Cool Christmas Gifts

Schools out what to do with the kids?  This is a question many parents find themselves in at some point this summer.

The challenge of course is finding activities that will not leave you sweating and regretting the decision.  For this reason, we have put together a list of activities that can be done indoors that take advantage of modern technology’s air conditioning.  The result can be a more enjoyable experience for you and your children.  For each suggestion, we have included an age estimate although you will want to research further in your area to confirm it is accurate as different settings may alter this age estimate.

1.  Aquarium- Many major cities have an aquarium that is available for tours and open to the public.  These can be a great way for kids to go on a field trip that provides a great learning experience and exposes them to a rich level of aquatic wildlife that they would otherwise not see.  Many of these setups also have a place where you cat eat lunch on location which makes it easier to plan a full trip.  (Age Estimate: 1 year and up)

2.  YMCA or YWCA- The friendly neighborhood Y can provide a number of possible activities for kids.  Perhaps the most obvious would be an indoor pool.  Many YMCAs allow kids to swim at a discounted rate whether it is during free swim time or if they are learning how to swim on one of the swim teams.  Beyond swimming though, you can find some additional classes and activities that kids can participate in.  The amount of options available will vary on location so be sure to ask around for a few in the area.  By keying on the more family oriented YMCAs, you are likely to find more child friendly activities (Age Estimate: 1 year and up)

3.  Tumbling Classes- A new trend for toddlers is to enroll them in tumbling classes.  Think of scaled back gymnastics and you will have some idea.  These classes are said to be great for toddlers as they help them build up their motor skills.  I imagine the real benefit is that they get to burn off some extra energy in safe environment which is what the parents really like.  Anyway you can find these at recreation or community centers and some people even house them in homes.  Check local listings and ask around in your area for possible leads.  (Age Estimate: 1 year and up)

4.  Large Toy Stores-  If you have seen the movie, “Big”, you will know that some toy stores have play areas set aside for kids to try out toys and to have fun while the parents shop.  This can be a great activity to take advantage of because you can learn what types of gifts your child may like and also let them play in an air conditioned environment.  (Age Estimate: 3 years and up)

5.  Chucky Cheese or similar type kids stores. Many people are aware of these type of stores but only think of them as a birthday possibility.  This is a mistake because these type of stores can be helpful at other times.  Popular choices can include laser tag stores, go cart stores, putt putt golf and video game party centers.  Depending on the location and when you decide to go can influence greatly how family friendly each setting may be.  For this reason, we suggest you call ahead and ask when are the quieter times when kids can enjoy the experience more.  (Age Estimate: 6 and up)

6.  Recreation Center programs or classes- Another great way for kids to stay active during the summer is to take some classes or enroll in one of the programs at the local recreation center.  The options of what they may be able to do can vary, but preferred activities usually center around activities like finger painting, gymnastics, basketball, arts and crafts, etc.  This option can be a great way to give them some type of learning activity and can also free parents up from watching their children for a few hours.  (Age Estimate: varies on program and location)

7.  Community Center Programs- This option works similar to recreation center programs.  Some communities have options available to them that children can take advantage of.  These can include social clubs, faith based clubs, or some other community center structure.  Activities will vary with location so ask around to see what might be available for your children.

8.  Ice Skating at mall- People generally think of doing ice skating during the winter, but a great time to go is during the summer.  Many malls have an ice skating rink that allows parents to skate with their kids.  However, if this is not available, you may want to also look into possible roller skating rinks that may still exist in your area as a possible alternative.  (Age Estimate: 5 and up)

9.  History Museums- This options works much like the aquarium choice where you can go on a tour or go on your own and see all the exhibits.  One of my fondest memories as a kid was seeing a major King Tut exhibit so keep in mind these experiences can be really memorable for the children.  Just about every area in the country has a number of different museums in driving distance.  These can range from Natural history to themed museums.  The key is just to scout the possibilities out before hand to make sure the one you are going to is family friendly.  (Age Estimate: 5 and up)

10. The local library- Many libraries offer a story telling time and an area where kids can play and read.  These areas can be a great hidden oasis as they allow parents the ability to check out a few books for themselves and let someone else do the storytelling for a change.  Also, some libraries have book clubs where kids actually earn points or stars for reading books.  This can provide a great incentive to get them to read and keep them learning over the summer.  (Age Estimate: 1 and up)

11. Children’s Theater- Many cities also have a children’s theater as an option.  These theaters are great because they cater to children in what they choose as their content for their plays or their movie showings.  (Age Estimate: 5 and up)