Summer comes but once a year. If you live in the northern half of the U.S. like I do, then it is a very short season. You have to make it count. Here are a few favorites that you can regardless of age or abilities.
Croquet. If you haven't played this ball and mallet game, don't delay any longer. I grew up with this game and carried on the tradition with our family. We have used it at birthday parties and play dates. Most of my children's friends had never played. The novelty of a "new game" made it a hit with lots of kids. Come on, what child doesn't like to use a powerful stick to hit something! My son has a disability but he could play it as well as anyone else. Those of us with children that are less coordinated need active ways to level field between those with less natural physical abilities. Croquet is a great game for that.
How about a water day. My son once attended a vacation Bible school where each class had a water day. It was so simple. Every school or church carnival you can think of was done. The only difference was that water was involved in some way. Instead of a bean bag toss, it was a water balloon toss. Musical chairs became sprinkler chars. When th sprinkler started everyone sat down. You can add a slip and slide for the grande finale. Water day was such a huge treat for these kids. It is simple to put together but you will be the coolest mom ever!
Don't forget an old fashioned scavenger hunt. You can give the kids a list of things to find and where they are allowed to look. After that let the fun begin. You could have a treasure hunt. You could have the clues for the next treasure hidden along the way. You also can have the clues in little compartments. I have done this by giving a child a pill box for seven days. There is a slip of paper with the clue in each of the pill compartments. It is always a hit.
I would love to hear some of your favorite low cost and inclusive summer fun ideas.
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