Summer is here, the kids are home and the challenge begins of keeping them entertained, engaged and away from screens for at least part of the day!
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative projects or ways to sneak in some learning, there are plenty of ways to make the summer holidays fun and memorable for both you and your children. Here are a few tried and tested favourites from the KiddyKare team.
1. Explore the great outdoors
Make the most of the warm weather by embracing nature:
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt – Create a list of items with your children of what they think they can find (a feather, a uniquely shaped leaf, a smooth rock) and set off on an adventure to find them.
- Try camping – Whether you head to a local campsite or pitch a tent in your garden, a night under the stars is always exciting.
- Visit a new open space – Take advantage of a sunny day by spending the day outdoors, take the bikes and a picnic for a day of outdoor fun!
2. Get creative with arts and crafts
Let their imagination run wild:
- Try DIY tie-dye – A fun and colourful way to transform an old t-shirt!
- Make a summer scrapbook – Capture memories with photos, drawings and notes about your favourite days. You can even use tickets or leaflets for anywhere you might have visited.
- Create a cardboard castle – Save those delivery boxes and transform them into forts or houses that you can decorate all day.
3. Cook up some fun in the kitchen
Kids love getting hands-on in the kitchen, so let them help you whip up some summer treats:
- Make homemade ice lollies – Blend up their favourite fruit and juice, pour it into moulds and freeze.
- DIY pizza night – Let them pick the toppings to create their very own Italian masterpiece.
- Bake and decorate cookies – Use icing, sprinkles and toppings for some colourful creations.
4. Learning activities
Keep their brains engaged while they have fun:
- Visit museums – Choose new museums or one that relates to their favourite interests.
- Start a summer reading challenge – Set a goal and reward them for completing books.
- Try DIY science experiments – Make a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or create slime.
5. Take advantage of local events
Many areas run free or low-cost activities during the summer:
- Check out any local summer events – Many places host movie screenings and events for children over the summer. You’ll find plenty of organised fun at venues such as local open air museums, farm parks, gardens, or National Trust properties.
- Visit local markets – Visit a local market and let them find the ingredients you need for dinner that night.
- Join summer sports activities – Find football, tennis or swimming lessons.
6. Plan a “Yes Day”
Let your children take charge for a day (within reason, of course). Say “yes” to their reasonable requests, maybe it’s breakfast for dinner, a picnic in the living room or wearing costumes to the supermarket.
Author: Jodi Walden
