Summer break is quickly approaching. For kids (and hopefully grownups too), summer means fun. The hard part is a lot of these fun summer things either cost a lot or, all the small things add up and before you know you could have bought a new car (or at least it seems that way). This doesn’t have to be the case though. There are plenty of summer bucket list ideas that you can do with your kids for FREE!

25 Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids

• Have a picnic: You don’t even have to drive anywhere to do this one. Just put a blanket out in the yard and enjoy lunch or dinner. If the weather isn’t cooperating, bring the blanket into the living room and have an indoor picnic.
• Hang out at the Library: Spending anywhere from a few hours to a whole day at the library can be lots of fun. Of course, you will find a bunch of books but, many libraries have kid sections with activities for the younger ones. Areas like these entertain my kids for hours in between reading the random books they pull off the shelves. Most libraries also offer a summer reading program for your kids.
• Scavenger Hunt: There are a couple ways you could do this.
  • Use pieces of paper and write clues on them. Hide them around the house or the yard. Each clue leads them to their reward/treasure. Could be something as simple as extra screen time or the winner picking dinner.
  • You could also make a list of things for your kids to find.  
  • Check out this list of 75 Printable Scavenger Hunts that may be perfect for your kids!
• Game Day: This is great to save for a rainy day. Take the day to play board games you already have at home. You can also ask to borrow games from friends and neighbors too.  We love SkipBo and Monopoly the best!  A second runner-up in our home is to play with LEGO kits and build fun things!

• Joke Competition: Set a timer for a specific amount of time. Each person in the house finds jokes they think will make everyone laugh (pick up some joke books while you are at the library!). After the timer goes off, each person brings their list of jokes and does their whole family laugh. The person who makes everyone laugh the most wins.
• Park Bingo: Print off our free Park Bingo and fill in all the parks in your area that you want to visit this summer. The goal is to have the whole board marked off by the end of summer.
• Movie Day: Another great rainy day activity. Spend the day watching movies you already own or, something you can borrow from friends or the library.  I love using Amazon Prime for streaming movies, but you can rent, buy, or check out from the library!
• Walk/Bike: Go for a walk or a bike ride. Let the kids lead though. Have them decide the route you take. You can even have them make it out before you leave.
• Make a Movie: Collaborate with your kids. Write a script with them and then invite friends and neighbors to help make it. At the end of it, sit down with everyone and watch it.
• Zoos and Museums: Often times Zoos and Museums offer free admission days. Take advantage of them and go visit them.
• Fly a Kite: I’m sure most of you have kites sitting around the house or garage that don’t get used much. There are usually plenty of days that have enough wind to fly them so, put everything aside and spend a few hours flying the kites!  We love this two-pack kites on Amazon for a great deal on quality kites that last longer than the cheap ones at the dollar stores.
• Dance Party: Invite friends, family, and neighbors over for a dance party. This can be held inside or outside and is sure to be lots of fun.
• Trivia Night: Spend a few hours gathering interesting trivia facts either from books you got at the library or, what you found online. Either do this as a family or, invite people over to have fun with you.
• Play in the Rain: This is my kid’s favorite thing to do. If it is warm enough outside and a semi-warm rain I’m all for them playing in the rain. They wear sandals and I meet them at the door with towels when they are done. So much fun.
• Get Muddy: After the rain is done, there is sure to be mud somewhere. Why not let them jump in it and get messy? Muddy puddles are the best and occupy my kids for a long time. The smiles and memories are well worth the mess.

• Acts of Kindness: There are so many kind things you and your kids can do without spending any money at all. Leave nice notes for people to find, smile at someone, help someone and compliment someone are just a few ideas to get you started.
• Backyard Games: Invite the neighbors, friends, and family and have the grownups teach the kids the outside games you used to play growing up. In return, have the kids teach you games they play with their friends. (Think things like freeze tag, flashlight tag and red rover)
• Cloud Watching: When I need to slow down and enjoy the moment my kids and I will lay and watch the clouds. They love telling me all the clouds they see and trying to find what I see too.
• Read-a–thon: Have each person keep track of how many books they read in the chosen time period. Winner picks dinner or dessert. (Bonus: if you signed up for the summer reading program at the library this will count towards that too!)
• Cook: Let your kids join you in the kitchen and learn to cook with you. Cooking is an important skill they will need to know and who better to learn from than their own family.  I love Raddish Kids as a paid subscription box that helps kids learn to cook safely! 
• Fishing: If you don’t already have a fishing license, every state offers a few days of free fishing so you are still able to get out and enjoy it.
• Splash Pads: Most splash pads are free to use and it is easy to spend at least a few hours there.
• Bowling: Kids Bowl Free partners with several bowling alleys locations all over the US. By signing your kids up for the program they will get two free bowling games a DAY at a participating location near you. It should be mentioned that shoe rental is extra.
• Geocaching: This one may be best to be done with older kids but, it is super fun. All you need is an app or GPS device where you can enter coordinates and you are ready to go.
• Pajama Day: There is honestly nothing better than lounging around the house in your pajamas all day every once in a while. No set plans, just relaxing. Have a nice hot breakfast and see where the day takes you.

