You could also play "pin the bee on the beehive". Make a beehive our of brown paper - maybe a grocery bag, then make paper bees backed with masking tape.
You might have the children pretend they are "things that fly" They could "buzz and fly like a bumble bee", "soar like an eagle", "fly like a plane", and even "fly like a kite".
You might, also, do a search on preschool curriculum sites to find activities on bees. Another idea is to paint some flowers - use the cup of an egg carton with a green pipecleaner stem. ... View related article.
I'd be careful about using soda bottle caps - I always take them away from my dog because of concern about choking. I've also heard of dogs choking on ice cubes.
My dog isn't a big chewer, so she is okay with the soft plastic yogurt tops. She likes to carry them around and hoard them. You could also use the lid of a soft plastic container (like generic Cool Whip top) as a frisbee - just watch for chewing.
Dog also likes stuffed rabbits with embroidered faces - found at garage sale or thrift store. I don't have to worry about eyes coming off. Watch for choking hazards with stuffed animals. Also, my vet said to be careful about plastics that break - they could cause an obstruction or perforation. (I have to watch for plasticware - she finds everything and carries it around or chews a bit.)
I've seen dogs that like to play with a trickle of water from the hose - fun when you are watering things. Then they play in the puddles on patio. TJ ... View related article.
Let a child play with a paint brush and a toy bucket of water. The young ones love to "paint" the house or the sidewalk. Good activity for a hot day and they love it. ... View related article.
This might sound a little "overly cautious", but I very rarely catch a cold or flu. I use a baby wipe and some hand sanatizer when I leave my HMO pharmacy, which is always full of people coughing and sniffling. I also do this during cold and flu season when I leave the grocery store and when I attend conferences with thousands of people. For times when there isn't a handy place to wash hands.
Also, great at conferences to take a "freshen up sponge bath" - I keep them in a zip lock baggie and sprinkle some witchhazel on them (if I can find at drug store). Really great after dances and on hot days. ... View related article.
Here's a few ideas: get a variety of books from the library. Try crafts - even craft books for children have fun ideas and I find it relaxing. When my budget is tight I just get the kid-type craft supplies instead of spending money in art stores. Make a collage, play with paints. I also enjoy reading childrens and young adult books from time to time - a fun quick read.
Does your library have book sales? I get books for a bargain and used videos for $1. BTW - Have a Johnny Depp film festival sometime. I rent my favorites at the video store.
Exercise tapes and DVDs or walking. There are a lot of free exercise "classes" through About.com http://www.about.com (with tips for routines or tips on walking, such as step-counting).
Decorate your home for the seasons - I use table clothes, fabric, nicknacks - such as old china that I've salvaged and bring in some flowers or greenery.
Check out free classes at http://www.suite101.com I've taken free tutorials on Haiku, and Creative Writing. They have courses on art, history, crafts, just about anything you can imagine.
Barnes & Noble also offers on-line classes, but I think they charge a small fee now.
I'm not plugging gambling, but if there is Bingo in your area it is a lot more fun than I thought and a cheap night out. I can play games all night for $6 or so and it goes to a local charity. Folks are friendly.
Also, check into local adult ed classes offered by school districts, or local community college classes or extension classes. Any dancing or music groups in your area? I used to do folk dance and ballroom dance for a reasonable fee. There are also Cyber opportunities for volunteers if you don't find something in your area.
Music - spend an evening enjoying different types of music with CD's from the library or your own collection. Also, enjoy books on tape or on CD from the library. And if you can't find the book you want - ask about interlibrary loan. ... View related article.
