Parenting Children

This is the first year my twins were in school, so it is their first summer break. I am not exciting about it. The whining, the days of hanging on me because they are tired is not for me.
My husband and I don’t feel they are old enough for camp the whole summer yet, although R may go for one week to a camp. Our town pool is VERY expensive coming in around $700 for a family of four for the summer.

Instead we are going to do a lot of day trips, some trips to the beach and doing all the things kids love to do in the summer. I am stocking up the house with outdoor toys for the kids and give them something to do besides spraying me with the hose.

This bouncer is fun for kids of all ages, up to 200 pounds. These bounce houses are great for parties and I know some people keep them up year round in their basement or playroom.

Parachutes are great for toddlers up to school aged children. You can have a picnic on it, drag kids around the yard and even make a fort out of it. Have some imagination!
If you don’t have imagination you can buy a fort or a teepee.

Croquet is fun for everyone in the family. I remember playing it for hours with my cousins when I was younger and then the adults playing the “real” way when we were done.

How about a lemonade stand? I saw some kids selling lemonade in a neighborhood when we were looking for houses. I automatically wanted to buy that home we looked at because cute kids selling lemonade is the cutest thing ever, unfortunately for us it was $100k more then we were going to spend. The lemonade stand stuck with me though.
It is a great way to teach children about making money, selling, giving change etc. Kids will also sit outside for hours in anticipation of making some money!

I love this sprinkler and every year I say I am going to buy it for me, I mean my kids, and I never do. At this price I will not pass it up this year. I think it is adorable and fun.

Maybe have a camp out in the yard, complete with a fire, hot dogs and marshmallows.
Get a teeter totter, a amazing water slide, a sand box and never, ever underestimate the fun of a good old fashioned slip ‘n slide!

What are your favorite must haves for summer time?

summer, kids, toys, family fun, outdoor toys, outdoor fun, slip n slide, bounce house, sprinkler, croquet, parenting, summer break, summer vacation, sand box