There really is nothing better than spending time with your kids. These are all fun and free ways to have a good time with them and make a whole bunch of new memories that they will never forget. So, unplug and have a great time with your kids!

More Summer Tips for Kids:

• Summer Fun in the Petoskey Area of Northern Michigan
• 50+ Summer Fun Ideas for Kids
• Summer Activities to Get Kids Away from the TV
• Fun Things to do in the Summer with Kids
• 18 Ways to Include Education into Summer Vacation
• What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
• Best Family Friendly Resorts in Wisconsin
• Tips for Camping with Toddlers

It’s that time of year again, and this list of 101 Summer Fun Ideas for Kids is a must in my book.  We love including great items we’ve reviewed, as well as ideas that don’t cost a thing.  Our family is excited, especially this year, to get out and have summer fun in our new state.  With so many great ideas on this list, you too will find wonderful and fun things to do with your kids!

50+ Summer Fun Ideas For Kids

This list includes various items that are affiliate links.  That means I may earn a commission through purchases made via the link, or I may have received a sample of the item to review.  Despite the compensation, I only include items we love!  So, check out our list and enjoy some amazing summer fun with your kids this ye

• Visit the library and sign up for the annual summer reading program.
• Learn how to ride a bike, scooter, or use a pogo stick.
• Read a series of books together as a family.
• Attend free or cheap kids movie programs at local theaters.
• Learn how to knit, crochet, or embroider.
• Buy science kits to use with your kids.  We love the Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit as well as the 4M Crystal Growing Experiment.
• Use beads to create fun jewelry items for yourself and family.
• Set up a booth at a local farmers market to sell homemade products or produce.
• Learn how to can fresh produce like salsa, cucumbers, or tomatoes.
• Make bubble solution with dish soap and water and see how big you can make a bubble without it popping.
• Set up sprinklers in your yard and have fun in the water.
• Go to your local community pool, beach, or splash pad.
• Join a local kids theater group and act out a play.
• Play board games together like Monopoly, Parcheesi, Clue, or Chutes and Ladders.
• Try ice cream at all the best places in your region.
• Host a backyard explorers club with neighborhood kids.

Summer Fun Ideas don’t have to be just for the kids.  They can include the entire family!

• Play fun outdoor yard games like badminton, hopscotch, or horseshoes.
• Learn how to make your own butter and bread.
• Teach your kids basic kitchen skills like how to clean and sanitize, properly use a knife, and even basic cooking.
• Use fun craft kits like the Paper Punk My Life Fashion Designer or the Paper Punk Graffiti Blocks kits for some imaginative play.
• Build elaborate sand castles at the beach.
• Go to a drive-in movie.
• Visit a local amusement park.
• Play Pokemon Go in your local neighborhoods and parks.
• Organize a neighborhood yard sale to earn money for a special day out.
• Have video game competitions with Mario Kart or Donkey Kong.
• Go to a local arcade to learn how to play old school video games.
• Build your own robot using a Raspberry Pi Robot Kit.
• Learn how to use a Frisbee properly.
• Go to a local history museum or science museum that has kid-friendly attractions.

• Go to the local park and climb, swing, or play tag.
• Plant your own garden with flowers or vegetables.
• Host a tea party with tea, finger sandwiches, and special cakes or cookies.
• Make homemade ice cream and share with friends and neighbors.
• Explore your area for beautiful wildflowers to pick a bouquet.
• Build a tower with LEGO’s or another building block system.
• Learn how to make balloon animals.
• Put together a fun puzzle.
• Learn how to make origami.  We love the Star Wars Origami Kit.
• Have an all day movie marathon with Disney cartoons.

