summer activities

bacteriaI know a lot of us work hard at finding fun, frugal activities for our kids during the summer months when school is out. My little girl is only home from preschool—which she attends for just three hours a day—but I still try to find really great things for us to do together. I picked up 101 Things You Need to Know…and Some You Don’t! on a whim from the library last week and have not been able to part with it for more than a few hours since.

At first, it sounds like a book of facts—and it is full of them, which makes it an educational read. But the text is far from boring, written with more of a Mythbusters perspective than a National Geographic narrator. From facts about the oldest living thing on Earth (bacteria) to answers regarding questions about exploding stomachs, the size of the universe and the Ice Age, 101 Things is full of entertaining tidbits of knowledge. Read more

When you work full-time (or even part-time), it can be very difficult to incorporate activities that are both fun and educational into your main job—parenting. Sure, you might do a puzzle together while the pasta boils, or doodle together while you’re waiting on the phone with customer service, but planning really creative adventures can sometimes fall by the wayside.

Enter Fun with Mommy & Me. OK, I will be the first to admit that the title is a turnoff. Even though Mommy & Me is a nationally recognized program, this activity book is also great for dads—so fathers of the world, don’t write this one off! Though published eight years ago, this book is choc full of simple but creative, fun and educational activities for busy parents and their kids. I stumbled on it at the library and had to get a copy; there are many used, super cheap ones available. Read more