Fatherhood

Summer is heating up and kids are out and about all over town. Below are ten more things you can enjoy with your kids this week.

1. Make a scrapbook of everything you do this summer.

Many of a child’s favorite memories are from the off time between grades. What better way to help them (and you) remember than to create a scrapbook of all the fun things you did together this Summer? Check out this scrapbooking site for great information and ideas on how to create your own memorable scrapbooks with your kids.

2. Learn about fireworks.

Independence Day is a fun holiday for the whole family, but do your children understand the meaning behind this great day, what fireworks represent and how they work? Get the inside scoop here.

3. Bake some cookies together.

Not only do kids love cookies, they really enjoy making them, too. Get some great Independence Day cookie recipes here.

4. Take a historic walk around your town.

Chances are, your town has some great unique history and places of interest. If you’re even luckier, many of those places will be in close proximity to each other, allowing you to spend a few hours walking around and visiting them. Check your local chamber of commerce for more info.

5. Cut up an old greeting card picture and make a puzzle.

Jigsaw puzzles are fun, affordable and easily created at home. One idea is to cut up a newspaper picture. Another is to cut up an old greeting card. Check out how to make your own jigsaw puzzle for more directions.

6. Create a blog or web site.

With the proliferation of site builders and blog platforms, it’s never been easier to create your own web site or personal blog. This is a fun activity for both you and your child, and will help prepare your children for the computer-driven society of the future. Get some great information with this HTML Help for kids.

7. Help an elderly person with house or yard work.

Volunteering and helping others is a staple of American society that often gets overlooked in our busy lifestyles. The benefits of volunteering are numerous, not the least of which is feeling good about oneself. Here are some great volunteer tips and tricks.

8. Visit the zoo.

Children love animals, especially monkeys and large cats. Most cities and towns have a zoo nearby. Find a zoo near you or watch the animals from the comfort of your home.

9. Recycle bottles/can and donate the money to a local charity or take your kids to the $1 store.

Conservation is a hot topic these days and truthfully, we all need to play our part in this movement. Recycling has the added benefit of producing a small amount of cash to spend as you please. Why not take the lesson a step further and teach your kids about donations and charities or take them to a $1 store and teach them about how money works?

10. Build a tree house.

What kid in their right mind doesn’t want a tree house? Tree houses provide hours and hours of imaginative fun and gives kids a place of their own. Check out this tree house guide for some building advice and tips.

Share some of your favorite summer activities in the comments.