7 Summertime Activities for Your Kids This Year

Summer is right around the corner, and your kids are almost out of school. The good news is there will be plenty of opportunities for family bonding time! But to make the most of their time away from school, you might want to consider planning some fun activities to occupy your kids.

How to Safely Engage in Summer Activities

When creating your summer bucket list, keep in mind COVID-19 safety guidelines. Consider planning more outdoor activities, limiting intimate gatherings, and decreasing time spent around others. Your kids can still have a memorable summer vacation while staying safe.

Summertime Activities Your Kids Will Love

Summer is a chance to get your kids active and off their screens. Here are seven fun summer activities to engage your kids.

1. Make a Slipe ‘n’ Slide

This is the perfect way to get the kids moving and to cool down from the summer heat. Plus, they may even be tired afterward, allowing you some time to yourself.

To make a slip ‘n’ slide at home, all you need is a plastic sheet, pool noodles, velcro tape, landscape staples, and sprinklers.

Follow these steps to set it up:

1. Roll out the plastic covering onto a flat surface that’s free from rocks or sharp objects.
2. Place the pool noodles along the sides of the sheet and a longer one at the end.
3. Wrap the plastic around the pool noodles, starting at the end noodle. Use the tape to secure them.
4. Use the landscape staples to stabilize the top of the slide and pin down the bottom ends.
5. Set up the sprinklers on one side of the slide.
6. Go have fun!

2. Outdoor Arts and Crafts

An arts and crafts station in your backyard is a great way to bring out your kid’s creative side. Art can also help them constructively express their emotions. Going outside gives them a chance to get fresh air and protects your house from paint spills.

When deciding which art projects to do with your children, consider ones that allow them to explore independently. Encourage your kids to experiment with different design ideas and play around with multiple materials.

3. Create an Outside Obstacle Course

An obstacle course can keep your kids active and even bring out a little family competition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children over the age of 6 need at least an hour of moderate physical activity daily.

Obstacle courses are also a good way to expand your child’s problem-solving skills. To create the course, you can gather materials from around your house, such as folding chairs.

When designing the different sections, try to encourage teamwork among your kids. You could have a task that requires them to pass a ball back and forth to complete. Also, consider timing them to make it more challenging and to keep your older kids engaged.

4.  Go on a Scavenger Hunt

This is a great activity to foster your child’s curiosity. It also brings them excitement when they find the items. A scavenger hunt can keep your kids occupied for most of the day, depending on how long it takes them to find each item. You can also print out an online scavenger hunt checklist to make your life easier.

Consider these additional scavenger hunt ideas:

• Nature hunt: Have your children explore nature by finding things like colored flowers and specifically shaped leaves.
• Puzzle hunt: Divide up puzzle pieces into bags and give your children clues to find them. Once they’re all found, you can solve the puzzle together.
• Treasure hunt: This classic scavenger hunt allows them to discover a fun prize at the end. It’s a good opportunity to include a toy they’ve wanted, for instance.
• Alphabet hunt: Place cue cards around the house to help improve your kid’s reading skills in a fun way.

5. Send Your Kids to Summer Camp

Summer camps allow your kids to bond and connect with kids of their own age. It also gives them a chance to try new activities. With COVID-19 safety guidelines in place, such as wearing a mask and social distancing, your kids can have a safe and fun summer.

Before you send them off to camp, be sure they are fully prepared. Here are some things you can do to help them get ready:

• Do your research.
• Follow the packing list and encourage them to help you.
• Keep the conversations positive.
• Allow them to start taking care of themselves.
• Visit the campsite ahead of time.

6. Explore National Parks

Hiking is an excellent way for your kids to get exercise and explore new places. It’s also a more COVID-19-friendly activity since you are outdoors and can spread out from others. As the weather warms up, taking a walk encourages your kids to get out of the house and off their devices.

If you’re looking for some national parks to visit, consider checking these out:

• Glacier
• Yosemite
• Yellowstone
• The Grand Canyon
• Mammoth Cave

7. Camp in Your Yard

There’s nothing quite like sleeping under the stars! However, you don’t have to travel far. Consider setting up a tent in your backyard. You can toast marshmallows by the fire and tell scary ghost stories. Plus, it doesn’t cost any money, and you can still enjoy quality family time.

Here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable without leaving your home:

• Set up your tent inside first.
• Pack an overnight bag.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Bring games or other things to do.
• Enjoy being comfy in nature!

How to Make the Most of Your Summer

Summer is the perfect time for your kids to get outside and explore. Even though their summer may look a little different now, they can still make the most of it. Consider these summertime activities to safely make lasting memories with your children.