Need Summer Activity Ideas for Kids? Check Out 'The Dangerous Book for Boys'!

[dannyzmom]

So...I found a great 1/2 hour project.
We took the small SS bowl and threw it in the freezer for a while - like 20minutes or so.
Then we took a pint of heavy whipping cream and poured it into the chilled SS bowl.
We took turns beating the cream with the double balloon whisk til it turned into whipped cream. We each got to eat a teaspoon of whipped cream.
THEN we kept on whipping it til it separated and looked gross - liquid separating from this thick icky stuff.
Then we took the new Chef's Tool Strainer and plopped the mass into it and pushed on it till all the liquid came out.
In a zippy bag we put some kosher salt. Laid that between the microfiber towel and banged on it with the smooth side of the meat tenderizer til we no longer had coarse salt but we now had a very fine salt.
We added some of that salt to the strained mass of thick stuff...mixed it up and VOILA - delicious homemade salted butter!!!
Today we used that butter in teh 8" skillet to make scrambled eggs...and this evening we used some of that butter in the grill pan to make banana and Nutella tortatinis!!

What are some PC ways ya'll are keeping your kids busy this summer?

 

[DebbieJ]

Wow, you are creative!

 

[dannyzmom]

Wow, you are creative!

Nah...just desperate - LOL
They've been out for all of 5 days and they're ready to kill each other...LOL
I need more easy & fun things we can do to keep the kids entertained!!
Tomorrow we'r emaking paper-chain-link necklaces with all my scrap paper.

 

[JAE]

Welllll, my kids eat the food I make! Where did you come up with that? Were you a science major? About the busiest I keep my kids busy with PC items is putting them away out of the dishwasher! I used to have the ice shaver and we shaved frozen kool aid. They do enjoy mixing kool aid in the quick stir pitcher.

 

[JAE]

With my two boys, 11 and 10, I'm planning to go to the beach at least once a week, golf once every week or two and I'm sending them to sports camps. Also, my 11 year old is into skate boarding, so we will be going to the skate park just a few times. (Boring for me, but good incentive for him to read, read, read!)

 

[chefkristin]

Wow Carolyn-your are deperate. LOL!! I could never have come up with that.
Why don't you have your kids deliver catalogs to your neighbors doorsteps.

 

[Paige Dixon]

Chores, chores!! I've already had mine help take wallpaper off a wall, three more to go!

Whenever they're about to kill each other, I assign them to pick a bucket full of weeds, or vaccuum out the van...

 

[smspamperedchef]

Chores, chores!! I've already had mine help take wallpaper off a wall, three more to go!

Whenever they're about to kill each other, I assign them to pick a bucket full of weeds, or vaccuum out the van...

OOH!!! Vacuum the Van. I LIKE IT!! It's their mess anyways! GREAT IDEA! THANKS!!!

 

[katie0128]

"We" clean the boys' room today (actually they did, I just sat and directed) and are getting rid of all toys that they are not able to find all the parts for by Wednesday. To find the rest of the pieces, it will require searching through the playroom, which will require actually putting things away to be able to even find the toybox, which of course will lead to more toys that are missing pieces, which will be send to Goodwill in 3 days if all missing pieces are not found, which should lead to cleaning the family room... I'm hoping to get most of the house cleaned (or at least fairly toy free) in about 10 days!

 

[MissChef]

Carolyn, how cool are you?! I would never have come up with that but I think in about 2 weeks I'll be coming back to here looking for this thread! I like your butter idea!
how fun!
I need to really start teaching my daughter how to cook this summer. My son can learn too, but really doesn't seem near as interested as my daughter!

 

[chef131doreen]

I will be in the same boat as you soon , school will be out in a few weeks. We have alot of kids in our neiborhood so I was thinking of doing a cooking class on day on the deck ( I want to keep the mess outside) like make your own pizza I will have the toppings in bowls and even cook them on the grill . IF I have them use some tools maybe they will go home to have mom buy the so they can start o cook too. my son 12 , daughter 10

 

[chefann]

How about homemade Playdoh or slime? I don't have recipes, but those are the kinds of things that are all over the web. (Hooray for Google!)

 

[Chef Kearns]

Wow!! Homemade butter! Next week we'll be doing that one! So far summer hasn't been too bad on mom. My 2 oldest have been in camps the last 2 weeks. Last week was Bible camp and this week is Spurs basketball camp (Go Spurs Go). Next week there is a break in activities. However; they still have piano lessons, guitar lessons, swim lessons for the 3 year old, gymnastics for the 3 year old, Sea World passes AND VBS!! So I don't think we'll be too bored! And I have to work in a few shows in all that too. Just my luck my husband starts travelling again once the camps are over.

 

[amy07]

Chores, chores!! I've already had mine help take wallpaper off a wall, three more to go!

Whenever they're about to kill each other, I assign them to pick a bucket full of weeds, or vaccuum out the van...

