Summer is already here, and the kids are back on vacation again, but have you figured out how you will keep them entertained for the several weeks ahead? Boredom can lead to mischief, especially if you are not with the kids the whole day.
While this summer may look different due to the pandemic, you can still give the kids a summer full of surprises and excitement.
Below are some simple ways to keep your kids entertained this summer without breaking the bank.
Get Crafty
With some basic supplies, your kids can try several fun science experiments for kids or art activities that will keep them entertained for hours.
Nowadays, you don’t have to struggle to look for art and craft idea’s books as there are numerous online learning sites for children. Don’t worry if you are not an art person, as these sites provide simple instructions that you can easily follow with the kids or read before. Some kid’s science experiments ideas include the floating egg, homemade rock candy, money under the bottle, and the world’s simplest motor.
Camp in the backyard
If you have a tent at home, you don’t have to leave your compound to create a camping experience for your kids. You can set up the tent in the backyard and sleep there at night. The kids will love your scary stories and watching the stars at night. You can also play card and board games if your kids are older.
If you have enough space, you can also make a fire and make dinner over the flames. Your kids will love all the new experiences and learn more about fire safety. The kids can also play inside the tent during the day, but you should frequently check on them if you value your tent.
Do a home improvement project
Home makeovers can keep your children busy for several days and will provide an opportunity to bond. For example, your older kids can help you declutter your home and compound and do other simple projects like painting.
Kids will also love shopping for new home makeover items like artwork, furniture and curtains at a nearby store.
Learn a new language
Numerous online sites can help you learn a new language from the comfort of your home. You can choose a language that your kids also like and participate in the lessons together. Learning the new language will promote the kid’s open-mindedness and introduce them to new cultures and different people. Practising the new language is also a fun activity for the whole family.
Try a scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are an excellent way of encouraging your kids to explore the environment. You can make a list of the plants in your garden and ask the kids to bring a leaf from each one of them. Having a prize for the one who will identify the most plants adds competition to the activity. You can also participate and help them learn more about their surroundings.
Visit a local zoo
You can visit a nearby zoo if it is open or participate in their online virtual learning programs. These programs are a fun way for children to learn about nature. They can also help spark a passion for nature and animals.
Cook together
In addition to learning how to cook simple dishes, cooking together with the kids stimulates creativity and encourages healthy eating. The kids will also learn safety measures in the kitchen, cleanliness and some mathematical skills. When cooking, you can initiate discussions about nutrition and the benefits of eating healthy meals.
Volunteer
Volunteering together with your kids instils in them important values like community responsibility, gratitude and empathy. Some kid-friendly volunteering activities include cooking a meal and delivering it to the local meal centre, visiting a nursing home and playing games with the residents or serving a meal at a local food bank.
Go hiking
Hiking at a local park will give your kids a chance to explore the natural world and breathe some fresh air. Unlike hiking with adults, a hike with kids should have additional activities to add some fun. For example, you can encourage the kids to look for wildflowers or identify objects with various colours and shapes along the way. You should also be ready for plenty of breaks and carry some snacks, especially if your kids are below ten years.
Visit the local library
Most libraries have summer reading programs for different age groups. You can encourage your kids to participate by making a habit of visiting the library at least once a week and encouraging the kids to pick several books.
The freedom to choose what they like can also encourage non-readers to pick up a book and gain some interest. The visit to the library will be a fun outing, plus the kids will spend some hours going through the books, therefore allowing you to concentrate on other activities.
Make your own games
Since you are trying to limit screen time as much as possible, you can develop some simple homemade outdoor or indoor games like the sticky spider web.
To play this game, you only need two close trees outside and a painter’s tape. Wrap the tape between the trees and connect smaller pieces of the tape to the two parallel tapes to create a “web”. Next, make several balls using a newspaper and enjoy throwing the newspaper balls at the “web”. The winner will be the person who gets the most balls to stick on the “web”.
Final Word
Unlike previous summers when we had the freedom to go wherever we want; this year’s summer may be a little bit different due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, you can still apply the above ideas to keep your kids entertained for the whole period. These summer activities will also provide opportunities to instil good behaviours in your kids and bond by spending quality time together.
