Family Fun Box
Normally around this time, many of us would be researching summer camps, swim lessons, art and music classes. Anything to keep our kids occupied, interested and happy during the summer. Keeping the kids busy and occupied and less sloth-like, while also trying to maintain a marginal level of sanity for everyone.
But these are weird times. We just aren’t really sure what the coming months look like, OR what they will look like when things start opening up again.
Finding something that the whole family actually enjoys can be challenging, especially when so many easy choices are closed down right now.
Enter The Family Fun Box.
Have your children find a box or container out of the recycle bin (a simple recipe card box from the dollar store works well here).
Round up old newspapers, magazines, photographs, artwork, etc. and let the kids cover/decorate it. Be sure to save a space on top or front so you can label it Family Fun Box or “insert your last name here” Family Fun Box. Or call it EVERYONE IS BORED AND COMPLAINING THAT THERE IS NOTHING TO DO AND LIFE IS OVER BOX. Sometimes we just need to be clear.
Have your kids brainstorm ideas for fun things they would like to do as a family and make a list. It has to be something everyone would enjoy. If you are watching your budget, be sure to mention this and put a dollar limit on their ideas. You’ll be amazed at what they will come up with. My daughter came up with the idea of “Clean House Day” — I wasn’t going to argue about that one!
Be sure to add a few things of your own as a surprise. If there are some fun activities you’ve been wanting to do or something you’ve been wanting to surprise the kids with, throw it in there! This is the equivalent of a summer bucket list, with less of the WHEN ARE WE GOING TO DO ALL THE THINGS questions.
Once the list is complete, write each one down separately on index cards that will fit into your box. Shuffle the cards and put them face down inside the box.
Some ideas for activities to put in the box:
- Run through the sprinkler
- Have a campout in the backyard
- Go fly a kite
- Play a round of mini-golf (when they open!)
- Watch the sunset from a favorite local spot
- Plant flowers or vegetables
- Draw with sidewalk chalk
- Go on a nature walk
- Wash the car by hand
- Water balloon fight
- Go to the drive-in (if you have one nearby)
- Visit the farmer’s market
- Go to the library (PLEASE OPEN SOON LIBRARIES WE MISS YOU)
- Host a neighborhood scavenger hunt
- Pajama movie day
- Play bingo
- Start a summer journal
- Volunteer in some capacity (this would require a little research beforehand)
- Make friendship bracelets
- Start reading a new book or series out loud as a family
- Perform a random act of kindness (decide as a family or everyone can do their own)
There are a million and one ideas on the internet. With just a little Googling, you can find ideas to fill up your entire summer.
These next few paragraphs will be more applicable as things start to open up again, but wanted to include them for planning ideas!
Having this made before summer even starts will provide you (as the parent) with the opportunity to keep an eye out for special deals, half price or buy one, get one free. Check your local mailers, discount cards you may have bought through your local school district or sports team, Groupon or your area’s equivalent.
This would also be a great time to explore all the fun events and activities your local area has to offer! Concerts in the park, geocaching, parades and more. Check your city website or see if the local parks and recreation department puts out a guide for your area.
The next time your kids are bored or you are in need of ideas of what to do for the day, grab your Family Fun Box and get ready for some fun!
Looking for more ideas?
If you’re interested in a Family Fun Box, but also need to know how to get your kids MOVING AND FUNCTIONING this summer, check out my simple system called (appropriately) Child, Get Off Your Butt below. Just $7 right now with the code STARTITOFFRIGHT!
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