Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

Fun at Home for Lazy Summer Days

by Theresa Carpine7/9/2009 8:24:09 AM

Recently I took my bike out for a ride around my neighborhood and I was delighted to see lots of Bellingham kids enjoying the extra hours of sunlight that evening as they played in their yards. The coolness of the after-dinner hours means parents don’t need to worry about sunburn or overheating, and kids can get some exercise and exert any leftover energy of the day before hitting the hay.

What does your family do after dinner in the summer?

If you’re looking for ideas that will entertain the kids during the long and lazy summer days and nights, here are some of the fun activities that local kids seem to enjoy.

Sidewalk Chalk

Head to an art supply store, neighborhood drug store, or nearby retail store to buy a pack of sidewalk chalk. You can get a pack of 52 sticks for about five dollars and it provides hours of fun along your sidewalk and driveway. Play lots of games like Hopscotch, Tic-Tac-Toe, and Hangman because, with sidewalk chalk, there’s no paper waste! Kids can also practice their drawing skills for Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s Chalk ArtFest in August. At the end of every day, just hose off the sidewalk so the kids can start anew tomorrow.

A Game of Catch or Kick

Grab a ball—tennis, wiffle, soccer, foot…you get the idea—and go to town. This is a timeless activity that can be enjoyed by a parent and child, two siblings, or the whole family. Play a Hot Potato version and try to get rid the ball as quick as you can. Make up a game where everyone shares something about their day or acts like a different animal when they catch the ball. Just get outside, get moving, and get creative!

Take a Bike Ride or a Walk

Obviously, I’m a fan of this activity, and it’s great to see parents and kids exploring their neighborhood by bike as well. Whether your kid rides along in a trailer or pedals alongside you, a leisurely ride around the block or down to the park is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family. Or simply take a walk, admiring your neighbor’s gardens and enjoying the sunset.

What is your family’s favorite after-dinner activity in the summer? Leave a comment below or share your ideas in the Neighborhood-Kids.com Forum.

A Note About the Author: Theresa Carpine

A Bellingham Online Journalist, Theresa Carpine graduated from WWU with a BA in English Literature. She enjoys yoga, listening to music, riding her bike in downtown Bellingham, and babysitting really cute kids.