Summer break is the perfect time of year to soak up some vitamin D and have fun in the outdoors. Many families spend the summer enjoying poolside barbecues, going hiking and camping, and engaging in other fun activities.
But many would agree that it's harder to get kids outside and playing than ever before. With Roblox, Minecraft, TikTok, and a trillion other digital options at their fingertips, it's tough to pry kids away from their screens. Adults are, of course, guilty too, though their screen activities may differ.
If you're looking to spend more time away from TV, social media, and video games, here are some ideas for things to do when you're skipping the screen time.
Give Each Other Temporary Tattoos
The art of temporary tattooing has evolved from the wet paper towel and stick-on days. BodyMark by Bic is a line of temporary tattoo markers that lets kids' imagination run wild. The skin-safe formula follows all cosmetics regulations. They even come with stencils so you can start nailing some popular designs. The markers are long-lasting, so a dip in the pool won't totally wreck your creation.
Play Some Water Sports
The hottest time of the year is also the perfect time to get outside and cool off with a splash. Whether it's a water balloon fight or a day at the beach or lake, kids will love engaging in activities that aren't quite right for other times of the year.
Play a Board Game
Board games have come a tremendous way since the family game nights of your youth. There's a huge selection of board games out there that can accommodate any number of players of any ages. Kids can compete or collaborate and pass the hours in a way that keeps their brains working while they still have lots of fun.
Make a Bucket List
There are so many activities that kids want to do during the school year but simply don't have enough time. Summer is the perfect opportunity to explore them. If you have multiple kids, the whole family can take turns on an activity each member wants to explore. Make a list and spend the summer working through it.
Perform Random Acts of Kindness
Challenge your children to sprinkle an act of kindness or two into their day. Doing a little something for someone else is a great way to make the world a better place. Seeing the creative acts of kindness your kids come up with will also teach you a lot about them.
Start a Collection
Kids love collecting, so it can be fun to start a collection of something that's special to this particular summer. From seashells to rocks to flowers, there are countless ideas of trinkets that they can enjoy and will serve as wonderful memories once summer is through.
Learn a New Craft
If you went to summer camp as a kid, you may remember arts and crafts as a big part of it. Making something you're proud of during the summer is great, but working on a craft kids can improve their skills at throughout the summer can be so rewarding. Lanyards, sewing, or learning an instrument are all great ideas.
Create Your Own Olympics
With the Olympics going on this summer, encourage kids to take a break from watching and get into participating. Ask them what sport they'd want to compete in. Make your own Olympic-style challenges at local parks or in your own backyard.
Make a Cold Treat
There are so many refreshing summer treats you can make at home and enjoy. From something simple like ice pops or fresh lemonade to more complex things like making their own ice cream, there are endless delicious possibilities.
Grow Something
Give your kids something to take care of this summer by letting them plant some seeds. They can plant anything from flowers to veggies to herbs and tend to their plants all summer long.
Make Your Own Toy
There are tons of fun ideas for kids to make their own toys, from vinyl figures to sewn dolls or stuffed animals. It can be a one-day event or a project they work on throughout the summer. The toy will always be extra special to them because they've made it themselves!
Get Messy
Sometimes, you just have to get in touch with the dirt — dig in it, look through it, build something out of it. Set your kids free outside with beach toys, and let them play in the dirt of a sandbox for a classic summer experience made easy, albeit messy.
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