Stacy's Top 10 Things to Do With Bored Kids
Posted: 05/08/2006 - by
I asked for other folks' Top 10 Lists, and I received this one from stalbertsportsfan's Dance Team Editor, Stacy Rooker.
Summer's almost here and Stacy's going to help some of you parents out by supplying you with this Top 10 List Of Things To Do When the Kids Are Bored And You Need to Get Them Out Of The House!
The Zoo: I know, we all have been there a lot, but you have to admit, it is a good way to kill a boring afternoon. We have a world class zoo with lots to see and do. Once I can get them there it is almost always fun. Great exercise, fresh air, quick drive and the popcorn is salty and the ice cream isn’t bad. Even when it’s raining you can find something to do at the zoo. I recommend shaking those bridges in the jungle and the Kingdom of the night, freaks my kids out every time. They love it!
The Old Market: okay, this one isn’t Sam’s first choice, however there are always unique sights and sounds in the Old Market. I lure him down there with the idea of eating at a good restaurant. We love to people watch, love our Zio’s pizza and we like to walk around and over to the Heart of America Park and check out the Riverfront.
The Strike Zone: All three of us agree, the Strike Zone is fun. Can be slightly pricey, but a good time. Batting cages, with automatic pitching machines and you are assigned by age and either softball or baseball, I believe. Lots of teenage boys, for the teenage girl in your home. Some Dads, too for the single mother in your home. Really, it’s fun, great exercise and a great way for the kids to better their batting skills. They have clinics and other perks you can register for.
Family Fun Center: I admit it, this is not my number one pick. I am just not a big gaming person. But, again the boy in your home probably has been there already. Can be very pricey and your money and tickets go quickly. This place has games galore, skate boarding, snowboarding, motorcycles, probably every game around. I recommend sending them with the man in your life unless you dig playing arcade games.
Bowling/Cosmic Bowling at Thunderbowl: The thing about bowling is you don’t have to be a pro bowler to have fun. We like to pick out funny bowling names, buy the bowling alley junk food, wear the ugly shoes and go from there. In the summer, Thunderbowl always provides the kids with two free games a day and the cosmic bowling is even more fun. I recommend making reservations if you are cosmic bowling as the lanes fill up in advance and you need to know that smoking and drinking is allowed during that time.
The Star Cinema: A lot of us are already more than familiar with the Star. Let’s face it, a movie is a good way to kill 2 or more hours when you need something to do. Again, not cheap, but you can always sneak your candy or pop in by using your purse. The kids always run into their friends and once again, the small arcade lures them over to force you to hang out just a little longer.
Local Sporting Events: Okay, there are too many to mention. I have discovered that while I dislike watching sports on tv, I love live sports. So if watching your children play isn’t enough, how about hitting Rosenblatt, the MAC, the Qwest or some other field and check out some live action yourself.
Barnes and Noble: When it’s raining or you need a place to kill some time, I highly recommend the book store. My first stop is the coffee bar for a nice café mocha, then we all head out to our favorite parts of the store. There really is a lot to look at and comfortable chairs to sit a spell while you are looking at good book, magazine or in Sam’s case, a PS2 cheat code book. You can try out music before you buy. I like to try it and head to where it is cheaper myselfJ. You can kill quite a bit of time, if you relax and just wander.
Bike Riding On The Local Trails: Once again, the kids may whine and resist at first, but we always have fun when we hit the dusty trails. We like to hop on by Harrah’s casino and either head north to Big Lake or the farthest was to Lewis Central so far. Strap your camelpacks on, pack a lunch and go. No money involved there, just a good work out, fresh air, occasional wild life and fun.
Desoto National Wildlife Refuge: Well, I loved the Desoto of my childhood more, you know the one where we would camp for days, swim, ski, fish, hike. Fond, fond memories! However, it is still a great place to visit since it is about 25 miles or so to drive. They have a lot to do for kids, trails to hike, wildlife, fishing and camping at Wilson’s Island. No swimming is allowed anymore, but you can use a boat-they have strict rules. The Visitor Center is a place to check out with artifacts and info on the sinking of the Steamboat Bertrand. There is a $3 fee park fee per vehicle. So pack a lunch and head north for a nice afternoon.
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