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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Ask a Dad

Summer Funnin’

Dear Tyler,
In this tough economy, I was wondering if you had any suggestions for inexpensive, but memorable summer activities?
Fondly,
Cashless in California



Dear Cashless in California,

Summer’s almost here!! (No offense, Phoenix.) Summer weather always means outdoor fun with the kids – beaches, pools, parks, barbeques, lemonade stands, and sunburns. Actually, speaking of sunburns, Kacey has never had the displeasure of burning. However, she thinks I need to put on sun block just to get the mail.

Here are a few little known summer fun activities your kids will love that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

Shark Watching
Shark watching is just like bird watching only more rad. Simply go to your nearest beach, wade out till the water is consistently hitting your kid in the chest and wait. It’s probably best to show your child a few pictures of sharks before you go out so they’ll know what they’re looking for. Don’t forget to bring a pair of underwater binoculars!

Star Counting
Star counting is a more interactive way to star gaze. Get your family to a rural destination at 3:00 AM when most people are asleep. Make a game of it by seeing who can count the most stars. Here's a fun rule: When a person reaches 5,000, try to distract their concentration with verbal abuse causing them to have to restart. Good times guaranteed.

Burr Collecting

Go out to a field of weeds and simply see who can collect the most burrs. Whoever collects the most doesn’t have to eat one. No velcro shoes, cheaters.

Swimming

You’re welcome.

-Tyler

Tyler H is a guest blogger and father to Emi. The Three Bay B Chicks have asked him to shed light on a Dad’s point of view under the stern supervision of his loving wife. If you have a question for Ask A Dad, feel free to submit it in the comments section. The Three Bay B Chicks are not responsible for Tyler's "advice."
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30 comments:

KidProofCanada said...

This summer is the best time to join educational programs that will teach in keeping Kids Safe without Fear. A bonding experience that the whole family will enjoy.

Claremont First Ward said...

Hilarious.

You forgot snail races. Those keep em' busy for awhile. :)

tiburon said...

Shark watching is the greatest thing ever.
If I do say so myself.

Queenie Jeannie said...

LOL!!!!!

He & Me + 3 said...

I love the burr collecting idea. I would totally not want to lose that challenge. LOL

Kristina P. said...

I'd also like to recommend starting fires and trying to drown your siblings in the pool.

Kyle Farmer said...

I totally wish I lived somewhere that was conducive to shark watching. Unfortunately, not a lot of sharks in Mid-Missouri. So we spend our time mosiquito watching.

Amy said...

The stars are the best. We are going to spend time at Grandma's pool to stay cool and have fun.

Randi Troxell said...

oh i like this ... lol

Becky said...

Shark watching, huh? There ought to be a prize for the first lucky person to spot a shark. No, no - even better! A prize for the person who doesn't soil himself when said shark is spotted.

Now that's quality family time.

Crazee Juls said...

We don't live near a beach..but I know a couple of kids who would thoroughly enjoy shark watching... :)

theUngourmet said...

We are on a little mini vacation to Central Oregon and I was out star watching last night. It was so amazing! It is so much darker over here than where we live.

All of these ideas sound great!

Connie said...

I'm from Florida... we had to watch for sharks... and alligators, and crocodiles, and territorial water moccasins, gar fish, barricuda, snapping turtles, and drunk tourists in rented boats... and mosquitoes, and rattle snakes, diseased armadillos, and palmetto bugs (which is a fancy way of saying 'giant flying roach') ...and there was the lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes... yet, somehow, summer was the BEST time of year. You couldn't keep us out of the water and/or woods! (must have been the heat baking our brains). We don't live in Florida now, but took our kids to Disney one year, and another year, to a Gulf Coast island with lots of beaches and nature areas to explore...we had a blast at each, but guess which one they beg to go back to? Not the one with the famous mouse!

Happy Hot Weather Season! :D

The Blonde Duck said...

I prefer dolphins to sharks.

Sharon said...

great ideas! Now the only problem is picking just one to start with!

rychelle said...

don't forget tick gathering. the memories (and lyme disease) will stay with you forever.

Tulip Row said...

Thanks for the tips, although my backyard is filled with "burrs" I had no idea that was their name was until a word game one new years eve night. I am now thankful for that game, so that I knew exactly what you were talking about! Ha ha...

Meg said...

Love Ask A Dad. Tyler never disappoints.

Like the new blog look too! Very cute!

Debbie said...

I do love the idea of burr collecting. Brilliant!

Ann Imig said...

Burr collecting...awesome.

Thanks for adding me to your blogroll, guys! I really appreciate that.

Helene said...

I love these Ask a Dad segments!!! Oh and I love the shark watching...much better than throwing them to the wolves.

Counselormama said...

Don't forget ladybug killing! My kids do this inadvertently ALL the time after a mass collecting.

Katie Lane said...

Nice list

Blogging about the 80's and 90's said...

You can always make pine floats for the kiddos. That's a glass of water with a toothpick in it.

Or, Hot Dog Water Soup. You eat the Hot Dogs, they get the soup.

WILLOW TREE said...

I laughed so hard I almost woke up my kiddies at the no velcro shoes cheaters. Bwaaaahahaha!

Blessings, C~

Kathy B! said...

Your blog is like rubbing the magical genie's lamp! I was just thinking that I need some clothes for my twins (went in to help them dress this morning and found they have a total of four short-sleeve shirts and they're ALL in the wash. We had to "borrow" from older sister and they look more like nightgowns than shirts not to mention older sister was not happy to have her drawers raided).

And here I find a Gap coupon!

I could just kiss you! Mmmwah!

Kathy B! said...

Good grief! This comments belongs on the post above... Get. me. caffeine....

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

The burr thing- I have a question. Are there bonus points if you go barefoot? I think there should be.

Jennifer said...

What fun ideas! Thanks!!

Laura said...

Good times had by all Tyler! Uh and where are all of the limbo contests during the shark watching and star gazing? Huh!!