Activities for end of summer fun!

By: Family Services

A great way to try and prevent the summer slide is by getting kids out into the community and looking for ways to embed learning in everyday routines. This type of enrichment doesn’t have to be expensive or require travel. Below are some ideas that may help make the end of summer interactive, educational, and fun: 

 Activities To Do at Home: 

 Paint or Sidewalk Chalk 

This can be a great outside summertime sensory play activity that can strengthen the muscles in hands, fingers, and arms, improving flexibility and hand-eye coordination. Looking for an easier way to work with paint? Wrap an empty paper towel roll with bubble wrap. Coat the bubble wrap in paint and have your child hold the end of the roll and paint on paper or cardboard. This way of painting also provides a great sound. 

Bubbles 

Bubbles are a great sensory experience. Almost everyone loves to watch or pop bubbles, from a bubble wand to a small bubble machine. Blowing, watching, and playing with bubbles is a fun way for children to investigate their world with their senses. 

Sensory Trays or Tables 

Use a plastic chip or dip platter and add different items to each portion of the platter. Handheld soft toys, play dough, shaving cream, or glowsticks. If you want to bring the beach to your sensory tray, put sand in the dip portion and fill the other sections with seashells, animal toys with texture, and smooth pebbles. 

Pitch a Tent 

Pitching a tent in your yard can be fun, challenging, and creative! If your family isn’t quite ready for outdoor camping, put a tent inside, roast marshmallows in an indoor fireplace or over a mini hibachi, make s’mores, cook “camping” food, and use a star projector to make the ceiling look like the night sky. An inside tent can also provide a comforting retreat for some quiet time. 

Garden 

If you have the space (even a little raised bed), create a small garden with your child. Starting a garden inside from seeds can be a great way to engage with your child and show them how things grow. Choose local herbs or flowers that flourish in your area. Gardening can help improve motor skills and enhance creativity. Working in the soil can also be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. 

Activities to do in the Community: 

 Explore Local Parks 

A picnic in a local park can provide a wonderful afternoon of great snacks, enjoying the scenery, and picking flowers. 

Check out Your Local Library 

Most libraries offer free programs for children of various ages, interests, and abilities. Every child deserves a playground. If you need help finding inclusive and accessible playgrounds, visit bit.ly/playgroundfinder. 

Visit a Local Farm or Petting Zoo 

For those interested in animals, a trip to a local farm or petting zoo can be an excellent experience for children. Many places will allow you to make special arrangements before your visit, allowing you to bypass long lines or arrange for an experience best suited for your child. Petting, feeding, and talking to animals, up close and personal, can provide a great sensory experience and a wonderful learning experience.