When you have a little one at home, summer might not feel like a break. It’s more of the same but with hotter temps. It’s worth it to savor summer in these years, though. It’s a special time when your little one is content being with you and not begging to buzz around with friends.
There are some activities that just scream summer but are so simple they’re easy to overlook. So we’ve made a list of musts to really savor summer with your child. And it’s not a to-do list; it’s a “ta-da” list! These ideas will help you slow down with your kids and enjoy this special season.
1. Blow bubbles.
Take your child into the back yard for an afternoon of blowing bubbles. Lazily watch them glimmer and float away in the sun.
2. Smell the flowers.
Point out the daisies, roses, and sunflowers to your kids, allowing them to lean down and smile at the sweet smells.
3. Jump in the sprinklers.
Next time you glance out the window and see your sprinklers going off in the yard, have everyone throw on their bathing suits and be silly running or jumping through the spraying water.
4. Buy a treat from the ice cream man.
Beat the heat one afternoon with some deliciously cool ice cream. Have cash ready so the kids can run out as soon as they hear the music.
5. Picnic at the park.
Fill a picnic basket with all your favorite fruits, snacks, and sandwiches. Don’t forget a big blanket or sheet, and have plenty of wipes to clean up sticky hands.
6. Draw with chalk.
Savor summer and take advantage of the empty sidewalks in front of your home. Allow your child’s imagination to run wild with colorful chalk.
7. Write in the sand.
Write messages in the sand with your kids during your next beach trip. You can start with tiny words before challenging your kids to write letters bigger than they are!
8. Play board games.
A round of Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders is the perfect activity during a summer thunderstorm.
9. Make homemade popsicles.
Kiwis, strawberries, mangoes—let your kids pick their favorite fruit and create a cold treat. You could even blend in a couple of veggies for some hidden vitamins. Waiting for the popsicles to freeze is a good lesson in patience.
10. Spot butterflies.
Make the most of long summer days by exploring your back yard for beautiful butterflies. Snap photos and then pull out some crayons and paper to draw the butterflies you saw.
What’s a quintessential way to savor summer with your kids?
