School is out, the days are longer, and the sun is finally out. You know what time it is: Summertime! And while the kids are back home, enjoying their vacation, finding ways to keep them entertained, and safe during the summer is Mom's number one priority.
Need ways to keep your kids in check and happy throughout the warmest months of the year? Here are 20 brilliant summer hacks that'll make your life so much easier:
What do you do to keep your kids entertained during the summer?
Image via Mom Endeavors
Water Balloon Pump
Can't ever figure out how to blow up those darn, easily breakable, water balloons? This re-purposing water balloon pump hack will solve that problem, once and for all. Just be careful … they'll be coming for you next!
(Hint, you'll definitely want to set these up for hack #12!)
Mess-Free Sidewalk Chalk
Yes, it is possible to have sidewalk chalk that isn't a total mess. This fun hack uses your empty deodorant ciontainers upcycled to create your own DIY chalk. Sounds complicated, but it's actually a cinch to make … and makes good use of something you'd throw away otherwise.
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Juice Slushies
It's hot outside, snack time is a pain, so simply freeze these juice pouches, let them defrost for a few minutes, and they'll turn into a perfect slushy consistency that kids will love.
Drive-In Movie Cars
Invite some friends' kids over for a fun nighttime "drive-in" movie theater for kids and create cars out of any old box. Have kids decorate with markers, provide the snacks, and spend the night under the stars.
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Hula Hoop Hideout
A hula hoop and a sheet. That's practically all it takes to create these hula hoop hideouts for kids. Place them around the backyard for some secluded reading nooks or quiet time.
Water Blob
Don't have room for a pool or a sprinkler system? This water blob for kids will keep them entertained and playing outside for hours. Homemade Toast has even figured out the trick to make one that won't leak the second your kids step on it.
Kiddie Car Wash
With some PVC pipe, water, and pool noodles, you can create this kiddie car wash where they'll stay cool, wet, and clean (you're welcome). Here's hoping they'll be inspired to want to clean Mom's car. (Hey, you can dream)
Solar Oven
Keep them learning and having fun during yummy dessert snack time with these solar oven s'mores.
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Sunburn Treatment
If they get a little too much time in the sun, this aloe vera sunburn solution hack will heal those issues and get them back outside in no time. Like a popsicle for the skin, they're easy to make and even easier to apply.
Pick Up Sticks
Did the wind take a lot of branches off of your trees recently? Get the kids involved in a clean-up game with the promise of a great reward. They can pile all the sticks in one place. THEN, you can make those jumbo-sized pick up sticks a fun game for the kids with just some longer twigs and spray paint. Let the fun begin.
Lawn Twister
Don't want to ruin your Twister board by putting it in the grass? Make your own outdoor version. This DIY lawn Twister game is just as fun as the normal one, but with a lot more fresh air.
Balloon Pinatas
Whether you're throwing a summertime birthday party or just looking for a way to cool off the kids without a trip to the community pool, these water balloon pinatas make for a great afternoon soaking-wet game. And they're about as easy to make as you can get — just use the balloon-filling hack from tip #1.
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Balloon Boppers
It's cheap and easy, and this balloon boppers game can keep a couple (or more) kids entertained for hours. All the supplies come straight from the dollar store — read, cheap entertainment — and a child can do most of the work.
Ice Block Treasure Hunt
Take any old toy, throw it in a Tupperware container and cover with water. Freeze, take out, and have the kids hammer away, and it turns into an ice block treasure hunt that will keep them cool … and occupied for a good long while.
Dino Dig
Or you can make it themed! Freeze just dinosaur toys for a fun, ice dig, paleontology lesson.
Balloon Dart Board
Under your supervision, of course, kids can throw darts and pop those balloons. Want to up the ante on summertime fun? Fill the balloons with water (another use for tip #1!).
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Race Soap Boats
Who needs toys when you have bars of soap? I Heart Naptime dreamed up this good, clean, sudsy fun with a tutorial for race soap boats you can use to entertain the kids … and maybe get some of the dirt off their bare feet when you're done.
DIY Bucket Drop
Who doesn't love a good water bucket drop game? Grab a chair, some measurements, and get to work on this guaranteed fun sport you can make with some simple items from the hardware store (or odds and ends in your shed).
Muddy Car Wash
First they get them dirty, then they wash them. This muddy car wash is a messy and fun game that can be done in a wagon or wheelbarrow.
Giant Bubble
No more loading up on bottles of bubbles and trying to keep track of those little wands that inevitably go missing. One giant string, some soapy water, and this giant bubble tutorial creates countless hours of fun.
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