Summer break is fun for children, but it can be stressful for you. Planning activities and keeping up with your kids is a full-time job. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to entertain your kids on summer break. Feel free to use one or all of these ideas!

Sign Up for Summer Reading Programs

Many libraries offer summer-long reading programs that encourage young people to read. Not only do children have access to a multitude of books, but libraries can also provide story times, author meet-ups, and interactive shows. Most programs are free, but some may require a small fee so be sure to verify the details before signing up.

Begin Days With Writing Prompts

Kids easily switch into summer mode and tend to put educational materials aside. After a few months away, they may begin to dread the upcoming school year. Over the summer, unlock their creativity and enhance their writing skills by starting the day with writing prompts. Instruct your kids to spend the first 30 minutes of the day answering a prompt, such as:

  • “My perfect day looks like…”
  • “If I could build my dream home, it would have…”
  • “If I could travel to the future, I would…”
  • “My favorite vacation was…”
  • “The funniest thing I’ve ever seen was…”

The more you encourage your kids to write, the easier it will become for them to express their creativity and develop written and verbal communication skills.

Host Mini Summer Camps

Entertain your kids, your neighbors’ kids, and the kiddos of family members and friends with a mini summer camp. Host a day of fun activities for participants. For example, you could create backyard obstacle courses and an arts and crafts area—don’t forget to stock up on supplies for your summer camp craft corner to ensure you have the essentials. You can also purchase board games, books, and small toy sets to accommodate children of all ages.

Take Advantage of Local Attractions

Summer is the time to enjoy the outdoors and engage with other people. Kid-friendly festivals, concerts, programs, and day camps are popular options. Museums, zoos, and amusement parks are great places too. Plan outings with your children and take advantage of local attractions—some places might even offer free or discounted tickets for kids!

Do Outdoor Movie Nights

Who wouldn’t love to watch a movie under the stars? Entertain your kids during summer break with outdoor movie nights. You can grab some comfy seats and project a movie on the garage door or a flat exterior wall. And for a true theater experience, you can make popcorn, provide boxed candy, and put together homemade slushies. Everyone will have an enjoyable night!

Create a Summer Fun List

Help your kids create a summer fun list and check off every activity they complete. Aim for at least 50 tasks, ranging from small to large activities. For example, “create chalk art” or “visit the park” are simple activities, while “travel to a new state” or “attend a festival” are larger tasks. You can also incorporate educational goals, such as reading a specific number of books or mastering a new skill.

Remember summer is all about having fun and creating new memories. Hope these tips will do just that for you and your family.