It’s summer again and time to think about keeping the kids’ busy… we mean, keeping their brains engaged while they’re enjoying their vacation from school. Studies have shown that summer learning loss is very real and growing brains should be constantly working on new skills if they want to be at their best for each new school year. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to cost you a thing to keep your kids, tweens, and teens busy learning and having fun all summer long. Read on for some ideas to get you started!
Activities for Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere
Fun, Cheap or Free offers an extensive collection of ideas for summer activities—100 of them, in fact—for frugal families with kids. The list includes answers to the dreaded statement, “I’m bored,” DIY projects for backyard play or kitchen snack prep, activities for the whole family, and plans kids can do on their own. There’s definitely something to do at: 100 Fun Summer Activities for Kids.
Tech for Toddlers to Tweens
As we know, kids just love to keep their noses in their screens. So, while they’re in there, put those little noses to good use playing some games with benefits or engaging with some apps that have some educational value for free! The team at Family Education offers a well-curated list of free apps that includes colorful character-focused learning games for the littlest of your crew—think PBS favorites and the like—and STEM-focused apps for your tweens like a universe visualizer from NASA. Read previews of all their recommendations at: 21 Free Educational Apps for Kids.
Screen-Free Time for Teens
Older kids are less likely to entertain their imaginations by doing things like making mudpies in the yard and more likely to give in to endless hours of media consumption. ADDitude magazine online shares some tips for disengaging your teens from their screens along with a list of things to-do that was written by an actual teenager! Take a look at the guest blog When the Lazy Days of Summer are Too Lazy.
Summertime activities don’t have to be formal, and their results don’t have to be perfect. Just keep your kids active, encourage their fun, and don’t forget to join in from time to time.
