| v> | | | | of fun as well. It will be neat to see what grows in |
| | | | your garden-and remember to water it everyday! It |
| Here are some great ideas for activities that will keep | | | | is always a special treat when you are able to eat a |
| your family active this summer. | | | | snack or meal from items you have grown in your |
| Summer is in full swing here Michigan. We are | | | | garden. |
| enjoying the warm and sometimes humid days and | | | | - Make a collage. Collect various items from around |
| the extra hours of sunlight. School has been out of | | | | the house and make a family collage. A collage could |
| session now for over a month, and for many families | | | | be in the form of a picture, sculpture, 3-D form, etc. |
| the feeling of restlessness is beginning to set in. | | | | What types of interesting items can you find and |
| Some of you may be feeling overwhelmed by what | | | | use? Display your collage somewhere special in your |
| to do with your children each and every day during the | | | | home. |
| summer months. Here are a few more simple | | | | - Organize your junk drawers. We all have secret |
| activity ideas that you can do with your children to add | | | | stashes around our homes where we hide our junk. |
| fun and excitement to your summer. | | | | Have your kids help you reorganize the junk piles and |
| - Go on a picnic. Whether you have a scenic | | | | decide what items should stay and where they should |
| backyard or a park nearby, going on a picnic is always | | | | go, along with what items should be thrown away. |
| a fun activity for the whole family. Be sure to have | | | | This is a great activity to help you get organized over |
| your kids help you with the planning and preparing of | | | | the summer! |
| food for the picnic. | | | | - Go for a nature tour. Go for a walk or bike ride in |
| - Create something for the outdoors. There are | | | | the area around your home, and see what nature has |
| many different craft items that you can make to | | | | in store for you. How many different types of plants, |
| decorate you outdoor environment. Children love to | | | | trees, flowers, insects, and animals can you find? |
| make birdhouses, birdbaths, birdfeeders, flower pots, | | | | Can you name them all? If not, take a picture of the |
| etc. You can create many of these items by using | | | | item and do some research on it when you get home. |
| materials that you already have at home. | | | | By planning simple and yet fun activities throughout the |
| - Create and maintain a garden. You can create a | | | | summer months, you and your children will be less |
| summer-long project by building and maintaining a | | | | overwhelmed by the limited structure of summer |
| garden. As a family, you can plan for your garden by | | | | time. Have fun with your family this summer, and |
| deciding where it should go and what you will plant in | | | | enjoy these simple activity ideas! |
| it. Shopping for plants and then planting them is a lot | | | | |