Summer is that magical time of year for kids when it's all play and no school work. Jack has summer camp through his daycare - filled with learning games, crafts and outdoor play, but on our weekends home together, I make an effort to plan fun activities for us to do as a family. I've rounded up a list of some of our favorites - both inside and outside, depending on the weather. Hope these ideas help you keep your kiddos entertained this summer. Feel free to share any other activities you and your littles love.
{indoor activities}
Move over play-doh, kinetic sand is where it's at! Super moldable and doesn't dry out. Jack likes to makes ramps for his little monster trucks.
We bought an easel for Jack for Christmas and it has been super fun to watch his creativity, practice his letters, etc.
Sunday afternoons are a time when we all like to unwind for an hour or so, and do something independently. Jack picks a bath bomb to use in our big tub, and plays with bath toys, legos, etc. while I keep an eye on him & paint my nails at the bathroom vanity, and Greg plays video games in the living room. We all win!
I had these carboard blocks as a kid, and they are great for building larger scale things. Jack will often bring out his fake tool set and hammer, saw and drill the blocks to build a house.
Candyland is a classic for a reason. No skill required, just luck - which is a great reminder when Jack doesn't win a round.
We took Jack to the movie theater for the first time to see The Little Mermaid - he loved it almost as much as he loved the popcorn! We also love to make a blanket fort on rainy afternoons and snuggle up for a animated movie together.
Jack really likes helping us cook in the kitchen. He puts on his apron, grabs his stool and assembles all the ingredients for his own personal pizza. He also loves helping me bake cookies - and sneak a taste of the cookie dough :)
Jack has a play tool kit and cleaning set, both of which he loves to use to "clean" and "fix" things around the house.
{outdoor activities}
Nothing better than a popsicle on a hot summer day, especially great when it also involves playing on a splash pad.
Jack and I love to go for a bike ride together. He has a tricycle with a handle that I guide so it's a little workout for me as well while we walk around the neighborhood.
All of our neighbors know Jack thanks to the red car he drives around the sidewalks, honking the horn and playing the radio. He often grabs a stuffed animal to ride shotgun.
My mama heart is always happy when I watch Greg and Jack play ball in the yard, whether kicking around a soccer ball or working on his batting form.
Cooling off in the pool or splashing in the waves at the beach is a regular weekend activity for us.
Earlier in the day is better with the temperature, but we enjoy checking out all the different sections of the zoo, feeding the giraffes, etc. Jack loved dressing up for Boo at the Zoo before Halloween last year.
canoe/kayakMy parents live on a canal on the river and we like to borrow their canoe or kayaks to explore the Thousand Islands. On a calm morning the river is like glass and it's easy to spot wildlife and manatees below.
Pack a big blanket, snacks and drinks and head to the park. We'll let Jack run around, swing, slide and play, then take a break for lunch under a shady tree.
Picking in-season fruit to then eat and bake into a festive dessert is fun for the whole family.
We have a sandbox in our backyard and Jack loves playing in it with trucks, excavators and building sand castles.
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