When summertime rolls around and your kids are out of school, it's sometimes hard to think of ways to keep them occupied. And I'm sure no parent wants to see their children bored, especially when the weather is beautiful.
Children are usually full of energy and always up for an adventure. While you can take them to the park or to the local swimming pool, that's probably not feasible every single day. I mean, you have things to take care of, too.
In turn, we've put together 14 great hacks to bring the party to your backyard. There are activities that will keep your kids attention for hours and ones that you can even do together. There are also some healthy snacks in there, because we know how hard it is to get kids to eat fruit.
And as your children keep busy in the yard, you can also have some fun of your own with these barbecue hacks that are perfect for summer. (Your kids will love some of them, too!)
Please SHARE with all the other parents or caregivers you know!
1. Make your own swing
Kids loves swings. So if you have an old chair sitting around, you can build a swing. If you want to be more creative, try this bamboo one above.
2. Build a cardboard fort
What kid doesn't like to play in his or her own fort? This cardboard one above can be built in just seven steps.
3. Make a sandbox
If you can't make it to the park one day, it won't be a problem if you have one of these in your backyard. See how to make the one above here.
4. Have a painting party
Many children love to paint, but the mess can be overbearing. Take advantage of the nice weather by placing a big, old sheet on the lawn and allowing your kids to paint together.
5. Make your own bubbles
I've never met a kid who didn't love bubbles. They'll have a great time mixing the simple solution – water, dish-washing liquid, and glycerin, sugar, or corn syrup. It's also helpful to store the solution in a Mason jar.
6. Make the easiest bubble wands
As Jill from the website Create.Craft.Love suggests, these are a "great boredom buster." And they are so simple to make.
7. Make a sprinkler water toy
Sprinklers are so much fun, and you can make this spectacular one yourself. Just follow the instructions here.
See an important food hack on the NEXT page!
8. Make fruit popsicles
Let's face it: It can be hard to get your kids to eat fruit. (If not, you're very lucky!) Making fruit popsicles is the perfect way to add fruit to their summer diet, and, as long as you eat them quickly, they're a great snack for a backyard picnic! This video shows how to make them.
9. Make an outdoor racecar track
Children love playing with toy cars ,so why not spend some time building one of these if you have the space! It doesn't have to be as big as the one shown above</a>; a smaller course will certainly do the trick!
10. Make an obstacle course with rope
Connect two trees with several thin ropes to create an entertaining obstacle course for your kids. They'll have a great time climbing through it.
11. Play glow-in-the-dark bowling
Just put some glow sticks in water bottles filled with sand and roll a ball to knock them over.
12. Make a bird feeder
Aside from the arts and crafts aspect, kids will also enjoy seeing which birds come for a little snack. See how to make the one above here.
13. Make an outdoor tent
Make a simple fort that kids will love to hide in for hours.
14. Make a simple water balloon pump
Fill a soap dispenser with water for the easiest water balloon pump ever.
Please SHARE with all the parents you know!
