Let's face it -- summer was invented for kids to 
enjoy. They can run around in their shorts and
tank tops, their  swimsuits, play in the kiddy pool, 
dash across the sprinkler.

Warm weather, sun, and freedom spell 
s-u-m-m-e-r to children.

But after about two weeks of no school or 
classmates, with less structure in their days,
some kids begin to complain, "There's
nothing to do!"  You can't fault the children, 
not really.  When you anticipate something 
so much as they yearn ffor the end of the
school year, it's bound to be a little 
disappointing when the actual event isn't as 
magical as one had hoped.

When you see children slumping around the living 
room or den in front of a soap opera, and the 
weather outside is sunny and eighty degrees,
it's time for drastic action!

Impromptu Picnic:  The backyard is as good a
place as any. Call it a pig roast and cook hot dogs on the grill.  Let your children invite their friends over. Roast marshmallows.  Blare their favorite "pop" music over the radio.  Make your house the magnet for your children's friends.  They'll go home and tell their parents, "There's
always something happening at the Smith house.  How come we never do anything fun?"

Picnic and BBQ Paper and Party Decorations

Barbie Resort:  Fill the kiddy pool, bring out the
plastic boats, Barbie camper, any other Barbie 
paraphernalia, and watch the kids spend hours
perfecting the resort.  Make little tents of
scrap cloth or hand towels, and play Survivor.

Barbie Treasure Kit

Army Boot Camp:  For your boys, this one's on 
the same theme as Barbie Resort, except they 
use their trucks, tanks, G.I. Joes, etc.

Army Dress Up

Hike:  Pack lunch, go to a large park or 
national forest, and have an adventure beneath 
the trees.  Spend at least an hour examining leaves, 
fungi, moss, and other finds.  Encourage the
children to pick up interesting things to take 
home.

Magnifying Glass
Look through this 6" magnifying glass at nature and have some fun.

Trip to a Lake (or Seashore): A change in 
scenery can be a tonic.  If you live by the ocean, 
coordinate a shell expedition.
Your children can wade to mid-calf.  Just make 
sure to keep a vigilant eye on them every moment.

Plastic Shell Plates

Strawberry Farm:  Find out where there is a 
strawberry or raspberry farm, and take the children 
berry-picking.  Make strawberry shortcake and 
homemade freezer jam when you return
home.  Let the kids help by smashing the 
strawberries for jam in a large bowl with 
the potato masher.

Have a Strawberry Patch Party

Learn more about Playground Safety Surfaces

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Toys and Fun Stuff

Summer Party Packs

Decorations

Colorful Water Balloons
 with Nozzle

Inflatable Pool
Assorted Smile Beachballs
Tropical Fish Shaped Beach Balls
Inflatable Fish Beach Ball
Inflatable Tropical Fish
Fish Squirts
Pump Water Gun Key Chain
Summer Sun Pinwheel
9.25 in. Flyer
Plastic Visor
Fun Bucket
Plastic Sand Shovel
|Assorted Color Daisy Inflatables
Mitt Tropical Fish #1
Jumbo Fish Squirts
Tropical Blast Leis
Ocean Breeze Leis
Hot Summer Fun Music CD
BBQ Party Music CD

Carlson Craft Invitations

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