My kid (8) isnt enrolled in any summer camps, and we’ve been doing our best to keep him active and entertained both at home/outdoors. But we’re always looking for ideas for new fun stuff to do.
How do you and your kids do for fun summer break activities?
Thank you so much for the long detailed list! These are great ideas! I was hoping to get a discussion going where everyone chimes in with activity ideas, all ages. Anything!! Helping each other out with ideas to prevent summer cabin fever haha
Here are a few things not on the list:
-papercrafting: we have been printing out papercraft train patterns and other objects (buildings etc). Combine that with construction paper and cardboard, weve been making all kinds of stuff. Video game levels, train stations, an animal crossing island, etc.
-polymer clay: we bought a big multicolour kit on the internet (no name brand) and its been lots of fun
-obstacle courses at the park
-picnics - we got a heavy duty picnic blanket, and found a park nearby that has nice shady spots. We go there with a picnic lunch, books, gameboys and spend long stretches (if its not too hot)
-trying to learn how to sew, I sew a lot so I have lots of fabric. Ive been cutting out shapes for puppets and simple stuffies, but Ive seen some excellent craft kits around with precut shapes/stuffing that would be great too.
-indoor camp out sleepover, we have a pop-up tent that we set up in the living room since it doesnt need staking. Maybe less fun for older kids but my son enjoys it :)
I highly recommend actually going camping if you can find the time. We don’t do it as often as we should but every time we do it’s so great.
There’s a campground near us (an hour or two to get there) that’s only $15 per night and is safe enough that our only rule for the kids is they have to stay where we can see them… and it’s a big clearing so they don’t need to stay close to follow that rule.
Our kid loves being able to do whatever he wants, sometimes on his own, or playing with us, or with other kids at the campground. He can’t have that freedom at home - there are too many things he wants to do that he’s not allowed to do. Plus we like getting out of the house too - it’s not all about the kids! You can be a better parent if you’re enjoying yourself.