8 Activities To Try With Your Child This Summer

Summer is the perfect opportunity for quality family time – but finding things to keep little ones entertained can feel like its own full-time job! Don't worry, we've got you covered. Whether your summer plans are big, small, or in-between, we want to empower you to find moments to bond with your child and encourage their early learning, growth, and development. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of 8 simple activities for you to try out this summer!

🌳 Nature Scavenger Hunt

Encourage your child's curiosity and love for nature with a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items like leaves, flowers, rocks, or insects for your child to find in the backyard or a nearby park. You could even do a special challenge and as your child to look for objects of a certain color or size. This activity promotes observation skills, encourages physical activity, and fosters a connection with the natural world.

🌳 DIY Water Play

Beat the heat with some refreshing water play! Set up a DIY water park in your backyard using a small inflatable pool, water sprinklers, water guns, or water balloons. Not only will your child have a blast, but this activity also enhances gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory exploration.

⚠️ Always supervise children during water play and ensure a safe water depth and environment.

🏠 / 🌳 Homemade Popsicle Party

Cool down and get creative with a homemade popsicle party. Recruit your child to help you make fruit-based or yogurt-based popsicles using molds or paper cups. Enjoy them together in the backyard or on a picnic. This activity introduces healthy eating habits and gets children involved in the kitchen!

Recipe Ideas (National Child And Adult Care Food Program Sponsors Association): Watermelon Pop | Elmo’s Strawberry Pops

🏠 Storytime Adventures

Create a cozy reading nook and embark on storytime adventures with your child. Choose age-appropriate books that spark their imagination and curiosity. Encourage interactive reading by asking questions, discussing the story, and even acting out parts of it. This activity fosters language development and cognitive skills.

Action for Children Book Lists: Feelings | Diversity

🏠 Indoor Obstacle Course

Transform your living room into an exciting indoor obstacle course. Use pillows, cushions, furniture, or other household items to create a series of challenges for your child to complete, such as crawling under tables, jumping over cushions, or balancing on a line. This activity enhances your child’s coordination, and problem-solving abilities and encourages them to explore their physical environment in a safe and fun way.

⚠️ Ensure that the obstacle course is age-appropriate and free from hazards. Clear any sharp objects or fragile items from the area.

🏠 / 🌳 Artistic Creations

Unleash your child's creativity through arts and crafts. Provide them with art supplies like paper, paint, markers, and colored pencils. Encourage them to express their ideas and emotions through drawings, paintings, or collages. This activity supports fine motor skills, self-expression, and emotional development.

Parent Tip Tuesday Activity: Tissue Paper Art

🌳 Picnic in the Park

Pack a simple picnic and head to a local park. Enjoy quality time together while exploring the surroundings, playing games like frisbee or catch, and enjoying a meal outdoors. This activity promotes social skills, physical activity, and an appreciation for nature.

⚠️ Choose a shady spot for the picnic to protect your child from excessive sun exposure. Apply sunscreen and bring plenty of water.

FatherUp Guide: Exploring Metroparks

🌳 Backyard Camping

Create the excitement of camping right in your backyard. Set up a tent or camping hammock, roll out sleeping bags, and indulge in a mini camping adventure. Roast marshmallows over a fire pit or enjoy stargazing. This activity encourages imagination, promotes family bonding, and fosters an appreciation of the natural world.

⚠️ Always supervise children near fires and ensure the fire is properly extinguished before going to bed.

📚 BONUS ACTIVITY 📚

Take a trip to your local library and embark on a reading adventure with your child! Libraries offer a treasure trove of books for all ages, providing endless opportunities for learning and exploration. Encourage your child to choose books that spark their interest, whether it's a thrilling adventure, a fascinating non-fiction topic, or a beloved picture book. Spend quality time together reading, discussing stories, and expanding your child's imagination.

No matter what activity you choose, quality family time and engaging activities contribute to children's growth and development. Put simply, you can promote your child's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being just by spending intentional time with them. These 8 simple activities are just the beginning of a summer filled with joyful moments and valuable learning experiences for both you and your child. So grab the sunscreen, pack some snacks, and embark on a summer full of fun and meaningful connections with your little ones!