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Fun Activities for Elementary School Kids

With all the electronics, computer games and interactive media, kids may find themselves bored once their screen-time is up. But they do not have to be. There are so many things for school-aged children to do. They just need to use their imagination; follow a little adult guidance; and be prepared for a good time.

Light It Up Outside
- Burning candles in ice is a safe way to enjoy the flame.
  
  This project is very easy and does not require a lot of tools or money. The kids should have a bucket, like a summer beach bucket; a tin can or small plastic cup; and access to water for their ice candles. Have the kids fill the bucket with water and place the can or cup in the center of the bucket. The can should sink just a little but not be fully submerged. Weigh it down with pebbles or more water if it tends to float on the top.
  
  Once the water is completely frozen in the bucket, remove it. Take the tin can out of the ice mold. If either of these is difficult, run the bucket under warm water until the ice slides out or pour some warm water over the tin can until it is easily pulled from the ice. Have the kids make several of these, then light the way for guests along the front walk or place the molds in random places throughout the yard. Place a slow-burn candle in the depression made from the tin can, light it, and watch your kids beam as their winter wonderland lights the landscape.
Create a Meal
- Preparing the family meal is a fun and helpful activity.
  
  Ask the kids to create a menu for dinner; make a shopping list; help you at the market; then prepare the meal at home. If you want, put some nutritional guidelines in place, like the meal must have at least one vegetable, one fruit and a serving of dairy. The kids can make it as easy or elaborate as they are capable of, and you can help if need be. Make sure the kids know how to safely operate any item they need to use, like the oven or food processor.
Make it Personal
- If your kids are not ready to create an entire meal for the family, maybe they would like to make their own personal pizza and ice cream sundae. You can prepare the crusts for each child, then let them put on the toppings of their choice. Bake them for the recommended time and enjoy personalized pizza for dinner. For dessert, let each kid make a personal ice cream sundae. Have a few ice-cream flavors on hand, as well as different toppings such as caramel, chocolate, butterscotch or strawberry sauce; peanuts; candy sprinkles; crushed cookies; and fresh berries.
Go On a Date
- Children delight in making decisions about a restaurant and menu choices.
  
  Take your elementary-school child on a date. Let him pick the restaurant for dinner (you can specify no fast food if you want) and the movie. It is not often children this age get to make all the choices, so go with whatever he chooses without complaining or trying to get him to change his mind. Enjoy the time together, the conversation and the possibility of a good dinner out and entertaining show.

Kids Games