It’s that time of year again where kids everywhere are paying close attention to the calendar and are in full countdown mode to the last day of school. Summer vacation is literally just around the corner now, which means panic is starting to set in with parents.
Keeping them entertained, happy, and out of trouble all summer long can be a real challenge. This is exactly why parents tend to be pretty open to summer vacation ideas such as crafts, activities, tours, and sightseeing. Now this doesn’t mean you have to book up the entire summer, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a few plans in the works, and back-up ideas ready to go whenever needed.
To take the planning stress off your plate, we’ve gone ahead and come up with a long list of ideas that are sure to keep the kids busy and, most of all, happy this summer vacation. This will make for a smooth and memorable summer for all, and before you know it the holidays will be over.
Pick One or Two Crafts They Can Master
Rather than just stating “do crafts in the summer”, a good approach could be to have your kids pick one or two crafts that they don’t have experience with and then take the summer to master it. For example, maybe they want to learn how to paint on an actual canvas, then again maybe they are into jewelry making, or perhaps they love the idea of knitting?
Whatever the craft is that they choose, you can guide them through the process and help them to create an art project that they can work on all summer long. Think of it as a summer art project if you will.
Have a Craft Chest Ready for the Little Ones
If you have younger kids who can’t yet master a craft, you can build a craft chest before the summer starts and fill it with all kinds of fabulous and fun materials for them to experiment with. Each time they start to look at little bored, you can bring out the craft chest and let them pick a few materials to be creative with. Be sure to look for craft project inspiration online, as there is no shortage of great ideas.
Don’t Exactly Have the Crafty Gene?
So, what if you’ve read through these crafting ideas and you’re thinking they sound great, the kids would love them, but you aren’t exactly a crafting natural? Not to worry, as you can always take a couple of classes, or watch videos online and get the basics down. Another cool option is to learn craft design with a tutor, which you can find through services like Superprof.
Through this service, you’ll be able to learn online or locally thanks to the massive selection of expert crafting tutors. The tutors all specialize in different crafts too, so you’re bound to find one that will offer what you’re looking for. Learn about crafts with wood, fabrics, plastics, beading, paints, knitting, and so much more. After you feel more confident in your abilities, then you’ll be able to teach what you’ve learned to the kids, keeping them busy as well.
Crafting isn’t the only way to exercise your and the kids’ creativity. Why not try building technology if your little ones are into Science and technology? These build-a-tech kits are perfect for learning all about modern technology and electronics. The kits contain all you will need to build a robot, an electronic, or software, depending on the project you choose. Try something different together. You never know—you might discover a hidden talent or skill in you and your kids.
Sign the Kids Up for a Summer Sport
As any parent will attest to, keeping kids physically active is not only good for their health, but it’s a great way for them to burn off energy in a positive manner. Rather than walking around the house getting in trouble, they could be part of a sports team and making good use of that energy. Some of the more popular summer sports for kids include football, cricket, swimming, tennis, and even track events depending on the child’s age.
Local Festivals and Events
If you don’t plan on going away this summer, then it could be a good idea to look into day trips and activities. Typically, the festival and event season picks up during the warm months of summer, which means you have plenty to choose from. Obviously, you want to look for events and festivals that are child-friendly and are meant for families. As an added bonus, most of these types of outdoor festivals and events tend to be free to attend, which makes it a budget-friendly option.
Look at Summer Camps
Summer camp can be another fabulous solution for parents and kids as it gives them a chance to socialize, learn cool new skills, enjoy experiences they will carry with them for a lifetime, and keep busy outside of the house. Whether you look at doing an away camp or just a day camp, towns typically have all kinds of different options to choose from.
Visit Child-Friendly Museums
Museums can be another fabulous activity for kids to take part in. Again, look for a child-friendly one such as science-based museums where kids are encouraged to touch objects, experiment, and learn. Not only will this keep them busy, it’s also an educational experience for them.
Make Picnics a Weekly Activity
One of the best ways to enjoy the summer holidays is to be outdoors, and a picnic offers you a great excuse to get out there and soak up the sun. Have the kids help out in putting the food together and getting the picnic basket ready, and then try a new location each week. By the end of the summer, you will probably have discovered some new favorite spots.
Beach and Waterparks are a Must During Summer Vacation
Of course, the summer holidays should most definitely include a visit to any nearby beaches and/or waterparks. Kids absolutely love the water, and it’s a great way to cool them off while burning energy yet again. You can coordinate with other parents and even make it a play date, having everyone meet up at the same destination. Just be sure to pack plenty of SPF sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat for all.
Have Them Plant Their Own Vegetable or Herb Garden
Another activity that has an educational side to it is to have the kids plant their own vegetable or herb garden that they are responsible for all summer. You can talk to them about what kind of care is needed, pick them up all the necessary garden tools and supplies, and turn the responsibility over to them.
Just think how proud they will feel once they start to yield their own crops that they can use in meals! This is also a great opportunity for them to learn about recipes and how to cook what they have grown.
Some of the easiest and fastest vegetables for kids to grow on their own include tomatoes of all sorts and sizes, carrots, sprouts like alfalfa, beans, microgreens, peas, and edible flowers. As for herbs that are fast, easy, and versatile when it comes to using them, you can look into mint, lemongrass, parsley, basil, thyme, chives, and rosemary.
You’re Prepared for an Enjoyable and Busy Summer with the Kids
So, as the summer holidays continue to inch closer and closer, it’s time to set aside your stress as you can easily refer to this list of activities, crafts, and ideas to keep the kids busy and happy all summer long. Follow play comparison sports blog. You’ll find more ideas there.
