Things can get a little busy when children are in school. They have Homework to do, they need to go to practice, and you have to work. The summer is a great time to bond with children and create new memories. Make the most of that time by doing activities the whole family will enjoy. Here are eight suggestions for fun family activities to do with your children before they go back to school.
Water Fun
Water activities are great when you want to cool off and have some family fun. You could go to a local pool or find a water park nearby. Water parks have awesome slides that will bring excitement and joy to your day. Going to the waterpark can be an all-day event. It will keep your kids entertained for hours and can end up being the highlight of their summer vacation. If you want to have some water fun at home, you could have a water balloon fight. Water balloons are fun and an affordable way to get everyone into the backyard for a good time. You might even want to turn the sprinklers on for your kids to run through on an extra hot day. There are many ways to have fun in the water, even at home.
Go Camping
Camping is also a great activity to do with kids before they go to school. Camping allows everyone to take a break from technology and be present in the moment. Camping also helps open the door to communication. It is a great way to learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses as you do activities together. It’s one of the best activities for family bonding. Pack up your camping supplies, book a spot at a campsite nearby, and have an overnight trip.
Go to the Zoo
Going to the zoo is a great activity to do before school starts. You could visit zoos like the Living Treasures Animal Park of Donegal or any zoo closest to your home. It is an activity that is both fun and educational at the same time. The zoo allows people to learn about animals and their habitats. They also have shows and carousel rides for a family fun-filled day to remember. Make a full day of fun out of your zoo trip. Pack a lunch and spend the entire day there.
Read Together
Reading together as a family is a great activity to do with children before school starts. It will make it easier to transition into school activities once the summer ends. Reading together as a family also allows parents to bond with their children. You can do reading activities to make it a fun experience. You could act out a scene from the book you read. You could also prepare a meal or create a craft you read about in the story. Making reading fun will encourage your children to read even more. It will also get them excited for the new school year.
Go to a Museum
You don’t have to travel far to have a fun experience with your children. Find a museum close by to visit. If there is something noteworthy that has happened in your hometown, find a museum that explores its history. You might be surprised by what you learn about the history of your own city. If there aren’t any museums nearby that interest you, make a day trip to another city. Go to the major city of your state and you’ll be sure to find some museum options.
Go to the Aquarium
The aquarium will allow you to see all the animals you can’t find at the zoo. You can explore sea animals you might not have ever seen before. It’s a great way for your kids to learn more about the ocean as well. This is an activity that can end up taking a whole afternoon depending on the size of the aquarium. It can feel magical for young kids as they explore the mystery of aquatic animals.
Go on a Hike
If your kids need to get some energy out during the day, consider going on a hike with them. Find some trails that are family friendly. You don’t want to choose anything too challenging or dangerous. You might even be able to find a hike to a waterfall nearby. Hiking is a great way to get your kids disconnected from the TV or their phones. It can help them appreciate nature and build a love of being outside. It can also build healthy habits for physical fitness as they grow.
Set Up a Playdate With Neighbors
If you have neighbors with children around the same age as yours, set up a fun playdate. You can pick up lunch, go to a park, and let your kids have fun running around. It can be a great opportunity for you to connect with your neighbors too. Your kids can build special bonds with your neighbors that will last a lifetime just by having regular playdates.
The summer seems long, but it can go by fast. Summer vacation from school is one of the best times to have quality family time. It can be challenging with full schedules throughout the school year. Hopefully, you can enjoy some of these activities before the school year begins. Choose some, or even just one of them, to complete before summer is over.