“Mom, what are we going to do today?”

I peer at my blonde-haired girl over the top of my first cup of coffee and smile, “I have no idea.”

“Well think of something. I’m bored.”

I glance at the clock to confirm it is only 6:30 am and suggest my favorite “I’m bored” activity, “Is your room clean?”

Smiling, my 13-going-on-23 girl heads off to her room.

I’ve bought myself a couple of hours but I know it’s coming. I need a plan and since June included cheerleading camp, church camp, and a family vacation, I need it to be cheap free.

Can you relate?

The days of play-dough and bubbles have long since passed our little home. A new coloring book might entertain my girl for a little bit but not like it did six years ago. So, I did what all list-making moms do … pulled out a piece of paper and started scratching out ideas.

Figuring I’m not the only one who has a girl who wants something to do and would prefer that something include her mom, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite free {or almost free} ideas for mother/daughter dates.

1. At home spa. We love this one. We get out the oatmeal and honey to give facials. Pull out all the nail polish we can find and do our toes and fingernails. Sometimes we light candles and drink our water from the fancy glasses.
2. Movie matinee. Another favorite at our house. We get out one of our favorite girly movies and snuggle up on the couch with popcorn. What a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
3. Cooking show. This is one we haven’t done yet but it’s on my list for July. Find a new recipe and make a video of your own cooking show. Take turns videoing each other and then enjoy eating your yummy creation.
4. Play dress up. One of my girl’s favorite activities is putting together new outfits. Take an afternoon and let her style you from your closet. Or, use this as a sneaky way to try on all those clothes to see what still fits her.
5. Play a game. My girl and I love Phase 10. It’s a fairly long game, even with just two players. Sometimes we start a game and leave it on the table for a few days playing as we have time.
6. Plan a party. Another one we haven’t done but something I know my girl will love. Pick an occasion and plan a party. Use magazines and the internet to find recipes and decorations. Go over the top with it. Just have fun encouraging your daughter to be creative.
7. Create a new Pinterest board together. We’re currently working on two boards together — ideas for her room and fun hairstyles. My girl is wanting to redo her room so we’ve been scouring for ideas and collecting them on a shared Pinterest board. We also keep a board of hairstyles we think might be cute for her hair. {Which I suppose could lead to an eighth idea, salon day for trying all those braids and updos we’ve been pinning.}

What are some of your favorite mother-daughter activities?

{post graphic source: macniak}