Shannon's looking for ideas to beat the "Mom, I'm boooooooooored" blues this summer. Here's mine:
Send your children on a scavenger hunt. Depending on their ages it can either be around the house (great for a rainy day) or around the yard or neighborhood, just make sure your kids know exactly where they can and can't go. We don't want little Charlie trying to walk to the mall to buy his way to victory.
Give each child or group of children a list of items to find (or pictures if they can't read yet) and a bag to put them in. Set a time limit and send them off.
The lists can be straightforward or convoluted. One mom I know used to devise riddles - the kids had to solve the riddles to figure out what they were looking for (clever, but since I'm severely riddle-challenged I'd find that a punishment, so we skip that bit).
The first child/group back wins.
You can get creative with the prizes too. They can be traditional prizes or even things like the right to pick the entire dinner menu for the night - including dessert of course!
Happy scavenging.
14 comments:
That's a great idea... maybe I will make a list of things they need to pick up around the house as their scavenger hunt. ;)
Is it bad if I make up stuff for the list that I know they'll never find just to keep them busy?
"Keep on looking, kids!" :)
wow ...brought back memories, we did that as kids with my Grandmother.
Always so much fun!
We made treasure maps with each spot having a clue to the next spot until the "treasure" (usually a bag of candy) was found.
Ooh, I like the treasure map idea Nancy - I'm going to have to try that this summer!
Great idea!!
I love scavenger hunts! We had one for my stepson's birthday party when he was 13. Took the kids to the mall, gave them each some money, and they had to follow riddles to the stores and buy a trinket that cost less than a buck (those were the party favors). That could be a fun activity...if Mom doesn't make it too much work on herself!
Peace to you this day.
Thats great! Thanks so much for sharing that tip. I really like the comment about putting something on there that they cant find! Then grab a cuppa and put your feet up! lol
Oooh, love this idea! Even my 4 and 2 year olds can do this one in the backyard while I veg a bit!
http://frillsfluffandtrucks.blogspot.com
~ Sarah
Thanks for your Tom Paxton quote over at Raven's nest. Maybe the Mom's could create a peace-themed scavanger hunt. (Not sure how you'd do that, but...)
I want to do this too!! Sounds like a lot of fun.
Wonderful idea Robin. Making a Pirate map for buried treasure does sound like a fun idea, and Michelle's idea, sounds like hours of fun!! *wink*
I loved your idea so we did a "Photo Hunt" today. Nick, Emily, Elijah and myself were each armed with a digital camera and a list of items to photograph (one for each letter of the alphabet). The kids had a great time with it. Nick and I will finish up tomorrow, and Olivia will do it with us (she shares a camera with Emily so she couldn't do it today).
I LOVE that idea Gayle! My kids have cameras too, so we'll definitely be trying that one. Thanks!
Great idea! I am going to use that one some rainy day soon. Thanks!
Post a Comment