Crayons in the Sun

Are you looking for some fun new ways to entertain the young folks this summer? You came to the right place. Here you go.

Drawing with crayons as they melt in the sun is a lot of fun for youngsters. This messy activity allows the wax to run a little bit, but it's a very enlightening activity.

Mom, turn the sprinkler on. Make sure there's plenty of sun and you should only have to wait a minute or two for the rainbow to appear. Now, your children can take a picture of all the beautiful colors.

Your son or daughter can start the seeds indoors and then an adult can transplant them in the ground once the plants are stronger. Allow your kids to take turns helping you water the sunflowers.

Whether you're vacationing in the desert, camping in the woods or driving home, stop and take time to collect rocks or dig for fossils. A child's innate instinct is to explore the natural world.

Your rock hunting expedition doesn't have to be planned. Spontaneity comes easily to young people. Our children dug for crystals spur of the moment in New Mexico on the way home from Arizona. It was a stop well worth making. Educational opportunities aren't always planned. Sometimes they just happen. Watch out for biting/stinging insects and snakes which may be hiding under or around rocks.

Capture a critter for the purpose of observation and then let it go as soon as possible. This teaches children to approach science from a humane perspective and creates a gentle balance for future science experiments and observations. Caution children about the possible dangers of handling a wild creature and teach them to always ask permission from a parent first. Never touch any animal whose species is known for carrying rabies or known for stinging and carrying poison. Tree frogs, geckos, daddy long legs, millipedes, grass hoppers and such make for excellent observing. Allow your children to discuss, observe or document their findings based on observation.

Notes: I said millipedes, not centipedes. Always observe creatures for just a few minutes and then kindly let them go and some creatures can be observed without capturing such as birds.

Enough liquid soap and a variety of large bubble wands opens the door to hours of back yard fun! You may even decide to host a neighborhood bubble party.

The Dollar Tree and Wal-Mart both supply everything you'll need including the balloons and pump to save your breathe. You'll just have to learn how to tie the ends. Do a You Tube search for instructional videos showing step by step how to make balloon animals.

Eager eyes will lighten up when they catch their first fish and tender hearts will mend when daddy actually sets the catch free to swim again.

On a rainy day set up a table and watch the little ones build a city complete with stop signs, street signs, a county court house and tiny Lego people. Add a library, school, a few houses, a few dogs and a grocery store. There you have your Lego City! Suggest businesses and buildings any city might need such as a hospital. First, give them a chance to get started and you might be surprised they already know what goes into building a city.

Even if you're not planning on putting on a play gather some poster board in a variety of colors. Your children will have fun cutting out large trees and flowers to tape to the wall. They might want to design a back drop for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or other favorite fairy tale.

Your children could write reports on hurricanes, tornadoes and floods as they occur this spring or summer. They learn about weather, geography, sociology and journalism this way.

The next time there's thunder and lightning, take advantage of the foul weather and give them some real life drama. Better than t.v. open the blinds in the living room and just watch the show. Watch it rain down. Don't sit too close to the windows to avoid being struck by lightning. You may be surprised how entertaining this is to the children to just watch the live weather show.

The next time there's an astronomical event let the kids stay up late. Have a rare midnight meal. Then, go outside to sit in lawn chairs and prepare to watch the night sky. You can use a telescope, but unless you have an expensive one you might be able to get a better view through a digital video camera. Take turns looking up close. The next day or when you get time the family can watch it all again if you tape it. We watched the December 2010 eclipse. Of course, you can star gaze for no particular reason what so ever. It doesn't require a special event.

Take a walk together as a family and pick wildflowers or berries. Just make sure whatever you go after doesn't present allergenic risk and don't eat any fruit you're not familiar with first. Sometimes you can find them growing along the roadside. Be sure to bring a bag for your pickings.Each person should have their own. After you get home, you can dry the flowers for potpourri or press a few in a book one at a time. Flower Power!

Embark on a family walk and embrace your free spirits. Our daughter wears her roller skates and our son rides his bike while my husband and I walk. Keep an eye on children and don't let them go too far ahead if they're not old enough to be on their own. Bikers and skaters need helmets. Now, get out there and have some fun as a family.

Join your local library for summer reading programs with incentives. These programs will keep them well read all year.

Go down to Home Depot or Lowe's for the required supplies and set aside a spot in the garage or turn the shed into a work shop. Our nine year old son has recently taken up wood working with his father's supervision and instructional guidance. That's how I know this is a great activity for children and parents. Building anything sparks and instills a sense of pride in young folks.

Our neighbor used to take his daughters to the park to set up for softball. They had all their own bases, ball and bats. It was really refreshing to see them out there on a regular basis with their dad. You can set up for softball or baseball too at your local park or in your back yard if you have the room. You'll be glad you did.

For under a hundred dollars a pick nick table is a valuable investment. On the weekends you can get the family together for a picnic. Even if you cook your food indoors you can still make use of an outdoor table. Sometimes you can find one at yard sales, get one handed down by your folks or build your own. Spring and early fall in the mornings or evenings are the most comfortable seasons for eating outdoors, but you can pull it off in the summer too with careful timing such as late evenings or in the morning for breakfast on the patio. Family really feels close outdoors and oh the memories you'll make together!

Regardless of what your children do this summer, keep them busy learning and playing. While every minute doesn't have to be spent outside, get them out in the sunshine and keep them active for their own good. Summer and kids have a long history of going well together so don't break tradition in front of the t.v.

Note: The Above Activities Require Adult Supervision And That's Half The Fun!