Oh Ella… you’re songs are so beautiful, and at one time, summer may have meant that the living was easy (ahh… pause to enjoy the nostalgia…) But for us parents, summer means finding activities to keep the kids entertained! Today marks the first day of summer and I don’t know about yours, but my kids are READY TO PLAY!

I try to find activities for them that encourages them to use their imagination, their creativity or to be outside. While our house is filled with colorful toys of all shapes and sizes, they seem to want to play more with everyday household items! Isn’t that always the case? The box is more fun than the present? Well, the good news is that many of their “play-things” can actually be found at a Goodwill! Yes, you can find plenty of gently used kids toys to bring home to your little ones, but there are so many “everyday” items that can be used for fun time as well!

So, here are a few ideas of summer activities for pre-schoolers and toddlers!

1. Read, read, read… Check out Goodwill’s book selection for kids books.

2. Make a sock puppet and put on a show! Awesome sock puppet tutorial here.

3. Create jewelry – I have found (on multiple occasions) beaded home decor items at Goodwill which I get ONLY for the beads! (you will soon see how I repurposed those items in an upcoming blog post!)

4. Plant some seeds. Don’t forget to first decorate your flower pot!

5. Chase/catch fireflies. Pick up a few mason jars from Goodwill or use cleaned out jelly jars for an up close look at those little creatures!

Okay, so that should keep you busy for uh… an hour or so… For more ideas, check out this printable Toddler Activity Book with ideas from the Tip Junkie. Very creative ideas! And please, share with us your favorite activities for your little ones! And don’t forget to check back on “Things We Like Thursday” where we will give away a fun activity for you and your kids!

Stay creative!
Jen