Summer Boredom Busters for Kids :: Fishing Game

This fishing game is from a few years back, but it's still a big hit at our house.  The kids will take turns setting it up for each other to go "fishing".  Click here for instructions so you can make your own game.

Summer Boredom Buster {Fishing Game}

Do your kids love fishing, but you can't always take them out to the water?  Then this fun fishing game is for you.  It's fun for them to put together and even more fun for them to play.  Click here for directions.

Giant Jenga

 This is a project that my husband took on over the summer.  He made the kids a gigantic Jenga game for them to play on the back patio.  I have no pictures of the process, but I can tell you that you need 8 pieces of wood that are 2" x 4" x 8'.  You want to cut them 10.5" long and sand the ends so that no one gets a splinter.  They love playing with the blocks for Jenga and to make ramps for little cars.

Paper Towel Roll Fishing Game

Fishing Game Supply List: 2 paper towel rolls, paper clips, glue, scissors, small fish, wrapping paper tube fishing pole

Begin by cutting out your fish.  You could use sticker or some from a coloring book.  We used some from a flyer we had.

Cut your paper towel rolls into 1 inch sections and glue your fish to the tubes.

Slip a paper clip over your cardboard tube and grab your pole.  It's time for a little fishing.

Toilet Paper Roll Treasure Hunt

This was an activity we did last year at Cole's birthday party.  We had a Carnival Party and I used our sandbox as treasure hunt site.

 Treasure Hunt Supply List: toilet paper rolls, pipe cleaners, wrapping paper, small prizes

 Begin by stuffing your prizes into our toilet paper rolls.  I used small bags of Legos since those are always a hit.

Make sure you have enough for all your party guests.

Wrap up your toilet paper rolls and secure the ends with pipe cleaners.

Bury your prizes just under the surface of the sand and start digging!  You might want to be sure to count how many prizes you've actually buried so that you know when everything has been found.

Paper Towel Roll Toddler Entertainment

So this isn't really a craft, but since I used it to entertain my 16 month old the other day, I thought I'd share. 

Toddler Entertainment Supply List: 6 paper towel rolls, 1 or more 6 pack holders, curious toddler

I started by showing her how they fit in the holes.  Then I sat back and watched her figure out how to get all 6 in the container.

Success!  No sooner had she figured it out, than she lost interest and moved on to playing with Cole's stickers.  At least it kept her busy for a little while.

Paper Towel Roll Marble Run

 Marble Run Supply List: 10-12 paper towel rolls, hot glue gun, magnets, scissors, marble

 Cut out the edges on each of the tubes.

 Use the hot glue gun to attach magnets to the side of the tubes.  Please do not allow your children to use a hot glue gun.  I did this part while Cole was napping.

 Line up your tubes on a magnetic surface.  This would be a great activity to do on your fridge.  We just got a new stainless steel fridge and it is not magnetic so we did out marble run on the laundry room door.

Here is a video of our little activity.  It was a HUGE hit!