fun games for kids. Parents of younger kids can take a picnic to a playground (try a new one, not the usual) and spend the day. Older kids will be able to create their own fun–here are 9 of my kids’ favorite summer games.

Helping Kids Learn Math

January 10, 2011academics, activities for kidsKirsetin

I’m a firm believer that not all learning involves memorizing 4 x 2 and reciting the state capitols. For the record, I’m also a firm believer in flash cards and knowing that Helena goes with Montana, I just don’t think that’s the only way kids learn.

My middle son, for example, was a multiplication whiz at the ripe old age of 4, not because he’d ever seen a flash card, but because we played Monopoly Jr ad nauseum. That little boy loved nothing more than to play that game over and over again. Play money or not, he learned very quickly how to tally up his winnings, which came in handy a few years later when he had to memorize his multiplication facts.

Monopoly doesn’t have a monopoly on learning, though. There are all sorts of games that foster kids’ thinking skills, and I’m happy to report that as your kids get older, they won’t be b-o-r-e-d games for you anymore…you can enjoy them, too! If you’re looking for a few to add to your family’s repertoire, here are some of our favorites:

Mastermind (also Mastermind for kids)

Life (not the new one with the credit card–unless that’s the skill you’re working on!)

Othello

Clue (also Clue Jr)

Rummikub

Set

A few other games my kids like: Battleship, chess, checkers, chinese checkers, scrabble, and the new Harry Potter Lego game, which I have to admit I like playing, too.

What about you? Have you found games your family enjoys, that just happen to help your kids learn something, too?

Let Kids Play, Silly

January 7, 2011academics, activities for kids, media, ParentingKirsetin

In our hurry-hurry, be-the-best-you-can-be, read-at-4, master-violin-by-7 world, we’re losing something.

If they’re lucky enough to have any downtime, our littlest kids are likely to spend it tap-tap-tapping away on an iPad, a computer, or playing the latest game on their X-Box or Wii. Leapster, anyone?

Older kids can add hours of texting and quality time on Facebook to the list.

Parents are starting to ask themselves, “Is anyone making forts out of couch cushions anymore?”

We lament it, but sometimes we secretly like it, too. A plugged-in kid is a quieter kid and independently occupied kid, a kid who isn’t asking us to play Candyland while we’re trying to make dinner. As every parent knows, it’s a quandary.

What’s a busy parent to do?

Moms like Sarah Wilson are joining the trend to bring imaginative play back into the lives of children. I whole-heartedly support this effort, and am both stunned and saddened that it’s even become an effort. If you’d like to get on board, but aren’t sure where to start or how to help your kids learn to entertain themselves, here are a few ideas I hope you’ll find helpful:

10 Rainy Day Activities for Kids (includes a super easy recipe for homemade play-doh)

Fun Summer Games for Kids: 9 of My Kids’ Favorites

Legos and Kids: The Pros and Cons

Old-Fashioned Fun

Any favorites to add, or links with great ideas? Please share them!

Update:
Check out Mayberry Mom’s ideas for Artsy Activities on her Family Fitness Site.