15 Cheap Summer Activities to Do With Kids

by Janis Brett Elspas

Outside or Indoors, this list of free and inexpensive, easy-to-do activities will keep your kids busy all summer long, till school starts again in the fall.  Pictured at left is Mini Mommy Blogexpert, my daughter (now a teen) who started backyard gardening when she was just three years old.

Outdoor Activities
1. Have a backyard sailboat race.  Just fill a plastic kiddy pool, make homemade boats, and see which one is the fastest.
2. Have a nature scavenger hunt. Give kids a list of things found in nature and have them look in the yard for those items.
3. Have a seed-spitting contest. Who doesn’t love to eat a nice, cold watermelon and see how far you can spit the seeds?
4. Catch fireflies.  If you’re lucky enough to live in an area that has fireflies, make a firefly-catching jar by poking holes in the top of a pickle or mayonnaise jar. Just make sure you let them go.
5. Let your kids start a collection.  Just make sure it involves something cheap, like rocks they find. Or even better, use the digital camera to “collect” items they see but don’t want to hurt, like flowers.

Indoor Boredom Busters
6. Make paper airplanes.  Download templates from the Internet, use them as a starting point, and see just how far yours can fly.
7. Have a sleepover party.  Who needs overnight camp when you can have “sleepover camp” for your kids’ friends?
8. Play indoor volleyball.  Make sure it’s okay with Mom, and then use a beach ball to play, with the couch as the “net.”
9. Build a fort out of cardboard boxes.  Cardboard boxes are the best toys!  Decorate your fort with markers and glue, letting your imagination run wild.
10.Turn your kitchen into a restaurant.  Make the menus and let the kids be “waiters,” then they can take turns being the waiter and the customer.

What is your child's favorite summer fun activity. Please leave a comment below this post and share their ideas with other families.

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.       

Raising KIDS To GIVE THEIR TIME Toward Community Volunteer Projects - Enter to Win $1000 Now in this Contest

by Janis Brett Elspas
MommyBlogExpert.blogspot.com

I'm a mom raising my own children to volunteer in the community frequently -- my hubbie, kids and I each donate more than 75 hours per year to various causes.  Pictured here are my girls painting the barn fence at historical Will Rogers State Park in California last month.  This was the most recent community service project, a Big Sunday event, that we participated in as a family.  In fact, our family has volunteered for Big Sunday since our youngest (triplets) were just two years old.

So, whenever I hear about programs such as this I'm always glad to pass on information to this blog's readers about organizations such as Kids Who Give which is currently holding a competition to recognize children who are donating their time to make this a better world.

The Details:
Kids Who Give will select 5 community-minded kids, ages 7-17.  Each winner will be honored with $1000 to be contributed to the cause of their choice. Hurry, deadline to enter is June 15, 2010. See contest rules and complete this entry form to nominate a deserving boy or girl.

About Kids Who Give
Kids Who Give is a national program created by Farm Rich, the frozen snacks and appetizers company, to recognize kids who give back to those in need and to also educate other interested kids on how to start giving back in their own communities.

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.      

Cute Contemporary Baby Blankets that Are Uniquely Personalized - A Novel Gift Idea for Newborns

by Janis Brett Elspas

MommyBlogExpert.blogspot.com

Exclusively available now through June 16, 2010 

from Zulily.com for just $29.99 (regular $48) 

I just love these contemporary monogrammed blankies for baby, a gift that will be welcomed with glee by parents whether this is their first child or not.  Features a smooth print on one side and plush back. Great for getting cozy and for tummy time.  Pictured above is my personal favorite, the Pink Polka-Dot Signature Initial Blanket by Two Tinas.

Product Details

• Felt monogram included in price
• 30'' x 30''
• 100% cotton with poly/cotton fill
• Ultra-plush backing
• Machine wash; tumble dry
• Made in the USA

Also available in this Kaleidoscope Signature Initial Blanket as well as several other styles.

Zulily runs special savings events constantly featuring a delectable assortment of comparable other brands, too, with each sale limited to 72 hours in duration.  Many of the products showcased are from up-and-coming boutiques offering designs that are truly unique.

What is Zulily, anyway?
Zulily.com is an online marketplace where you can buy top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids (both boys and girls).  Members can save up to 70% off retail prices—not to mention discover all the exciting new brands showcasing their products here.   Only members can shop their sales, but membership is free and sign up is fast and easy.  After you register, be sure to invite your friends to join, too.  As the Zulily shopping community grows, so will their ability to offer you even better prices and selection.

Based in Seattle, Washington, Zulily.com was formed by retail and e-commerce veterans.  They're dedicated to bringing their members great finds at great prices, as well as giving emerging brands a place to showcase their products.

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert is a guest blogger for  Zulily's Blog.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any products, payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.