Summer fun for kids

Summer is a magical time for children, but it often strikes fear into the hearts of parents who are now tasked with filling those long summer days.

I love summer because I get the added bonus of having my husband home. He teaches elementary school and I look forward to the last day of school just as much as kids do. I’ve found, though, that if we don’t have a summer schedule and a list of fun things we want to do in the next two months, we end up wasting our time.

So this year we’ve created our Summer Fun bucket where we have all written activities on strips of paper. Each day we pick one and we have to do it – no matter what. Some of the activities are bigger outings like going to the Natural History Museum, but most are easy things like making Popsicles, running through sprinklers and watercolor painting at a local lake.

We’re all excited for summer and I don’t fear the long afternoons anymore. Now I just need to convince my husband to sit down and make the dreaded to-do list of house projects. Not as much fun, I know, but definitely needed.

If you’re making your summer fun list, here are a few websites I like for ideas for easy and fun activities: Martha Stewart and Squidoo.

What is on your summer to-do list? How do you fill the days to avoid the summer doldrums?

Erin Stewart is a regular blogger for Deseret News. From stretch marks to the latest news for moms, Stewart discusses it all while her 4-year-old daughter crams Mr. Potato Head pieces in her little sister’s nose.