Summer Fun: Artistic (and more) Activities for Kids and Families
Summer has just started, and with it come the long-awaited school holidays. Between balancing work and keeping the children entertained, our schedule is set to be a busy one. But fear not! We have planned some artistic activities that will keep the little ones engaged and creative all summer long. Here’s a list of a few things we’ve got lined up:
Outdoor Activities:
Sidewalk Chalk Art- What You Need: Colourful chalk, a safe sidewalk or driveway space.
- Activity: Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they create vibrant murals, play hopscotch, or write positive messages. It’s a great way to enjoy the sunshine while being creative.
Summer-Themed Crafts
- What You Need: Felt, markers, glue, scissors, and other craft supplies.
- Activity: Dive into the spirit of summer with crafts like making felt flowers, creating sunny day collages, or designing your own beach scene. These crafts are perfect for developing fine motor skills and expressing creativity.
Photography Scavenger Hunt
- What You Need: A camera or smartphone, a list of items to find (e.g., a red flower, a bird, a unique tree).
- Activity: This is a fun way to explore the outdoors and capture the beauty of summer. Kids will love hunting for items on the list and snapping photos as they go. It’s also a great way to introduce them to the basics of photography.
Create a Story and a Book
- What You Need: Paper, pens, markers, and a binding method (stapler, hole punch with ribbon, or a small binder).
- Activity: Encourage your children to write and illustrate their own stories. Once the story is complete, help them create a book out of their work. This activity not only fosters creativity but also boosts literacy skills.
Indoor Activities for Rainy Days:
Board Games
- What You Need: Family-friendly board games like Monopoly, Clue, or Scrabble.
- Activity: Gather around the table for some classic board game fun. It’s a great way to bond as a family and keep everyone entertained indoors.
- What You Need: Ingredients for cookies, appetizers, entrees or desserts.
- Activity: Spend a rainy afternoon baking/cooking delicious treats. Let the kids help measure ingredients, mix batter, and decorate the finished products. It’s a fun and tasty way to spend time together.
Museum Visits
- What You Need: Plan a visit to a local museum.
- Activity: Explore science, art, or history museums. Many museums have interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids. It’s an educational outing that can spark curiosity and a love for learning.
Library Trips
- What You Need: A list of books to borrow, library cards.
- Activity: Visit your local library to check out books, participate in storytime, or join a summer reading program. Libraries often have special events and activities for children during the summer.
Additionally, planning a trip abroad to visit old castles and historic sites can be both educational and inspiring. Such trips can spark the imagination and serve as a great source of inspiration for creative art projects. Enjoy the summer, embrace the creativity, and most importantly, cherish the time spent together as a family.