The summer months mark the arrival of more opportunities for outdoor play. Kids love to run through the sprinkler, visit new parks, or go for a swim. Yet even with all these warm weather possibilities, kids and their parents can sometimes feel stumped about what to do. This can lead to the dreaded summer phrase… “I’m bored!” If it’s only July, and you’ve already visited the pool one too many times already, here are a few unconventional ideas to help you beat boredom and facilitate family fun!
1. Make movies.
If your little one is tired of passively watching the same movie over and over and over again, maybe it’s time to make your own feature film! New technology has made video editing a cinch, so your family can make everything from short dance videos to feature-length films. Have your child write a script, serve as camera person or actor, and help you with editing. At night, pop some popcorn, and debut the new summer blockbuster for all to see! The best part: you’ve got a treasured keepsake to look back on in the years to come.
2. Join a summer reading challenge.
Most municipal libraries run a reading challenge where kids can earn points for the books that are read to them. Put your child in charge of tracking the minutes or books read, and submit your totals to the library for a chance to win great prizes. Libraries are filled with great books, fun storytimes, and helpful librarians. Plus, they’re a great place to take a break and cool off in the summer heat.
3. Wash the car!
While scrubbing your vehicle may seem dull to you, it can be downright exhilarating for a preschooler. Little ones love spraying with the hose, rubbing a soapy sponge over dirty tires, and putting a little turtle wax on the finish. This activity is especially satisfying because your child can see the proof of their hard work in the gleaming finish on your car. The fact that your automobile looks great afterwards is just the icing on the cake.
4. Give back to your community.
For a values-centered activity that will benefit others, connect with a food bank, soup kitchen, or other charitable organization that has a need for family volunteers. Kids of all ages can sort toys, lick envelopes, apply stamps, or help with light yard work. These activities can be a lifesaver to short-staffed nonprofits in need of help. Check out giveback.org or volunteermatch.org to find family-friendly volunteer opportunities in your city.
5. Make boredom a teachable moment.
If all else fails, remember that not every minute of a child’s day has to be structured. Take a moment and remember how you spent free hours when you were a child. Chances are that those spaces in your schedule provided an opportunity for you to be creative or invent new ways of playing. Although free time can feel uncomfortable at first, it really does provide space for kids to practice divergent thinking. Both parents and kids may be surprised by the ideas they come up with!
For Days Chock-Full of Fun Activities
At The Gardner School, we prioritize play in addition to academic activities, because we know that both approaches help little ones learn. Giving children free reign to explore and experiment is an important part of helping them grow. We’re committed to providing a healthy mix of academic engagement, social interaction, free play time, and on-site enrichment activities like dance, cooking, sports, music, drama, and art. During the summer, our Camp Gardner experience offers unforgettable summer fun to our students.
With a healthy mix of structured enrichment and free play, we give children the guidance they need to start learning as soon as they’re ready. Contact us today to learn more, or check out our virtual tours on our website for The Gardner School nearest you. You’ll quickly see why parents choose The Gardner School to help build resilient, compassionate, and engaged young learners.