Summer is a time for kids to enjoy lazy lake days, popsicles, and bike riding. It’s a time for fun and relaxation.
But, as parents, we also want to keep them learning.
Here are some ideas to help kids build knowledge and avoid the “summer slide.”
Summer Learning Activities
These are all STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) ideas.
Why is STEAM so awesome? It helps our kids develop creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills. These activities are a great way to develop these skills while having fun.
STEAM Activities for Kids
1. Go on a nature walk in a local park, or even in your neighborhood.
There are some good nature walk ideas available online, including this one from Project Learning Tree. Adding engaging activities, such as a scavenger hunt or collecting items for an art project, will keep your kiddos interested.
Some additional options: create a nature collage, or paint a picture using pinecones instead of a brush!
2. Grow a garden to teach your kids about the life cycle of a plant.
Some easy plants to grow with kids include flowers, pumpkins, and cherry tomatoes.
We like the Super Sweet 100 cherry tomato plant. It produces a lot of tomatoes, and you’ll be glad to have a small helper or two for harvesting them.
3. Visit your local library.
Our local libraries are hosting learning activities and art projects all summer. Drop in for an event and check out some books at the same time!
Local libraries also sometimes carry items other than books for use in the library or for checkout. The Fargo Public Library has a Library of Things which includes items such as board games, Curiosity Kits for STEM learning, and Adventure Backpacks.
4. Visit the Red River Zoo.
Our local zoo specializes in northern climate animals. My favorites are the red pandas and grey wolves. And the children’s farm is a wonderful place to stop at to learn more about farm life.
Don’t miss the keeper talks! It’s a fantastic way to learn more about the animals and how the zoo cares for them.
5. Make art!
There are both and family options for art classes at the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center for Creativity. And a walk through the Plains Art Museum before your class is a terrific way to spend a rainy afternoon.
You can also make art through the local library or use online resources.
One creative online YouTube series is Lunch Doodles with Mo Willem, the creator of favorite children’s book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Kids get to learn to draw the pigeon!
6. Do a science project.
You can either create your own science projects using online resources or buying kits. You might save money creating your own, but sometimes the kits can be a timesaver!
These pre-made kits are great birthday presents! We have loved the kits my child has received as a gift from his friends.
7. Use learning apps.
There are some great learning apps out there that you can use. Some great apps are TumbleBooks and National Geographic Kids.
Check your local library website because they might also have learning apps. You will need to login with your library number and password. And your child’s school might also have some apps available.
8. Go stargazing!
Get outside and look up at the stars! You can use online videos, books, or even apps to help your kids locate constellations. There are lots of apps available, but we like the Star Tracker app.
9. Use an online source for inspiration.
One of the resources I use is Science Sparks. There are some really unique ideas. One of our favorites is the solar oven.
10. Have astronauts (in space) read to your kids!
Combine bedtime and reading into one activity by playing these pre-recorded videos of astronauts reading books to kids from the International Space Center with Story Time from Space. There are also some great learning videos too. My family enjoys the videos where the astronauts demonstrate free fall!
You can make your learning activities as complicated or easy as you want. The most important thing is for you and your kids to spend time together.
I hope you use these ideas to make some great summer memories while your kids are learning!