At the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, CA, the resort's "Director of Fun," Marissa Edwards, says several cures for the summer doldrums are right at your fingertips! To inspire kids' imaginations, Edwards gathers everyday resort items and then simply turns the kids loose. Here's what you can do at home!

"Where adults see clutter, kids often see adventure," said Edwards. "For instance, kids can take blankets and pillows and turn a room into a maze of tunnels and forts that provide endless, imaginative fun." Edwards says that hidden gems are often laying around the house, laundry room or backyard just waiting for a new adventure. A few of her "go to" ideas for fun in a pinch include:
 
Dining Room Table A.K.A. Sleepover Tent: With a sheet over the top and some cozy blankets inside this can become a great getaway without the grass stains. Bring a flashlight in for late night storytelling and giggling will soon follow.
 
Wardrobe, Moving or Refrigerator Boxes A.K.A Kid Town USA: With these oversized cardboard boxes as the foundation, kids can color, paint and create everything from an old west saloon, to a futuristic space station. Design your own city with banks, schools and grocery stores with windows and doors cut out by mom and dad.
 
Salad Spinner A.K.A. Master Painting Creator:  All you need is a white index card or light colored construction paper and a few drops of washable Tempera paint. With a few light pushes to make the spinner go, kids will have created a colorful masterpiece in just minutes.

Tell Momversation all the fun and easy ways you keep your child occupied during the dog days of summer! How can you beat having a DIrector of Fun at the Terranea? Go visit!