There’s nothing quite like the excitement of the summer holidays. Every year, when the sunny season rolls in, most people begin thinking of the summer vacation. And there’s perhaps nobody that thinks of it more than school children, ready to break free from their routine of getting ready for classes every morning. It’s also the best time to spend outdoors, provided you remember to take the necessary precautions to avoid nasty sunburns.
However, with so much free time at their disposal, it can also be easy for children to become bored. After the first few days of resting and relaxing, most children and teens will want to do things that keep them entertained. Here are a few ideas you can try this summer that won’t only be fun but potentially educational as well.
Summer camps
There are many benefits to joining this classical summer activity. Brooklyn camps provide a safe environment that helps children develop their social skills and learn to work as a team. It can also improve their decision-making abilities. On top of all that, it’s a stellar opportunity to spend time outdoors.
When you choose a summer camp for your child, you need to consider all the activities they can enjoy there. While you want them to have fun, try new things and get out of their comfort zone, you don’t want them to feel too far away from what they’re accustomed to and enjoy doing. Look at what the menu has to offer, as well as what kind of activities you can expect.
A Queens day camp is also a good idea if your child wants to return home in the evening. Booking can be performed on a daily or weekly basis and offer different formats. Some focus on sports, others on the arts, and there are also those that include a mixture of both. They are typically more affordable than sleepaway camps and are generally located in city parks or green areas, making them ideal for children born and raised in big cities who want to spend time in nature.
Camping
Camping is the perfect summer activity for people who enjoy the great outdoors and want to explore natural landscapes during summer. While taking kids along for this trip might seem daunting, you shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes. It’s all part of the learning process. Show your children that you value their opinion by allowing them to be part of the planning process. Ask for their input on what they think you should pack, and get them to develop navigation skills by looking at maps. After all, camping is an opportunity to spend time together as a family, so it only makes sense that everyone would be involved.
Camping is also a great time to take a break from the screen, something all parents try to achieve. Phones, tablets, games and social media are typically discarded when you go camping, giving both you and your children a chance to step away and enjoy their surroundings.
Movie night
Watching movies is one of the quintessential activities for family nights. If you stay home, it’s also the perfect opportunity to try cooking some truly spectacular treats, which might just steal the show. Popcorn is the classic choice, and you can make yours in various flavors, including butter, buffalo wings, cheddar cheese or herb salt.
Most young children enjoy giving a hand in the kitchen, and many teenagers can be persuaded to by allowing them the freedom to make their own snacks however they want them. You can make other homemade treats, such as salted caramel ice cream, candied citrus peel, pizza, toffee crunch bars and nachos con queso.
If you choose the movie theater, check which options are best suited for your child’s age. For the young ones, animation is an obvious choice. Make sure your child is aware of the rules before the film starts. They must know they shouldn’t bother the others, avoid littering and keep their phone silent. If you want to try something a little different, you can try an independent theater that’s more likely to offer a more obscure selection of titles to choose from, including some vintage movies.
Learn a new skill
Summer is one of the best times to dedicate your time and effort to learning something new. If your child wants to take up a new hobby, but there never seems to be enough time during the school year to take it seriously, the summer break is the best time to start. One of the most common things kids and teenagers want to try is to learn to play a musical instrument. If your child has been talking about playing the guitar or piano, you can offer to take them to classes that will keep them occupied and engaged.
Skateboarding is another popular hobby that all kids want to try at least once. Remind them to take it easy at first until they become accustomed to the board and can use it safely. And, of course, they shouldn’t neglect to wear the necessary safety equipment.
Go to a farm
Many kids that grow up in the city are curious about village life. But simply traveling to the countryside won’t be enough for many. So, to provide them with a unique experience, you can visit a farm that allows you to pick fruit and vegetables yourself. If the farm permits it, you can bring your containers and return home with lots of fragrant berries.
Now you have the opportunity to show your children how to make homemade jam or fruit tarts. They’ll feel delighted to be able to eat something they made themselves. And, of course, fruits aren’t the only things you can pick in the summer. Get some beautiful wildflowers to make lovely bouquets, put in vases at home, or even wear as an accessory to sun hats.
Many children get bored during the summer holidays, but if you plan some entertaining activities, they’re much more likely to make the most out of their free time.
