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How Do I Keep My Kids Busy This Summer?

How Do I Keep My Kids Busy This Summer

School’s out. What are your kids doing? Don’t let them get bored this summer.

Keeping kids busy during the summer requires a mix of planning, creativity, and flexibility. Encouraging them to stay active and finding fun activities will keep them entertained and healthy during their vacation.

Here’s a guide to help kids have a fun and productive break:
Outdoor activities

  1. Nature walks and hikes: Explore local trails and parks. Bring along a nature journal for them to record their findings and plan elaborate picnics to nearby parks.
  2. Sports and games: Organize neighborhood sports like soccer, basketball, or baseball. Backyard games like tag, hide and seek, or capture the flag are also great.
  3. Water activities: Visit the beach, local pool, or set up a sprinkler or slip 'n slide in the backyard.
  4. Gardening: Start a small garden and let the kids plant, water, and take care of the plants.

Creative projects

  1. Arts and crafts: Set up a craft station with supplies for painting, drawing, sculpting, or making DIY projects. Redecorating their room can be a fun way to let their creative juices flow.
  2. DIY science experiments: Conduct simple, safe experiments at home. Kits are available, or you can find ideas online.
  3. Cooking and baking: Involve the kids in preparing meals or baking treats. Teach them basic cooking skills and let them help with recipes. Setting up a lemonade stand can also be fun.

Educational activities

  1. Summer Reading: Create a reading challenge with a list of books to read over the summer. Visit the library regularly, as they offer a range of programs for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age kids.
  2. Educational Outings: Plan trips to museums, zoos, aquariums, or historical sites.
  3. Workbooks and Online Learning: Use educational workbooks or online platforms to keep their academic skills sharp.

Social and community activities

  1. Playdates: Arrange regular playdates with friends or family.
  2. Summer camps: Enroll them in day camps or specialty camps focused on sports, arts, science, or other interests. Day-only summer camps may be suitable for children aged 5 and under, while older children can attend overnight camps. The average cost of an overnight camp ranges from $300 to $1,000 weekly. Half-day programs are usually more affordable. Check your city programs, as they often offer free outdoor recreation activities, and community leagues.
  3. Volunteer work: Find age-appropriate volunteer opportunities in the community to teach them about giving back, such as baking cookies and delivering them to a senior nursing home.

Home activities

  1. Board games and puzzles: Have a collection of games and puzzles for them to play.
  2. Movie nights: Set up a home theater and have themed movie nights with popcorn and snacks.
  3. Indoor treasure hunts: Create a treasure hunt with clues leading to a special prize.

Physical Activities

  1. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course in the backyard or park.
  2. Dance parties: Have regular dance parties with their favorite music.
  3. Yoga and exercise: Find kid-friendly yoga or exercise videos to follow along with.

By combining these activities, you can ensure that kids stay engaged, active, and happy throughout the summer.