I just got a mailing this weekend about Kid College at our local community college. They offer classes that are interesting to kids, and are grouped by ages 6-9, 9-11, 12-15. Maybe your community college does this? Worth a check.
Hey JHB,
I was at the sporting goods store the other day and saw this global tracking device that you can use to play a scavenger hunt game. UGH, I can't remember the web site, but there is a site you go to and it tells you clues etc to finding an object. The hunt is on a scale from 1to 5 (I think) and you keep it in a certain radius.
Sorry, I'm trying to remember everything my husband's part timer told me about it.
I hope that all made sense...summer vacation is here for my crew! I'm SO not ready!
If you are in the Houston area I can give you many ideas and times, days, hours, etc. Just e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ah, I understand now. I have done something like that. Pick a theme (ie Pirates, luau, ect), find games, crafts and activities that go with it.
I did this for a much younger group, but I bet you could have a pair of the kids rotate with a parent to set up a few hours worth of activities a week. Art and craft classes, special sports skills activities, games (parlor and relay as well as card and board games) and experiements (Kid Concoctions). You could have a tournament for games (even Uno or Rummy) that goes for a few weeks.
If you brainstorm with the kids, you'll come up with some cool things to do. I would do something once a week or every other week. That way it's a treat and not a chore.
Okay, how about each takes a turn hosting a "afternoon movie" at their home? Pre approve pay-per-views or pre selected movie rentals with snacks and a set of rules.
A Monopoly Tournament, book club? movie club? craft club?
I hope I'm helping, growing up on a farm 10 miles away from everyone we did some crazy stuff to keep entertained. Mostly babysitting but I like the pass idea if the kids can use the city bus. My oldest is 13 so I'm right there scratching my head, espically with the second child only 7 it makes it hard to plan for one about not for the other four. We are lucky enough to have our roller rink that sells passes for $1 admin.
Interesting.... 