Parent Guide to Summer

Summer days can be a great time for family fun! For families with young children, it can be challenging to find new, creative, and low-cost ways to keep the whole family - both young and old - entertained through the summer months and beyond.

Children’s Day wants to help you make this the best summer yet! To add some fun inspiration to your family’s bucket list, we’ve created the Parent Guide to Summer with amazing ideas that are free, budget-friendly, or very easy to accomplish with items you might already have at home.

No matter what your summer plans look like, the most important thing to remember is that it doesn’t have to be filled with big ticket items or travel to faraway places. As long as you’re making happy memories with family and friends, there’s no limit to the magic you can create!

Identify your favorite activities, share this list of recommendations, and gear up for an awesome summer of BIG FUN!

Evening Activities

  • Grab a jar and catch fireflies

  • Make homemade pizza for dinner

  • Watch the sunset from your favorite spot

  • Roast marshmallows and make s'mores

  • Invite friends over for a sleepover

  • Watch a local fireworks display

  • Have a family game night

Outdoor Activities

  • Plant a garden

  • Pack up some picnic essentials and eat outside

  • Cool off at a local splash pad or pool

  • Discover a new park in your community

  • Enjoy a friendly water balloon battle

  • Hunt for bugs and learn how to identify them

  • Draw with sidewalk chalk (try hopscotch or an obstacle path)

  • Host a lemonade stand

Indoor Activities

  • Build an indoor obstacle course or fort

  • Learn how to make Origami animals

  • Complete a new puzzle

  • Try a new baking recipe

  • Put on a talent show

  • Cozy up with your favorite book or try a new story

  • Make a homemade card and mail it to a friend

  • Go on a treasure hunt

Places To Go

  • Go to the beach and collect seashells or build a sandcastle

  • Discover new playgrounds

  • Explore the zoo

  • Visit your local library

  • Wander through a nearby aquarium or children's museum

  • Play miniature golf

Making sure your child keeps their mind active by engaging in new and different activities during the summer is a great way to help them continue developing skills. It also keeps their academic skills polished and in some cases, makes it possible for them to get ahead. Get kids involved by creating a “wish list” together of summer activities everyone wants to participate in - and then using a calendar to plan when the family can do those activities.

One additional tip is to build some structure, or a simple routine into your summer days. Whether young children are spending their days in your home, or are attending a summer camp or program, implementing even a loose structure to your day will help children stay engaged and focused. Consider a simple schedule such as - Breakfast - Outside Activity - Lunch - Inside Play - Dinner - Bathtime & Books - Bedtime.

With a little bit of creativity and family brainstorming, you and your family can find many exciting ways to stay active this summer!

Para obtener una versión traducida de nuestra Guía de verano para padres, haga clic aquí.

Susan Dannemiller