As spring comes to an end and summer officially begins, parents are typically already dreading trying to come up with things to keep their little ones busy and happy for three months. So, I would like to pass along some really amazing (and FREE!) activities that I have discovered lately in my quest to make this summer memorable for my toddler and me.
1. Bowling
www.kidsbowlfree.com is offering two games daily to children under 15 if you sign up on their website. You can check if there is a participating alley near you, but if not, they ask that you contact them. They also offer a family pass, which allows four adults to bowl all summer long (two games daily) for $24.95. If you choose not to bowl as a family, you can still take your kids for free.
If you figure an average game costs $3 (x 2 = $6), if you go four times all summer the pass paid for itself. Children and adults are required to rent shoes, unless you have your own. We just went this weekend with Kayne and he had a blast! It was certainly worth signing him up.This runs annually, and this year the dates are June 1 – September 2.
2. Craft Events
Michaels is offering a Passport to Imagination in-store craft program. “Your child will travel the world through 54 fun and educational craft projects”, including ones you make in the store, ones you swap with your friends in the class, and ones you take home to complete.
No registration is required and most of the projects are completely free. Several of the more complicated projects require a few materials that will need to be purchased, but what a fun way to teach kids about the countries of the world. Especially right before the Olympics begin. This program runs June 19 – July 28. The schedule can be found at www.michaels.com/passport
3. Building Workshops
The Home Depot offers free kids’ building workshops on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 12pm. These workshops are designed for kids 5 – 12, but with help, toddlers can also complete the projects.We just missed the one for June (Build an Organizer), but the one in July is “Build a Moving Truck”.
“Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a free kids’ workshop apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.”
4. Build and Grow Workshops
Similar to The Home Depot, Lowes offers free Build and Grow Workshops every other weekend, supplying all of the materials for the project. They are offered on both Saturday and Sunday, and are an hour long. You can view the entire upcoming schedule here: http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/fullschedule.aspx
These workshops are number of participants limited, and do require registration online which takes about one minute. The themes of the upcoming workshops are Madagascar 3, Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek.
“Build a wooden project and get a free apron, googles, patch and much more!” Certainly a nice way to spend a weekend as a family creating something together.
I hope these give you some ideas for what you may do to keep your kids entertained, but more importantly to spend quality time with them, enjoying doing things together. Happy bonding!