Keep the Summer Boredom at Bay

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. We as parents try as hard as we can to make sure our kids have plenty of activities to keep them occupied, but it inevitably happens every year – boredom. Of course, I always have chores around here I need help with, but they tend to scatter when I make those recommendations. As much as I’d love to buy them each season passes for all their favorite activities, unfortunately I don’t have a bottomless bank account. I went on a search to find inexpensive programs and ideas on how they can spend their time.

Summer Activities for Kids

• Book Club – Libraries often have book clubs for various age ranges as well as other activities including movie night or other workshops. Or start your own book club with your neighborhood.
• Museums – These most often have a free or reduced ticket day at least once per month. Check your local museums to see if they offer any fun classes as well.
• Scavenger Hunt – Plan a hunt for the neighborhood kids, include items from common to rare and see who can find the most or the fastest. On rainy days, hide the items around your home. Geocaching is also a fun hobby that gets kids out and exploring.
• Water Fights – This is always a favorite of mine aside from filling the balloons as that always seems to take forever. Fill laundry baskets up with water balloons and it’s game on! Get out the hose and fill squirt guns for extra ammunition.
• Bowling – Many cities across the US have a free bowling program for kids during the summer. Call around to see which bowling alleys in your area participate. This includes shoe rental.
• Science Experiments – These are always fun such as the trusty baking soda volcano. Check out a book from the library to find other experiments.
• Game Day – Build an obstacle course in your yard and play fun games like egg and ring toss or wheelbarrow races. See who can make the biggest bubbles!
• Low cost movies – There are often theaters that offer low cost movie days, usually better priced than matinees. Check with your local movie centers to see what they’re best prices are or if you can get a discount for buying tickets in bulk.

Of course, all these activities are sure to have your family hungry.

Head over to Denny’s to let your kids sample items from the newly introduced DreamWorks menu. Starting off the collaboration are movies Penguins of Madagascar, Puss In Boots, and Turbo FAST. Colorful characters from each movie adorns the Denny’s kids menu including interactive, themed puzzles and games.

Denny’s DreamWorks Menu

Explore a variety of family fun with the DreamWorks COLOR app that features movie content and more. Other movie themed menus will be introduced throughout 2015 inspired by films including Mr. Peabody & Sherman, How to Train Your Dragon and others.

Along with exclusive content, the menus include delicious and customizable dishes such as Build Your Own Jr. Grand Slam, Junior Cheeseburger, and Build Your Own Jr. Sundae. I’m pleased that Denny’s also offers a series of Kids LiveWell verified dishes and sides such as Spaghetti, Steamed Broccoli, Apple Dunkers, Jr. Dippable Veggies and more. Remember at Denny’s Kids Eat Free Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

What do your kids love to do in the summer and what would they love to eat from Denny’s?