These summer kids' activities are fun (except maybe the summer homework!), but they won't inspire lasting childhood memories. But there are a lot of hours in a summer day, and many of them are spent at home. Work-at-home moms need ideas for enjoyable summer activities for school-age kids that don't require a lot of supervision.
Of course, moms also may want to add in more special activities, like vacations, summer camp or these free summer fun ideas, to build those fond memories.
Kids can blow through summer activities pretty quickly, so I find it helpful to have several options.
Arts and Crafts
Setting up an art space--with paper, coloring books, glue, scissors, colored pencils and crayons are all readily available--will encourage kids to make art part of their daily routine. But even if you have an art space, you might have to provide some inspiration in the way of ideas and ready-made projects.Cooking
You've got to eat, right? Cooking is a chore to many adults, but kids often see it as a fun summer activity. You'll have to lay some age-appropriate ground rules and give some instruction in advance. Kids who can read and who have a little cooking know-how can follow the directions on a cake or brownie mix. And kindergarten kids can make a sandwich and put some cut fruit or veggies on the plate.Depending on their ages, kids may need mom to oversee the use of the oven and/or do some chopping in advance. (Of course, buying pre-cut fruits and veggies saves you time.) But in summer when there are fewer time pressures added by homework and activities is a good time to get kids cooking.
Play Dates
OK, this is probably not for every day, but make time with friends part of your child's regular summer activities. School is an extremely social environment, and so summer, by contrast, can feel isolating to children who've become accustomed to the constant companionship of friends. Hosting a play date, especially if your child is school-age, doesn't mean you can't work. In fact, often you can get more accomplished when your child is happily playing with a friend.Playing Games
Good old-fashioned board games and cards keep kids busy while you work. Of course, you'll need to have more than one kid in the house to play. (Think play date if you have one!) And kids need to be good sports or you'll end up as referee. And if you're kids are old enough to play outside unattended, don't overlook outdoor fun like shooting a game of Horse at the driveway basketball hoop or sending them out to play tag.Reading
Reading for enjoyment every day is a great habit to teach your kids. And summer--without the fatigued of homework and school activities--is the time to instill the reading bug. And reading a summer activity that's good for just one kid.Join the local library summer reading club. Check out summer reading lists to find books that will keep kids' interest. Try wordless books for new or struggling readers. Buy comics or magazines for your kids. Setting aside a certain time every day for reading helps get kids in the habit.
Audiobooks
Listening to audio books promotes a love of literature while it keeps kids engages for hours. And it's just easier for some kids than reading a book. And while you want to promote reading, summer is a time for kids to relax too. And, of course, audiobooks are great for summer car trips too.Keeping a Journal
Spending 15 minutes a day writing (or drawing) in a journal will give your child a head start on the old back-to-school question: What did you do on your summer vacation? Writing in a journal will not keep a child occupied for long periods while you work, but it's a good way to start the day or transition from one activity to another.
