Summer Activities for the Whole Family
Summer is in full swing and the kids are out of school. Before panic sets in, Excel Homes has you covered with some great family fun ideas. We even have some ways the kids can help around the house too, without complaining. Whether you work from home, are a stay-at-home parent, or work outside of the house, here is a list of practical, fun summer activities for your kids to keep them busy—and learning—during the dog days of summer.
Make a Backyard Obstacle Course: Let the games begin! The best part about making a backyard obstacle course is that it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. No matter how old your children are, they will love building a perfectly thrilling backyard obstacle course from objects you already own, like hula hoops, jump ropes, lawn chairs, balloons and more. Don’t forget the natural obstacles like trees and bushes. Then, gather your paper, pencil, and stopwatch and be part of the fun.
Pack a Picnic, Head to Your Favourite Park and Play Outdoor Games: After your picnic, it is time to play some outdoor games. You can throw a Frisbee, play a fun, competitive game of Bocce, croquet or any other ball game where everybody can join in. Young and old will also LOVE water balloons and water gun fights.
Backyard Camping: Looking to spend time outdoors this summer while staying close to home? Why not plan a backyard camping trip? Just like you would at a campground, find a cozy spot to set up your tent. Your young children will get so much pleasure from helping along the process. Hang garlands, bring out colourful blankets, and do whatever it takes to make sure your campsite is one-of-a-kind. If you have a firepit, don’t forget the smores!
Scavenger Hunt: The great thing about outdoor scavenger hunts for kids is you really don’t require much at all and will keep everyone happily busy for awhile. They're easy, budget-friendly, and all you need is a creative list. Here are some ideas: find rocks, leaves, a feather, yellow house, bird, squirrel, something round; you are only limited by your imagination.
Sidewalk Chalk: Sidewalk chalk comes in a kaleidoscope of colours and is one of the best art supplies you can get, it's inexpensive and lasts forever. Sidewalk chalk can keep your kiddos entertained for hours. Use chalk to make art, or to mark up a game of four-square or hopscotch.
Grow a Garden: This is a fun hobby for your kids to get involved in and they will love the rewards. It might also make your fussy eaters start to love vegetables because they’ve grown and tended for them themselves. Kids can start off with easy plants like strawberries, lettuce and beans. What child doesn’t love to bite into sun-ripened sweet strawberries still warm from the garden? If you don’t have a garden plot, save those used coffee cans, milk jugs, mason jars or plastic cups and your kids can grow herbs on the windowsill.
Jump Rope: Parents, who doesn’t remember jump rope? We all know that kids have a ton of energy, they can let some of it out with the jump rope. Make it a family thing and learn some Double Dutch!
Cardboard Box = Hours of Fun: Who doesn’t remember their parents giving them a large empty box and making a car out of it? If you have empty boxes collecting dust in your garage, bring them in the house and watch your kids imaginations run wild. If you don’t have any, head to your local grocery or liquor store, and they will gladly provide some for you free of charge. The kids can colour, draw and build a car, fort or anything else their minds can think of.
Rainy Day Ideas
Build a Fort: Grab pillows, cushions, furniture, lightweight blankets and bed sheets. (Don’t get rid of those old bed sheets and save those large boxes). Then, let your children’s imagination go wild as they create their very own hideaway. It’s a fantastic way to spark creativity and have fun.
Stock Up: Make sure you have colouring books, paper, stickers and lots of crayons and felt pens. This is a great activity for everyone in the family – and you can take it outside when the sun returns.
Board Games: Classic family games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Candy Land or card games such as Go Fish are wonderful for family bonding. They also help kids learn new skills, like team work and patience, while having fun. Don’t forget LEGO! You and your children can spend hours creating amazing projects with LEGO.
Bake Together: Yes, it can be messy but baking can spark a budding baker in your family! Figure out what your kids want to bake and then go shopping for the ingredients. Then, watch as your kids learn valuable and practical skills like measuring, counting, and following instructions. The internet is chockfull of great, simple recipes for kids.
Super Simple Chores: Finally, if the kids come to you for the third time moaning about how bored they are, get them to work. Depending on their age, there are chores that they can do, like watering the lawn, helping you wash the car, setting the table for dinner, making their bed and walking the family pet.