Play Time 101: How to Make This Summer More Fun

If you are in the same predicament as most people around the world are, don't fret, since there are numerous money-saving fun things to do at home. These fun things to do are ideal for children under 10 years old. Most of these activities are centered around learning activities in tandem.Everyday Household Items Can Be Used In Your GamesUse everyday items in your play around the house as props for your pretend news stories. An amusing activity to do at home is to play hospital. Have the kids gather a Teddy bear or other toy and then use things from around the home that can serve as pretend surgical instruments. Most houses are chock full of odd trinkets that can be imagined into medical kits. You can also do another version of this game by imagining that everyone is a news reporter. A baby doll or other toys can be used as part of the crazy stories that you and your child are reporting to the imaginary listeners. Bring the Fun OutdoorsAnother inexpensive, yet really entertaining activity is to go out together for a ride on road bikes. If you have little ones, you can include them in a trailer attachment where they can be seated in a secured cart. For low-mileage outings, some younger ones might want to use their scooter to get through the ride. To make it even more entertaining, take your time and give the kids things to find along the way, like a treasure hunt. Things like hummingbirds, butterflies, or chipmunks can all be great things for everyone to call out as they spot them. This game also works perfectly on a hike and can help kids learn about nature and their environment.Go on a Make-Believe SafariSomething really fun to do is to create the illusion of being out in the wild, such as on a safari journey. Gather some large sheets and tuck the ends into chairs, the sofa, or whatever stable furniture is handy. Cover the sheets so that thechildren feel like they are hiding in a canopy forest or in the thick brush where the wild critters can't see them. If you have a pair of binoculars, take them out to enhance the game. Have your kids round up all of the stuffed critters and animal figures they can find and distribute them throughout the area, mostly hiding from view, and then use the binoculars to spy on them. Once the kids find each animal, shout out the sound that the animal makes. They always have big fun with this game!Extend the Fun into the NightWhen the sun sets, the fun doesn't have to end! If you have a tent, set it up in the yard somewhere and provide binoculars for they can observe the night skies. If you have a firebowl or a small charcoal barbeque, you can make a wood-burning fire for them. Have the kids find some long sticks for toasting marshmallows. If you have a few days open this summer, go camping at a nature preserve or forest and extend your time outside! These activities will surely give you and your little ones some much-deserved entertainment, family time, and creativity.