School’s out and the kids are home for a better part of the day. Moms have to be pretty creative to ensure that they occupy their kid’s time appropriately. Planning things out to keep them occupied and out of trouble is likely the best solution. While watching TV or playing video games is fine on occasion, it can get boring pretty quickly and they also aren’t the healthiest activities.
Not sure how to keep them occupied? Here are some pretty affordable options that your kids are sure to love:
- Summer Camp – One of the most common ways to keep the kids occupied during the summer is to sign them up for summer camp. Many educational facilities and other child programs have camps kids can join. If your children have certain interests such as science, art, or math, try to find a camp that allows them to participate in those types of activities. Even if the camp is for half the day, it does allow them to get out of the house and interact with other children in the neighborhood.
- Music Lessons – Does your child enjoy music? If so, the summer is a great time for them to get some lessons. You can look up teachers who offer vocal lessons in your community or find instructors for kids who’d prefer to learn a musical instrument. A lesson or two per week would give them something new to do that they can also continue during the school year. Apart from enhancing their musical skills, kids will learn patience and boost their self-esteem. Classical instruments like violins, violas, and cellos can also increase their coordination, memory, and concentration.
- Take a Tour of the City – Exploration can be a fun way to pass the time and enjoy your children. You don’t have to go far as there are a lot of things to explore right in your own town. Choose an area with several attractions or with a lot of history behind it and take the kids on a tour. They’ll have fun learning about the city.
- Festivals – Most communities use the summer as a time to gather together. Festivals, fairs, and other outdoor activities are common. Check with your city or state’s official site to determine when and where the events are taking place. Often times they are in public parks so you can easily bring your own food and beverages along so you don’t have to pay as much with the vendors.
- Beach Trips – The beach is a great place to take the kids during the summer. If you don’t like much of a crowd, try going early in the morning before the rush starts. You can spend a few hours sitting in the sand, building castles, or playing in the water.
- Nature Walks – If you live near a park, taking the kids out for a walk is a great way for them to get some sunshine and explore Mother Nature. Give the kids something to do such as providing them with a bucket to keep all of the things they find. You can make it a fun scavenger hunt and ask them to find specific things in the park.
- Movies Outdoors – Switch up movie nights by taking it outdoors. Let the kids pick their favorite flick and set up shop in your backyard. A few blankets, a white sheet, and a projector will do the trick. Make some healthy snacks and enjoy a movie under the stars.
- Sleepovers – When all else fails, invite more kids over to join in on the festivities. Since school is out, curfews can be broken and what kid doesn’t love a good sleepover? Invite a few of their friends over, pull out the games, movies, and snacks, and let them run wild. You can even have a little fun yourself with the parents. Talk, sip on some wine, or indulge in a good movie or show while the kids play.
Don’t just let the kids sit in the house all day bored. There are so many things you can do this summer to occupy their time. Summer is the best time of year to spend quality time with your kids, get outdoors, and just have fun. Hopefully, this has given you some ideas on how to keep them entertained until school is back in session.
drew says
As a mental health counselor AND a small biz owner this is great content. Keep up the good work. Summer ideas are right on!
Janet W. says
Nature Walks is a great idea! Great way to keep the children active and entertained!