Schools out, kids are home, now what to do them?

About to go crazy with all the kids home for summer? Having a list of fun things to do with the kids can be a great help. Here are some fun ideas of things to do with and for the kids this summer break.

Summer Fun
Library Reading Programs. Many libraries offer great reading programs for the summer. Many also have craft days, discussion groups, and parties. Get your kids in on the fun! Watch for sign up times in your area. If you don't want to get out, check out these ideas of activities you can do with your kids. There are several craft projects for your older readers.

Orange County Public Library
http://www.ocpl.org/

Get together with another family. Find another family with kids that range in the same age bracket as your kids. Host a child(ren) from the other family one afternoon and on another day have your children go to their house. This will give one mom a chance to get things accomplished without the kids or at least take a nap!


Walk for Charities. Get the kids involved with an activity that not only promotes physical well-being, but also the importance of helping others. During the summer are many opportunities to walk for various charitable events.

Giving Children Hope - be part of the GCH's very first Walk-a-Thon
http://www.gchope.org/walking-with-hope.html

Lessons or sports? How about swim lessons? Dance? Soccer? Art? This will teach the kids skills and give you a break. Here's a list of youth sports leagues:
http://www.dmoz.org/Sports/Basketball/Youth_and_High_School/Leagues/

Scouting. Scouting can be a great activity with plenty of learning and fun. There may be day camps available as well as over night activities.

Orange County Scouts website
http://www.ocbsa.org/site/c.khKQIWPBIoE/b.2627577/

Cultural Activities. Get the kids excited about learning about their culture. Many ideas can be found in this article: Focus on Culture.

Cultural learning website with lesson for teaching kids
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSLAOCICountriesandCulturesIdeas18.htm

Crafts. Family Crafts guide, Sherri Osborn, has literally hundreds of craft ideas to keep your kids busy for three summers!

Fun Kids Arts & Crafts
http://familycrafts.about.com/

Life books. What a great time to focus on updating or completing the children's lifebooks. Working on their lifebooks may be a learning activity that they may be able to do with little help, depending on the age of the child, from you.

http://adoption.about.com/cs/legalissues/g/lifebook.htm

Day Camps. YMCA offers a great kid's day camp.

YMCA of Orange County
http://www.ymcaoc.org/branches/noc.php