Here Are 33 Cheap But Brilliant Ways You Can Keep Your Kids Busy. I Wanna Do #15!

[Catty1]

<header>In a couple of these it looks like you have to visit the website to get instructions, but these are pretty neat!

May 19, 2014


</header> Keeping kids busy while they are at home during the warm summer months is a challenge for any parent, older sibling or babysitter. It’s not easy to fill an 8 hour+ day with fun activities for your little ones. Thankfully, some brilliant people online came up with some fun (and safe) ways to keep children occupied for less than $10.
Don’t spend a fortune taking them to the movies, swimming pool or mall every day (although that can be fun). Try some of these cheap, but awesome, ideas. You might enjoy them yourself, too!
1.) Make roads for toy cars by using colored tape on carpet.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas.jpg)
playathomemomllc (http://www.playathomemomllc.com/2013/05/the-unblogged/)


2.) You can also use tape to create some oversized, fun games.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas2.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas2.jpg)
apartmenttherapy (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/giant-outdoor-board-game-good-152166)


3.) Turn your driveway into a fun target game using chalk and sponges.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas3.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas3.jpg)
sixsistersstuff (http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/05/50-outdoor-summer-activities-for-kids.html)


4.) Chalk is also a great way to play dress-up without dolls.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas4.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas4.jpg)
sixsistersstuff (http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/05/50-outdoor-summer-activities-for-kids.html)







5.) Exploding paint bags can be a messy, fun art project for your kids.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas5.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas5.jpg)
growingajeweledrose (http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/05/play-recipe-sidewalk-chalk.html)


6.) Use plastic container lids, glue and food coloring for a neat painting craft.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas6.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas6.jpg)
housingaforest (http://www.housingaforest.com/painting-on-wet-glue/)


7.) Have extra bubble wrap? Make stomp paintings.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas7.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas7.jpg)
apartmenttherapy (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/bubble-wrap-stomp-painting-mess-for-less-200671)


8.) Cut up a tarp with scissors to make a cheap throwing game.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas8.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas8.jpg)
gurutotheoutdoors (http://gurutotheoutdoors.com/diy-throwing-tarp/)







9.) Create a quiet, safe game of Jenga by using cut-up sponges.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas9.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas9.jpg)
homelearningfrombirth (http://homelearningfrombirth.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-can-you-do-with-bunch-of-sponges.html)


10.) Use foil to make a big river in the backyard.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas10.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas10.jpg)
husohem (http://www.husohem.se/New-Bloggar/Alla-bloggar/Inredning/Hello-Kiddo/Inlagg/?BlogEntry=30321)




Read more at http://www.viralnova.com/cool-ideas-10-dollars/#BXPAG6EXw98HRQGr.99

[Catty1]

11.) Tape a paper towel roll to the wall to make a simple game for your toddler.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas11.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas11.jpg)
teachingmama (http://teachingmama.org/20-ways-to-keep-toddlers-busy/)


12.) Or run some pipe cleaners through a colander.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas12.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas12.jpg)
no1hasmorefun (http://no1hasmorefun.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-to-do-with-samuel.html)


13.) “Sew” through burlap using plastic needles, making fun designs.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas13.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas13.jpg)
kleas.typepad (http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2012/02/something-new-at-the-preschool.html)


14.) Let kids practice their letters in this sugar writing tray.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas14.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas14.jpg)
hellobee (http://www.hellobee.com/2013/02/27/diy-montessori-sugar-writing-tray/)


15.) Go camping indoors and let your kids’ imaginations run wild.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas15.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas15.jpg)
wiscocountrymom (http://wiscocountrymom.wordpress.com/)


16.) Let your kids experiment with water marbles.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas16.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas16.jpg)
zitzmanfam (http://zitzmanfam.blogspot.com/2012/07/project-no-more-im-boredwater-marbles.html)


17.) Create alien bubble science projects.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas17.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas17.jpg)
familylicious (http://familylicious.com/alien-bubbles-science/)


18.) Extract DNA from strawberries as a fun experiment.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas18.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas18.jpg)
thehomeschoolscientist (http://thehomeschoolscientist.com/extracting-dna-from-strawberries-experiment/#.U3O6Sq1dUuG)


19.) Balloon rockets teach a lesson, plus they are just fun.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas19.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas19.jpg)
discoverexplorelearn (http://discoverexplorelearn.com/balloon-rockets/)


20.) Make a mini bowling game with pencil erasers and marbles.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas20.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas20.jpg)
frugalfun4boys (http://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/01/27/diy-marble-bowling-game/)


Read more at http://www.viralnova.com/cool-ideas-10-dollars/#BXPAG6EXw98HRQGr.99

[Catty1]

