18 May 2016 Fun is just a Popsicle stick away

by Brittany Gilbert

Summer is officially here and parents and kids everywhere are probably already running out of things to do. I’m right there with you. Because I stay home with my kids, it seems we are constantly running out of things to do. There are days when we just want to stay home and there are days when we want to get out of the house and have fun.

I’ve created a system for our family that will help us when we are out of ideas and will also give us some spontaneity.

I created four categories of activities ranging from least expensive to most expensive. This way, whenever we have extra money in our budget, we can splurge on one of the bigger treats, but if we want to get out and have fun without spending any money, we have options for that, too.

I got different colored Popsicle sticks, and each color represents a different level for our budget. I write the ideas on the sticks and put them in a jar.

Whenever we are in need of an idea for the day, we can pick from one of the colored sticks. Some sticks will require a trip outside of the house and some are excellent ideas to stay indoors and enjoy.

This was an interesting project for me because I realized I could think of many more fun things to do at home than I could outside. The great thing about this craft is that it can be totally customized to your family’s needs. Pinterest has tons of great ideas for any category you want to include.

$$$

Visit the zoo.
Go to the movies.
Visit a museum.

$$

Go to a Kidsclub (Share.the.Love, Imagination Station, Wonder Place).
Ice cream with the family.
Eat at a favorite fast food place.

$

Rent a movie.
Get a toy from the dollar bin at a store.

FREE

Visit a park.
Go to the library.
Have a playdate with a friend at home.
Watch a movie.
Bake a treat.
Build a fort.

Brittany Gilbert is a former FACS teacher at Maumelle High School. She and her husband, Levi, have two sons and live in Conway. Brittany can be reached at [email protected].