Happy Monday to everyone!  Around here, the beginning of June is also the end of the school year.  For the first few days, the kids are happy just running around and enjoying their freedom.  But pretty soon they are going to start asking for something to do.  This year, be prepared with a boredom buster checklist.  Better yet, print off some ideas onto slips of paper, cut them up and put them in a bag or a box for a random draw–this in itself can be loads of fun.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Make your own popsicles with fruit juice or yogurt and berries
2. Take a trip to your local college campus and have a picnic
3. Eat dessert first
4. Make a big batch of homemade playdough
5. Buy some blank notecards and have the kids decorate them
6. Buy a bag of mixed soup beans and have the kids sort them, then use them to make a collage
7. Make dandelion or clover chains
8. Go to a public creek or stream and dip your toes in
9. Plant some herbs and then let the kids use them to make a meal
10. Start a rock collection and see how many different kinds you can identify
11. Learn to finger knit
12. Wash the car (or bikes, tricycles, etc.)
13. Fill up the bathtub or wading pool with soap and water and let the kids give their favorite washable toys a bath
14. Ask a neighbor if there is any yard work you could help out with
15. Make a batch of cookies and deliver it to someone who needs cheering up
16. Have a bar-be-que or potluck and invite your neighbors
17. Go park-hopping and play at a different local park or play area each day for a week
18. Buy a field guide or check one out from the library, and see how many trees or flowers you can find at the park
19. Have a family art night–invite your friends, too!
20. Teach your kids how to scrapbook–have them make a book of their fun summer adventures.

And if you need some more ideas, check out these links:

60 Ways to Leave Your Mother Alone

60 Things to Do

Camp Russell

Do you have some great ideas you’d like to share?  We’d love to hear them!  I’m always on the lookout for something fun to do.