Summer activities for your kids are sure to be a bit different from previous years. There is understandably a limited number of activities that kids can engage in. Pools are closed, events are restricted, and it is not recommended to engage in group activities. How do you encourage your children to enjoy summer fun during this unpredictable time?
A good idea is to go camping. Think campfires, s’mores, and sleeping under the stars. The kids are sure to love it, and it does not have to be a hassle or a risk for your family. You can make a family camp-out by simply pitching a tent in your backyard.
Another great activity you can do with the kids is planting a garden. You can even use it as an opportunity to teach your children more about where their food comes from. It even gives you an opportunity to subtly include a few science lessons along the way without them noticing.
Plan a scavenger hunt with a theme. The possibilities are endless. Scavenger hunts for kids are perfect because they don’t need much. They’re easy, inexpensive, and you can use items you already have on hand. Some ideas include color themed, five senses themed, shapes, reading, and even nature themed hunts. You can even incorporate educational activities into some of these hunts.
A backyard water park is one purely fun activity you can try. Kids will love taking a dip, especially on extra hot days. You can turn your backyard into a mini water park simply by buying some items online like a kiddy pool, slip ‘n slide, splash pad and water balloons. If you want to make it super slippery, you can just add a lot of soap. If your kids are into it, you can even add some music to the mix.
Taking the kids outside is good, not just for a change of scenery, but also to improve their physical and mental health. You don’t have to go further than your own backyard.
The activities do not always have to be outside. You can plan indoor activities as well.
Art activities can be a safe bet for indoor activities. Stock up on art supplies to get ready for a variety of projects. Also, make an old sheet or tablecloth the official draping for whatever surface is being used for the messy ones. Some ideas include shell painting and splat art painting.
Themed family nights are also great indoor activities. You can have movie nights, board game nights, dance parties, cooking competitions and even evenings where the entire family works on a goodwill project together.
The pandemic is a stressful time for everyone, so if you feel like you need more ideas, think about it as an endless opportunity for the kids to engage in after-school activities. They are sure to have some fun and if you get really into it, you can too.
