Create a cozy, keep busy area for Summer vacation with kids

Whether you have kids or will be caring for them this Summer, a cozy, keep busy area can come to the rescue. It's simple to create and its purpose will last through the summer and beyond. While getting outdoors is essential, so is reading and doing hands-on indoor activities. With the right spot, kids will stay occupied for long periods of time.

Clear the floor – The first step in creating a cozy, busy area is to clear away all the furniture from the center of the room. A family room or play room makes a great space for this purpose. But any easily accessible area will work. Start with a blank slate in your designated area.

Choose a low standing table – A table that is close to the floor and has enough space for all of the kids works wonders. Kids like furniture that is low to the ground where they can access it easier. It's also a great way to solve the problem of never having enough chairs for everyone. Most parents often have extra kids over and it;s easier to find an extra pillow or bean bag chair than it is to find an extra chair that fits a table correctly.

Choose cozy seating – Bean bag chairs and large pillows are both flexible and cozy seating options. These encourage kids to relax and lounge away from the table with a book. But the kids can also easily pull them up to the table or to block-building stations for some busy fun. For the most success, let each kid pick out their own seating, as well as one or two extra pieces to have around for friends.

Add smaller, accessible shelving and storage – The final touch is to add some sort of shelving and storage. Low sitting book shelves or magazine racks can be placed around the outer edges of bean bag chairs to outline the cozy area. Crafts, blocks, and other busy supplies can be stored in small stackable drawers in easy reach of the table.

Where to find cozy and busy supplies in Denver

Arc Thrift Stores – There are many locations throughout the Denver area where used furniture can be found. Find them by visiting arcthrift.com.

Hobby Lobby Craft Stores, Inc – Find craft supplies, trinkets, and child-sized furniture at several Denver locations.

Big Lots – Here you can find discount furniture, miscellaneous craft supplies, and busy toys. They are located in many Denver neighborhoods.

Tuesday Morning – You never know what you might find here. Like Big Lots, this is also a discount retailer that offers a variety of products. Furniture for kids, craft kits, and busy toys & games are some of the most useful things in relation to a cozy, busy area. Locations are convenient to many Denver neighborhoods.

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, Denver Parenting Examiner

Lyn Lomasi is the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network and Founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media. Lyn's momtrepreneurial skills are present in her household of multiple kids and pets. She's currently maintaining her jungle family in Denver. From parenting techniques, to energy usage, to...

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