Fun, funky & cheap: summer activities for kids at home

It’s hot out, and kids need a way to keep engaged, play and have fun.

If you are looking for a way to keep the kids busy on a budget check out our list of traditional and other funky summer activities that range from reading, to crafting ,to swimming.

Doing simple crafts inside in the heat of the day can be a simple source of fun that could keep kids occupied for hours and can lead to a chance to clean up with a splash in the kiddie pool.

Stained glass chalk art
Create a summer reading program through Scholastic, local bookstores or your public library.
Sit on the steps and sing. Take it to the next level, by creating a Porch Fest Singalong, make a program, post invite and serenade the neighbors.
Set up a kiddie pool for water fun.
Have a water balloon fight on those hot summer days.
Play old fashioned do it yourself backyard games for kids.
Identify trees.
Start a garden with resources from the Ginter Botanical Garden.
Gather up some bird watching supplies: —binoculars, notebook, pen.
Make hummingbird nectar.
Make a bird feeder.
Finger paint.
Hold back yard contests like watermelon seed spitting. Supplies: watermelon, tape measure.
Do a leaf splattering art project: supplies: toothbrush, paper, glass, masking tape, and paint.
Press flowers. Buy old frames at the thrift shop, frame flowers after you’ve pressed them and begin your Christmas gift collection.
Invite friends for a virtual Halloween party: have a theme, dress up in the funkiest, mismatched clothes you can find, borrow from the relatives, take photos, title and post.
Have a do-it-yourself camp. Pitch a “tent,” make a cook-out of hot dogs, s’mores, camp songs and a pajama party
Create big bubbles with store-bought or homemade formula or materials.
Check resources and activities from the Children’s Museum of Virginia for more ideas.