Summer vacations are the most awaited by children in school. However, it is not a very fun time for the parents as they have to keep the kids entertained all day long for a couple of months. Considering young children’s span of interest, it is quite hard to keep them engaged in one activity for a long. Of course, there is an option of cartoons, videos, and games on the iPad but screen time is also not healthy. Secondly, the summer also stays for a very little time where you could actually enjoy outdoor activities. After a long and restricted-to-homes winter, who doesn’t love summer sun? Here are a few fun summer activities that you could enjoy while being on a budget.
Bike riding
Take your kids for bike riding. It could be in the neighborhood, in a park, or at a proper sports complex. Depends on what’s more convenient and accessible. It will not only be fun but provide physical health benefits as well.
Backyard camping
If going for proper camping in the woods is not possible, do it in your backyard. It could be for the siblings only or you can invite their friends over. You can also categorize the activity for different groups of friends. For example, once it could be for neighborhood friends and the other time for school friends.
Obstacle course
Build an obstacle course in your backyard. It is one of the most recommended summer activities as it polishes the child’s problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. You can use hula hoops, ropes, sticks, stones, hoses, jump ropes, and boxes, etc from around your house. Keep a prize for the winner.
Rock painting
Rock painting is a fun activity. First, engage your child in collecting the rocks. Teach them what should they choose and what not. It will help them understand the importance of choosing the right thing. After that, you can ask them to paint the rocks and decorate them with glitter and stickers. Later you can use those rocks as decorations around the house or in their room.
Cooking and baking
Cooking and baking is a life skill that every individual should learn. Plan something easy to cook or bake with your child. It could be something that they like as well, such as pancakes. It will help them build an interest in cooking and baking.
Pool party
Pool party could never go wrong. It is among the most common summer activities. Setup the pool in your backyard and invite the friends over so that the kids can enjoy their time to the fullest. You can also keep the pool filled for a couple of days to let the kids play daily. Cover it when not in use, obviously.
Community park
Take part in the community park activities. The kids will learn socializing skills while having fun. They can make new friends as well and learn the acceptance of diversity.
Volunteering
Volunteer in different activities throughout the summer. Involve your children as well. It will teach them how to be better citizens and how could they benefit their country and the planet. It will also make them learn team working.
DIY bird feeders
Make bird feeders at home. Use peanut butter to coat the sticks and then roll it in bird food. Hang it using a rope out in the backyard. It will teach the kids nature and how other species are important as well.
Picnic at home
Set up a picnic at home with some friends over. It could be a simple sandwich and games or a blanket fort kind of picnic out in the backyard or the room.
Painting
Painting is always interesting for children especially if no one is constantly telling them to be careful. Buy washable paints on any medium. Even the packaging of your online purchase could serve as a medium.
Toys swap
Toys swap is also a great idea to let your kid enjoy a new toy without spending money. You can keep a toy swap party where the kids will be required to bring a toy. They should be in good condition. You can draw numbers to let the kids choose a new toy in order.
Hometown exploring
Explore your hometown. Take your kids to museums, libraries, parks, streets, and just random corners in the town for a fun evening. They will cherish the memories forever.
Scavenger hunt
Plan a scavenger hunt for your kids. It could be for a small gift or for something they had been asking. Prepare age-appropriate hints and set them up in the house.
Kids movie night/day
You can invite the friends over to let the kids enjoy a movie together. Make some kids-friendly snacks and let them have the tv for a while.
Bonfire
BBQ with bonfire can not go wrong. However, the children should be a bit old for this activity. Little kids won’t enjoy it and they won’t care about the food either. Children above 9 years of age would definitely have fun.
Go to the beach
If you have easy access to the beach then what are you waiting for? It is one of the most popular fun summer activities. Just pack a picnic basket, get your swimsuits, and head towards the beach.
Tour a factory
Touring a factory is also a great activity. You could visit any factory, even a chocolate factory to educate your children.
