10 SUMMERTIME ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS UNDER $10

Most Southeast Michigan children have been counting down to the last day of school, and this week it arrives. Here are ten fun activities to do with your children for less than $10.

1. Obstacle courses are ideal for children because their design requires children to use their critical thinking skills, available resources and imagination. Let them choose sporting equipment and age-appropriate tools to design the course. Invite neighborhood friends over to compete.

2. Colored tape can be used indoors on carpet or floors to create a race track or roads. Help children determine the flow of the track and them let them lay the tape. Encourage them to set up a city scene with popular toys such as Legos or matchbox cars.

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​3. Chalk it up! Transform your driveway into a game by drawing a target with chalk. Encourage your children to use their imagination for game rules and tools. For example, they could toss wet sponges towards the center and whoever gets the most near-target landings wins.

4. Bubble wrap painting is both messy and noisy, so very attractive to kids. Simply tape long sheets of paper or poster board to cement or floors. Next, wrap their bare feet in bubble wrap and let them step on paper plates with different paint colors. As they walk on the paper, beautiful designs will appear with each stomp.

5. Homemade tunnels are perfect for toddlers’ fine motor skills. Help your toddler tape paper towel and toilet paper rolls together to make long, winding tunnels. Then, watch their surprise as they follow a small ball all the way down the tunnel.

6. Camping at home is a great way to create an impromptu stay-cation. Pitch a tent in the backyard or even indoors if it’s raining. Roast hot dogs and s’mores, kick back and relax. Give children their own flashlight and encourage them to tell not-too-scary stories.

7. Lemonade stands are great because they teach children basic business skills. Help them create a large sign and make the lemonade. After they’ve set up shop, check-in on them and inventory. Recommend that they save some of their revenue for a rainy day.

8. Paper plate ping pong is perfect for small children. Simply glue or tape a plastic knife to the back of two paper plates to create the paddle. Give children a light ball or balloon to hit back and forth. Watch them squeal in delight as they score.

9. Sticky spider webs can be created in or outdoors. Simply unroll and crisscross colored tape along, for example, a door opening. The more tape, the stickier the web. Afterwards, let children ball up masking tape or tin foil and toss to see how many they can get to stick to the web.

​10. Treasure hunts foster children’s sense of exploration and discovery. Create age-appropriate clues and plant them strategically in the backyard. The treasure can be as simple as some water balloons, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow