Turn on the Fun Without Turning on the TV
By Lisa Marie Metzler
Take an evening to discuss your vacation plans for the summer. Get input from the kids and check out books from the library and get information from travel agents.
Peas, Corn and Beans Peruse seed catalogs and sketch a garden plot or patio garden. Children are more likely to actually eat vegetables when they plant and care for them. Get Moving! Go bowling (ugly shoes are hip), hiking, walking, bicycling or set up some lawn games to encourage outdoor fun. Party On! Celebrate TV-Turnoff Week by throwing a party. Why not make it a costume party and dress up as your favorite literary character? Camp Out Inside Make a tent in the living room and picnic on a large blanket. Go Fish! Introduce your children to your childhood favorites. Make a domino maze. See how high you can build a house of cards. Play bingo, pick-up sticks or charades. Stack the Deck Invest a whopping $1.00 on a deck of cards and learn to play some new games. Try www.thehouseofcards.com for some ideas. Open Wide Try catching jelly beans or grapes with your mouth. Bubble Band Blow bubbles and make music with ordinary objects around the house. Bake for Fun Make two batches of cookies: one for your family and one for the neighbors. Be Ye Thankful Create a list of what you are thankful for. Send thank you notes to complete the activity. Younger children can draw their items. Edible Sculptures Use uncooked spaghetti to pierce mini marshmallows to create abstract art. Add raisins, grapes and other soft foods to embellish. Spread Happiness Spend some time with a person you know in need of companionship. Do you know someone who lives alone? Someone who is ill? The result will bring joy for both parties! Give Someone a Break Babysit for free for a low income family who could use a night out. Storytelling Sit in a circle. One person starts the story with one line and the others add to the story until the end is announced. Try this one: "The cow knew something fishy was going on when he saw..."
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