Posts Tagged ‘summer fun’

Canvas Camping Tents Provide Hours of Cheap Summer Fun

February 28, 2010 - 3:57 pm Leave A Comment

Want an inexpensive way to keep your kids busy in the backyard all summer long? Unroll that old canvas tent sitting in your basement or garage and turn it into a playhouse! A tent is the perfect hideaway for kids and can be used as a playhouse, fort, school house, or backyard getaway, providing hours of imaginative play all summer long.

One of the nice things about using a tent made from canvas as opposed to nylon is that a canvas one feels more like an enclosed space for the kids. Since the material is heavier and is not easy to see through or to even hear through as much as nylon, it really feels like a playhouse with four walls and a roof where the kids are free to play games and explore inside without adults seemingly lurking nearby. Another great thing about using canvas, from an adult perspective, is that the material is breathable and most tents have mesh covered windows and doors to keep air flowing through the tent while keeping the bugs and the bees out.

There are many ways that kids can turn an old tent into a playhouse. They can set it up inside as a house or school with some small furniture, art supplies and toys. They can set it up as a fort or make the tent become “home base” during active games like tag and capture the flag. The tent can be transformed, taking them to any location the kids want to be, and can become something different each time they are in the mood to play.
The tent can also be used to make believe they are on a camping trip and the kids can dream up exotic or interesting locales where their travels take them to. Kids can make believe they are away on safari and the tent is surrounded by wild animals, or they can imagine themselves whisked away to a tropical island and the sand and surf are just outside their door. They can make believe they are camping out under the stars within the confines of the Grand Canyon, or they can pretend that they are at their favorite cousin’s house that they may not get to see too often.

There are many ways to keep kids occupied all summer long without it having to cost a fortune. By unrolling an old tent lying around, you can open up endless play possibilities without ever spending a dime.

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A Trampoline Offers Summer Backyard Fun For The Whole Family

February 22, 2010 - 12:57 pm Leave A Comment

If you are looking for ways to have some fun with your kids this summer, consider adding a trampoline to your backyard. The apparatus, which has been providing hours of fun to children of all ages for years and years, is the perfect addition to your outdoor space and not only provides a fun place for the kids to play with their friends, but can also provide loads of family time as well. As an added bonus, you’ll all be getting some heart healthy exercise while jumping away!

There are many types of trampolines to choose from for your backyard. If you don’t have tons of space, but still want enough room to be able to jump, an 8ft trampoline is a good choice. This model is large enough for people to jump on without getting hurt but is not so big that it takes up your entire backyard, leaving room for no other amenities. The only thing to consider about a trampoline that is only 8ft in diameter is that it is best to keep the number of jumpers to one or two at a time so no one falls off or gets hurt.

Of course, you can get trampolines in a variety of other sizes as well, depending on your needs, the size of your backyard and your budget. Larger styles will allow multiple jumpers at the same time but will of course take up more room in your yard. They will also be more expensive to purchase. Small models are okay, as long as you take the necessary precautions to keep jumpers safe within the confines of the jumping surface.

When it comes to safety, no matter what size you decide on for a trampoline, a good investment is to get an enclosure that goes around the edge of the apparatus. This keeps jumpers safely inside and prevents them from falling over the edge and onto the ground. Some models come with this safety feature included as part of the package you buy and with others you may need to buy it separately. However you have to get it, it is a very worthwhile investment in your family’s safety.

Having a trampoline is a great way to get the kids moving all summer long and may even inspire you to get out and get moving as well! It can be a source of fun for the whole family all summer long.

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Summer Fun With Toddlers

January 30, 2010 - 8:31 pm 1 Comment

Posted by Sally:

There are many fun activities for families with children, especially in the summer! Summer is time for pool parties, sand castles, and don’t forget the great parks to discover! My two children absolutely love the pool, or beach! They are content to play all day and not even want to leave for a burger bribe! The only way is to pack a lunch in a cooler, which happens to be the most cost effective way to play! All you need is a couple of swimsuits, towels, maybe a pail and shovel, and time! At the beach there’s always sand, so sand castles are a great option for entertainment. Its cheap, fun and a great way to spend a hot, summer day with the family.

Also, going to state or national parks is a wonderful, and educational way to entertain little ones. Nature is all around us, all the time, so the more you know, the more there is to explore! Summer doesn’t last forever, but with some great activities planned and a lot of love in between, you and your children will be remembering all those exciting summer activities all year long!

Oh, and don’t forget amusement parks and water parks! These two are always a hit! Everyone in the family can have great fun, get exercise (which is just an extra) and spend time together. There are places to eat, so you don’t have to leave and come back. Also the shows at places like Busch Gardens are awsome! Theres always time for one more ice cream, right? Amusement and water parks are sometimes expensive, however there are season passes available if you live near by. If you don’t live close enough for a season pass, check with local grocery and food markets for valuable coupons, if needed.

For my family, education is key. I have two toddlers and anyone who has kids knows that at this phase they are absolute sponges! They pick up so much knowledge just observing and listening! So this summer, make sure to stimulate their bodies and their minds! Have a great time, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

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