Oh my, that is so something I would do!! LOL Mine fight so bad, I keep telling them how long the summer will be when they spend it sitting on the porch holding hands!! But, I like that........a little manual labor is good, and goodness knows I have plenty of weeds in my gardens to keep them busy!

 

[janetupnorth]

I make mine run laps around the house.

 

[janetupnorth]

...and send them off to a sitter all day while I go to work...

Unfortunately after work, they still have WAY more energy than me...

But, I have to say they still play pretty well together...

 

[rebeccastt]

Here are some recipes for fun, edible playdough:


From the site: http://www.childfun.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=269&mode=&order=0&thold=0

A great thing about a play dough activity is that it allows children to experience different textures and use four out of their five senses. Encourage creativity by putting out cookie cutters, little bowls, lids from jars, measuring spoons... and add to their fun by giving them Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, colored cake decorating sprinkles/dots, chocolate chips, ice cream cones and other such items. To help them in their play-acting, give them Graham Cracker teddy bears and animal crackers.

I suggest covering a play area surface with waxed paper and let the children have a good time both creating and eating but be sure to give them some ideas and examples to get them started! Enjoy these fun projects with your children by letting your imagination be your guide be an "un-grownup", it's great fun!

KOOL-AID PLAY DOUGH
This play dough is colorful and has a wonderful fragrance too. The kids just love it!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup salt
2-1/2 cups flour
2 packages Kool-Aid
3 tablespoons oil
2 cups boiling water

Directions: Mix dry ingredients. Add oil. Add water and knead.

Storage: Store in plastic bags in the refrigerator.

JELL-O PLAY DOUGH
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 (3-1/2-oz.) package "unsweetened" Jell-O

Directions: Mix all ingredients together and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until consistency of mashed potatoes. Let cool and knead with floured hands until dry.

Storage: This recipe needs to cool completely "before" storing it in an airtight container! Note: The items made from this play dough recipe can be painted when they are dry.

OATMEAL DOUGH
Ingredients:
1 part flour
2 parts oatmeal
1 part water

Directions: Mix ingredients together and form into shapes. Note: The items made from this play dough recipe can be painted when they are dry.

CREAM CHEESE PLAY DOUGH
Ingredients:
8 oz. package of cream cheese
1/2 cup non-fat dry milk
1 tablespoon honey
Crackers or bread slices

Directions: Combine cream cheese, milk and honey in a bowl and mix until well blended. Mold sculptures on wax paper.

Storage: Unused portions MUST BE STORED in an airtight container and kept refrigerated!! Because cream cheese is perishable, use the expiration date on the cream cheese package as your guide for how long you can keep this play dough. Note: The shapes can then be placed on crackers or bread slices, decorated with edibles (celery or carrot slivers, raisins, dried fruit pieces, nuts, or seeds for a healthy snack! then EAT!

CAUTION: Some children are allergic to peanut butter!!!!!
PEANUT BUTTER/GRAHAM CRACKER PLAY DOUGH
(I've listed this recipe so you can help your child experience their senses)
Ingredients:
Equal amounts of Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Creme Graham Crackers

Directions:
1) Allow children to crumble up Graham Crackers into crumbs, then set these aside. Let them have just a little touch of the Marshmallow Creme and a little touch of peanut butter to feel the different textures and to lick off their fingers. (washing hands before project start is a good idea...)
2) Mix the peanut butter and Marshmallow Creme together and have the children notice the change in texture.
3) Cover surface area with wax paper or use a breadboard, let children make into shapes. 4) Roll shapes in Graham Cracker crumbs, then EAT!!!

Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container.

PEANUT BUTTER PLAY DOUGH
Ingredients:
One 18-oz jar creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup non-fat dry milk

Directions: Mix ingredients together, using varying amounts of dry milk for desired consistencies. Knead it with fingers, forming into desired shapes, adding other foods like M&M's or peanuts for eyes, mouths, etc. Great fun! (Thanks to Lisa M.H.))

Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container.

GIRL SCOUNT PEANUT BUTTER PLAY DOUGH
Ingredients:
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
2 cups powdered sugar

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl, using your hands. Dough should feel soft and pliable. Form shapes and be creative!! Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container.

SMOOTH PEANUT BUTTER PLAY DOUGH
Ingredients:
2 cups smooth peanut butter
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups dried milk
2/3 cups honey

Directions: Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container.

FROSTING PLAY DOUGH
Ingredients:
1 can frosting (any flavor)
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter

Directions: Mix together until dough reaches desired consistency

Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. Next time you want to use it, let it come to room temperature for pliable dough.

And now a couple of chocolate recipes that will require adult supervision for the smaller children -- otherwise they may have some tummy aches from over-eating their art supplies. The following two yummy recipes are great because while the kids are having fun, Mommy is making things to use for cake decorations. These doughs are easy to make worms, letters, flowers, shapes or whatever the children or Mommy can create in their imaginations.

