Summer is almost here! The weather is warmer, school is out for a while, and summertime activities are usually in full swing. But this year, things are different. Many events – including annual summer camps – are cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The changes to summer routines has left many kids disappointed. Not to mention, parents and nannies may be struggling to find some new ways to keep kids active during the summer. If there is no summer camp this year, don’t worry. Here are some other fun ideas!
States are beginning to ease restrictions and getting outside is important for physical and mental health. Nature hikes, scavenger hunts, and gardening are great ways to help your kids get fresh air while keeping them engaged. Encourage your kids to be creative and come up with some scavenger hunt ideas. Nature hikes around local trails or forests is a great way to teach them about plants and animals, and it is also great exercise. In your garden, give kids a space to plant their own flowers or vegetables and encourage them to tend to them through the summer.
Many museums are offering free virtual tours of their facilities this summer and fall, simply because they are not able to be open to the public. This gives kids the incredible opportunity to see and experience museums that they otherwise might not be able to see in real life. Virtual concerts or plays are also being offered regularly, which exposes the kids to the arts in a unique way.
Kids are missing interaction with their friends, but you can get creative and set up a virtual visit. Whether it is on Zoom or FaceTime, your kids will appreciate seeing their friend’s faces. To make it extra fun, schedule a “lunch” or “snack” play date, where the kids can eat lunch or have a snack together, virtually. If the kids are younger and enjoy dressing up, it could even be a dress-up play date, where they come to the call or video meeting in their favorite costume or character.
Now is the time to invest in some new board games, water games, or STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) games. Making it a family affair through game nights, so everyone can get in on the fun. This also creates some great bonding time!
Remember, every hour or day of summer does not need to be packed with activities. It is important to allow for some quiet time – whether that’s through reading books, writing stories, painting, or drawing. Quiet creative time will help your kids express what’s inside of them and give them the opportunity to recharge a bit.
No matter what you end up doing with the kids this summer, take it as an opportunity to spend time with them that you might not normally have on a “regular” summer. Special memories are waiting to be made!
Create Your Own Summer Camp Experience at Home