This summer, you want your kids to do more than stare at screens all day.You want them outside, active and engaged, not glued to TVs, tablets and phones.The good news is, there are plenty of fun ways to inspire your kids to ditch the devices and make the most of the summer break.Whether you’ve got budding athletes, budding artists or just kids who love being outdoors, here are 10 inspiring ways to get the little ones off the sofa and doing something more creative and active over the holidays. From adventure camps to DIY science experiments, craft activities to volunteering opportunities, these ideas will motivate kids of all ages to switch off the tech and tune into real-world summer fun.
Set Up a Backyard Water Park With Inflatable Water Slides
Set up a backyard water park and your kids will be entertained for hours this summer. All you need are a few inflatable water slides or pools, a hose, and some fun extras like squirt guns.
- Invest in a large inflatable water slide. Popular options include slip ‘n slides, obstacle courses, and giant water slides. For younger kids, a small kiddie pool with a built-in slide is perfect.
- Attach a hose to your slide so the kids stay soaked as they go down. You’ll want a hose with an adjustable spray nozzle to control the water flow.
- Add extras like squirt guns, water balloons, buckets and tug-of-war ropes for splashy fun. Set up sprinklers for the kids to run through or a kiddie pool at the bottom of the slide.
- Create splash pads by laying down tarp, kiddie pools, or plastic sheeting and poking holes in it. The kids will love stomping and splashing in the spurts of water.
- Set ground rules for safety like going down the slide one at a time, no rough play, and mandatory breaks to reapply sunscreen.
- Join in the fun yourself! Kids will love seeing parents act silly and play in the water. After all, summer only comes once a year.
With some inflatable slides, a hose, and extras, you’ll have your own makeshift water park ready for an afternoon of family fun in the sun. The memories you make will last long after the summer is over. Now, cannonball!
Plan Active Day Trips to Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails
A great way to get the kids outside this summer is to plan some active day trips to kid-friendly hiking trails. There are trails perfect for little legs that also offer scenic rewards.
Look for trails with interactive elements.
Kids will love trails with things like rope courses, playgrounds or spots for building forts and dens along the way. Some even have treasure hunts or scavenger hunts you can download to do along the trail.
-Do some research ahead of time to find trails with gradual inclines and terrain suitable for kids. Look for loop trails so you don’t have to double back.
-Pack snacks, water, bug spray, sunscreen, a first aid kit and any maps or activity sheets.
-Let the kids help pick which trail to do. They’ll be more engaged if they’re invested in the choice.
-Make it fun by playing I-Spy, having kids take photos or do leaf/rock rubbings. Bring field guides to identify plants and animals.
-Stop for picnics, to build fairy houses or just to enjoy a view. Keeping it leisurely will make it more enjoyable for everyone.
Trails with streams, waterfalls or places for paddling are always a hit. Many national and state parks have family-friendly trails with parking fees of $5-$10 per vehicle. An annual pass can save money if you go often.
Getting outside and exercising is so beneficial for both physical and mental health. There are many outdoor activities for kids if you are a bit creative. An active day on a scenic trail can do wonders for mood and sleep, for kids and adults alike. Make this summer one to remember with fun family adventures exploring the natural world around you.
Get Creative With Sprinklers and Water Balloons
Kids these days spend way too much time staring at screens. This summer, get your kids outside and active with some classic seasonal fun using sprinklers and water balloons.
Set up a sprinkler obstacle course. Place a few sprinklers in a pattern in the yard, at varying heights for added challenge. Have the kids run, jump and dodge through the sprinklers. You can include other obstacles like hula hoops to hop in and out of or pool noodles to weave between. This active outdoor game is perfect for burning off energy on a hot summer day.
Stage a water balloon toss. Fill a few dozen balloons and have the kids stand across from a partner, starting close together and taking a step back after each successful toss and catch. See which pair can get the furthest apart without popping their balloon. Be prepared to get wet, because those balloons will eventually burst! This fun game helps kids practise hand-eye coordination and teamwork.
Organise a water balloon pinata. Fill a large container like a trash can or storage bin with water balloons and have the kids take turns trying to break open the “pinata” with a bat or large stick while blindfolded. They’ll love the surprise of getting soaked when the balloons start flying! This activity encourages kids to use their sense of hearing to anticipate where the balloons are located.
