How are you doing with kids home all. day. long? I love having my kids home, but I also love having a game plan, otherwise they would be content watching shows and playing video games all day. There is SO much more to do and learn this summer. I’m pretty strict with screens, so I’ve had to be creative finding activities that kids would love. If you need a little help getting your kids up and moving, here are a few ideas that will keep them off the screens.

1. Find a variety of places to swim. My kids get tired of the same splash pad or pool. So switch it up! If you live in an area that has a lot of splash pads, pools, rivers, and lakes, then take advantage of it and visit each one. You can also fill up a little blow up pool and put it in the back yard.
2. Visit your state Capitol and have a picnic. Most kids have never visited their state Capitol. This summer introduce it to your kids. Call ahead and most Capitols have free tours as well. Pack a lunch and have a picnic on the grounds.
3. Sign up for city swim or sporting lessons. This will help break up the summer. If you have the budget, let each of your kids choose one new sport or swim class that they want to learn over the summer. If you go through your city, they usually have cheaper options. My boys love to test out classes like: Lego, Archery, Swim, Super Sport or Bowling.
4. Friend swap. Some days it’s just fun to play with friends. Instead of having all the kids at your house all day, do a friend swap! Make a schedule of which hours they will be at your house and which hours they will go to the friends. This will help them from getting bored at each place as well.
5. Lemonade stand or snow cone stand. This is a classic summer activity. It actually helps them learn about money too. Have them earn some money for summer activities!
6. Visit the Library for activity days. Most libraries will have summer activities or events for the kids. Mine has some scheduled out every Monday and Wednesday. I take note of the ones that my kids are interested in. We went to a magic show last week and the kids had a blast. Best part? It’s FREE! Check your local or even neighboring libraries and put them on the calendar!
7. Park Hop. You’ll be surprised at how many parks you have around you that you have NEVER visited. Ask your friends and neighbors where their favorite parks are and go check them out. We’ve found some cool ones recently that my kids love. Instead of going to the same one, switch it up. This will keep their attention and make park day last longer too.
8. Service. I always find ways to serve during the summer. This way the kids aren’t focused just on themselves. Look around your community and find a way to help others. You could help out your own family like grandpa and grandma.
9. Be a tourist in your city. When we travel to new cities we love doing these scavenger hunts. Why not get one for your own city? You’ll learn new things that the kids will remember every time they walk down that city street, or see that special building. If you don’t want to buy a scavenger hunt, you can always check Trip Advisor for your city and hit the hot spots.
10. Buy a Membership to a local museum or attraction. This is something I like to do every summer. I find a new place to buy a membership to. This way on those days you have a few hours with nothing to do, you can head to that place and not have to pay a penny!