Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month by Exploring the Best Parks Near You!
July 15, 2016Sports That Make Your Kids Feel Just Like the Pros
August 17, 2016School is almost back in session and fall is just around the corner. Now is the time to focus on the days you have left with your kids before they’re back to hitting the books and the warm nights–for many of us– disappear. August is National Family Fun Month, so the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) and the Voice of Play have selected a few activities that will bring the family closer together—and help you treasure the time spent under the sun with your loved ones!
- Play Miniature Golf
Head out to your local mini golf course or create your own! Find some inexpensive golf clubs and golf balls at the discount store, and use household items, like boxes, shoes or stuffed animals to create obstacles on your course. Use a cup or mug as the hole and aim for a hole-in-one.
- Fashion Show
Have your kids model their new back-to-school clothes or even walk down the runway in their own wacky creations from your closet. Don’t forget to turn up the tunes!
- Camp Outdoors
Use old sheets to pitch your tent, build a fire to cook your meals and read bedtime stories by the moonlight. Use your imaginations!
- Visit a Local Farm
Spend the day picking berries or produce for the night’s dinner. Afterwards, introduce your kids to the farm animals and see if you can get an inside look at how hard your local farmers work. Children love opening their eyes to new surroundings!
- Attend Free Outdoor Concerts
This is the time of year for a plethora of outdoor concerts around town or in a nearby city. Check local websites and community calendars to find out who’s playing and where to find them.
- Turn an Everyday Chore Into an Adventure
Meredith Sinclair, a parenting expert and author said, “Children learn to understand the real world through realistic pretend play.” Do you need to clean the house or go grocery shopping? Make a treasure hunt out of your grocery list or play “house” while tidying up with your kids to show them that simple tasks can be fun!
- Go on a Picnic
Summer is great for packing a lunch and walking to the perfect shady spot. Have your kids help you make sandwiches and pick out some extra snacks. Then, grab your basket and blanket and head out to the backyard—or your local park.
- Have a Tea Party
It’s tea time! Pick one lazy afternoon and get dressed in your best after inviting all of your children’s cuddly toys to the party. Prepare some teatime treats, like cucumber sandwiches, to enjoy the summer day.
- Movie Night
Host your own movie night with a movie of your family’s choosing. Make the movie screening more exciting by setting up a popcorn bar with tons of tasty toppings and add-ins, like butter, chocolate syrup, mini cookies or cereal. Let your kids be the master chefs!
- Game Night: Battle of the Families
Invite your brothers, sisters, cousins, parents—anyone you can think of—to a night of battling it out with board games! Not only will you get to connect with your extended family and play your favorite games, but kids will also be able to learn important life skills like taking turns, good behavior and following directions.
Share your National Family Fun Month activities by tagging us on Facebook or Twitter (@Voice_of_Play)!