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Fun for the little ones, while the older ones head to school
By Gina Pangione
For those two- to four-year-old children who might feel a little left behind, here is a list of fun things to do!
Play school: Grab a chalkboard, and just like big sib, they can get a head start on letters, numbers, colors, etc.
Make music: Craft instruments out of household items (pots and pans; oatmeal box drum; measuring spoon canastas, etc.) for a musical parade.
Build a tower: Use Lego’s, blocks, playing cards, or Lincoln Logs.
Visit Mommy or Daddy for lunch: Road trip to the office caf or a local eatery mid-day.
Collect leaves: They’re changing colors now! Press them between pages.
Sculpt and mold: Have some Play-doh adventures.
Create lunch bag animal puppets: And then enjoy a live puppet show.
Create edible necklaces: Use licorice string, Cheerios, popcorn, etc.
Make use of linens: For pillow fights and blanket tent building (indoor or out, over a clothesline or between couches).
Join a local mom’s club or parent group: Foster relationships and lessons in socialization between other young children.
Cook and bake simple recipes: Let your young child decide what to make.
Host a story time: Toddler reading hour, at home or at the library--read a book or take turns making up and acting out stories.
Visit the zoo: Just remember to bundle up - they’re open all year!
Play dress up: With mom’s and dad’s hats, shoes and shirts, and anything else that makes them feel big (takes lots of pictures.)
Make good use of big cardboard boxes: Play house, make a fire truck, or keep stuffed animals in the barn.
Sign up for Mommy/Daddy and me classes: Tons are available for every interest including swimming, gymnastics, dance, etc.
Time for household chores: Children can earn pennies for their piggy bank (dust, help make beds, fold clothes, water plants, etc.)
Other ideas include: Touring the local fire station, have a picnic at the park, finger-painting, pick grapes and making jelly, visiting relatives, a local children’s museum, riding on a city bus and creating a collage of pictures from your child’s summer memories.
