Amid concerns surrounding the coronavirus, many summer camps have been canceled this season. For parents of children whose summer camps won’t go on as scheduled, there are some things you can do at home to keep them occupied.
From parades to backyard camping and creativity, here are five things Parents magazine says your child can do this summer to stay busy while remaining at home.
Best of all, these options won’t break the bank
» RELATED: Summer camp operators gauge how to work with Georgia's new rules
Make goop
Get your hands dirty and make some Oobleck, a slimy substance that can become a liquid or a solid.
To make the goo, pour one cup of water into a large mixing bowl. Then, add a few drops of food coloring of your child’s choice. Slowly stir in two cups of cornstarch with a spoon and be ready to use your hands to mix as the slime forms — your kids may particularly enjoy this step.
» RELATED: 5 science projects for kids using items already in your home
Read a story
While your children may have required reading, they need to be able to have elective reading materials, too. Glimpse online retailers like Amazon or Barnes and Noble for books that will widen your child's imagination. Better yet, support local bookstores, including those offering delivery amid the pandemic.
» RELATED: Atlanta bookstores offer contact-free delivery amid coronavirus
Have a backyard campout
If you can’t go camping, you can bring the camp to you. Head to the backyard and watch the stars under a tent. Alternatively, you can bring the feeling of camp indoors with a fort made of blankets and pillows. Make it complete with S’mores and ghost stories — if you dare!
Go on a bike parade
Bike riding just got more fun and festive with a parade in the neighborhood. Before riding (and maintaining social distance), decorate with streamers, ribbons and pipe cleaners using this tutorial from Toys R Us. Add stickers and any other decorative items, then ride around the neighborhood to put the creation on display.
