I work two jobs from home: Macaroni Kid and my normal full-time gig. For the first time ever, both of my boys (5 and 7) will be home with me all summer before they start Kindergarten and 2nd grade in the fall. I really don't try to be Super Mom, planning activities and outings for every weekend or day off, but I do want to try to map out a flexible schedule for the summer that keeps them entertained (read: not on their iPads or watching YouTube for hours on end), lets us spend some quality time together, AND still lets me get my work done.
I've found a few good models and wanted to share them with you. (Important note: I enjoy fairly casual office hours, but I know many of you might have more rigorous schedules. These can all be modified to fit your circumstances! If you can't get out to do these, ask an older sibling, neighbor teen, or extended family member to help.)
Daily Themes
Carve out 1-3 hours to focus on a theme each day of the week, depending on what your kiddos are into and what will hold their attention. Last year I published this local mom's weekly schedule:
- Make Something Monday
- Taste Something Tuesday
- Wonder (or Wander) Somewhere Wednesday
- Thankful Thursday
- Family Fun Friday
Here are some other examples:
- Library Day: Check to see if/when your local library is hosting a kid-friendly event and plan a visit around that, or just go search for new books, play games and enjoy a quiet(er) space. Also, keep in mind that several Hendricks County libraries support reciprocal borrowing, which means most residents can get a free library card and borrow items from any of these libraries: Avon-Washington Township, Brownsburg, Clayton-Liberty Township, Coatesville-Clay Township, and Danville. Residents in Pittsboro and Lizton need to purchase a library membership in order to participate. The Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library is part of the Evergreen network, connecting it with more than 100 other libraries across the state for sharing privileges. Those outside of Plainfield who wish to check out books and resources must purchase a Public Library Access Card (PLAC) at the library's front desk.
- Nature Day: Weather-permitting, head out for a hike or picnic at one of our incredible Hendricks County parks! Check to see if there is an event and plan your visit to include it. Print off a scavenger hunt checklist, go geocaching or check out a nature backpack at McCloud for added fun and spontaneity!
- Water Day: There are several great places to splash around and cool off; take time to enjoy one of them! Go to your neighborhood pool or one of our area splash pads or recreation areas... or go stomp in a creek!
- Movie Day: Our local movie theaters and parks departments have lined up some great movie-viewing opportunities that won't cost you much (if anything!) to enjoy with your little ones.
- Splurge/Treat Day: This is kind of like a "Yes Day," but without over-the-top extravagance! Give each of your kiddos a little spending money and allow them to pick one place they want to spend it. How about some special ice cream, a new toy, or a round of mini golf? Here are some great local places to satisfy a sweet tooth, if that's their choice.
- Creative Day: The at-home version could include construction paper, scissors, cardboard, stickers, paint and other art supplies. Or, schedule a class/session at Children's Art Classes or Brightly Art Studio in Brownsburg, or uPaint Pottery Studio in Plainfield to kick things up a few notches!
Summer Camp at Home
This idea comes from one of my favorite Instagram gurus, Susie Allison (aka @busytoddler). She created a curriculum of six weeks of themed play, with six activities ready to go for each week. This model is both educational and entertaining! She makes sure to note that this should not be stressful or overwhelming. Only have an hour or two each day to focus on it, or one or two days each week? Make it work for you! Her themes include:
- STEM Week
- Nature Week
- Games Week
- Art Week
- Water & Ice Week
- Camping Week
Bucket List Challenge
Work with your family to create a list of 50+ activities, outings, and experiences they want to accomplish this summer and tackle one every day or once or more each week! Feel free to set parameters based on time, budget, age, etc. Here are some local family favorites you might consider:
- Free movies (see Movie Day in the first section)
- Hikes in the park (local, state or national)
- Mini golf
- Bowling
- Geocaching or letterboxing
- Farmers markets
- Children's Museum
- Zoo
- Newport Aquarium (Cincinnati) or Shedd Aquarium (Chicago)
- Playground hopping around Hendricks and/or Marion County
- Kayaking on Eagle Creek Reservoir
- Camping
- Swimming, splash pad, creek stomping, etc.
- Meal or dessert at their favorite spot(s)
- Fossil hunting in creeks and rivers
- Do hands-on service or create a small fundraiser for a local nonprofit
- Plan a family garden
