Ten Ways to Survive Summer with Kids
Summer can often feel long when you have kids at home, especially when they have endless energy! It can often feel daunting to plan ways to engage your kids during summertime, so I want to offer up ten ideas to help keep your kids engaged during the long, lazy days of summer.
Visit the library: Make regular trips to the library for storytime sessions and take time to pick out new books. Many libraries also offer summer reading programs and events for children. Check out these events for kids and families at Hennepin County Libraries this summer.
Have a picnic in the park: Pack up your lunch or dinner and head to a local park for a fun picnic together. Bring outdoor games or a ball, frisbee, or jump rope as you enjoy some time outdoors together.
Go to the local pool: Spend time at a local pool or community splash pad. Here in the Twin Cities, check out the Webber Natural Swimming Pool, the aquatic park in St. Louis Park, or Bunker Beach water park.
Go see a movie: Check out the local movies showing the parks, or the cheap kids' movies at local cinemas like the Riverview Theater.
Plan a playdate: Bring some snacks and meet up with some friends at a park, or have a friend over for kids to play with in their own space. Try a creative activity like a scavenger hunt or making homemade masks.
Take a nature walk: Take leisurely nature walks or short hikes. It's a good way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors without too much effort. My favorite thing to do on my neighborhood walks is take photos of pretty flowers or things I think are cute/funny!
Have a dance party: Crank up your favorite tunes and dance together in your living room or backyard! Turn on a bubble machine or sing some karaoke for some extra fun. Depending on the dance party age range, Koo Koo has some fan favorites! I am personally a big fan of Glitter. Their music is for anyone, not just kids!
Read to a shelter pet: Check out your local chapter of Rescue Readers and read to a pet awaiting adoption. It helps your kids strengthen their literacy skills while getting a few furry cuddles at the same time!
Dig in the soil together: Get outside and plant some seeds in your yard together, or volunteer at a local community garden. Growing your own produce or flowers as a family can be so rewarding. You could also just do what my 6-year-old does and make a “potion” from water, mud, and various natural items found in the yard.
Try a family game night: Pull out a stack of age-appropriate board games and puzzles to choose from, and set out some snacks to share, like these!
All of these activities are easy to organize or plan- they can help make summer more enjoyable and memorable for both you and the kids without additional stress.
