Summer vacay JUST started, and I’m already hearing the “I’m ‘bored’s.’” I thoroughly enjoy hearing my kids say that their bored – usually there’s some amazing creativity that follows! However, sometimes my kids need a few ideas – while I need copious amounts of caffeine – to keep them engaged (with use of minimal technology) all summerlong! I’ll let you in on a little secret – if they ask me, “What can I do?” I try to incorporate academics into their fun. Which is then a win in my eyes as we will hopefully reduce the effects of the dreaded “Summer Slide.”

Here are a few easy and fun ways to incorporate learning into summer fun:

General learning:

  • IXL. I know, I know, I just said tech-free, but this is my favorite website for summer fun!  Kids learn while also collecting prizes for their correct answers!
  • Visit your library or local parks summer programs – they always have fun activities that incorporate learning!

Math:

  • Cooking in the kitchen – with adult supervision of course! (Check out our review on Harlow’s Harvest!)
  • Have your kids read the cost of items at the store, and calculate your estimated final cost
  • Go on a shape hunt inside and outside
  • Go creeking and look for patterns in fossils you find. Discuss the symmetry or lack of symmetry, too!
  • Have your kids calculate the cost of a family night out. Then work together to save the money for the night out.which creates great practice on delayed gratification!

Reading:

  • Check out summer reading options at your local library and Barnes and Noble also has great options that usually includes earning a FREE book!
  • Schedule a weekly trip to your local library
  • Find a series to read together as a family or even listen to! We just finished the “Magic Tree House” series on CD. It allowed me some time in the car without two kids bickering about Pokemon cards!

Writing:

  • Have your kids write their ideal grocery list
  • Have your child scribe a list while you talk
  • Find a penpal, and write letters during the summer
  • Have them create a weekly “wish list” of things that they would like to do. Of course, you get the final say!
  • Keep a journal between you and your kids

For some good ol’ fun, keep a large supply of bubbles, puzzles, chalk, a kite for the windy days, coloring books and crayons! AND for a long list of summer fun activities, check out the FAB and award-winning Cincinnati Family magazine calendar! It will leave you with plenty of things to do this summer!