More great Summer Fun Ideas from fellow bloggers:

Summer Activities to Get Kids Away from the TV

Fun Things to do in Summer with Kids

Easy Summer Homeschool Ideas

18 Ways to Include Education During Summer Vacation

100 Fun Ideas for Your Summer Bucket List

Summer Reading Activities and Ideas For Kids

How to Save Money on Entertainment for Kids

Free Things to do in Houston

Over 150 Free Things to do in or around Lansing, MI

102 Summer Bucket List Ideas

Don’t forget to think of others during the summer as well.  We have shared our own tips and lists of Things Homeschool Shelters Need in the Summer.  This is a great place to begin in teaching your children compassion during the summer months.

I’ve always loved the idea of Spring Cleaning and my spring cleaning tips are much needed for busy moms like you and me.  It’s a way to get rid of all of the junk in the house and it means sunshine is on its way. However, cleaning with kids at home can be a true nightmare. Not to mention, I’m super busy, so it’s not always easy to get things situated and ready for cleaning. Over the years, I have found some tricks though and I hope they make spring cleaning easier for you like they have for me!

5 Spring Cleaning Tips For Busy Moms

This post contains affiliate links.

1. Have your spouse take the kids somewhere: If I’m smack dab in the middle of Spring cleaning, I really like it when my husband takes the kids somewhere.  This is one of my favorite Spring cleaning tips because sometimes it is the only way I can get the house cleaned. It’s not always for a super long period of time, but if the kids aren’t in the house, I can get so much more cleaned than ever before.
2. Don’t expect too much: I’ve also learned that when spring cleaning with kids around, don’t expect too much. You can’t possibly get as much cleaning done as you want when your kids are all there. I always start doing one task and finish it before moving onto the next. If my kids have had enough with me trying to clean, then I just stop. No sense in fighting with my kids, all while trying to have a clean house.
3. Clean as you go: One tip I’ve found very helpful while having little ones is to clean as I go. It’s much easier to spring clean while I do my regular cleaning. If I’m putting away laundry, I pull out the clothes that are too small. I even invested in a sorting hamper to help make that easier.  If I’m doing dishes, I try and scrub the cupboards as I go using an all purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth.  These little cleaning tips make it much easier to do a good deep clean later.
4. Schedule in spring cleaning time: One tip you’ll want to take note of is to actually schedule in spring cleaning time. You know, put it on your calendar and in your phone. You certainly don’t want to forget to spring clean your home, especially since it makes your house look and feel so much better.  It’s also the time of year you want to remember to check batteries in smoke detectors and do basic household updates like checking windows and doors for seals and scheduling a check-upfor your air conditioner.
5. Ask for help: Yes, the dreaded “ask for help” is one of the best Spring cleaning tips. You’re only one person with multiple little ones running around, take the time to ask for help. And if all else fails, just hire someone else to do it. I’ve been known to hire help if I can’t get to the task. Why not?

What tips do you have for spring cleaning as a busy mom? I’d love to hear your tips!

Check out some of our other great cleaning and organization tips!

12 Easy Tips To Spring Cleaning

15 Homemade Household Cleaning Agents

Ultimate List of Cleaning Hacks & Tricks

Tips For Organizing Small Bathrooms

Calling all LEGO fans from  beginners to Master Builders! I have pulled together  a collections of 12 Must Have LEGO Items. From T-shirts to Video games and everything in between these are some of the coolest LEGO themed items I could find for your brick addicted kid.  The open ended play of LEGO is a universal hit with boys and girls alike and you will want to add a few of these to your Christmas list.

 12 MUST HAVE LEGO ITEMS

1.  1.LEGO Bricks & More–  A big bucket of basic Lego pieces is perfect for the kid just starting his LEGO collection or one who already seems to have it all.
2. 2.LEGO Building Plate– Building plates are a must have for all types of LEGO building and if you have a fan who has everything this is always a welcome addition to any set.
3. 3.LEGO Ideas Book- I love the open ended play of LEGO but sometimes you need a little inspiration and this book is a great place to start.
4. 4.LEGO Movie XBox– Let them play along with the characters from one of their favorite movies in this LEGO Movie video game.
5. 5.LEGO Creationary Game– A new way to play with LEGOS the object of this game is to build and play to make creations in one of four exciting categories.
6. 6.LEGO Movie DVD– If you have not yet picked up The LEGO Movie for your little brick builder don’t forget to add this to your list.
7. 7.LEGO Advent Calender– Count down the days to Christmas with this super fun advent calender, with a different LEGO themed item to open each day.
8. 8.LEGO Emmet Watch–  The star of the LEGO movie ready to be on hand to tell time and keep your kid stylin’.
9. 9.Darth Vader Minifigure Alarm Clock– Use the force when waking up with this fun Darth Vader alarm clock.
10. 10.LEGO Cardmaking Kit– I love this different way to get your childs mind going but still in the LEGO theme.
11. LEGO Movie T Shirt– Let them show their LEGO pride loud and proud on a t shirt.
12. LEGO Sheet Set– No LEGO themed room would be complete without these cute minifig sheets.