21.) Got yarn? Let kids crawl through a safe playground you create.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas21.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas21.jpg)
ellisbenus (http://ellisbenus.com/tag/diy/)


22.) Pretending the floor is lava can be turned into a fun, educational game.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas22.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas22.jpg)
toddlerapproved (http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2011/07/escape-volcano-shape-game.html)


23.) Make soap clouds by putting a bar of soap into the microwave.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas23.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas23.jpg)
ourbestbites (http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/04/kitchen-craft-soap-clouds-and-homemade-kiddie-tub-soaps/)


24.) Let your kids compete in a Popcorn Olympics!
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas24.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas24.jpg)
oneshetwoshe (http://oneshetwoshe.com/2013/03/the-popcorn-olympics-fun-activity-for-kids-she-veronica.html)


25.) Balloon ping pong is a fun activity your kids can safely play indoors.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas25.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas25.jpg)
keepingitsimplecrafts (http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/2012/03/tot-thursday-balloon-ping-pong.html)


26.) Strands of painter’s tape can form a fun, sticky spiderweb.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas26.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas26.jpg)
handsonaswegrow (http://handsonaswegrow.com/halloween-activity-a-sticky-spider-web/)


27.) Transform an old box into an indoor slide.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas27.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas27.jpg)
thecontemplativecreative (http://thecontemplativecreative.blogspot.com/2012/04/kids-project-cardboard-slide.html)


28.) Go outside and let your kids make a rainbow bubble snake from simple ingredients.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas28.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas28.jpg)
housingaforest (http://www.housingaforest.com/rainbow-bubble-snakes/)


29.) Create a giant, DIY bubble wand.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas29.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas29.jpg)
funcraftskids (http://funcraftskids.com/diy-giant-bubble-recipe/)


Read more at http://www.viralnova.com/cool-ideas-10-dollars/#BXPAG6EXw98HRQGr.99

[Catty1]

30.) Fill balloons with Play-Doh for a fun new toy.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas30.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas30.jpg)
playcreateexplore (http://www.playcreateexplore.org/2011/07/playdough-filled-balloons.html)


31.) Help kids create their own t-shirt designs with crayons and sand paper.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas31.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas31.jpg)
alphamom (http://alphamom.com/family-fun/crafts/sandpaper-printed-t-shirt/)


32.) Cut a pool noodle in half to make a marble race track.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas32.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas32.jpg)
myhomespunthreads (http://myhomespunthreads.blogspot.com/2011/05/day-5-marble-racetrack-with-serving.html#disqus_thread)


33.) Or use those pool noodles to create a backyard obstacle course.
http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas33.jpg (http://content4.viralnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cheap-ideas33.jpg)
learnplayimagine (http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2012/05/pool-noodle-backyard-obstacle-course.html)




(H/T BuzzFeed (http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/activities-that-will-keep-your-kids-busy-all-sum))
Pretty much all of these ideas require some parental supervision, but it should be fun for everyone involved! Give them a try this summer, or at least share this article so other parents can!

Read more at http://www.viralnova.com/cool-ideas-10-dollars/#BXPAG6EXw98HRQGr.99

[Karen]

No one is stopping you!

Some of these look really fun! I will have to make sure my cousin sees these - her boys are 6, 3 1/2 and 3 months!

We used to draw hopscotch games in the dirt in our driveway, and with chalk on paved playgrounds, but tape on a deck would work!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

There are many great ideas here!!
I would surely try those out, but....... they are 29 and 25 years old now....:eek:;)

[Karen]

There are many great ideas here!!
I would surely try those out, but....... they are 29 and 25 years old now....:eek:;)

Hee hee - keep them in mind - you may have grandkids some day! :)

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Hee hee - keep them in mind - you may have grandkids some day! :)

Yeah, you are right!! I am so looking to having grandkids!!
Our son Jo is 29, and at the end of this year, he will go living together with his girlfriend Tiffany. She is much younger, 21.
They won't get kids right away, but I am sure they will get some one day!!
Our daughter Indra (25) already lives together with her boyfriend Adriaan, but as they are both still studying, they won't get kids right away either; But I know they want at least 2!! They have a really beautiful border collie Mac; he is their "kid" now ;)

These ideas for keeping kids busy would also be great for teachers! I wish I had known them when i was still teaching in primary schools!!

[sallyandsnowx]

These ideas are super cool! I'll have to try some of them out (esp. #5 and #21) with my eight year old sister. Since her summer camp hours were cut, I will be watching her for a couple hours until my mom comes home from work. These should keep her energetic-self occupied, so thank you. :D

I also REALLY like #18. My inner nerd is coming out. :p

[Bonny]

Some really neat ideas. I am going to try the pool noddle marble race one with my grandkids. The one sliding down the steps on cardboard, reminds me of my growing up sliding down the side hill on cardboard. LOL