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Today’s high is expected to be 98 degrees. Ninety-eight degrees. Again.
Which means that we won’t be playing outside. Again.
Yes, we are blessed with the modern convenience of air conditioning. But let’s be honest– while the teenagers will happily read, make music, and otherwise entertain themselves, the littles will not. Even if we were the kind of family inclined to pop in movie after movie (which we’re not), well … that only accounts for a handful of hours of a handful of days. Play tents, intricate tea parties, baking with Momma, read-alouds, and board games need to be broken up if everyone is going to make it through the summer with their sanity still intact.
In addition to constantly being on the lookout for random inside games (see my Pinterest board collection), I’ve quickly learned that this season in NC requires a cabinet stocked with some boredom busting projects that keep little hands busy. Here are some that have helped keep us cool inside while the temperatures soar outside:
Sticky Mosaics I don’t know why, but John Mark thinks these are quite possibly the most amazingly fun crafts ever. Simply peel the little colored foam squares from the backing, and adhere to the numbered spots, revealing a neat image.
Dig kits I think we’ve had nearly every available variation of these mini-archaeology experiences in the past decade. All have been a hit, but the bigger, more involved kits are usually worth the money. The hidden items tend to be better quality, the tools are sturdier, and the overall experience lasts longer.
Paint with water Whether traditional, “block of color on top,” reusable, or free-form, the novelty of using water to create images has appealed to all of my kids. And because it’s just good old H2O, the clean up is a snap and I can say yes even ten minutes before dinner time.
Finger knitting It’s cheap, it improves fine motor skills, and it’s fun. Great read-aloud activity, or something to work into a pretend game. After all, doesn’t every cowboy want to make his own rope?
Paper crafts These are so popular around here that I’ve literally purchased the same books multiple times. Kids exercise their scissor skills, then build simple crafts they can play with for hours … or until they want to make another. (Do yourself a favor: if you buy these books, get some Glue Dots, too! You’re welcome.)
Weaving Even Birdie is fairly adept at the over, under, over pattern of weaving with yarn. And if you don’t have a loom, stringing a rectangle of cardboard with string works every bit as well.
What are some inside activities that your little ones enjoy during the hot months?
I can’t remember what inside activities we did when my kids were little. Honestly, that’s all a blur. But I said for years that we had cabin fever in the summer. Sounds like that’s what you’ve got.