By Brittany Poss ~ With the limited availability of summer jobs for college students, many young adults are taking positions as nannies or babysitters. The idea of watching kids for a little extra cash may not seem worth the stress.
Morningside student Jessica Devon has been a nanny for the past three summers. She likes to take the kids to Rainbow Snow, a local snow cone favorite, on the really hot days. The treat is inexpensive and has so many flavors to enjoy.
Devon says, “After I buy Rainbow Snow, the kids and I walk to Cecilia Park, just a block away, eating our snow cones and playing on the equipment for a while.”
Another place Devon suggests is taking the kids to one of the local pools though she advises, “Do this towards the end of the summer otherwise the kids will be begging to go every day.”
She also usually tells the parents she will be going to the pool that day and they give her some extra money to pay the fee and buy some treats there. “The parents are happy that their children will be entertained for the day so they don’t feel like helping pay is a burden.”
Sioux City is not a huge community but does have plenty of things to offer in order to keep the kids entertained and take some anxiety off the babysitter.
The Art Center located downtown is not just a museum of boring pictures. They have an interactive gallery on the first floor. Children have the opportunity to express their creativity through legos, a mirror for drawing self-portraits and fun puzzles. On the third floor, for a limited time, kids have the opportunity to play mini golf. Architects in the area built a fun course that is different than any other outdoor course available in the area. The best part is that the entire center is free of charge and everything is indoors so the weather will never be a problem.
If the kids are feeling adventurous, Stone State Park or Bacon Creek may be the place for an outdoor experience. Both wooded areas are fun for exploring and learning about nature along the many paths. The kids might also enjoy cooking hot dogs or making smores on the grills provided around the park. Bacon Creek has playground equipment designed for all ages and a good size body of water for fishing or other activities.
At the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, kids take on the identity of one of the characters from Lewis and Clark’s journey. Through dozens of exhibits they can experience what a day in the life of an explorer from the 1800’s is like. The expedition comes to life through talking mannequins, flip book journals and stamping stations that allow the little explorer to get into character. The center is free of charge and is open 6 days a week.
A nanny’s job is made easier by entertaining the children in unique ways. No matter what the children like, Sioux City has something to offer for everyone.
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