Summer is fast approaching! Are you planning to watch over the young ones from time to time but aren’t sure how to entertain them? There are so many things you can do with the kids that don’t involve just sitting around on technology all day. Check out our ideas for ways to entertain the kids this summer!

We’re not saying all screen time is bad screen time. Designate a certain length of time for the kids to be on their devices. This allows them some technology time while preventing them from being on screens the entire day. Encourage the children to do other fun things and offer ideas to make it easier for them to choose something else to do!

In the mornings, children tend to be fresh, energetic, and ready to take on the day! Give them activities that compliment this. Play a sport outside like tossing a softball or shooting some hoops. Sports are a great way for kids to get some physical activity and play with each other.

Take the kids to the park, where they can run around and play on the jungle gym while socializing with other kids who may be there. If your local park doesn’t have a jungle gym, an elementary school is another great option. The play yards are typically open and it’s a great place for the kids to play in the summer.

Other fun outdoor activities include jumping rope and sidewalk chalk. You can pick these items up for cheap at most dollar stores, department stores, and sports stores. The kids can play with the rope and chalk either alone or with others, making this a versatile activity.

Riding bikes and scooters is such a fun way to get around. Let the kids out in the local neighbourhood for a ride-around, or if you’re headed somewhere like the park, let them take their wheels. It’s good physical activity and just plain fun!

It’s around noon and time for a lunch break. Have a picnic at the park or beach. Pack up the kids and some food (or grab some on the way if you prefer) and head out into the beautiful weather to enjoy your meal. Get the kids involved by having them help make and pack the lunch. Make food items that they can have a hand in preparing and use fun and creative ideas to entice them to eat healthy.

If you’re looking for something to take up an afternoon, take the young ones to a local amusement park or water park. This is a great way for the kids to burn off some energy while enjoying summer-only activities. Be sure to check the entrance fee and any rules or regulations before arriving at the park. If a water park is too expensive, a sprinkler or hose can be a fun substitute and a great way to cool down!

Depending on where you live, there are often tons of events that happen in the warmer months! Look up some local kid-friendly events. The children will have such a fun time out and about and may even make some new friends!

Not every summer day is a beautiful and sunny one! On a rainy day, take the kids to a museum or the cinema. At the museum, they can have fun looking at all the exhibits while learning something new. As for the cinema, pick something they want to see and enjoy a couple hours of quiet while the kids enjoy the film.

Crafts can be a great thing for kids to do no matter what the weather outside is like. There are hundreds of ideas for crafts that can be found online for kids of all ages! They’re often quick to set up using materials you already have around the house.

After burning energy all day, the kids may want something a little quieter to do in the evening. Have them do a puzzle or read a book. A puzzle is something the whole family can enjoy doing together. Reading a book can be relaxing and a great way for children to improve their reading skills.

Watch a movie as a family! Pick something kid-friendly, pop some popcorn, and snuggle in for a movie night before bed. Or play a boardgame for a family game night! There are plenty of fun games that are easy for families to learn and play.

As you can see, there are so many different ideas for you to keep the kids off screens and entertained this summer. If you have the young ones for a day, try out one of these ideas and see how it goes. We think everyone will have a blast!