Keeping the Kids Occupied... No Matter the Age

Today's blog post comes courtesy of Sarah Caron of Sarah's Cucina Bella.

The countdown to summer - and the end of school - has begun. Pretty soon, the rushed mornings of gettings kids to school with a full belly and a stocked bookbag with completed homework will be traded for the carefree and lazy days of summer. Before your child's brain starts turning to mush, help them have fun and enjoy their break with fun activities like these. 
 
For Preschoolers

1. Invest in a fun sprinkler - Sprinklers have come a long way from the oscillating ones that left you freezing while waiting for it to swing back. These days, you can find a wide variety of ones at most retailers that carry toys and summer gear (like Toys R Us, Target, etc). A fun sprinkler can literally keep them occupied for an hour at a time, and it won't cost you a bundle.
2. Get gardening - Growing plants is a great way to encourage responsibility and accountability in young kids. Get your preschooler started with a packet of seeds and a plot or pot to grow in and a little dirt. Then sit back and watch it grow.
3. Hit the library - Make a big deal out of getting your child's first library card and make a date to visit weekly. You should also look into whether your local library has activities for kids such as storytime or arts and crafts.

 
For Elementary School-Age Kids

1. Get crafty - Crafting is a great independent activity for elementary school kids in summer. Check out sites like FamilyFun.com and Crafts.Kaboose.com for fun, kid-friendly craft ideas.
2. Make lemonade - Encourage your little one's entrepreneurial spirit by helping them create a lemonade stand. This is a fantastic way to keep kids busy on otherwise quiet afternoons while also flexing their important math skills.
3. Go treasure hunting - Transform your yard into the ultimate fun zone by creating lists for scavenger hunts. Have kids look for specific plants, shapes or other age-appropriate objects. Then award trinket prizes when they finish the hunt.

 
For Middle and High School-Age Kids

1. Volunteer - Nonprofit organizations and hospitals are always looking for volunteers. Not only will the experience enrich your child's life, but it will also be a great application booster for those college applications that are getting closer and closer.
2. Get a hobby - Older kids can pick up a new hobby (knitting, anyone?) or encourage a favorite activity with inexpensive or free classes and clinics in your area. The best way to look for classes, clinics and other offerings in your area is to first speak with your local rec department and the high school guidance office for leads. Then, ask your fellow parents, who may have the skinny on great things in your area.
3. Get a job - From babysitting to yard work services to working in a local store, there are lots of opportunities for kids to make a little cash in the summer. Just be sure to encourage them to save, which is a valuable life lesson that should be taught young.

 
Sarah W. Caron is a writer, editor and mom who lives with her fantastic husband, two adorable kids and two wily beagles in Connecticut. She writes about food at Sarah's Cucina Bella (sarahscuciinabella.com), pregnancy and parenting at SheKnows.com, marriage and early childhood at Family Eden (familyeden.net) and other mom matters at The Voice of Mom (thevoiceofmom.com).