Need realistic suggestions for simple fun thing to do today with son

[Duer 157099]

12 years old, he's playing video games, says he's bored. We went to movies yesterday, so that's out. It's raining, so that eliminates several options. Don't want to drive far, if at all.

I suggested coloring easter eggs, he said no, he's not interested.

So, I'm on DU, he's on PS2.

help?

[OhioBlue]

1. bowling?

board game?
go through old pictures and put in an album or scrap book?
visit a relative?

[Duer 157099]

2. Oh! you're so creative. I hadn't even thought of bowling

And there is a bowling alley close by. Hmmmm...

[Shine]

3. LOL!! Looks like we've got that situation in common, my friend.

We've got a 12 yr old son, too, so I can totally relate to your predicament. We are often on opposite ends of the house, on our respective computers. He likes to play the Rollercoaster Tycoon game. Has your son ever checked that game out? My son is completely hooked. They can basically "create" their own amusement theme parks, it's pretty cool.

Right now, he's out with my hubby and our 9 yr old dtr doing errands, but I'm gonna do the easter egg thing with them later. I'm boiling the eggs now. Aren't you thrilled? lol.

Why don't you try miniature golf or bowling? Good luck! :hi:

[Duer 157099]

9. Funny that you mention that game.

We had gotten it for his cousin for xmas, but after he opened it up, saw that you needed some other game installed first, so we had to return it. (I think the one you mentioned was the one he needed -- the one we got was like Safari theme, or something)

For some reason he doesn't seem to like playing games on the computer as much as his PS2, maybe the controller vs. keyboard or something.

I wish I could "get into" PS2 and play with him, but I just can't seem to either get the hang of it, or like it enough to invest the time to get coordinated

[Shine]

17. I'm happy to say I have NEVER done the video game thing with my boy.

It's just not my thang, although my techie hubby will play with him sometimes, as will his sister.

My son is soooo into RollerCoaster Tycoon b/c he sez it's like he's God, or something. He gets to create whole worlds for these imaginary people, and what's really amusing is you can click on an individual person's icon and "see" what they're "thinking", like "That ride was scary!", or, "I have to go to the bathroom." I kid you not. It's pretty funny. :D

[Duer 157099]

21. Well guess what?

We ended up going out to get not only Rollercoaster Tycoon, but the Zoo Tycoon, too. He's playing it now!

:-) This is like the first "E" game I've ever seen him play (and enjoy!)

[Droopy]

4. Go fishing

It's cheap as long as it's just your son. Go to a local department store and pick up one of those little Micky Mouse set ups. Buy a few bobbers, some little lead weights, and some hooks. Buy some wax worms. Find a little pond that is likely stocked with sun fish. For about $20 you can have a good time and it will only cost you a couple of bucks the next time you go fishing.

If you decide you want to fish as well it will cost you a a little bit for a fishing license. Here in Ohio anyone under 16 doesn't have to have a license.

[Duer 157099]

6. You're right, that is fun

We did that a few times last year, and I think I liked it more than he did lol

There's a local golf course that has a pond on it that they let the local kids fish in if they stay out of the way of golfers.

And, there's a lake nearby.

But... it's raining... makes everything all slipery and everything

[Whoa_Nelly]

5. Build indoor blanket tent forts

Make'em BIG! Have a contest as to who can make the coolest fort, inside and out.

Or...

Teach him how to do laundry...it's time

[Duer 157099]

7. We used to do that alot when I was a kid

Seems like kids today don't find the things we did as kids, fun anymore or something.

But that is a good suggestion, thanks!

[cleofus1]

8. how's about

horseback riding...or fishing...park it and a walk downtown...

[Duer 157099]

10. oh, but it's raining

not that that should in itself prevent us from doing those things...

He doesn't get the concept of "walking around downtown" unless there's something he wants at a specific store and we're going to buy that. He's such a guy.

[cleofus1]

11. raining.....

damn that's a dampening influence...arcades? bowling sounds cool...but probobly crowded...

[ScreamingMeemie]

12. as discussed in another thread...Force him to color eggs. Once you

start and the eggs are rolling, and cracking and coming up brownish from too many dips in too many colors (this is what happens in our house), a good time will be had.

But who am I to say? I shifted the duty off to my dad. :)

[Duer 157099]

13. Nope, you are correct, and I think I will do that

Plus, going to Costco to get the eggs will also give me the chance to see if they still have the Rollercoaster Tycoon PC game as mentioned above.

Now... if only I could get away from the computer and into the car... :-)

[ScreamingMeemie]

15. A trip to Costco can be fun in itself...once you actually walk inside.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun! :)

[Duer 157099]

18. I know, I love going to Costco

He grumbles about it. He likes to sample their food things, but he resents that they often tell him he needs a parent with him (and he likes going off by himself while I'm shopping).

[ScreamingMeemie]

19. The children are oft times better behaved than the "adults" who run

over you with their carts in order to sample breaded mac n cheese bites. That always amazes me.

[Duer 157099]

14. BTW, does anyone here think Costco will be crowded today?

You know, Saturday before Easter, 1:30pm... ?

nah, me neither

[YankeyMCC]

16. A board game

Something like Pictionary (did I spell that correctly?) or Cranium.

Or a model. Even one of those lego models.

[Duer 157099]

20. Oh, shall we talk about legos? ...

He is a Lego fanatic, of the Star Wars variety.

He just got a very cool one recently, the Sandcrawler. He built in over last weekend. Then, he picked it up wrong and it broke in two and he had such a fit!

He has so many of those Star Wars Legos that he only builds once, and that's it. It's like, once he's built it once, it's no fun anymore, and they are usually too delicate to actually play with (the big ones anyway, the only kind he likes anymore).