You can keep your kids busy for several weeks planning a neighborhood talent show. Have them gather their friends and find out how many would like to participate in some way. Make a list of children who would like to perform and those who would like to help create a stage, costumes, props, etc.
Have the kids make up tickets, which can be handmade or printed from the computer. Sell tickets for a quarter or so (cheap enough that other children can buy tickets). Get your neighbors involved and encourage them to buy tickets. Try to sell tickets in advance so your kids can use the money to buy a trophy or items to make awards. Set the date, and be sure to list the date and time on the tickets.
Just make sure to decide on a set number of tickets, according to how many people you can accommodate comfortably in your yard. You might want to ask neighbors and friends, your “audience,” to bring along lawn chairs. Decide in advance whether or not you will serve refreshments. This is something else that should be mentioned on the tickets.
You might also want to give out a door prize. If so, the tickets must be numbered on both ends, and torn in half as each person enters. Place your half into a container to pull a number from later.
Help children with costumes and with rehearsing their acts. You might even want to join in with one of your kids and participate in the show. Make sure you have someone who will agree to act as a cameraman (or woman) to videotape the show. Take pictures as well.
This is a fun way to not only keep kids busy, but to get together with neighbors as well as giving kids a chance to showcase their talents. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s something your children will always remember.