The summer is a time of fun and games, both indoors and outdoors, with kids getting out of school and parents getting summer holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day off work. It’s a time to cool off with fun times in the water, whether that’s in the pool, at the beach, or slipping down a water slide. Summer nights are a great time for glowstick parties or fireworks (assuming they’re legal in your area). It’s even a great idea to stay inside with the air conditioner blasting and play video games on the hottest days. Here are just a few fun ideas to keep the kids busy when summer comes around.
Take surfing lessons.
The waves are calling and the sun is shining. Summer is the perfect time for some surfing lessons. Kids will have a blast learning how to surf and spend some time outdoors. Surfing is a great workout and a fun way to spend time with friends. Here are some of the greatest benefits of surfing during the summer.
Surfing is one of the best ways to help kids develop their coordination and balance skills. Beginners will certainly fall off the board many times when they start surf school, but with the right supervision, they’ll be able to fall safely in the water and develop the skills they’ll need to stay on the board. Surfing also requires a great deal of strength in the upper body and legs, and learning to paddle on and stay on a surfboard will help kids develop muscles. If they stick with it, learning to surf is also a great way to boost heart health later in life, and it has mental health benefits too.
When seeking private lessons, look for a provider who offers group and family lessons and for instructors who can teach at any experience level. You can learn along with the kids to become the best surfer you can be as well.
Have a picnic in the park or at the beach.
Speaking of healthy outdoor activities, it will do the kids and the entire family a lot of good to have some relaxing picnics during the summer. You can do this at the beach, at a local park, or even outdoors on your own property. You could even help organize a community picnic for the entire neighborhood, which is an excellent way to get all the kids playing and having fun together.
Picnics also come with a host of other benefits, such as the therapeutic effects of fresh air, mood boosts from destressing, and developing stronger bonds with family and friends. You and the kids will also get some free vitamin D while you’re out picnicking, which helps build strong bones and teeth and can even help prevent bone disease.
Make homemade popsicles or snow cones.
If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity that doesn’t involve being parked in front of the TV, making popsicles and snow cones is a great way to keep the kids busy during the summer. Here are some recipes to get you started.
For popsicles, start by pouring fruit juice, Kool-Aid, or similar beverages into popsicle molds or an ice tray. Put in any extras the kids may want as well, such as fruit pieces, honey, or yogurt. After that, simply freeze them for a few hours, and enjoy.
For snow cones, start by filling a bowl with shaved ice. If you don’t have a shaved ice machine or blender, you can simply place ice in a bag and crush it until it’s fine enough. Next, pour your preferred flavored syrup over the shaved ice. If you want, you can top the bowl with whipped cream of fruit pieces before scooping bits out to make snow cones.
Of course, these are just a few of the possibilities for great summer fun. Talk with your kids, other parents, and members of your community to come up with even more great activities.