CHOCOLATE PLAY DOUGH
Ingredients:
8 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/4 cup plus one tablespoon light corn syrup

Directions: Melt the chocolate in a metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water (a double boiler). Stir the chocolate with a spoon until smooth, then stir in the corn syrup. The chocolate will stiffen almost immediately but stir until completely combined. Transfer the chocolate to a sturdy plastic bag and refrigerate until firm; the consistency will be that of Play Dough. When firm, the dough can be worked by kneading. If it is too hard, cut off small pieces and knead until pliable. If the dough sticks to the counter when rolling, lightly spray counter or breadboard with vegetable spray or lightly grease with a vegetable oil.
1) Hand shape the dough into a rope or braid, making two or three long ropes and twist or braid them together -- can be used as the outside edge on top of the cake or around the base.
2) Make ribbons to cover the cake. To do this, pat your dough into a disk shape and roll dough out to desired thickness using a rolling pin or else use a manual pasta machine.
3) Flowers, too! Compliments of www.joyofbaking.com

CHOCOLATE CLAY
Ingredients:
10 ounces chocolate, almond bard or candy discs
1/3 cup corn syrup

Directions: Slowly melt candy and stir until smooth. Add syrup and blend thoroughly. Pour onto waxed paper and spread with fingers until about 1/2 inch thick. Cover loosely with waxed paper and allow it to stiffen (couple of hours). Then play and eat. To make flower petals, roll out little balls and flatten them, then pinch the petals together and these make wonderful "I Love You" gifts, even if it isn't Valentine's Day. Compliments of Kim Swanger

 

[rebeccastt]

Flub RecipeFlub/Flubber/Gak etc. is a fun gooey mixture that you can easily make with kids. It stretches and pulls. Very fun.

Gak Recipe
Ingredients:
# 1 cup white glue
# food coloring, your choice of color (optional: coloring can stain!)
# 1 cup liquid starch

Pour glue and coloring in plastic container.

Stir until color is thoroughly mixed in.

Add starch a little at a time, stirring with a spoon or kneading with your fingers as mixture thickens.

Keep stirring until mixture holds together like putty.

Test with your fingers: if too sticky, add more starch in small amounts until mass is smooth and rubbery.

 

[rebeccastt]

Ice Cream in a BagIce Cream in a Bag
Copyright © 1999 Dorothy LaFara, auntannie.com
Here is a fun idea for a hot summer day. My kids love it!

Note: As in all recipes, results can vary depending on humidity, conditions, etc. Please try any recipe out before attempting in a group setting.

This project is rated VERY EASY to do.

What You Need


* 1 tablespoon Sugar
* 1/2 cup Milk or half & half
* 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla
* 6 tablespoons Rock salt
* 1 pint-size Ziploc plastic bag
* 1 gallon-size Ziploc plastic bag
* Ice cubes



How To Make It


1. Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
2. Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
3. Place the small bag inside the large one and seal again carefully.
4. Shake until mixture is ice cream, about 5 minutes.
5. Wipe off top of small bag, then open carefully and enjoy!

 

[Paula R. Lewis]

Today was our first "official" day home. My boys washed my van. It hasn't been this clean in a very long time!! lol

Anybody got any brilliant, "cheap" ideas for tomorrow?? lol

 

[MGG]

How about homemade Playdoh or slime? I don't have recipes, but those are the kinds of things that are all over the web. (Hooray for Google!)

That is a great idea Ann. You can even make that into a science lesson on colloids (Jr. high age science) or if it's for elementary age you can read the Dr. Seuss book that is about slime--forgot the name (red cover not alot of color). The most common household colloid you eat-mayo. It is also a TAKS topic for high schoolers.

If you really want to stretch their little heads you can do a lesson on cross-linkage and synthesis of materials made from plastics. (The Slime lab using glue which is a copolymer PVA & borax)

You can do alot of home science fun. Molecular gum drops, chemical reactions, food chain pictures, even take them out to the park and teach them Newton's laws of motion. An object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by an outside equal force, F=m*a, For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction-then go on and teach resistance-surface and air ect...

Boys will love to learn Force= Mass * Acceleration. Will you get hit harder is it's a small ball or a large ball? Will it hurt more if it is coming fast or slow like in baseball. The trick is to ask them the questions that get them understanding the concept. If you teach the concept you'll lose them.

Miss being a Physics & Chem teacher-rarely but it happens

 

[MGG]

The Ice Cream Lab is also fun but make sure to ask the questions that lead to higher level thinking and not just-Ok that was fun. Three questions you want them thinking about is what caused the ice to melt, what did it take to get it melted and why did the ice cream harden. This is a huge lesson on the transfer of heat and the changes of state.

 

[chefann]

I just saw a book at the bookstore that is full of neat ideas. It's geared at boys (not that girls wouldn't have fun with the activities, stories, and facts) ages 7-13 (I think). It was called The Dangerous Book for Boys. There's an interesting interview with the authors at http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061243582/?tag=pfamazon01-20.