Written by Mia
Summertime is the perfect season to liven up your kids’ days. Luckily, there are so many ways to achieve this. Make this time memorable with activities, experiences, and bonding time.
1. Head to the Pool
Beat the heat by giving your children some pool time. If you’ve never taught them how to swim, it’s the ideal time to start. Aside from providing a bonding opportunity, swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning for children one to four years old. Enjoy the water and have fun while giving them a valuable skill.
2. Play with Water Balloons
If you want to cool off without having to get in the pool or take a trip to the beach, consider having a water balloon fight. The kids can help fill the balloons. To avoid creating rubbery waste, go the extra mile by picking up biodegradable or reusable ones.
3. Freeze Toys in Ice
Get a selection of figures from your child’s toys and place them in a giant tub. Make sure you’re picking waterproof ones before filling the container with water and putting it in the freezer overnight. Once it’s all solid, you can take it out to the yard, give your little ones a couple of plastic, child-safe pickaxes and turn them into expert excavators.
4. Make a Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is an engaging summer activity that will spark exploration and movement. You can write a list of hidden treasures for your little one to find, and start a timer to raise the stakes. Alternatively, you can let them run around without knowing what’s hidden, encouraging them to pick up whatever catches their eye.
5. Create a Nature Journal
A nature journal can be a great memento of your kid’s summer. Plus, the act of journaling itself promotes mindfulness and creativity in children. Let their imagination run wild and encourage them to draw whatever pops into their head. They can also go the scrapbook route, gluing down leaves and twigs they collected on a nature walk.
6. Have a Movie Screening Outdoors
Enjoy the warm, nighttime summer air by setting up a little movie screening. Look for a projector and a large white screen for a quality image. In one corner, you can have a popcorn machine and drinks so that everyone can snack while watching the film. For the decor, fairy lights and comfy bean bags will make the whole experience whimsical.
7. Set Up a Lemonade Stand
Creating a lemonade stand is a rite of passage for almost every kid, and this could be the summer to have your little one start their own. You can help them with getting the supplies, making the drinks and setting up their little shop. Delegate specific responsibilities as well, like painting the sign and interacting with customers.
8. Make S'mores
Build a summer campfire or open the grill to make a batch of s’mores. Graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate are all you need to make this wonderful dish. If you want to skip the open flame, the oven or air fryer is always ready to melt your sweets into an ooey and gooey dessert.
9. Play Board Games
Board games are a great time-killer during summer, especially on rainy days. They also provide peak entertainment during off-screen time and unexpected benefits, like improving your kid’s mathematical and strategic skills. Have your kid pick out the titles that interest them, dive into the instructions and let the competition begin.
When summer rolls in, you can fight off boredom by making a list of your favorite ideas and starting to plan your schedule around them. Prioritize what you and your kids will enjoy the most for the best possible family-bonding experience.
