Affordable Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Summer

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

05 Jul 2009 08:26 PM

Studies show that the current recession has caused many parents to forgo sending their children to expensive summer camps. Instead, moms and dads across the country are being forced to come up with their own means to keep their kids entertained during summer vacation.

If you are looking for inexpensive projects to keep your kids stimulated during the dog days of summer, consider this simple idea:

TREASURE BALLS

These fun homemade balls are ideal for family treasure hunts. You can hide clues in the balls or use them as a container for small gifts. Another idea: Place different colored marbles in the balls and assign points to each, then see who collects the most points.

Materials:

1 cup used coffee grinds

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1/4 cup sand

3/4 cup water

Directions:

Place all of the dry ingredients in a bowl and stir until blended.

Slowly add water until the mixture can be kneaded. The mixture should be the consistency of bread dough. If the mixture is too wet, add more flour.

Shape into a ball, and then press your thumb into the center to make a hole.

Place the treasure in the hole, then place more dough over the hole and roll out the ball to hide the hole. Ideas for treasures include: Marbles, plastic lizards or bugs, small plastic cars, beads, colorful pencil erasers, coins, wrapped candy, etc.

Let balls air dry for 2-3 days; being sure to rotate every so often so they dry evenly. If you can't wait that long, then bake the balls on a cookie sheet in a 150 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

Final Tip: To avoid having to clean up a big mess, have kids open their balls outside. This is especially important if you are making dozens of balls. The remnants of the balls can be a pain to get out of the carpet.

Related Articles:

Super Summer Fun for Kids

Edible Sand Castle and Other Summer Fun for Kids

Serious Summer Fun

Fun and Affordable Family Activities

Ways to Have Fun on a Budget

Family Fun for Less

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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