As summertime approaches, kids all over the country start to get excited for their time off from school. Many children look forward to spending lazy days at the pool, going on fun vacations with their families, or simply sleeping in late and having some much-needed downtime. No matter what your plans are for the summer, it’s important to make sure that your kids are getting the most out of their break.
I am a mother myself and I know the challenges parents face while the kids are growing up. One of the challenges of parenting is finding ways to keep kids engaged in fun and learning. It can be difficult to find activities that will hold their interest and keep them occupied. But there are a few strategies that can help.
Parenting is not always easy, but it is important to find ways to keep kids engaged. Summer vacation is a great time for kids to relax and enjoy themselves. Yet, it can also be a time when they can get bored easily.
My kids are growing up and they are always looking for fun. Kids’ brains are always looking to do something. Kids are always keen to keep themselves busy.
I have made a list of activities along with a brief description what you can do with your kids to keep them engaged during summer vacation:
1. Summer Camp
One way to ensure that your kids have a fun and productive summer is to sign them up for summer camps or activity. There are many different types of camps available. You should be able to find one that fits your child’s interests and needs. For example, if your child’s interested in science, there are science camps that focus on different aspects of the subject. Or, if your child enjoys being active, there are plenty of sports camps available. There are also general day camps that offer a variety of activities for kids to enjoy.
2. Take A Trip
Another great way to make sure your kids have a fun summer is to take them on some fun vacations. There are family-friendly vacation destinations that will offer your kid’s opportunities to explore and have new experiences. If you’re looking for a place to take the whole family, consider heading to a theme park or water park. For a more relaxing vacation, consider booking a trip to the beach. No matter where you decide to go, vacations are a great way for kids to bond with their parents and create lasting memories.
3. Downtime
One of the best ways to ensure that your kids have a fun summer is to simply let them enjoy some downtime. Many kids feel like they need to be constantly doing something to have fun, but that’s not the case. It’s fine to let your kids sleep in late, watch some movies, or play video games.
4. Creativity
Another way to keep kids engaged is to provide them with opportunities to be creative. This can be done through art, music, or other forms of expression. It is important to encourage kids to explore their creativity and not to be afraid to try new things. This way, kids can discover their hidden talents.
Blowing Bubbles
Kids Blowing Bubbles
5. Physical Activity
It is important to keep kids active. Physical activity or by providing them with opportunities to explore their environment. By keeping kids active, they will be less likely to become bored or frustrated. Physical activity is very important for the best growth and development of your kids. You can take your kids to various gymnasiums where they can play games or do some running. It’s important to encourage physical activity during summer vacation. Plan active outings like hiking, biking, or swimming.
6. Make it Educational
Summer vacation doesn’t mean learning has to stop. There are plenty of ways to incorporate education into your summer plans. Visit local museums, take a trip to a nearby zoo, or look for educational programs offered by community organizations.
7. Visit Friends and Family
Summer vacation is also a great time to visit family and friends who live in different parts of the country. This can be a fun and educational experience for your children, and it’s a great way to spend time with loved ones.
8. Plant a Garden
The benefits of gardening for kids are endless. This teaches them about plant life and evolution to providing a therapeutic outlet. Planting your own garden can be as simple or complicated as you want it to be! Gardening is a cool hobby for your kids as it gives them a sense of nature as well.
9. Chores around the House
Have them help you with chores around the house or in the yard. This will make your kids learn how to do different sorts of work. Also, this makes the kids responsible as well.
10. Play Dress Up
As the weather warms up, so does the dress code around the house. Shorts and tank tops replace jeans and sweaters, and sandals take the place of boots. Because the temperature is rising doesn’t mean that the fun has to end. There are many ways to keep kids entertained while they show off their summer style. Superhero or play dresses are great items to have on hand for impromptu dress up session. So, whether you’re looking for a way to beat the heat or to beat the boredom, dress up is always a great option.
11. Build an Obstacle Course
Obstacle courses are a great way to add some excitement to any party. They can be as simple or as complex as you want, and they’re always a hit with kids of all ages. To create a basic obstacle course, all you need is hula hoops, a sandbox, crepe paper, and a bag of balloons. For a more challenging course, you can add in some obstacles like tires or cones. And for an extra bit of fun, try adding in water spray from a hose. Obstacle courses are sure to add some fun and laughter to any event and burn some energy!
12. Make a Kite
Do you have a bored kiddo on your hands? If so, this two-part activity is sure to engage them, especially Texas on a windy day, which is more common now! With string, straws or sticks, ribbon, tape, glue, a ruler, marker, and two plastic bags, kids can make a personalized kite. Or, if it’s raining and flying a kite outdoors is not an option, kids can make an indoor kite. These homemade kites are sure to bring smiles and provide hours of fun. So go ahead and give it a try!
