Summer vacation is starting for many, we have started our summer count down. How do you keep your kids active during the summer? What do you say when they say they are bored? Here are lots of ideas for you to help your kids get your kids moving this summer!
The “I’m Bored” Jar
Get your kids moving when they have decided that they are bored. Create a list of active ideas that your kids can pick from a jar every time you hear the dreaded “I’m bored”. You could color code them for how long the activity is or if it will involve leaving the house. That way if you can tell them to pick a pink slip when you can’t leave the house or pick a blue slip when you only have an hour before dinner.
I’m bored ideas:
- Jump Rope
- Bubble Chasing
- Create an obstacle course
- Go to the park
- Go on a scavenger hunt
- Go for a walk
- Ride your bike
- Go to the zoo
- Walk the dog
- Do 100 jumping jacks
Scheduled Activities
Sometimes it’s hard to get out the door and do something. One way to make sure that your kids are active at least once a week is having a scheduled activity. When you have it on your calendar and you have paid for the activity you feel committed and get it done. You do not have to over schedule, but if you find that your are more motivated when your activities are scheduled then find something your kids will enjoy.
Activity ideas:
- Martial Arts
- Dance
- Sports
- Swimming Lessons
Summer Camp
Another great summer activity is Summer Camp. Find a local, your kids will be having fun, make new friends, and stay active. Many cities have guides to activities and camps in your areas that can help you find the perfect camp for you children.
Camp ideas:
- Equestrian Camp
- Vacation Bible School
- Park & Rec Camp
- Martial Arts Camp
- Sports Camp
- Day Camp
- Dance Camp
- Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts
- Overnight Camp
Summer Memberships
Very similar to scheduled activities consider purchasing a summer membership for a local activity. Going to the zoo is a great way to get moving and learn at the same time!
Membership ideas:
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- Swimming Pool
- Trampoline/Jumping Park
- YMCA
The trick to a membership is you have to be someone motivated in using it.
Weekly Special Day
If you don’t have the budget to sign your kids up for paid activity. Schedule your own special day. Put it on your calendar and commit to it. A great example is that every Wednesday is park day! If you have a park within walking distance that’s even better because you can get in a walk for yourself every week too. If you don’t have a park near you you could do a bike day, skate park day or take a hike day! Local and free ideas:
- Splash Park
- Skate Park
- Local Park
- Picnics
- Bike Trails
- Hiking Trails
Summer Challenge
My neighbor had an awesome way to keep her kids busy and moving last summer. She created a summer challenge: visit as many skate parks as possible in one summer. She mapped out all the parks in the area and they started visiting one after another.
You could create your own challenge this summer. Start with an activity that your kids enjoy and make create a plan or goal.
Challenge ideas:
- Splash/Water Park Challenge
- Park Challenge
- Walking Challenge (how far can you walk this summer)
- Count Your Steps Challenge
- Biking Challenge
- Hiking Challenge
- Geocaching Challenge
Summer Bucket List
Create an Active Summer Bucket List by listing everything fun and active that you want to do this summer. Creating a bucket list is a great way of making sure you get to do the things you love to do every summer.
Summer Bucket List Ideas:
- Sprinklers
- Strawberry Picking
- Go to the Beach
- Visit the Zoo
- Fishing
- Camping
- State Fair
- Renaissance Faire
- Comic Con
- Geocaching
- Concerts in the Park
- Local Festivals
- Museums
- Miniature Golf
Get your FREE Bucket List Bingo Printable
How are you going to keep your kids active this summer?
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