Summer is my favorite time of the year! It’s so much easier to have quality family time when activities and homework are put on hold. I recently attended a parent event educating parents on the dangers of social media and the digital world our kids are growing up in. The answer to the problem? Education and connection. Smartsocial.com is a great source for staying up to date with apps and technology. As parents we can strive to educate ourselves and learn more about the effects of social media and how to help our kids.
The other way is to strengthen our connections or relationships with our children and family. And that is what this blog is about. Finding and sharing ways to stay connected. Every summer I love creating (with my kids) a bucket list of fun ideas for our family. Because even though it’s great for our kids to be ‘bored’ sometimes, I like having ideas of fun things to do that don’t involve screens. Or a ton of money. Our family doesn’t always get to travel over the summer. Now my boys would love to play video games all summer long. Actually, they just think they would. Because when we get outside and play they usually forget all about screens. And having a list of fun activities really helps my kids think outside the box.
But since we live in Arizona now instead of California getting outside isn’t always possible. Well we try to swim everyday in the afternoon. But if we could have some fun mornings (after our chores of course) to be creative than my kids can fill their lives with other great things to do beside video games.
In addition to a list of fun things to do I also have a printable you can print and laminate to hang on your fridge. This will help you keep on track as you strive to spend time together. Or you can find fun things for your kids to do together, without you. Personally I love tackling house & craft projects during the summer. Sometimes giving your kids an idea and supplies can keep them busy while you work on your own things. But if you are a working parent you can check out this post on ways to stay connected after work or on the weekends. I share easy ways to sneak in quality time with our kids after dinner.
Summer Bucket List
- Write letters to your favorite authors (encourages reading & fine motor skills)
- Make reading forts- Reading is more fun in a fort
- Make ice cream
- Bubble fun
- Library trips-check out their reading programs.
- Swimming
- Musical mania– we watch musicals together, eat a treat from the movie as we talk about it together.
- Tide pools
- Camping- Hoping to camp in Payson where it’s cooler. A great weekend activity.
- Roast marshmallows- Or use a solar oven for s’mores.
- Lemonade stand- for a cause. I suggest Operation Underground Railroad or Days for Girls
- Make a Lego sundial
- Sidewalk chalk paint outside
- Smoothie fun- Let your kids create their own smoothies.
- Make Lego zip lines
- Marble run competition
- Water balloon fight- These easy fill balloons are a must. Be sure to leave no trace.
- Yoga for Kids–
- Grape structures– fun and delicious!
- Feed my starving children– If you aren’t in Arizona you can look on justserve.org for more service ideas.
- Salt river Tubing
- Water colors- My kids love when I paint with them.
- Spa day- Take some time to pamper your kids.
- Sidewalk chalk art
- Tea party
- Picnics
- Photograph the alphabet- Outside adventure where we look for letters in nature.
- Bike rides
- Puzzles
- Board games– These are some of my favorites, including games for non readers.
- Pen pals- Pick some friends to exchange letters with.
- Paper mache planets- I want to make our solar system.
- Stem activities
- Scout advancements
- Play doh
- Baking through the alphabet- So many kid friendly recipes to try.
- Free Chick-Fil-A Day – July 10th! Mark your calendar.
- Make a mini quilt or teach sewing
- Make dream catchers
- Just dance
- Coding- I know this involves screens, but we have limits and it’s a great skill.
- Ice block fun- Freeze items in a baking loaf pan and let them dig stuff out.
- Live action- Again another screen. But have them write a story and then use this app to create their own movies. Watch them as a family.
- Squirt gun painting
- Make your own bubbles
- Paper airplane contest
- Indoor golf
- Card board box creations- have card board, cups, craft sticks, glue, tape, and craft supplies and let your kids create.
- Shadow puppets
- Make muffins
- Hike
- Splash pad
- Museums
- Olympic family events
- Outside obstacle course
- Lego building activities
- Summer Science Activities
- Audio Books- Great way to listen to a book while coloring, legoes, or driving on trips
- Family History- Find names, interview family members, or look at pictures.
- Family Talent Show- Invite over extending family or keep it small. Let your kids showcase their talents.
- Magic the Gathering Tournament
- Make Jam (strawberry and pear recipes)
- Family Movie Night
I hope this ideas help your family connect and strengthen your family relationships. If you need more ideas check out past summer fun lists here and here. And take a peek at my summer favorites! You can refer back to this post by pinning it!
You can find more fun summer activities here
5 Family Fun Ideas For Families
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