When summer arrives, the warm weather and extra daylight present an excellent opportunity to spend time with your kids. You’ll spark excitement and create strong bonds by spending time doing new things together. Explore these five activities to do with your kids this summer that will delight and engage their young minds.
Read Books Together
Few experiences compare to sharing stories with your children. Whether you read in a shady backyard spot or share a favorite picture book before bedtime, reading together builds a rich foundation for curiosity and language development.
Take turns reading the pages aloud and discussing the characters and settings so your children can develop critical thinking skills. Bonding over stories often opens the door for meaningful conversations and inspires your children to create their own tales.
Build a Birdhouse
Creative, hands-on projects can leave lasting impressions on children. As you build a birdhouse with them, they will take pride in the fact that they made something with their hands. Choose a simple kit at a craft store, or gather wood scraps, glue and non-toxic paint.
Guide your children through each step, so they don’t make any mistakes that result in injuries. Placing the finished bird house in your yard invites feathered friends into your outdoor space, adding excitement each time your little ones spot a visiting bird.
Grow a Garden
Another activity to do with your kids this summer is growing a garden, which introduces them to nature, science, nutrition, and responsibility in a fun and rewarding way. Select seeds or seedlings together, aiming for easy-to-grow plants such as sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, or radishes.
Each new leaf or bud will bring your children a sense of accomplishment that builds their confidence and interest in nature. Harvesting and tasting what you’ve grown together makes the garden even more special while reinforcing the value of caring for living things.
Stage a Ride-On Car Race
Holding a mini race in your backyard is a great way to have fun and teach your kids about friendly competition. In addition, power cars are a great alternative to screen time because they feature engaging mechanics and technology.
Map a racecourse around the yard, and decorate the vehicles together using streamers or stickers before the big event. Set simple rules and cheer everyone on, focusing on having fun rather than winning. Encouraging active play in this way fosters good sportsmanship.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts blend adventure with problem-solving. Plan a themed hunt in your backyard, neighborhood, or inside. Guide your kids as they search, offering hints as needed and celebrating their discoveries. Sharing in the thrill of the hunt brings the family closer and invites everyone to notice details they might overlook.
You can celebrate the summer by trying these five engaging activities with your kids. Taking time to connect through creativity and exploration will turn this summer into one they will always remember.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 