Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Trips to the zoo, endless hours of chalk drawing in the driveway, and running through the sprinkler are all exciting summer activities to keep your kids entertained for hours, but what happens when the weather has other plans? Being cooped up inside for any amount of time can make kids and parents go absolutely crazy. At Bower Design and Construction, we think everyone needs a space inside to burn off some energy or relax and recharge. Here are some home additions and activities to keep everyone’s sanity in place on crumby days!

• Home Theater. A home theater can be as simple or extravagant as you want it to be! You don’t need custom leather seating and a state of the art AV system (although if that’s what you want go for it!). A home theater can be as simple as a cheap projector and a comfy couch! No matter what you decide, it gives you another space to unwind and spend time together as a family!

• Basement Playroom. Adding in a designated play space in your home is the best way to keep your kids occupied even when a trip to the park isn’t an option. If space allows, add in a climbing structure or if space is limited a climbing wall is a great way to get out energy without sacrificing square footage! 

• Scavenger Hunt. A great way to encourage creativity and get your kids to branch out from screen time is to create an exciting scavenger hunt around your home! Add things like “find your favorite snack in the pantry” and “find me your favorite book to read!” Even when it’s things they do every day, making it a game will keep your kids entertained for hours!

• Homemade Box Cars. This is a good one for mom and dad to encourage you to empty out some of those moving boxes you’ve been procrastinating unpacking! Grab a few big boxes, some black construction paper for wheels, and some markers and let your kids design their own cars! Use the cars to race around the house or set them up in front of the tv for a drive in movie night! Not only do they get to spend time creating the cars, the excitement carries on into the night!

• Bathtub Beach Day. If rain has put a damper on your pool day, it’s time to fill up the nice soaker tub you had put into your master bathroom but never have time to use and let your kids jump in! Grab some beach toys, squirt guns, and even fill a storage tub with play sand to add to the fun!