Last week I posted about getting together with other moms to "share the joy" of having the kids at home all summer. I suggested taking turns hosting a day camp. Last week it was the boys and now it's time for the girls. Even if you don't want to have other girls, here are some ideas of things to do with girls when "I'm bored!" inevitably comes. A lot of these will look like my suggestions for boys, but they're equally applicable to girls.
1. Swimming. This is a staple stand-by, but try to spice it up. Go to a different public pool or a water park or get out the "slip and slide" with bubbles or shaving cream. Hose them down when you're done.
2. Biking. Again, take the bikes somewhere new and explore. Many areas now have designated bike paths so you don't have to worry about traffic.
3. Visit a Museum. This can be a great way to beat the heat and can occupy the entire day. Every area has their own "best" museums. Here in the Phoenix area we have the Musical Instrument Museum which is just what it says, and more. You can listen to a number of instruments you've never heard before, or try some out. You may have a great science, children's or natural history museum close to you.
4. DIY Spa Day. Break out the cucumber slices, lotions, nail polish and foot bath. You can take turns with manicures and pedicures, or, if doing it yourself doesn't appeal to you, head out to the local nail salon.
5. Crafts. This is, of course, my favorite. It's probably a good idea to have a plan for a specific craft ahead of time so you can have everything ready. As an alternative, you can get out a bunch of random supplies and scraps and let them create a masterpiece!
6. Shopping Spree. This isn't what it sounds like. There is no money involved. Take the girls to the local mall and give them $1,000 in pretend money. Keep a tally for each and let them go wild. This is great fun and teaches them the value of money. (You won't believe how easy it is to spend $1,000!)
7. Fashion Show. Have each girl bring some clothes and shoes (especially ones they would like to swap). Have the girls take turns putting together outfits with all the assorted clothes. Perhaps they can even swap clothes!
8. Nature walk. Time to get outside again! Go to a local park or nature area and give the girls a list of things to find (like an ecological scavenger hunt). The first girl to get every item wins a prize.
9. Cake decorating. This is fun whether you have a lot of supplies for decorating or just a few. Each girl gets to make her own cake (preferably from scratch) and then decorate it. This is a great way to teach girls about following recipes and cooking.
10, Pop Popcorn and Watch a Good Movie. This is a no-brainer and makes for a quiet afternoon (as long as you pick out the right movie). Don't be afraid to pick out a movie the girls have never heard of, especially if it is an older movie. You'd be shocked to find out that little girls love Shirley Temple movies!
Hope that's enough to get you started. I'm jealous now because I work full time outside of the home and I would love to do all of these things. Please live vicariously for me this summer!
cindy
1. Swimming. This is a staple stand-by, but try to spice it up. Go to a different public pool or a water park or get out the "slip and slide" with bubbles or shaving cream. Hose them down when you're done.
2. Biking. Again, take the bikes somewhere new and explore. Many areas now have designated bike paths so you don't have to worry about traffic.
3. Visit a Museum. This can be a great way to beat the heat and can occupy the entire day. Every area has their own "best" museums. Here in the Phoenix area we have the Musical Instrument Museum which is just what it says, and more. You can listen to a number of instruments you've never heard before, or try some out. You may have a great science, children's or natural history museum close to you.
4. DIY Spa Day. Break out the cucumber slices, lotions, nail polish and foot bath. You can take turns with manicures and pedicures, or, if doing it yourself doesn't appeal to you, head out to the local nail salon.
5. Crafts. This is, of course, my favorite. It's probably a good idea to have a plan for a specific craft ahead of time so you can have everything ready. As an alternative, you can get out a bunch of random supplies and scraps and let them create a masterpiece!
6. Shopping Spree. This isn't what it sounds like. There is no money involved. Take the girls to the local mall and give them $1,000 in pretend money. Keep a tally for each and let them go wild. This is great fun and teaches them the value of money. (You won't believe how easy it is to spend $1,000!)
7. Fashion Show. Have each girl bring some clothes and shoes (especially ones they would like to swap). Have the girls take turns putting together outfits with all the assorted clothes. Perhaps they can even swap clothes!
8. Nature walk. Time to get outside again! Go to a local park or nature area and give the girls a list of things to find (like an ecological scavenger hunt). The first girl to get every item wins a prize.
9. Cake decorating. This is fun whether you have a lot of supplies for decorating or just a few. Each girl gets to make her own cake (preferably from scratch) and then decorate it. This is a great way to teach girls about following recipes and cooking.
10, Pop Popcorn and Watch a Good Movie. This is a no-brainer and makes for a quiet afternoon (as long as you pick out the right movie). Don't be afraid to pick out a movie the girls have never heard of, especially if it is an older movie. You'd be shocked to find out that little girls love Shirley Temple movies!
Hope that's enough to get you started. I'm jealous now because I work full time outside of the home and I would love to do all of these things. Please live vicariously for me this summer!
cindy
