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No Summer Camp? Here Are Tons of Ideas to Keep the Kids Busy

Free and cheap activities, plus resources to keep the kids entertained this summer

Vicky McDonald
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Published on: June 21, 2023

No Summer Camp? Here Are Tons of Ideas to Keep the Kids Busy

kid-doing-art-outside

Ideas for creative kids

If you have a creative kid, the first thing to do is equip them with the right supplies and assign them a dedicated workspace. We’ve got some simple ideas for creating a makerspace in your home: Hopefully, this will encourage your kids to be creative — and limit the mess to one specific area!

Ideas to get you started:

  • Discover eight outdoor art projects that can be created in your backyard and cleaned up with a swish from your garden hose.
  • If you’ve got young tweens or teens, consult our list of trendy tutorial craft sites, which show kids how to make tassel earrings, macramé handbags, woven wall art and many more fashion accessories.
  • Check out websites such as The Artful Parent, which is chock-full of hands-on projects, or Red Ted Art on YouTube.
  • For kids who love performing, try these clever improv games to encourage your little thespians.

Tips for success

Keep in mind that some days will be creative and other days will be downright messy. Agree with your kid on what’s acceptable and what’s just plain hazardous.

More resources

For little ones, consider investing in a few clever craft kits, or try subscription boxes from ArtSnacks or KiwiCo’s Doodle Crate.

Go to the library and check out some good books, such as “Children’s Book of Art” or “My Art Book,” which both offer loads of inspiration and activities to try.

Up next: Ideas for kids who love cooking

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