Beating the Mid-Summer Blues

I'm sure I'm not the only one who's been hearing choruses of "I'm boooorreeeed" and "There's nothing to dooooooo" now that we are halfway through summer (and close to Back To School for some of you!). So, to break up the boredom, we've got some suggestions for inexpensive (or free!) activities to creatively use up some of that free time. (Most of these activities are advised for ages 10 and under - teens will have to fend for themselves or tag along!)

• Go to story time at your local library. Most libraries have a calendar of events that are free. If you've never done this before, it really is a great way to spend an hour or two! And while you're there, sign your child up to get their first Library Card if they don't already have one.
• Plan a slumber party! Whether you invite one child or ten, or make it a family slumber party in the living room, it's a guaranteed hit. Added fun? Try making your own pizza or have a "crazy popcorn" contest - pop some plain popcorn, and see who can make the yummiest toppings using the fridge and pantry. Top it off with homemade Bisquick pancakes in the morning in fun shapes or flavors.
• If you don't already own one, go out and buy a sprinkler to run through. We never had one before, and I finally picked up an inexpensive one about 2 weeks ago - Bug has been consistently entertained every sunny afternoon since. Total cost - about $20.
• Paint birdhouses. Michael's and other craft stores sell pre-assembled plain wood birdhouses for under $5 that can be painted with acrylic craft paint, which is also very inexpensive. Once dry, they can hang their creations outside.