spring/summer activity ideas

[Eva81]

Hi everyone,


I could really use ideas to keep 3 kids, of different ages busy this summer.

My 12 year old son will be out of school and I am nanny to a 12 month old boy and 5 year old girl. This could be challenging!

Help! lol

Jenn

[nannyme]

Hey! So I was a nanny for 2 little boys for almost 4 years and I racked my brains for things to do to keep me sane during the summer. They were 3 and 8, the ages put them at such different stages in life that I had to think of things that they would both be able to do and enjoy. Some of the things we would do were childrens museums, we'd take bubbles/chalk/sand toys to the park, we did water parks (which might be hard with the 12 month old but if its a park that has a section for younger kids and you could keep an eye on them, they could go off while you played around with the baby). We also went to the zoo, aquariums, drive in movies, swimming, treasure hunts around/outside the house.

Hope these help!

[beachmom30]

How about cooking with your kids? They'll have lots of fun, and with yummy results too! I was looking for some recipes that are kid friendly, and I found one on the Mom Life website: http://bit.ly/dqExc0. It's a cheesecake cupcake recipe, and it's not your regular cupcake because this is made with cream cheese, and topped with fruit! Plus, on the site, there's a great video guest starring Paula Deen, who makes these cupcakes with the cast. You know you've got a great guilty pleasure with Paula!

[jdyrogrs]

I do understand how difficult it is being a nanny to children. The summers have the worst cases when you have to be after them the whole day. I had plenty of experiences looking after my cousins and the neighboring kids. There used to be battle taking place and I had to plan things out to avoid it. Indulging them in some kind of the work they are interested in will work the best. Cooking sounds to be a good idea as far as they are interested in it and also let me play around as this will make them feel tired and even tually will sleep for most of the afternoon. I would also suggest you to occasional take them for an outing, they will really enjoy that.

I used to save myself with this strategy, hope that something works out for you too.

[Lydiam]

I don't know where you live... but the beach is usually something that all kids like. :)

[EMILY0388]

I'm a huge fan of arts and crafts! I'm sure there are plenty of projects that could be tailored to each of the different age groups you are babysitting this summer. You might try steppingstone kits or other such prepackaged craft kits. It's also fun to make things up on your own. I like to keep a box handy with plenty of supplies so the kids can go to it when they feel inspired. I save everything from toilet paper rolls and shoeboxes to cleaned out cans and pieces of yarn. Anything can be made into something else. Crafting is also a great way to teach and encourage recycling. Awhile back I found this awesome craft blog with fun project ideas which might help get your kids inspired. It even has step-by-step pictures in case the 5-year-old can't read just yet. Good luck! creativekidscrafts.wordpress.com

[MSLight]

My mom was QUEEN of finding cheap, fun things for me and my sisters to do. We were all different ages but here are some things that really kept us busy over the summer - and I remember them all 20 years later!

- Go to the mall. You don't have to buy anything. Just walk around. Maybe give each of the kids $5 to spend any way they want. There's a nice food court I'm sure and it gets them active and out of the house.
- Go on a picnic in a nearby park. Bring a frisbee or a board game.
- Make up board games/ game shows. Each child gets crafts and can make their own game. Once everyone is done you take turns playing each others' games. Depending on timing this could take a few days!

Hope this helps! Good luck!

[active.mom]

Whenever I have to entertain a couple of kids for the day during the summer, I usually resort to beach (if possible, not so much for me anymore, however), pools (I've found swim lessons are a good way to keep them distracted for a few hours), parks, sports camps and some arts and craft camps. Sometimes, a local museum might have some children's programs or what have you. Good luck and have fun!

[Dennis and Kids]

Yes, does look like a wide gap in the ages there! However, if you are determined AND CREATIVE - it can work!
I was widowed 9 years ago, and my wife left 3 young children - 1, 5, 13 years old.
The key is to have options that can include at least 2 of the kids. I know that's challenging nowadays, especially with teenagers.

Do you have a backyard? We did old school stuff like chalk on the sidewalk, slippity slide attached to garden hose, a small pool (be careful), sandbox, basketball, soccer ball.

Inside the house you can have various DVD movies, coloring books, musical instruments, scrap paper for drawing, limited TV time, crafts.

Stop by the park on a regular basis. Good luck and HAVE FUN!!

Dennis and Kids

[jaycoen]

Maybe you can enroll them in a summer sports league, something like softball, soccer, or any other team sport available in your area. This is great for active children and even better for nonactive children! The 12 year olds and 5 year old will probably be in different age group team, but will probably still practice on the same field so you can keep an eye on them all.

If you don't want to pay for the sports fees, then think about spending time at the park to play around. Being active is key.

On rainy days you could play board games- fun and lasts quite a while.

[Claira A01]

Art and Crafts projects are a good idea to keep them all happy and busy. Just google for ideas, you will find plenty according to their age group. Also beach is place where all children enjoy!!

[ChandlerBing]

I was thinking about what my sister did to her 13year old son last summer which was summer military camp (http://www.militaryschools411.com/military-camp/).. She said that its a good place to really train your child proper discipline and value responsibility at the same time.

[danielleH16]

There's lots of craft activities you can do with your kiddos, especially for these easter.. I've had lots of fun making easter eggs and easter baskets. Here's some fun marbelized eggs:
http://www.parentsconnect.com/parenting-your-kids/easter-ideas/simply_marble-less.html
and easter baskets:
http://www.redtri.com/sensational-easter-basket-ideas

[irishblueyes]

A stroll at the park in the morning is a good idea. You can take them to a museum or have a little camping in the back yard/front yard of your home. If you have a mini-size pool, they can play and swim in the water along with your assistance.

[PatyDunn11]

I'd recommend getting your son into a sport or activity that he likes and most importantly make sure he's with a buddy or two. As for your 5 year old you should also get her with some friends and set up play dates and potentially a sport or activity that she likes, you'll be able to bring your 12 month old with you as long as they're occupied. If one of your older kids is not occupied you should have one-on-one-one time with them and your youngling. You can teach them how to care for him and instill the wanting to be a role model and good older sibling.