Summer is just around the corner, and we can all use advice for activities to plan for our kids. Sure, there are summer camps, VBS, and (for some) the pool, but what about all that extra time in between since school no longer is an option during the summer months?
As I said in this post, imaginary play just isn’t my jam. However, I typically do much better during the summer months! The pressure is off, the weather is nice, and I’m much more in the mood to come up with fun activities!
Source: Brandon.Macaronikid.com
1. Ice Block Treasure Hunt
The heat during the summer months can be brutal. What else could kids love more than a way to cool themselves off while playing? Macaroni Kid introduces a great activity for kids through creating an ice block treasure hunt. Gather random little odds and ends, fill a box with them and cover with water. Then place in the freezer until it’s a solid block ready for your little explorers to chip away!
Read how to create this ice block here.
2. Sidewalk Chalk
Take advantage of sidewalk chalk! My kids entertain themselves for hours with chalk! They color the sidewalk, themselves, and each other! One time my son painted my cheeks with chalk, I forgot about it and wore it on my face the rest of the afternoon. (whoops!)
Here are 10 sidewalk chalk ideas to give you some inspiration.
Source: simplifylivelove.com
3. Squirt Gun Art
Be prepared for another messy activity, mamas! But I have a feeling you will want to join in on this fun! Instead of water, load the squirt guns with WASHABLE paint, lay out a blank canvas (this could be a white sheet or various scrap pieces of paper), and let the “war” begin! This is a messy activity, so be sure to wear old clothes and stay outdoors!
Source: housingaforest.com
4. Build Your Own Sprinkler
Where I live, the summers are very humid. If I want my kiddos to not only go outside but STAY outside, I have to incorporate water into their play. My husband is a resourceful handyman and is always coming up with new inventions — taking old things and transforming them into activities for the kids. I’m excited to give him the challenge of a homemade sprinkler this year!
For simple instructions to build your own sprinkler, check out Housing A Forest.
Source: iheartcraftythings.com
5. Color Scavenger Hunt
Although Pinterest is full of amazing, creative ideas, sometimes I just want a quick and simple go-to for the kids. I don’t have time to dedicate long hours to developing fun activities, so when I saw this simple paper bag and marker scavenger hunt idea, I knew I needed to add this to my summer activities list! You can make up your own scavenger hunt rules, but the easy rules are that your kiddos find things either inside or out that match the colors you put on the bag. First one to find all the colors wins!
Check out I Heart Crafty Things for more instructions.
Tell us in the comments a few of YOUR go-to summer activities! We need all the help we can get!