1. Today, we were invited by friends to play in The Fountains. It was so much fun, and perfect for small children.
2. We had a coupon for $19.99 for Chuck E. Cheese, which gave us 40 tokens, a large pizza, and two drinks. Check here for more coupons and to sign up for their email club.
3. Making something artsy-craftsy is one of our favorite things to do, regardless of season. I am always saving food boxes, toilet paper rolls, and other things to make various crafts. Princess Natalie has a "Robot Radar" that she has been adding stuff to for weeks. It is neat to watch her find an object and say, "This would make a good nose/eye/arm/etc for my Robot Radar!" We also enjoy finger-painting, making cards for special occasions, and coloring.
4. Play Doh is another easy yet fun activity. You can make your own Play Doh or use the pre-made store stuff. I spread a vinyl table cloth on the living room floor for easy clean up. This is a good solo activity for kids, too. Princess N will often play for over a half an hour on her own while I feed Princess R.
5. We love going to Rutledge-Wilson Farm! It is completely free, but there are animals to see and a fun playground for kids. They have fun activities all year round.
6. I subscribe to GroupOn, Living Social, and Daily Deals, and scored with a half-price zoo membership for $30 this past November. It is good for a year and even comes with some bring-a-friend passes. We have such a good time checking up on the animals, and they discount animal education classes and other fun events for members. Also, our membership gets us in to other zoos nationwide for FREE.
7. Obviously, if you are friends with me on Facebook or have followed me on this blog, you know that me and the girls love to bake and cook. Pinterest is a great resource for easy and new recipes that kids will enjoy cooking and eating.
8. Nature scavenger hunts are really fun and free! You can make your own list, or find some ideas online.
9. Sidewalk chalk is another favorite. Did you know you can even use it on wood? We have used it on our deck and our fence, and it washes off. Just don't leave it on there too long.
10. On those super hot days when you just want to be in air-conditioned comfort, you can go to the mall and play at the play place or window shop. Other free places include the library, a book store, or even Toys R Us! No one says you have to buy anything...you can just play with the toys and go.
11. Although not necessarily stroller-friendly, you could strap the baby to your back and take a hike at a local trail or nature center. This is one I would like to do more often...
12. We enjoy taking the princesses to the park after dinner. It is often cooler and less crowded. One of our favorites here in town is Nathanael Greene Park. Not only does it have a nice playground, there is a pond to walk around, a butterfly house, and botanical gardens.
13. Playdates!!! What a great time to provide the kids with social interaction as well as some much-needed adult conversation for you. Take turns hosting them with friends, make some fun snacks, and keep it simple.
14. When the sun is shining and the pool is glistening, it is hard not to feel guilty for just staying in. However, there are some days that we all need a break. The girls and I proclaim these PJ Days. We stay in our pajamas all day, lounge on the couch, eat whenever and whatever we want, and play movies. We might make some tents out of blankets and we might not. It's ok to have lazy days, y'all!
15. Spa Days are something new we just started this summer. And, really, it isn't a whole day of stuff...it might just be an hour or so. We declare Spa Day and take turns doing each other's hair, putting on make up, playing dress up, painting our nails, and giving each other massages.
There are many more things that we do to fill our summer days, but I thought this was enough to share for now. Enjoy!
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