Fun activities for kids to help stay busy this summer!

Boredom is a phenomenon that we have all been familiar with, even as adults. As the summer sets in and brings the vacation mood along with it, little ones are more prone to uttering the three words that many parents often wonder what to do about – “I am bored!”. To those parents, we say that there is plenty to do with your child that can also be fun for you! Here’s a bunch of activities that we recommend for a summer blast and fond memories, which can be a group or solo activity for your kids:

1. Plant trees & work around the garden

Make your kids enjoy the joys of working with nature as a cure for their boredom. They will realize over time that there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of getting your hands dirty in the garden or the backyard, and seeing the fruits of their labour blossom literally before their eyes by the end of the summer. You could recycle items around the house as tools for getting them started, with a little help from your end about the basics of planting seeds or trees. You could also take them to a nursery and help them pick out a plant or two of their choice and explain how to care of them, perhaps even as a practice exercise for an actual pet in the future.

2. Bake treats & cook for the family or friends

Cooking is another creative activity that also be thoroughly enjoyable for kids of all ages. Most of us have got memories from our childhood of messing around in the kitchen and feeling a sense of joy in doing small tasks given to us by our parents, especially with respect to dishes or sweets that we love. Make your child explore his or her budding chef with simple baked treats for the family or your friends and neighbours this summer. Something which is simple to make, ideally not too messy or with too many ingredients, and with a reasonable preparation and cooking time of an hour or two at most.

3. Create a time capsule

A time capsule is a terrific way to capture memories which is also a fun way for kids to record their childhood in an analog way. The idea behind the capsule is to fill a box or a container with items from the present or past, such as newspaper clippings, photographs, letters, small memorabilia, etc., and store it away in a hidden corner of the house to be taken out at a predetermined point of time in the future. Rest assured that aside from being an activity that they will enjoy doing, it will also be a memento that both you and your kids will cherish in the future.

4. Do something artsy

Give your child a motley crew of art supplies in the form of various papers of assorted colours and textures, paints, glitter, sequins, thread, fabric, anything and everything under the sun that they can utilize to fire up their creativity. You could also ask them to spruce up something old and unused lying around the house with some artwork. This could also be a good time to gift your child a book or two on various methods of sketching, painting, crafts etc. Your kids are likely to have a ball of a time working on their masterpiece, while also learning an artistic skill or two in the process.

5. Dabble in a dash of mad science

Try some fun science experiments at home with your kids, to keep them entertained and tickle their curiosity. There are various resources available online for simple and fun experiments to try out at home, including magic mud, freezing water instantly, etc.

Here are a couple of links to websites featuring experiments for your children to indulge their inner mad scientist:

• http://www.iflscience.com/chemistry/unfinished-20-fun-science-experiments-you-can-do-home/
• http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html
• https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/fun-science-experiments-for-kids/

6. Sign up for a hobby class or two

Let your children explore their talents by signing up for a couple of classes this summer. Be it music, dance, art or theatre, there is no dearth of options for little ones these days to try their hand at something new. Besides, this would also be a great opportunity for them to make new friends, and let go of their inhibitions.

7. Go camping

Going for a camping trip can be a fantastic way for you to spend quality time with your kids, while giving them the opportunity to appreciate nature, and do activities like building a camp fire or learning how to track animals or birds. This is one activity that will involve some planning, although there are multiple packages which are now available for families with young ones to go camping together. It is also a great way for you and your family to unwind from the typical routine of city life, away from most technology for a day or two at least.

8. Visit a museum or a gallery

If you have a child who is interested in history or art, then a surprise visit to an interesting or interactive exhibition at a museum or gallery may be just the pick-me-up that he or she needs from boredom blues. Alternatively, this could be a means of introducing art and culture to younger children, if they seem receptive to the same.

9. Writing and performing

Writing and communication are essential skills, which needn’t be restricted to classroom learning. Instead, you could assign your children with writing on any topic of their choice, fiction or otherwise, and then ask them to perform it before the family. This will not only be an engaging means of using their free time productively, but also enable them to develop greater confidence in their communication skills. On a lighter note, this could definitely be just the material you need for another great home video for your family to reminisce and laugh over in the future.

10. Volunteer at a non-profit organization

Volunteering in an organization for the lesser privileged or a humane cause would be a valuable and satisfying experience for your kids. There are many organizations, including old-age homes and animal shelters who are open to children visiting and assisting them on a short-term or long-term basis. Engaging your children with volunteering in organizations of their choice would give them invaluable life lessons in kindness, compassion and giving, in addition to it being a memorable experience.

So this summer, go ahead and let your kids try something new and creative, something that they will remember for a long time afterwards!