What to do with the seemingly endless amount of free time in the summer months away from school can prove to be a difficult task for some parents. For working parents, it may be harder for you to ensure that your child is getting the most out of their summer days, but there are plenty of things you can do to make sure their summer is as much of a development and learning period as it is a break from school.
One thing you want to be sure your child cuts back on is spending too much time indoors with their eyes glued to a screen. This does nothing for their mental processes and can actually become a cause for concern. Activities that incorporate a healthy balance of education, play, and relaxation prove to be the perfect mix to get the most enrichment and growth out of your child’s summer break. We’ve compiled a list of ideas that cover all of the bases that will make this summer one to remember for the whole family!
1. Start a Lemonade Stand
Nothing really beats a good old fashioned lemonade stand in the hot summer heat! Let your kids express their creativity by decorating their own stand and creating flyers to put out around the neighborhood. Not only is this a fun activity for both you and your kids, this could also be an educational experience. This activity gives parents the chance to begin to instill entrepreneurial qualities in their children from a young age as they learn perseverance, communication skills, and, of course, the value of their hard-earned money and success!
2. Create a Family Cookbook
Calling all the sous chefs in the family! If your child loves helping out in the kitchen, this is a great activity for them to engage in that interest and take it to the next level. Creating your own family cookbook is a great way to bond with your children. You might have a new family tradition to pass down to future generations!
3. Pick Up a New Instrument.
If your child is a dancing machine or has ever pounded the “drums” on a turned over pot, learning to play an instrument could be something they will really enjoy! Music lessons of any sort have countless benefits such as total brain stimulation, an increase of brain capacity, and the ability to sharpen your concentration to name a few! Aside from the physical and psychological benefits, learning to play an instrument is a fun and stimulating hobby that kids and parents can really enjoy with no expiration date.
4. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter.
Volunteering at your local animal shelter is a great educational activity for you and your children over the summer months. Not only will your kids gain tons of knowledge of the different animals and their needs within the shelter, they will also learn compassion and selflessness through volunteering with animals. This type of activity is also perfect for that child who desperately wants a pet of their own. They will learn all that goes into caring for a pet without yet having sole responsibility for one of their own.
5. Have a Family Fun Day at Funderland!
At Funderland we are all about affordable family fun. Our park features everything a parent may need for a fun day at an amusement park without the crowds, lines, and absurd prices. And the best part is, parents can relax while knowing their kids are safe and having a blast exploring the park. This makes for great family fun on every visit.
Everyone knows that getting your kids out, active, and educated in a fun way during the summer months can be a challenging task, but with this list of activities, you and your child can prepare for one of the best summers yet!