Make sure your Lego fan is happy this holiday season with one or all of these great deals!

**Looking for some LEGO’s used for building? See some amazing Lego Building Games for your kids here!**

If you have a LEGO crazed boy or girl in your house then you have the perfect motivator for learning! LEGOS can be used to teach everything from math to language arts to art!  They are free since you probably already have buckets of them on hand, and will keep your childs attention probably better than any other theme will.  I know my son will reach for LEGOS before any other toy so it seemed like a great theme to use, and it was! Whether you have a preschooler right on up through middle school you can easily be Using Legos In Your Homeschool.  They are also great if you just want to supplement school work. I want to give you some ideas to get you started using LEGOS in every aspect of your school day.

Using LEGOS In Your Homeschool

Check out our Homeschooling for Lazy Parents Facebook Support Group for more tips and ways to make your homeschooling experience easy to manage!

Math

You can use LEGOS as a tool in  math from simple one to one correspondence counting (pointing to each object as you count 1,2,3…) to  fractions.  They are a fabulous  math manipulative for boys or girls.

Even toddlers and preschools can use them  (with supervision and perhaps the bigger Duplo version) can learn through using them.  Colors are a beginning concept of math, you can have them identify colors, sort, make patterns, count using one to one correspondence, as a tool for simple addition and subtraction.

Make worksheets by writing out math problems such as 5+2=_, or 10-3=_ and have your child use LEGOS as a manipulative to solve the problems, and then write down their answer. For addition problems use 2 different colors to show each addend. Let them also make up their own problems, involving them in the process will make them more interested.

Fractions? No problem. Make flash cards listing various fractions, give your child a pile of LEGOS and have them demonstrate by making a visual model of them.

Language Arts

Use a small piece of washi or painters tape to cover one side of a brick- write letters for little ones, give them 2 or 3 as well as an object like a pan and have them match the object with the beginning letter.

Cover one side of LEGO in tape, write simple sight words  on each one. Call out words and have your child pick up the one you called out, to make it more fun have them use tongs or even their toes!  Another variation? Create a bingo sheet with sight words on it, and use the LEGOS as markers.

Show your child how to count syllables in a word- use LEGOS to represent each syllable.

Use the LEGOS to create letters of the alphabet, a great way to enforce letter recognition.

When reading we use long LEGO pieces as pointers to track words in the story.

Science 

Create a LEGO solar system or a diagram of the bones using bricks.

Build simple machines from LEGO, make predictions on how they will work, have your child log their findings.

Measure with LEGOS or make towers from them and measure with a ruler.

Use a scale to measure weight, learn the terms- balance, heavier, lighter, etc. Give your child tasks by asking them to weigh 5 -6 stud bricks on one side and 10- 2 stud bricks on the other. Which is heavier? Have them add more as needed until the scale is balanced.

History/Geography-

If you are studying a particular time period, place, or person use LEGOS to  create landmarks like The Tower of Pisa, a replica of the Sistine Chapel,  or a map of Florida.

Use them to create a timeline- cover in washi or painters tape, write events from various points in history and have your child place them in order.

Study the history of the bricks themselves using the library or computer- When and where were they invented? What does LEGO mean? Where are the various factories located?

Art

Create free form structures and designs or give your child a specific subject- make a flower from LEGOS,  create a garden using them, etc.

Use LEGOS as stamps, dip them, both sides, in paint and create a free form abstract painting.

Create your own Minifig- Have you child draw their own unique version of a Minifig character.

Related Content: Lego Building Games, keep your kids interested in learning!

General

One of my favorite activities to do with my son is to give him a select amount of LEGO bricks in a bag and ask him to make – a flying machine, a boat, a building, or anything that comes to mind. This builds great critical thinking and problem solving skills.

At any age the act of putting together and taking apart bricks builds fine motor skills, this is great for children who are having a hard time with writing.

Create something functional out of LEGOS-  A pencil holder, a back scratcher, bookends, etc…

Don’t forget to just play with your child- LEGOS are amazing for imagination, creativity, dramatic play, fine motor skills, they can be therapeutic for any child but especially those with special needs.

Sensory Bin- Fill bin 1/4 to half of the way with water or rice, toss in some LEGOS and let their senses and imagination take over.

What is your favorite way to use LEGOS for learning?