The CS library has a Physics show on July 19 that the 6 yr old may enjoy (Bryan library has it on July 20).

http://www.bcslibrary.org/?page_id=368

Summer Storytime and other children's activites are on the schedule as well.

There may still be some Vacation Bible Schools going on in late July.

GranMaq, don't forget we were barefoot...

Kids can not just "go out and play anymore", its not because of the child molesters or the kidnappers though...It's because you have to worry about neighbors calling the cops because your kids are too loud (reference kids at Apt Pool Thread) or someone thinks that a 7 year old is to young to be in the yard by himself.

On another note, you could let the 6 year old open a lemonade stand and learn the the value of being shut down by "THE MAN"... Let him learn how dumb the government can be now so when he has a million dollar development ruined over paint colors, zoning changes, or wake boards he will be accustomed to it.

The zoo in Waco is not bad, especially if you get there when they open at 9 am. About noon you'll be ready for lunch and some AC. Figure about a 90 minute drive from BCS.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I got a shopping list from my sister to get food for my nephew, because apparently he won't eat whatever it is we cook. I wouldn't have bought any of it, except my mom knows me too well and sent a hundred dollar bill for me to buy his food and whatever else we needed.

The list:
Chocolate donuts
Toaster streudels
Frozen pizzas
Chicken nuggets
Coke
Pizza pockets

Apparently, this is the kind of $*** he eats for every single meal. No veggies or balance at all. No wonder he is fairly small for his age. I wish I could turn my sister in for child abuse for giving him this stuff every day. He won't even realize food comes anywhere else besides the microwave or McDonalds.

/rant

Heh, offer the kid some good food and you might be surprised. When they are hungry, they will eat. Also, he might see Uncle Maq eating some green beans or orange segments and want to be just like him!

It might be further than you want to drive, but this place is fantastic:
http://www.splashwaywaterpark.com/

It took us just under 2 hours to get there including a pit stop in Brenham.

Well, Gran this actually helps you out, as far as knowing what to do with the 6 y/o for part of each day - you are going to run a cooking school. May have to wait for nap time with the baby. Pick something healthy-ish and have him "learn to make it". Kids tend to at least try what they have had a hand in making. At 6, no knives though because if he cuts himself, he will not be in the kitchen again for a long time, AND you will look like an awful babysitter. Pushing the button on a food processor however is BIG time fun for a 6 y/o though. Start with something gooshy is always fun. My youngest has her "own" recipe for guacamole and loves mashing it up with a fork and sprinking in the spices to her own taste. And then she eats it. Yogurt smoothies where the kid can choose his own fruit, juice or milk, and flavor of yogurt and gets to blend it himself and drink it through a colored straw makes good snacks or breakfast.

Try websites like Familyfun.com for ideas and the libraries have kids cookbooks. Hands on food where he gets to make his own choices, so it is "his". Food with funny names help too - my youngest will eat toad in a hole (fried egg cooked in the center of a piece of bread), but not toast with egg. Have him help and watch you in the kitchen as much as possible. "Forget" to buy some of the junk on the list, but have some of it in case he goes on strike. Look for healthier alternatives to some of it, if possible. Keep it where he cannot see it, so he does not remember it.

Teach him to make "cowboy food" if they are not already from Texas, i.e. cornbread cooked in a skillet, very mild chili, have him help you roll up cheese enchilladas,etc.

A benefit is he may take this knowledge home and show his mom what he can make, and continue the new expanded diet. He wont like everything he makes, but if he tries one new thing a day, wonderful. He may have the healthiest diet of his life for one week. What is the baby eating this week? You have a great opportunity!

I am sorry, but I would not be giving my nephew that food. He can eat non-processed crap and like it.

You could take a picnic to a park. Central Park could be fun; you can buy a kiddie pole from Target and fish.

Believe me, the only reason I bought him the crap food was because I essentially got paid $70 to do so ($100 bill minus $30 for his food). I like kids eating healthy, but I also live on a grad student budget, so money talks.

The kid is also terrified of dogs, thinks t.u. is the best school ever (since his dad goes to a UT system school), and can't hold a conversation unless it's about Mario. I wish I could give him a bootcamp, but instead I'm just trying to keep the peace for a week.

quote:

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My nephew is kind of a wuss as it is

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You sound like a great uncle. You might be surprised what you can get this little boy to do when mommy isn't around to cater to him, if you went in with a better attitude.

I bought him a cap gun last Christmas (as a small part of his gift) and he cried.

I hope he grows up and kicks your butt in about 12 years. Sounds like you need it.

He won't be able to get close enough to kick my butt. I have a gun, and I know for a fact that he's terrified of them.

We used to catch catfish in Bee creek, bass and perch in Smith pond and horned toads in the pasture where South Knoll Elementary is now. Course, that has been awhile..

I would have to say that the kids can go outside and play in this area. It takes a bit more effort from the parents, because, depending on where you live, you can't just say "go outside."

There are a ton of small parks and even school playgrounds in the area. You might need to drive or do a long walk to get to one, but that doesn't mean that there aren't options to get your kids outdoors.