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13 Savvy Ways to Play Without Needing an Electrical Outlet

Turn back the clock this summer to an easier, laid back, simpler time in life, where kids got away from the screens and played with bugs, folded paper into boats and let their imaginations run wild. Here are some ways to get those kids away from their iPads!
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Turn back the clock this summer to an easier, laid back, simpler time in life, where kids got away from the screens and played with bugs, folded paper into boats and let their imaginations run wild.

The entire family will love returning to some great classics when they try out these 13 old school ways to play.

Behold Bright Lights

Female fireflies have it all figured out; they signal their readiness to mate by blinking on and off. (There's a lesson for us in there somewhere.) To catch a male firefly, mimic the blinking of a female with a flashlight turning it on and off, then swoop them up as they fly by. When it's "lights out" for the kids, it'll be time to let the fireflies out too. You'll need fireflies, a glass jar with lid and air holes, some long grass and patience. (Get the full how to here)

Sail Away

You run a tight ship, so teaching the kids about paper boat races should be second nature. Take a refresher on the required folds, grab some paper and you're off to the races on a lake, in a pool, even in the bathtub. You'll need paper (normal printer-sized paper is fine, for larger boats, use bigger sizes) and markers, so kids can personalize their vessel. (Get the full how to here)

Go Hunting

Take note, PETA. We're suggesting the kind that includes a treasure map or scavenger list. For younger kids, this activity will require heavy involvement on your part, but older kids can team up to create and design their own hunt of either kind. Add a time element and the knowledge that a double scoop of something cool and delicious awaits them afterwards, and a summer tradition is born. You'll need:maps, clues, treasure (for a treasure hunt) or a list of items to be collected (for a scavenger hunt). (Get the full how to here)

Get schooled in fun with these 13 Old School Ways to Play.

This post originally appeared onSavvyMom.ca.

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