As parents, we’re always looking for ways to keep our kids happy and occupied in the summer (Read: QUIET). But the deeper we go into summer break, the closer we get to the moment every parent dreads: the moment when boredom hits and we start hearing the all-too familiar complaints of “there’s nothing to do!”.
When that happens, it’s best to have some new ideas up your sleeve. So, we put together a list of fun activities to beat summer boredom that you might not have thought of! We call these activity-hacks: sort of familiar, and yet entirely new.
1. Play Jenga with a twist
We’re sure by this point you’ve played every board game in the house (if we play Monopoly one more time I’m going to flip out). So, it’s time to put a spin on a classic family game: Jenga! How? Just grab a marker and write a fun activity on the side of each block. The rules are the same as usual, except that each person that pulls out a block has to perform the action labelled on it. The activities are completely up to you, but here are some ideas to get you started:
- Crab walk around the room
- Thumb wrestle with another player
- Break out in song
- Play with t-rex arms for one round
- Do your best impression of any player
- Staring contest with the person on your right
2. Try some fun recipes with ice cream (licking the spoon is encouraged)
We all know summertime is ice cream time. But, why not shake it up a little and teach your kiddos some cooking skills along the way? Instead of eating plain ice cream (although you know Peekaboo is anything but plain), try getting creative with it! You can make a yummy dirt pudding with chocolate ice cream or some Peekaboo-style brownies. The possibilities are endless.
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3. Plant some veggies
Making a veggie garden with your little ones is not only a great way to keep them busy, but it also teaches them lots of valuable skills. Kids love planting seeds, watching them sprout and eventually harvesting what they’ve grown with their own hands. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get them to eat more veggies! (yes, we know the struggle).
Bonus: turn the plant markers into a crafting project for the kids! Here are some ideas.
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4. Arrange a sundae scavenger hunt
What kid doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt and a sundae? Mix the two of them together and you got yourself a winner. Hide all of the makings of an ice cream sundae around the house: bowls, spoons, toppings, sauces and mix-ins (everything but the ice cream, of course). Give the kids a list of the hidden items and send them on a hunt! Once they’ve found everything, they can make their own sundaes (and yours). We give this activity an 11/10 because it keeps the kids busy for a while and you get a sweet treat at the end. Win-win.
Pro tip: put the sweet stuff in sealed bags...we want to have fun. Not an ant colony.
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5. Launch a water balloon fight with your neighbors across the street
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than a good ol’ water balloon fight. Invite your kids’ friends over and make it a game - when you get hit you’re out, until there’s one champion! To make it more challenging, cover the water balloons with shaving cream so they’re extra slippery.
WARNING! Always with adult supervision, being mindful of cars and pedestrians.
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These are just a few of Peekaboo’s favorite family activities which we hope will help YOU and the kiddos have a summer to remember! But really, the key is to slow down, spend as much time outdoors as possible, and most importantly, enjoy!
What are your go-to summer games for the kids? We’d love to hear them so please leave your comment below!
