Summer activity ideas for kids - many that don't involve money!

It didn't take long after school was out for that dreaded question. Mommy, what can we do???? In order to keep my sanity, I came up with a whole bunch of ideas for my boys (and for me) to prevent that question from coming up too often!

I came up with 6 lists.
1. Activities for rainy days at home (inside the house) that are basically free.
2. Activities for rainy days - outings that cost money.
3. Rainy day outings that are free or very cheap
4. Activities for warm & sunny days at home (outside) that are free
5. Activities for sunny days - outings that cost money - gas or entrance fee.
6. Sunny day outing ideas that are free (parks, beaches, etc.)

My friend Colette suggested I share my lists, so here goes. Keep in mind that my boys are 5 and 6 1/2 and these are ideas for weekdays. We don't seem to have any trouble coming up with things to do on the weekends, especially in the summer. There is a festival every weekend around here!

1. Rainy Day activities at home that are free

- playdough

- painting

- Lego

- cars

- Tinkertoys

- make a craft

- cut pictures of out magazines, make a collage

- put on a puppet show

- make cookies/muffins with Mommy

- play a game (Zingo, CandyLand, Connect Four, Battleship, Memory, Hungry Hippos, etc)

- PlayMobil

- dress up

- jigsaw puzzle

- finger painting

- do an exercise video with Mommy

- Hide and Seek

- activity books (colouring books, dot to dot, hidden pictures, mazes)

- read a book or two or three or four or five or.....

- write in a journal

- act out a play or a story (a fairy tale?) and Mommy will video tape it

- look at photo albums

- draw pictures on paper or chalkboard

The following at home activities have a bit of a cost involved:

- stamp on T shirts

- make stepping stones

- make a pinecone bird feeder

2. Rainy Day outings with a cost involved.

- Everett Children's Musuem (we have a membership)

- Seattle Children's Musuem

- Bouncy places (Pump it Up, Jump Planet, 3-2-1 Bounce)

- Creation Station

- the Museum of Flight

- Pacific Science Center

- Seattle Aquarium

- Everett Skate Deck (rollerskating and inline skating)

- Chuck E. Cheese

3. Rainy Day outings that are free or cheap

- Library events - there are a lot of concerts and other activities including story time

- McDonald's play area - the one in Redmond is especially fun

- Free movies - Tuesday mornings - details here

4. Sunny day activities at home (free)

- sidewalk chalk

- hopscotch

- basketball

- ride bikes

- run through sprinkler

- slip and slide

- water balloons

- wash the car

- watch bugs with a magnifying glass

- play hockey/soccer outside

- sandbox

- frisbee

- play in plastic pool

- make sun prints

- play marbles

- throw bean bags

5. Sunny Day Outings that are free or almost free

- Parks/Playgrounds (I compiled a big list of our favourites and ones we haven't visited yet)

- Beaches

- Free Concerts - the city of Lynnwood has free events on Wednesdays at noon starting June 30th

- Pick fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)

- The Zoo (we have a pass)

6. Sunny Day outings that cost money (mostly gas or an entrance fee)

- Miniature golf (Interbay in Seattle or Willows Run in Redmond)

- Arlington Kangaroo Farm - (Wednesdays through Sundays only)

- The Funny Farm in Monroe (seriously, that is the name!) - has kangaroos, llamas and camels

- Tacoma Zoo

- Snoqualmie Train

Note: I have only been to the train in Snoqualmie, not the other places, so I can't vouch for them.

I hope this helps someone! Check your local parks and recreation for ideas and Family Fun has great ides for backyard games and crafts as well.

I'm linking to Flaunt it Friday.
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Wordless Wednesday

Peonies at Bothell Country Village

June 20, 2010

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Recommended reading

I love the Flourishing Mother (Andrea)'s blog. She writes thoughtful posts that stay with me for a long time. Today's post is about forms of communication and how e mail pales in comparison to phone calls and phone calls aren't as effective as face-to-face communication. I agree 100%. She quotes from a book called Oblivion. Another one to add to my "to read" list!Pin It

Score!!

Look what I found at Goodwill on Friday!!!!

NOTE: this is NOT my photo.

I looked on eBay and the shade is selling for over $50 dollars! How much did I pay? $3.00

On Saturday, I found a candlestick lamp base (at Goodwill, of couse) for $4.00 that fits and matches PERFECTLY! Ta da!

A beautiful Shabby Chic lamp for $7.00 that now resides on my bedside table. My table doesn't always look this tidy, btw. :)

I'm linking up to Today's Thrifty Treasures linky party.

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The Last Day of School!

Photo from today's "Aloha to 1st Grade Party."

Today is the last *real* day of school for my oldest son - tomorrow is a Field Day with early dismissal. I can't believe it is over. I have mixed feelings. I'm looking forward to a break from driving. My son goes to a Christian school that is about 10 miles away and I don't carpool with anyone - yet.

One thing I'm sad about is saying goodbye to his teacher, whom I have *loved*. She has been such a blessing! I have volunteered in the classroom almost every Monday and have enjoyed spending time with his classmates - most of the time! :)

Since I am such an obsessive photo-taker, I had to take a Last Day of School photo.Here's the First Day, for comparison. I think someone has grown a little.Now, to plan a summer vacation and sign up for swim lessons!

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Goodwill Hunting and Painting Perpetually

Every Saturday morning, early, I hit the road in search of garage sales and/or estate sales. I've become pretty savvy about which sales will have the good stuff (antique furniture, picture frames and decor items are on my wish list) and which ones to just skip. I was surprised this morning, while cruising through a community garage sale, how many people had such small amounts of things put out to sell. Why not call it a closet sale instead? Come on people! I'm such a garage sale snob! ;)

Here's a photo of this morning's treasures.
A grand total of $9.25 was spent - my biggest splurge was the bongo drums for $5. They are VERY popular with a certain little boy. The kid chair (sorry, kind of hidden behind the $1 dahlia plant!) was free!

On Memorial Day, I scored big time using CraigsList. I got a dresser in the style I wanted (Queen Anne? I'm not sure) in great shape for $20!!! I plan on painting it white but I'm waiting until the weather stays dry for a week or so before I get my hubby to haul it outside. :)

I painted so many things today - almost all of these items I have found at Goodwill (or other thrift stores) in the last few weeks.
1. wood magazine rack
2. candle sconces
3. tiny wood bench
4. wood chair
5. in/out tray
6. metal magazine rack
7. wood-framed clock
8. silverware box

I have a tip for Goodwill shoppers. Go late Saturday afternoon or evening. If you go then, we will find so many new items being put out on the shelves since Saturday is such a big day for donations. You can get the good stuff this way. It goes without saying that you need to visit your favourite thrift store often to check for new items.

I'll be posting some before and after painting photos soon. Did I mention that I also planted and weeded today? What a day!

I'm linking to Today's Thrifty Treasures at Southern Hospitality.
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