Challenge the kids to some water balloon games like hot potato, where they pass around a balloon until it pops, or water balloon volleyball, where they bat around balloons without letting them hit the ground. Come up with your own variations by adding more balloons into play or restricting the ways the balloons can be hit. These lighthearted games are all about having fun and staying cool in the summer sun.
Getting kids outside and away from technology is so important for their development and wellbeing. Sprinklers, hoses and water balloons offer an easy, inexpensive way to inspire outdoor physical activity and creativity. The memories made from a fun-filled summer day of playing in the water will last long after the sprinklers are turned off.
Sign Up for Swim Lessons at the Local Pool
Swim lessons are a great way to teach kids an important life skill and get them active this summer. Many community pools, gyms and recreational centres offer swim lessons for all ages and skill levels.
Sign the kids up for lessons at your local pool.
Check with pools in your area to see what swim lesson options they offer for kids. They typically have classes for different age groups, from toddlers to teens, as well as skill levels from beginner to advanced. The lessons usually run for a few weeks over the summer, meeting for 30-45 minutes a couple times a week. The instructors will teach kids water safety and build up their confidence and skills in the water.
Even kids who already know how to swim can benefit from swim lessons. The classes help them strengthen their technique and learn new skills like how to do certain strokes properly or how to do flip turns. For little ones just learning to swim, the lessons teach them how to be comfortable and safe in the water. The instructors take it slowly, first having the kids get used to putting their face in the water, then teaching simple arm strokes while wearing flotation devices.
While the kids are in their swim lessons, you can sit poolside and watch their progress. Or, look into whether the facility offers swim lessons for adults or open swim times so you can get in some exercise or recreation too. Many pools have options like water aerobics, lap swimming or recreational swimming that you can take advantage of while waiting for the kids’ lessons to finish.
Swim lessons are a rewarding summer activity for kids that also gives parents a chance to relax or stay active themselves. The skills and confidence kids gain will benefit them for years to come. Look into swim lessons at pools in your area to find one that fits your family’s needs and schedule. Your kids will be splashing and swimming in no time!
Organise an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt to Encourage Exploration
An outdoor scavenger hunt is a fun way to get kids engaged with nature and exploring the great outdoors. Set up a list of items for them to find, like certain leaves, rocks, sticks or wildlife. Give them bags or baskets to collect the items in.
Set Clear Rules
Explain any areas that are off-limits before the hunt begins. Set a time limit, like 30-60 minutes, to keep things moving. Offer a small prize for the winning team to build excitement. Most importantly, instruct kids to be respectful of nature and leave things as they found them.
Get Creative with the List
Include items of varying difficulty, from easy things like a pine cone or dandelion to more challenging ones such as a bird feather or cool-looking rock. Get kids to identify types of trees, birds or insects. Have them make leaf or bark rubbings using paper and crayons. Add bonus items for extra points to keep it interesting.
Work as a Team
Pair up older and younger kids so they can work together. This encourages bonding between siblings or friends of different ages. Let the kids come up with team names to foster team spirit. Teams should stay together for safety, but can search separately in the same general area.
Make it Educational
Have the kids identify and learn about the items they find. When the hunt is over, everyone can share what they found and discuss the natural world around them. An outdoor scavenger hunt awakens children’s natural curiosity about nature in an enjoyable, hands-on way.
Getting kids outside and engaged in an outdoor activity like a scavenger hunt helps reduce screen time in a fun, memorable way. With some simple planning, an outdoor scavenger hunt can be an inspiring summer adventure for kids and families.
Have a blast with your kids for more bonding time
So there you have it, 10 simple but inspiring ways to get the kids off the screens this summer and doing activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. Summer only comes around once a year, so make the most of the longer days and warmer weather. Get outside, get active, learn new skills, and most importantly have fun with friends and family. Before you know it, they’ll be back at school and you’ll be wishing for the lazy days of summer. So switch off the tech, get out there and enjoy making memories to last well beyond the summer holidays. The time you spend together now will be moments they treasure for years to come.
