"I’m borrreeeeedd!”

"There’s nothing to do!"

"Can I just play video games?"

Are these phrases sounding all too familiar to you? If so, rest assured that you're not alone. It's common for kids to crave a bit of structure and excitement, especially when the middle of August rolls around and summer days seem to be dragging. But don’t worry because we're here to help! We've got you covered with some engaging activities that you can use to keep your little ones entertained right at home.

The best part is that you either already have most of these supplies at home or can pick them up at your closest Co-op.

The summer’s not over yet, so let’s turn this time into a summer full of memories!

Milk Jug Bird Feeder

It is going to be perfect in the coming cold months. While using recycling, you have lying around the house anyways; this craft will entertain the kids for a while. Even better is that it has a purpose instead of just being clutter at the end of the day. 

Supplies:

• Plastic Jug with Handle
• Craft Knife or Scissors
• Pen/Pencil
• Bird Seed (You can pick up bird feed from either the Retail Centre or Feed Store!)

Directions:

• Using your pen or pencil, trace a circle into the jug. Have the little one choose to put it on one side of both.
• Cut out the circles using a craft knife or scissors.
• Fill the jug with corn kernels or birdseed and use the handle before placing it on a tree.
  
  

DIY Lava Lamp

This great craft uses all household supplies and can be a science lesson! You can explain the concept of density and that water is heavier than oil, causing it to sink to the bottom. In an actual lava lamp, there is a heater in the bottom, which causes the denser liquid to heat and molecules to expand, which allows it to rise. In our homemade one, the Alka Seltzer moves the fluid by reacting with the water to produce carbon dioxide bubbles which stick to the water and rise to the top. To learn more, click here.

Supplies:

• Clear, Empty Bottle or Flask
• Vegetable or Cooking Oil
• Water
• Food Colouring
• Alka-Seltzer

Directions:

• Fill the bottle most of the way with oil and the rest with water.
• Add a few drops of food colouring.
• Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into small pieces and drop them in one at a time.
• Watch as your lava lamp activates! When the chemical reaction slows, add more Alka-Seltzer.

Squirt Gun Painting

This activity is great because it requires no art skills and will get the kids outside.

Supplies

• Squirt Gun or Plastic Spray Bottle
• Liquid Watercolour Paint
• Watercolour Paper
• Easel (Or a garbage bag if you plan to tape it to a wall or fence.)

Directions

• Arrange your easel in the yard, then clip the paper to it.
• Invite your kids to fill their squirt guns with paint and let them unleash their inner Picasso.
  
  

If you try any of these out with your kids, share it with us on Instagram or Facebook!