Beat Summer Boredom with These Helpful Tips
By Jessa McClure
I'm bored. These are the words every parent dreads when their child is home for the summer.
They've exhausted their electronic devices, the dusty board games in the closet, and have watched all of their favorite movies. Now, they're looking to you to provide some entertainment. Here are some ideas that will keep your kids and your bank account happy.
Visit a Local Farmers Market
Not only will exploring a locally-owned produce stand encourage your children to
eat healthier, but it will also help to support local farmers. These markets are not only known for their fresh produce, but they are also known for their handmade items like homemade jellies and baked goods.
Here are a few local farmers markets in Central Texas:
- Waco Downtown Farmers Market – located at 400 South University Parks Drive and is open year round, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Belton Farmers Market – located on the corner of Central Ave. and Penelope and is open May through September, Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Harker Heights Farmers Market – located at 850 Central Expressway and is open May through October, Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- The Green Avenue Farmers Market (Killeen) – located at 717 N. Second Street and is open year round, Tuesday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Go to the Movies
During the year, it can be quite expensive to take your whole family to the movies. But, during the summer, many theaters offer dollar movie showings that allow your children to get out of the heat and enjoy a kid-friendly movie.
Here are some local movie theaters offering dollar movies:
Splash Around
Texas summers can be brutally hot. If you're looking for a cheap way to cool off and enjoy some wet and wild fun, then try visiting a local
splash pad. These free water park style areas are popping up in parks all over the community, and are usually suitable for children of all ages.
And if you can't make it out to a local splash pad, then use what you have at home. Have your children help you wash the car while you spray them with the garden hose, fill up a kiddie pool or get out the water guns. Anything out of the ordinary will be an exciting change of pace.
Go Outdoors
If you're feeling trapped inside, then slather the kids with sunscreen and take them outside to play. You could go for a hike in a local park, take a bike ride and have a picnic, or even play organized games like baseball or basketball.
Arrange a Playdate
Summer can be difficult for children because they are out of school and away from friends. Offering to have some of their friends over, or inviting them to join you at the splash pad, the movies, or on your bike ride to the park will give your child the chance to see their friends and will show them you care.
Explore a Museum
Museums not only offer a cool place to escape when it's too hot to go outside, but they also allow children to explore elements of their world they wouldn't normally come in contact with. They can learn about dinosaurs in one room and wooly mammoths in another.
Children's museums also have hands-on learning opportunities for younger children that get them excited about learning and discovering new things. Click here to see the
museums close to you.
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