Summer is finally here, and it's time for kids ages 7-12 to embark on exciting adventures, learn new things, and make unforgettable memories with their friends and family.
Coming up with summer activities can be hard for some parents, but it’s essential to helping keep kids active and focused while they still have an opportunity to relax their minds from the pressures of school.
We don’t believe that children should be pressured into being in different activities every hour of every day during their summer break, but doing something other than laying on the couch and playing video games for 3 months, will help keep their minds sharp and their bodies in shape.
There are a number of different activities, sports, and camps that your children can do while enjoying the weather outside this summer, and even some that take place inside. Here are some of our favorite ideas!
Summer Fun For Kids Ages 7-12
Summer Camps
Summer camps are the ultimate playgrounds for young explorers. With a wide variety of options available, from nature camps to sports camps and even coding camps, there's something for every child's interest. Not only do camps keep kids active and engaged, but they also foster social skills, boost confidence, and nurture creativity.
Sports/Athletics
Engaging in sports activities during the summer is a fantastic way to stay active and make new friends. From soccer to swimming, tennis to basketball, there's a sport for every child's taste. Joining a local sports league or taking lessons can provide structure, teach teamwork, and enhance physical fitness. Encourage your child to find a sport they love and watch them shine!
Discover the Joy of Reading
Reading opens up a world of imagination and knowledge. Encourage your child to spend some time each day with a good book. Visit your local library and let them explore different genres, from adventure to mystery, fantasy to non-fiction. Reading not only enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills but also encourages critical thinking and sparks creativity. Some libraries around the country offer up summer reading programs that encourage your children to read a certain amount each day in order to receive a prize.
Arts and Crafts
Unleash your child's inner artist by encouraging them to indulge in arts and crafts. Whether it's painting, drawing, sculpting, or DIY projects, arts and crafts allow kids to express their creativity while developing fine motor skills and spatial awareness. Set up a dedicated art corner at home with supplies and watch their imagination soar!
Science Exploration
Turn your child into a budding scientist with hands-on science experiments. From making slime to constructing volcanoes that erupt, science activities are both educational and captivating. Explore the wonders of chemistry, physics, and biology through exciting experiments that can be done at home or through science kits. Spark their curiosity and watch them become enthusiastic learners!
Volunteer and Give Back
Teach your child the importance of giving back to the community by engaging in volunteer activities. Participating in community service projects, such as cleaning up local parks or assisting at a food bank, not only instills empathy and compassion but also provides valuable life lessons. Encourage your child to be an agent of positive change this summer!
Outdoor Adventures
Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather by embarking on outdoor adventures. Plan family hikes, bike rides, or camping trips to explore the wonders of nature. Encourage your child to observe plants, insects, and animals, igniting a sense of curiosity and environmental awareness. Let them create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors!
Tech Time
In this digital age, technology plays a significant role in children's lives. Encourage productive screen time by introducing educational apps, coding games, or online learning platforms. Let your child explore their interests in a tech-savvy way while learning valuable skills that will shape their future. Balance is key, so make sure to set screen time limits.
Culinary Exploration
Invite your child into the kitchen and let their inner chef shine. Cooking and baking activities not only teach essential life skills but also foster creativity and boost confidence. From simple recipes like homemade pizzas to baking cookies from scratch, culinary adventures will be both delicious and educational. Bon appétit!
Social Clubs
Encourage your child to join social clubs or engage in group activities that align with their interests. From chess clubs to coding clubs, drama clubs to sports teams, being part of a group with shared interests can help your child build lasting friendships, develop teamwork skills, and gain a sense of belonging. Let them thrive in a supportive community!
Summertime for Kids
Summer is the perfect time for children to explore new passions, learn valuable skills, and have a blast while staying engaged. By providing a mix of activities that balance fun and learning, you can ensure your child has a summer filled with excitement, growth, and happy memories.
Allowing your children time to be themselves and relax at home is also very important. Do not overload your kids with these activities, clubs, and sports. They should have time to relax, play video games, watch movies, and even do nothing sometimes.
In this day and age, parents tend to push their kids into too many activities when they really just need to time de-stress and relax. So, while camps and activities are great, it’s also very important to remember that doing nothing, or being “bored” should also be part of their summer.