Let's Pretend

Children have amazing and wild imaginations. The next time you hear "I'm bored" or "What can we do", give them a few household items, or let them make their own and watch them expand into endless hours of fun and entertainment. The following are just a few ideas to get the fun started and be sure to use your imagination too!

--->Make an Obstacle Course
Obstacle courses can be a lot of fun, spark creativity and also be great exercise for the little ones. These can be set up in and out of doors. Pillows, chairs, tires and stools are just a couple of things that can be used to be climbed, jumped and skipped over, through, around and under. Time each child as they scramble their way through and have a race. Best thing about these is that once they've done everything they can think of with the first one, it can be torn down and set up again another way. Have each child take turns in choosing the way it's set back up.

--->Let's Play Dress Up
Don't give away all those old shoes, shirts, pants, hats, gloves and costume jewelry! Set aside a special drawer or box for these item to play dress up. Have children act out their favorite play, television show or put on a fashion show. You'd be surprised exactly how cute she really looks in your old high school prom gown. Be sure to take snap shots or keep the video camera rolling!

--->Kid's Café
Set up old card table and let the children play restaurant. Have children make up or use play money and menus. Children that can't write yet can draw the food items on the menus. Give them some paper plates, cups, plastic silverware, a little notebook and they're open for business. Take turns being waiter, customer and busboy (or girl ).

--->Go Camping
This too can be played in or out of doors and the possibilities are endless. If you have a smaller pop-up tent, it can be set up in the living room. If you're taking this activity outdoors, you can hang an old sheet over a clothesline securing with rocks at the bottom. Have children draw or cut out windows if you're using an old sheet. (Remember to keep for the next camping trip.) Set up some lawn chairs around your faux fire and tell stories, sing songs, make smores in the microwave or any other favorite camping activity. Go all the way and sleep there tonight!

--->Movie Night
Go to your favorite video rental store and have your child help pick out a movie for the whole family. Have children make tickets for the show, play money, popcorn, baggies of dried fruit, paper cups of juice or any other favorite snacks. Set these items up for "sale" and have each family member "purchase" their tickets and munchies. Then sit back and enjoy the show!