Only a few days remain on the school calendar and I am busy listing
all the ways I can keep my kids entertained. This is the first year we are
signed up for summer camps and I’m excited to see how my kids like it. In
summers passed we have had to make do with my version of backyard summer camp.
It included a lot of crafts, experimental gardening and mud making. It also
included a lot of me planning, prepping and gathering supplies. Not to mention
always cleaning a mess. It was worth it to see my kids enjoy themselves, but I’ll
be honest I am looking forward to watching them participate on their own more
and grow new friendships (and maybe I will too).
If you are looking for ways to keep the kids busy here are
my top five favorite places to find creativity this summer!
Craft stores host craft camps, sewing classes and other
exciting ways to craft. Camps are usually geared toward younger kids and cost
around $2-$3 per craft. Sometimes you can drop the kiddos off to craft while
you shop. It’s a great way for kids to get their creativity on while parents
get 20 or 30 minutes to themselves.
Libraries sometimes offer fun art projects or making
sessions during the summer months. You might even find a Lego building club, or
crotchet class too. These are typically free to attend and kids can pick up a
new skill.
Farmer’s markets are great for shopping and enjoying fresh
foods of the season, and many offer a kids area or kid’s art tent. It’s a great
place to for kids to meet a new friend and explore their creative side while you
pick up groceries for the week ahead.
Open paint studios are a great place to express your inner Picasso.
Simply select a painting you’d like to recreate or paint one of your own. Kid versions
of sip and paint events are gaining popularity, so check the events page to see
if one is coming up soon!
Ceramics studios may seem a little old school, but what is
wrong with old school? You and your family can make some pretty awesome
keepsake projects together. Paint your hand prints around a bowl for an instant
classic on mom’s table. Fees will vary per project, kiln times and studio time.
All of these options give you and your family more time to
enjoy creating something beautiful together. They are a perfect escape from the
rain or humidity. Plus, you get to bring home a unique piece of art work to
display at home.
The Whatever Mom is a full-time wife and twin mama living on coffee and wine. She enjoys the pure rush of cleaning the BIG potty between loads of laundry. It is her dream that moms everywhere accept and embrace the Whatever Mom philosophy which can be found here. You can also find her musings and popular shares on Facebook and Twitter. Stay up to date with her creative ideas and outings on Pinterest.
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