Now that summer is here and our kids are home it can be exhausting trying to entertain them all day. The dreaded, “I’m bored,” can be echoed daily making us feel stressed and looking for activities all the kids can enjoy without being in the heat.
Here are a few kid-approved indoor activities to try on those hot summer afternoons.
Sensory Bins – Water beads, kinetic sand, dry beans, oh my! I have learned that kinetic sand is much easier to clean up than actual sand and it comes in an array of fun colors. I purchased a kit that included sand toys, and a truck set to go with the kinetic sand. Then I put it all in a plastic storage bin with tall sides so I don’t have to worry about a huge mess. Water beads are a wonderful sensory experience reserved for the bathrooms only in our home. There are even growing water beads as well as water beads with fine motor skills toys. If that doesn’t sound like your thing, old fashion dry beans are fun for little ones too.
Window Crayons – These are only about $5 and my toddler loves the fact that he can draw masterpieces all over the windows with his siblings and feel like a true artist, without ruining my walls in the process. When you have had enough of the window art just get a wet sponge and wipe it away.
Water Color Pencils – These are a new product we discovered recently. They come in an art kit carrying case perfect for at home or traveling. You simply dip the pencil tip in water and draw. This creates a dark and bolder color and makes for beautiful watercolor artwork, no paint or paintbrush needed.
Reusable Sticker Books – My kids will quietly play with sticker books for what seems like hours if in the mood. They are also perfect for road trips or plane rides. Our recent “Under the Sea” Melissa and Dog sticker books have held up and been a great activity for hot afternoons inside.
Modeling clay – Making clay creations is a blast from the past for me, taking me back to elementary school art class. Amazon has a great variety of modeling clay packs as well as “Clay Play” books filled with magical creations. Pinch pots are also fun and easy for younger artists. It’s nostalgic and the clay doesn’t dry out quickly like play-doh which makes it a favorite in our house.
Kids sewing kits and Shrinky Dinks – Throw it back old school with these two 90s favorites. Let kids use their imaginations while making cool designs that they will cherish all summer. I found both of them at my local Michael’s and my kids are already asking for more.
I hope you have a fun and relaxing summer and on those days that are too hot for outside play remember there is always fun to be had inside as well.
