Sometimes I am at a loss for memory-making ideas with my kids during the Summer. The days fly by and if I’m not intentional, the memory-making, fun opportunities fly away with them. So, every Summer I grab my calendar and start planning in some simple and fun ways to spend time with my kids. I make sure to get my kids involved by having them give me their Summer “wish-list” of activities.
With my calendar in hand I schedule the necessary things first (like doctors appointments and lessons). I also block off our vacation days if we are taking one. Next I go to work on adding the fun things we have thought of. I like to include one fun thing every day. For days when we have a lot of other stuff going on, I pick something quick and easy. Here are some of the things on our Summer Fun list this year:
- Water Day (water balloon fights, sprinkler and slip n slide play)
- Go to the Library. Then have a contest to see who can read the most pages in a day (the younger ones can do picture books or have books read to them)
- Visiting the local Farmer’s Market and try some new fruits and veggies
- What makes me special Day (highlighting each child and what are the things you love about them. Everyone can join in.)
- Write and perform a (short) skit
- Decorate your room Day (use items you already have, make something or splurge on something new)
- Go to a field or park and have a family soccer game
- Make Homemade ice cream
- Have a shaving cream fight in the backyard and then run through the sprinklers
- Write and illustrate your own book
- Make a homemade version of your favorite candy bar
- Art Day. Paint, draw, color, and then send your kids creations to their adoring fans (a.k.a. grandma and grandpa)
- Baking/cooking class (making a favorite treat or simple meal)
- A visit to a local art/science/history museum
- Have a reading hour everyday at the same time
- Have a Lego building contest
- Buy solid t-shirts and decorate them with fabric paint or tie dye
- Picnic at a favorite park (or try a new one)
- Taking those who serve you often (mailman, firemen, local police dept, etc…) a “Thank you” treat (cookies or brownies, or maybe even a latte)
- Pajamas & Movies Day
- Kids in charge Day (this one takes a brave mom!)
- Play board games
- Plant your own flowers or herbs Day
- Make homemade play dough
- Have a book or clothing/book or toy swap with your kids friends. Make it into a party
- Explore local places that you have always wanted to go to (museums, parks, stores, etc…)
- Tying shoes
- Name writing and handwriting practice
- Spelling
- Grammar rules practice
- Memorizing Bible Verses
- Learning the Books of the Bible
- Manners
- Etiquette
For even MORE ideas follow my Summertime Fun board on Pinterest. I’ll be adding ideas throughout the Summer. Have an idea I should add? Leave me a link in the comments to add it.
What are your ideas for a fun Summertime with your kids? I’d love to hear!
