Top Tips to Keep Kids Busy This Summer

July 15, 2024

Don’t let your kids get bored this summer.

Encouraging them to stay active and finding fun activities will keep them entertained and healthy during their vacation.

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Our top tips 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.