Kids' Activities and Projects

Back to school time is just around the corner. Fight off the before school blahs with a few fun activities!As summer comes to a close so does camps, vacations and other seasonal activities. The last few weeks before school starts may leave the highly scheduled child with absolutely nothing to do. Fill an empty agenda with entertaining (and educational) activities that will tide your little one over until she is ready to get back to learning.

Outdoor Fun for Kids

Take advantage of the last few weeks of summer weather with some outdoor fun. From backyard games to satiation type outings, kids of all ages can enjoy getting out into the summer sun.

Activities to try at home include:

• Backyard obstacle course. Set up an array of outrageous obstacles such as splashing all of the water out of a paddling pool, scooping a wash tub of sand into an empty sandbox, jumping over flower beds, racing around a tree garden in smaller circles, or climbing up and down a sturdy tree (older kids only).• Backyard ball. Schedule a game of baseball, soccer, bike, football or kickball in your backyard. If you don’t have enough family members to make two equal teams, invite a few friends or neighbors over to join in.• Hopscotch. Use sidewalk chalk to make a traditional hopscotch board with numbers or create an imaginative alternative with drawn pictures or letters in each square. Make up your own family rules and play an entirely new game.

Indoor Kids’ Activities

Summer weather isn’t always filled with clear sunny skies and warm days. As the fall (and school) nears the temperature may dip and rain may move in.

Rainy day projects and ideas for kids include:

• Get artsy. Even if you aren’t the most creative of types, you can easily try a variety of fun filled kids craft activities to pass the day away. Pick a theme such as back to school, fall, animals or anything that interests your little ones, and make a few different projects.• Indoor scavenger hunt. Use note cards to make a scavenger hunt that features different places in the home. Hide clues under pillows, behind toys or under an area rug for the kids to find. Place a piece of candy or a small toy at the end of the hunt as a prize.• Cooking. Choose a kid-friendly menu and ask your little ones to help you measure, mix or decorate. Make a healthy snack or, for a special treat, cook up a batch of cupcakes to frost with bright colors.