13. Master the Jump Rope
Jumping rope is a great way for kids to get active and have fun, but did you know that it can also help them learn important life skills? That’s right! Games like The Whirlwind Challenge, Jump Rope Math, and Follow Me are not only entertaining, but they also teach kids valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance and more. So next time your little ones are bouncing off the walls, why not invite them to pick up a jump rope and join in the fun? You might be surprised at how much they learn while they’re having a blast.
14. Learn to Type
If you want your kids to be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates, you’ll have to start them young…typing young, that is. Free programs like Dance Mat Typing and The Typing Club offer kid’s the opportunity to learn. Have them prepared for typing in computer class!
15. Dance
Dancing is a great way to get kids moving and grooving, and it’s also a fun way for parents to bond with their children. This is a great way to create memories while exercising. Parents can also turn their kids on to family friendly music, like Kidz Bop! These are fun ways to get everyone in the family moving and having a good time. So put on some music and start dancing with your kids today!
16. Origami
Origami is an ancient Japanese art form that involves folding paper into intricate shapes and figures. While it is fun, origami has also shown to have many benefits for children. That includes promoting mindfulness and self-awareness.
Whether you’re looking for a new activity to keep your kids entertained or you’re hoping to help them develop some important life skills, origami is a great option. And all you need to get started is a piece of paper!
17. Yoga Classes
Downward-facing Dog might sound like something your pet pooch does on a lazy Sunday afternoon, it’s a yoga pose that can offer plenty of benefits for kids. From increasing mental focus and self-awareness to improving mental health, there are many reasons why yoga is a great activity for kids. So, whether your child is into Harry Potter or Sleeping Beauty, they’re sure to have a blast in yoga classes. And who knows, you might even find yourself enjoying it too!
18. Make Play Dough/Slime
There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen this summer to keep the kids entertained. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade play dough that will provide hours of fun. All you need is corn starch, hair conditioner, and optional food coloring. When cooked together, these ingredients create a doughy consistency that can be stored for months. If you’re looking for a no-cook option, there are also recipes available online. For added fun, you can even bake the play dough in the oven before allowing your kids to paint it. So, this summer, don’t stress about keeping the kids occupied. Whip up a batch of play dough and let their imaginations run wild. Looking for something a bit on the messier side? To make slime, you need Elmer’s glue, shaving cream, and contact solution.
Slime-
Place glue in a plastic bowl. If you’re adding food coloring, add it now until desired color is reached.
Add saline solution and mix until combined.
Stir in 1 cup of shaving cream. The more you add, the thicker it’ll be. The less you add, the slimier it will be. Add more as needed. I usually end up adding about 1 1/2 cups.
Stir until you can no longer stir and then kneed with your hands. It will be sticky at first but keep moving it with your hands until it is no longer sticky and desired consistency is reached.
Enjoy!
Play Doh-
Add the cornstarch and the conditioner to a bowl.
Mix with your hands and gradually add 1/2-1 cup water as you mix and knead until it forms a ball of dough.
Add 1-3 drops of food coloring to color the playdough if desired. (The food coloring will get on hands as its mixed in, but it will wash off eventually!)
Play!
19. Family Scrapbook
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to capture your family’s memories, then a scrapbook is the perfect solution. Fill it with photos of the kids, notes from special occasions, and their own artistic designs. You can make it into a heritage scrapbook by including pictures and stories of your own childhood. Not only is it a great way to preserve memories, but it’s also a fun art project that the whole family can enjoy. And with blank pages at the end, it can be an ongoing project that everyone can contribute to. So, start gathering those memories and get scrapbooking!
20. Play Hopscotch
There’s nothing like a game of hopscotch to bring out the kid in us. In addition to playing traditional hopscotch, kids can also create giant, winding mazes to walk on and explore. To add even more fun to these games, why not try making homemade chalk with some of the simplest household ingredients? With a little creativity, we can be sure that there will never be a shortage of fun ideas for keeping kids active for hours on end.
21. Stargazing
As any kid knows, there’s something magical about looking up at the stars. Whether it’s making a wish on a shooting star or trying to spot constellations, stargazing is a time-honored tradition that has captivated young minds for generations. Today, thanks to organizations like the American Museum of Natural History, kids can learn about the stars in a fun and interactive way. The Museum offers programs like “Star Hopping for Kids,” which teaches children how to find constellations using a pair of binoculars. There are many night-sky books available on Amazon, as well as apps that can be downloaded on phones and tablets. With a little preparation, any kid can enjoy a night under the stars.
22. Pool Time
To cool down this summer, how about a fun day of swimming?
Many public pools will be open as well as splash pads. Want your own pool? How about a water park in your backyard? You can have an endless amount of fun on a water slide with friends, or an above ground pool!
I hope I provided you many ways keep your kids engaged with fun AND learning! Uh oh, I hear yelling that the dog is now covered in slime!