Summer Fun: Keeping Your Tween Busy During the Summer

Some kids may just want free time during the summer. However, there are many ways to keep them busy and entertained if you don't wish for them to just hang around and be bored all the time.

Some fun things to do outside the house:

Check local schools, museums, and recreation centers: Many of these places offer summer programs for a variety of age groups. Some may even provide educational classes that will help your child to succeed in the future.

Libraries: Many libraries have summer reading incentive programs for all age groups. They also usually have bulletin boards full of programs you can look into.

Learn a lifelong skill: I remember taking a babysitting course when I was too old for camp and too young for a job. I got a certificate in a few days and started finding babysitting jobs right away in my neighborhood. Check your local hospital for program information and dates. You could also see if they are qualified to be a certified lifeguard. Check your local Red Cross or YMCA.

YMCA: There are usually many programs found here or sport activities that your child can participate in to stay active. Have fun with them and sign up for an activity yourself.

Volunteer: This is an activity that maybe you can find some time to do with your child. They may qualify to help at the recreation center if they don't find a program they'd like to participate in themselves. Many nursing homes love it when the youth volunteer. I did this one summer. I was able to read to the senior citizens and help them open their mail. The library may be a good place to volunteer as well. The zoo might also have some volunteering opportunities.

Entrepreneur: Maybe a little too old to have a lemonade stand, but some children know how to mow lawns by this age. They could also try dog walking or house sitting while neighbors are on vacation. Another job they might consider is pulling weeds or washing cars. If they have their own little business, it's sure to keep them busy. Plus they'll love the extra money for some ice cream on that hottest day in summer. Let them decide what they want to do with the money. Spend or save? Talk it over and help them decide what is best.

Some fun things to do inside the home:

Scavenger Hunt: Maybe only do this once or twice during the summer. It can take a decent amount of time and planning, but it's a lot of fun, so maybe do it even more than that. Great activity, especially if there are multiple kids and you want to get them all involved, regardless of age. If the ages vary, maybe pair a younger and older child together to make it into a team effort. Be sure to have a variety of difficulty in the clues and have some super fun prizes.

Bake-a-cake Day: Okay, so it doesn't have to be a cake. Simply any baked good will do fine. This would be great to do once or twice a week to keep things more entertaining during the summer. Make it a from a boxed mix you can get from the store for just a couple dollars. If your tween wants to get really ambitious and you don't mind supervising a little bit longer if needed, or maybe even helping out some, try making it from scratch. Towards the end of the summer, maybe have a bake sale for fun to show off those newly found baking skills.

Play: Encourage your child to try writing a play. Have them get their friends involved and let them have the summer to use their imaginations. Instead of putting the play on in front of an audience, if you trust your child enough with a video camera, let them record it or record it for them. This way they can also enjoy outtakes and know that not everything has to be perfect.

I hope some of these ideas makes your child's summer not quite so boring and gives you a little bit of extra relaxation time or is fun for you too.