Do you need some ideas to keep the kids busy during the summer? Try these fun summer activities with your children, grandchildren, neighbors or friends.
Concrete Handprint Stepping Stones (Memories in Concrete)
Supplies Needed:
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Foil pans (turkey roaster size recommended)
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Pre-mixed concrete
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Water
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Board or metal spatula
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Petroleum jelly
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Stick or tool for engraving
Permanent memories in concrete make good garden stepping stones. You’ll need disposable foil pans, a large bag of pre-mixed concrete (all you add is water), a board or metal spatula and an eager child.
Choose foil pans of suitable size for stepping stones. Turkey roaster pans, 16 3/4-by 12- by 3 1/2 inches, make ideal molds. Following directions for the concrete, mix enough to fill the pan 2 to 3 inches deep. Pour concrete into pan. Use a board on its side or a metal spatula to even out concrete and smooth the surface.
Cover child’s hands with petroleum jelly. Then have him press his hands in concrete. Have him sign his name or scratch in a picture with a stick. Whatever masterpiece your child creates, you’ll want to identify the work with his name and the date. When concrete sets, turn pan over and block will pop out.
Use stepping stone sin the back yard or garden. You’ll be amazed how often a children will place their hands over the imprints to measure their growth.
Whimsical Watermelon Birdhouse
Because this birdhouse is less protective of birds, it is recommended for warmer climates. To make the birdhouse, you’ll need:
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Two 5–6 inch fruit baskets (one with a handle)
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Acrylic paints: red, green, and white
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Raffia for bows
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Heavy-gauge wire for hanging.
Attach basket without handle to basket with handle by placing basket over handle (as you would put a lid on a pan), securing it with wire. Paint inside of baskets red, including handle and outside of baskets green and white to look like a watermelon. Tie bows around handle of each side using raffia. Use heavy-gauge wire attached to top of the “watermelon” to hand birdhouse.
