Cheap Entertainment for 6 and 7 year olds

Watercolor paint on the cement patio. Big brushes, lotsa water and cool designs. Dries up.

Sidewalk chalk on the brick wall behind our house. A masterpiece that will wash away with the next Spring rain.

$2.00 canvas tote bags from Big Lots on Cochran Street and fabric markers. Wowza. Add some fabric paint, and you have a fabulous future parent gift (you know you are begging for your own...).

Rock collecting. This really is fun during a hike.

Leaf collecting. This is very educational as we learn about all the different leaves and trees in our area. If you spread paint on the leaves, then press the leaves onto paper, you'll create a memorable backdrop for a photograph.

Woah. Rock... Paint... Father's Day paperweight. So far, it's a tradition in our house.

Build a graham cracker house.... and EAT IT. Use up leftover cereal, marshmallows, candy pieces, and stick it with frosting or marshmallow fluff. MUNCH down on a hedonistic treat. Prepare for the sugar crash nap. Once in awhile... WHY not?

Play a board game. We don't spend enough time with our children as it is... and we complain about their using video games. Well, dang it! Be a part of the solution...! Show them how to play Crazy 8s, Old Maid, you name it! Charades! The sky's the limit!

Speaking of skies, cloud watching is awesome. Ask questions: What does that look like? what do you think a cloud tastes like? Can we sketch that cloud? Make a book of clouds. Make a model of cloud with cotten balls and glue (not tape... it looks terrible...just a light application of glue is okay..). Hang it in their room above their bed with some star cut outs. Very cool.

My personal favorite: Find the Matching Sock Game. Once you find its partner, ball them up together and Make a Basket! Two points for making it. 1 point for missing and then putting it in the basket. Loser puts them ALL away! WOO HOO!