Summers often feel tricky when it comes to filling the time, especially if you are a work-from-home mom like me. I always want my kids to have fun yet not have total learning loss. Plus, unlike my summers as a kid, now that everything is digital, screen time feels like it starts dominating. Below are a few of my favorite ways to keep the kids off screens while still having fun. There’s even a little learning mixed in!
Craft Time is a Must
When I say craft time, that honestly means anything in the arts and creative realm. You can have it as simple as coloring or painting with water books to full on Pinterest-level crafts. The best aspect of craft time is you can tailor it to your supplies and time table.
Cool Off with Water Play
Set up your backyard as a water playground. We love to put out our baby pool, water table and splash pads for the girls to be entertained and stay cool in the summer heat. This one is great for an all-day experience!
Go Old School
Take your kids back in time, at least game and play wise. Have them play all those games we played as kids before screen time was even around, like Red Rover, Red Light/Green Light and making blanket forts.
Visit Parks & Splashpads
Winston-Salem and Forsyth County has an abundance of parks with playgrounds and several with splash pads. These are all free and provide tons of outdoor fun. Make a list at the start of the summer of all the parks and splash pads, and try to visit them all.
Marathon Game Day
Pull out all the board and card games, and have a marathon game day! Try giving mini prizes for various winnings or one big prize for whomever wins the most games that day. You can even try doing some themed snacks that match up the games.
Hunt for Clues
Turn your house or yard into a full on scavenger or treasure hunt. These are great for all ages as you can create clues that match the age of your kids. For example, do photo clues for little ones and more complex clues like riddles for older kids.
Host a Field Day
Who else loved field day at the end of school every year in elementary school? Create your own field day at home. You can even take it to a nearby park for more space if you invite more friends.
