How do I keep my children busy during the summer?! As an elementary school teacher, this is one of my most commonly asked June questions. Summer vacation can be a wonderful time to connect with your kids and make memories that last a lifetime – but it can also be an exhausting time, especially for parents of preschoolers and kindergarteners.
So to help you out, I’ve put together 5 activities that will keep your kids be entertained without breaking the bank or adding hours of screen time.
Check out your local library
Let’s start with reading! Many libraries have programs for preschoolers and kindergarteners during the summer. You can get your child a free library card and watch them pick out books they like without costing you anything. You might be surprised to find out which books your child prefers. You’ll love learning about their interests and watching them find new ones. Starting the habit of going to the library young will have amazing effects on their development too.
Explore all the parks
Preschoolers and kindergarteners love to try out new parks. Make a special outing day to go out and visit a new playground and see how excited your kids are. If you don’t have time to go to a new park, try coming up with a different activity at your regular playground. Maybe talk about the different trees growing there. Or encourage your little one to try a playground activity they haven’t done yet.
Make a fort
This might be one of the easiest things to do on the list, but it’s just so much fun! Gather pillows and blankets to build your child their very own fortress. They can fill it with their favorite books and toys. You could even have a movie night with pillows and popcorn. Just remember that kids love breaking these forts almost as much as living in them, so spend time teaching your kids how to re-build.
Use these FREE printable activities for preschoolers and kindergarteners
Rain or shine, printable coloring activities are a great way to keep your kids entertained and quiet for hours at a time. Coloring is fun, but it’s also really good for your child’s development as well. Your kindergartener is learning about colors and shapes while strengthening their future writing skills.
Learn more about the benefits of coloring in our blog, The Benefits of Coloring for Your Preschooler and Kindergartener. And don’t forget to download your free printable activities!
Let them be bored
We’re saving the best for last! Being bored is actually not the worst thing in the world for your little ones. Kids (and adults) have constant stimulation that hurts our natural creativity and makes mindfulness difficult. Letting your kids fend for themselves and make up their own activities is actually a wonderful thing, so don’t feel like you have to have something for them to do 24/7. Giving them the time and space to decide what to do on their own will build their creativity.
Want more summer fun activities for your kids? Head over to Dover Cliffs Publishing and Design House to find more free printable activities, Canada coloring pages, learning colors workbooks, and more!
