The summer break can be a mixed blessing for parents – while kids look forward to a much-needed break from the classroom, the unstructured days can quickly lead to boredom and cries of “I’m so bored! ”
Avoid the summer slump by planning ahead with a roster of activities that will keep your children engaged, learning, and having fun.
Get ready to be the summer champion with this curated list of unique and enriching ideas tailored to different age groups, from creative endeavors and science explorations to nature adventures.
Make a Sun Catcher
1. Dope food coloring onto a white tissue paper and let it dry
2. Cut tissue paper into fun shapes and sizes
3. Peel off backing from contact paper and arrange tissue paper between two layers
4. Seal the contact paper layers to laminate the tissue paper
5. Use a hole puncher to make a hole at the top for hanging
6. Hang in a sunny window to watch the colorful rays shine through!
Build a Kite
Materials Needed :
Lightweight plastic bag or tissue paper
Bamboo skewers or straws for the frame
Scissors
Hole punch
Kite string or lightweight cord
Decorations like markers, stickers, streamers (optional)
Instructions :
1. Lay out the plastic bag or tissue paper in a diamond/kite shape on a flat surface.
2. For the frame, make a cross by tying two bamboo skewers or straws together in the middle with string or tape.
3. Place the frame on top of the plastic and trim the plastic around the edges, leaving 2-3 inches of excess plastic around the frame.
4. Use the hole punch to make small holes all around the edges of the plastic, about 2 inches apart.
5. Weave a long piece of string through the holes, pulling tightly to attach the plastic covering to the frame.
6. Make a hole in the precise center of the kite and tie on a long piece of kite string for flying.
7. Decorate your kite with markers, stickers, or streamers if desired.
Flying Your Kite :
Choose a dry, breezy day with steady winds to fly your kite
Run with your kite held above your head to catch wind under the plastic
Slowly let out kite string once aloft, holding string taut
Adjust the angle of your kite by pulling on one side of the string
Outdoor Tea Party
Materials : Blanket, plastic dishes, pretend tea set or cups, stuffed animal guests
Instructions :
1. Set up a table or spread out a blanket in the backyard or park
2. Set up the dishes and tea set
3. Invite stuffed animals or dolls to be your tea party guests
4. Practice pouring and serving, using good manners
5. Make up fun stories about the adventures you and your guests are having!
Paint Your Summer Sky
Materials: Large plastic tarp or clear shower curtain, tempera paints, food coloring, acrylic paint, brushes, spray bottles(optional), container
Instructions :
1. Mix paints and food coloring with water in a container or spray bottles
2. Lay tarp or curtain out on flat surface
3. Spray and splatter “clouds” using white paint
4. Add colors like blue, purple, pink for a sunset sky
5. Let dry and hang up your painted sky scene!
Wonder Walk Through the Park
Materials: Notebook, crayons, markers or/and pencil
Instructions :
1. Head to a local park or nature trail
2. Use all five senses to experience surroundings
3. Write or draw observations of sights, sounds, smells
4. Collect leaves, rocks or other natural items
5. Discuss findings and creatively document the adventure
Nature Art
Materials : Mud, leaves, flowers, grass, berries, twigs, paper, pebbles, etc…
1. Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, berries, etc.
2. Use mud as “paint” to create scenes or patterns on paper
3. Glue or arrange nature items to make pictures or collages
4. Get creative with items found in nature as art supplies!
Make a Pet Stone
Materials : Smooth rocks, acrylic paint, permanent markers, googly eyes, glue, decorations
Instructions :
1. Decorate rocks with markers and acrylic paint to look like animals or characters
Glue on googly eyes, pipe cleaners for antennas(optional), etc.
Give each pet rock a name and backstory Make a cozy “home” for it out of a shoebox or container😊
Make a Short Film
Materials : Smartphone or tablet, props/toys for set
Instructions:
1. Come up with a short, simple story idea
2. Cast family members or plush toys in different roles
3. Take a series of photos or short video clips for each “scene”
4. String the clips together and add music for your film!
Big Bubbles
Ingredients : 1 cup dish soap, 1 tbsp sugar, and 4 cups warm water. Hollow wand (unbend a wire hanger) or wool string.
Instructions:
1. Mix 1 cup dish soap, 1 tbsp sugar, and 4 cups warm water.
2. Use hollow wand (unbend a wire hanger) or wool string to blow incredible huge bubbles.
Camp Indoors
Set up a cozy reading tent or fort indoors using blankets, pillows, and fairy lights. Bring books, snacks and stuffed animal “campers.”
Explore Water Beads
Water beads (also called water gel beads, water balls, or gel balls) are super absorbent polymer balls that can provide hours of fun for kids!
Materials Needed :
Water beads (can find at craft stores or online)
Large bowl or a big tub
Water Scoops, spoons, cups for transferring Colander or strainer Food coloring (optional)
Instructions :
1. Pour the dry water beads into a large bowl or bin. Follow package directions on how many to use and recommended bin size.
2. Cover the beads completely with water and allow to soak and expand over 4-6 hours. The beads will grow dramatically in size!
3. Drain any excess water through a colander or strainer once fully expanded.
Optional :
4. Divide the beads into different bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl. Mix to dye the beads fun, bright colors.
5. Let kids scoop, pour, and squeeze the squishy, wet beads. The beads stick together but break apart easily.
6. Set out cups, funnels, or tubes and have kids experiment with transferring the beads.
6. For added fun, bury small toys or treasures in the beads for kids to discover.
Garden Fun
Plant seeds or starter plants and watch them grow while learning about plant care.
DIY Science Experiments
Explore simple chemistry with baking soda volcanoes or grow crystals.
Coding Games
Learn coding basics through interactive games and apps like Scratch or Code.org.
Click the link below
Culture Exploration
Cook dishes, learn phrases from different countries.
Generation Wild
My Daughter recently visited the London Wetland Center WWT . In the heart of the city, the London Wetland Centre provides a refreshing escape into the tranquil world of wetlands and their incredible biodiversity.
Spanning 105 acres of lush reserve, this urban oasis invites visitors to explore recreated habitats like lakes, meadows, and marshes teeming with an array of wildlife.
On their website there are a range of activities that you can do as a family , earning badges and certificates as you go.
Click on the link below and start your adventure
Or book a visit on
More than just preventing the “summer slide,” these unique activities facilitate bonding between parents and children.
Whether it’s an elaborate outdoor adventure or a simple craft made from household items, the goal is providing enriching activities that nurture curiosity, imagination, and skills.
Hope you find this helpful, the goal is to make memories that last.
Enjoy your summer!
