Summer is my favorite season (maybe because I live in Chicago and we have some pretty harsh winters)! I love taking advantage of the warmer weather and getting outdoors with my children! Here is a list of some fun summer activities that won’t break your budget!
Create a fairy (or animal, or dinosaur) garden - you can make this with little trinkets your child may already have. Incorporate elements from nature (sticks, pinecones, rocks) to create little structures (you can organically use it as an opportunity to practice counting and expand vocabulary - “let’s find 10 sticks to make a little path”…or “lets look for smooth pebbles to decorate the perimeter”)!
Create a rock garden! Find rocks and paint them - they can be a beautiful addition to any garden and can even be a sweet gift for grandparents, friends, etc!
Water play! You do not need to buy a specific water table - you can create this with a large plastic container and everyday objects from your kitchen such as measuring cups, a baster, a ladle, sponges! You can do this outdoors or inside - just place a big towel as a “mat” when indoors!
Sidewalk chalk fun! Chalk may be a little messy but it’s so fun to create shapes, draw paths (for trike/bike rides), draw pictures, practice name writing, number writing, etc! Act of kindness: leave little pictures or messages in front of your neighbors’ homes!
Lemonade stand! (or you can ‘sell’ snow cones, cookies, homemade crafts) - your child can do an act of kindness and have a stand without a set price but ask for a donation - this is a great way to help your child learn to give back and can donate profits to a charity of their choice (animal shelters are a favorite in our home)!
Snail Mail! Who doesn’t love receiving a little note in the mailbox? This is a great activity for a rainy day - your child can draw a picture or write a note to a friend or relative! This little act of kindness is a sure way to put a smile on anyone’s face!
Playing with our children in these ways strengthens our relationships with them because we are speaking their “love language!” When we play with them in big or small ways, we are putting healthy “deposits” into their reserves and creating loving, supportive relationships with our children!