Summer is here! Often an exciting time for many kids and families, it can also be a bit daunting to keep your school-age kids engaged. While you should certainly enjoy the summer-time with your children, it’s important to make sure they are not taking a break from learning. Instead, summer can be a great time to reinforce and connect school concepts to real life experiences and hands on learning.  It’s also a great time to take a break from busy schedules to enjoy quality family time, to think outside of the box, to try new things together and to just be kids.

Here are my 7 top summer activities:

#1 Get creative

This can be anything from drawing with sidewalk chalk, finger painting or making something with the objects around you like sticks, leaves, twigs etc. Art projects are a fun way to let kids take the lead and see what they can create.

#2 Let them just be kids

We often forget that kids are just happy playing so it’s important for them to create their own play ideas. Simple open ended activities can help their imaginations run wild. A great open ended activity is the Explorer case that includes a water bottle, compass, binoculars, treasure box and a travel case.

#3 Play Games

There are so many fun games to play and it makes it easy to play one on one with them. Whether it is a yard game or a board game, there is a lot that can be learned from either.

#4 Work on a Project together

Working towards a common goal is a great way to bond with your child.  This could be something as simple as doing a puzzle, conducting science experiments, or baking together.  For ongoing summer projects some great ideas including planting vegetables /flowers, or watching caterpillars turn into butterflies. For an added twist, create a journal with these projects let them draw or write (depending on age and ability) any changes they observe.

#5 Read Often

Whether you go to the local libraries for story hour, get new books, or reread your favorites it is important to read often throughout the summer.

#6 Be Outside

Get outside as much as you can. Walk, hike, bike, scooter, or kick a ball. These activities are great for exercise and gross motor development. You can also take the various activities mentioned above outside with you as a new setting can give the activity a different feel.

#7 Create a learning goal together

Talk to your child, see what they are interested in learning more about and then work on it together. This could be something you research more about, or learning a new skill like reading — either together or independently.