10 Summer Boredom Busters for Kids

It hasn't been but a few weeks since the end of school and the kids are already crying, "I'm bored." Without the structure of school, children run out of ideas for things to do. This summer help your children overcome summer boredom with ten zany activities, from crafts, to games, to community activities that you can do with your kids. Not only will you amuse the children, but will be expanding their minds and skills at the same time.

1. Make a Sidewalk Masterpiece

You don't have to be a famous artist like Monet or Picasso to create art. Your kids can create simple art on a grand scale by using the sidewalk or concrete patio as their canvas. Give the kids some wash-away paints or colored chalk and turn them loose outdoors to make a mural. Crayola even has a new 3-D chalk to try. Make it a family event and encourage everyone to add some of their creative talents to the masterpiece. Be sure to photograph the process and finished product before it gets washed away, either by rain or mom and the garden hose.

2. Start a Neighborhood Business

Lemonade stands have been a kid's business for generations, but you can expand this venture into cookie sales, ice cream cones, and so on. Suggest to your children to identify a neighborhood need and plan accordingly. They can create posters and advertisements for their project. As this business is fun for the kids, they are learning beginning marketing skills. Any monies collected could be donated to a local charity. Just be sure to check with your city or town ordinances first.

3. Create a 'Ezine

With the aid of computers (and sometimes children know more than parents these days) they can create a newsletter and publish bits and pieces from all the local neighborhood kids. Interview local businesses, talk to community helpers, write about local events and even review the movies your kids have seen. They can type this information in a document, print and hand out to the neighbors or go strictly high tech and send out mass emails. Note: If a parent owns a blog space, the children can become this week's guest writer.

4. Ice Painting with Jell-O

Painting with ice cubes and gelatin is a fun way to experiment with a new art technique. Remember it's not the finished art project that's important, it's the process that's educational and fun. Fill an ice cube tray with water and cover the top with aluminum foil. As it begins to set in the freezer, insert wooden craft sticks into each section and freeze overnight. To paint, place a sheet of white paper on the table. Since this could get messy, it's a nice project to do outdoors on the patio or picnic table. Sprinkle a small amount of flavored gelatin on the paper and invite the kids to paint over it with an "ice-cube paintbrush." Encourage the children to make pretty designs and patterns. Talk about this new art technique, how it smells, feels, and even tastes. Yes, this art project is truly edible and so safe for the youngest artist. One color will keep most young children happy, while older kids like to experiment with a variety of colors and flavors.

5. Organize a Neighborhood Olympics

Nothing spells fun like an old-fashioned obstacle course set up in the back yard. Suggest that the kids create some 'goofy' sports of their own and plan this Olympic event. Since it's summer they can make it as wet as they want - just how far can you toss that water balloon?

6. Yummy Summer Snowballs

Think snow to cool down during the summer heat. These treats are easy to make and fun to eat. Have the children take round scoops of vanilla ice cream and roll them into a bowl of flaked coconut. Place these balls into a paper cupcake liner and refreeze until firm. Gather the family and friends and serve these fun treats straight from the freezer. Oh, so cool and good!

7. Trace your Family History

Invite the children to research the family roots as far as you can. The kids can act like reporters and tape-record interview with grandparents and other relatives. Find old photographs or let the kids take new pictures with the use of your camera and together make a book of your findings (both written text and pictures). This genealogy book can keep growing as time passes. You can even make a fun family tree with instructions from another Associated Content writer.

8. Produce a Show

Kids today love television and what would be more exciting than producing their own TV show. A camcorder will be needed (and with your supervision) the kids can film their friends and family doing something they love. Do a spin-off of "America's Got Talent" right in your own neighborhood. Just be prepared to watch the video - the entire show!

9. Have a Yard Sale

This idea is a favorite amongst mothers who would love their kids to clean out their drawers and closets during the summer. Gather old toys, outgrown clothing, books, and so on and prepare to set up a neighborhood yard sale. Challenge the kids to organize and conduct the sale (with your help of course). Keep track of money earned by each child and let them use their profits from their hard work for a special purchase.

10. Go Green with a Garden

Time to get in touch with nature and the soil and plant some flower or vegetable seeds. If you don't have a plot of land to use, the kids can plant in containers. Make sure they take care of their gardens by watering and weeding. And before the summer's end you may be harvesting something good to eat or flowers to adorn the house.

These are only a few of the many projects kids can do during the summer months. These creative activities are sure to become boredom busters for your children. Have fun doing these together and spend good quality time with your family.