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
- 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.
- 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.
- Water activities: Visit the beach, local pool, or set up a sprinkler or slip 'n slide in the backyard.
- Gardening: Start a small garden and let the kids plant, water, and take care of the plants.
Creative projects
- 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.
- DIY science experiments: Conduct simple, safe experiments at home. Kits are available, or you can find ideas online.
- 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
- 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.
- Educational Outings: Plan trips to museums, zoos, aquariums, or historical sites.
- Workbooks and Online Learning: Use educational workbooks or online platforms to keep their academic skills sharp.
Social and community activities
- Playdates: Arrange regular playdates with friends or family.
- 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.
- 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
- Board games and puzzles: Have a collection of games and puzzles for them to play.
- Movie nights: Set up a home theater and have themed movie nights with popcorn and snacks.
- Indoor treasure hunts: Create a treasure hunt with clues leading to a special prize.
Physical Activities
- Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course in the backyard or park.
- Dance parties: Have regular dance parties with their favorite music.
- 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.
