20 Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer

Summer is a vital time for family bonding and child development, packed with opportunities to explore new activities and create lasting memories. Engaging in diverse things to do with kids this summer not only keeps children entertained but also promotes their physical, emotional, and social growth. For families seeking reliable childcare options, AuPairCare provides the perfect solution with experienced summer au pairs who can help plan and execute fun, educational activities. With the support of a summer au pair, parents can ensure their children have an enriching and memorable summer experience.

Outdoor Adventures

1. Visit a National Park

One of the most enriching things to do with kids this summer is to visit a national park. National parks offer a treasure trove of activities that foster a love for nature and adventure. Hiking trails provide the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of nature, observe wildlife, and engage in educational experiences about local ecosystems. Whether it's spotting deer, or birds, or discovering unique plant species, a visit to a national park can be both fun and educational. If you're hosting an au pair this summer, they can assist in organizing these outdoor adventures, ensuring safety, fostering education, and maximizing enjoyment.

2. Beach Day Activities

A beach day is a classic summer activity that never fails to delight children. Building sandcastles, collecting seashells, and playing beach sports are just a few things to do with kids this summer while at the beach that can make beach outings memorable. Sandcastle building encourages creativity and teamwork, while beach sports like volleyball or frisbee provide excellent physical exercise. With the help of a summer au pair, families can plan and pack for a perfect beach day, making sure to include essentials like sunscreen, water, and snacks to keep everyone safe and hydrated.

3. Camping Trips

Camping is another fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with your family. To ensure a successful camping trip, it’s essential to choose family-friendly campsites equipped with necessary amenities like bathrooms and picnic areas. Packing essential gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies is crucial. Camping provides a unique opportunity for bonding through activities like roasting marshmallows, storytelling around the campfire, and stargazing. A summer au pair can play a pivotal role in giving a helping hand to make the camping experience a smooth adventure.

4. Biking Excursions

A biking excursion can be a dynamic and active thing to do with kids this summer that combine exercise with exploration. It's best to find bike trails suitable for kids to ensure safety and enjoyment but also plan for routes that include scenic views or interesting stops that can make the ride more engaging. It’s important to equip children with proper safety gear, including helmets, knee pads, and bright clothing for visibility. This summer an au pair can help map out routes, maintain bikes, and supervise the excursion, ensuring a fun and secure biking adventure for the whole family.

5. Backyard Fun

Not every adventure requires leaving home. Transforming your backyard into a playground of fun is one of the simplest yet most enjoyable things to do with kids this summer. Create a DIY obstacle course using household items like ropes, hula hoops, and cones to challenge children physically and mentally. Organizing a backyard scavenger hunt can turn a regular afternoon into an exciting quest. With the assistance of a summer au pair, you can design and supervise these at-home activities, ensuring they are safe, creative, and immensely entertaining for your kids.

Educational Outings

6. Museums and Science Centers

Visiting museums and science centers is one of the most enriching things to do with kids this summer. These venues often feature engaging exhibits and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning. From interactive displays on space exploration to live science demonstrations, children can immerse themselves in a world of discovery. A summer au pair can help plan these visits, manage schedules, and ensure the experience is as educational as it is a fun activity, making the most of the summer break.

7. Historical Sites and Landmarks

Exploring historical sites and landmarks offers a unique way to learn about local history and culture. Visiting these significant places allows children to step back in time and understand important events and figures that shaped their community. Walking through old forts, historic homes, or battlegrounds provides a tangible connection to the past. Including a summer au pair in these outings can make the trips more enjoyable and informative, as they can assist in guiding the children through exhibits and answering their curious questions.

8. Library Programs

Libraries are a hub of educational activities during the summer, offering a variety of programs such as summer reading challenges, storytime sessions, and workshops. Participating in these library programs is a fantastic educational outing. These programs encourage reading, critical thinking, and creativity. A summer au pair can help children select books, track their reading progress, and participate in workshops, ensuring they stay engaged and continue learning throughout the summer.

9. Zoo and Aquarium Visits

Zoo and aquarium visits provide exciting opportunities for children to learn about different species and conservation efforts. Watching animals in their habitats and attending educational talks can teach kids about biodiversity and the importance of protecting wildlife. These visits also offer hands-on experiences such as feeding sessions and touch tanks. A summer au pair can help organize these trips, supervise the children, and facilitate learning by discussing the animals and their environments.

10. Farm Tours

Farm tours are not only fun but also highly educational. These tours offer insights into agriculture, teaching children where their food comes from and how farms operate. Activities may include visiting animal barns, picking fruits and vegetables, and even participating in simple farm chores. Interacting with farm animals and understanding the agricultural process can be a valuable learning experience. With the assistance of a summer au pair, families can plan these tours, ensuring a smooth and informative outing that connects children to nature and farming.

Creative and Artistic Activities

11. Arts and Crafts Projects

One of the most enjoyable things to do with kids this summer is working on arts and crafts projects. Using simple household items like paper, glue, and markers, children can create a variety of fun crafts. Ideas include making greeting cards, constructing bird feeders, or designing their own T-shirts with fabric paint. These activities not only spark creativity but also improve fine motor skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.

12. Theater and Music Performances

Attending local children's theater productions or free outdoor concerts is another great way to spend quality time with your kids. These performances provide entertainment while also exposing children to the arts, boosting their appreciation for music and theater. Many communities offer summer series that are both educational and fun. Whether it's a puppet show in the park or a youth orchestra recital, these events are excellent things to do with kids this summer. A summer au pair can help find suitable performances, manage schedules, and accompany the children, making these outings stress-free for parents.

13. Cooking and Baking Together

Cooking and baking together is a fun and educational summer activity. Kid-friendly recipes such as homemade pizzas, cookies, or fruit salads teach children basic cooking skills, measurement, and the importance of following instructions. These sessions also provide a wonderful opportunity for family bonding and instill healthy eating habits. Hosting a summer au pair can make these cooking adventures even smoother by assisting with preparation, supervision, and clean-up, allowing everyone to enjoy the process and the tasty results. Plus they can teach your family about the local cuisine of their country, providing an excellent learning opportunity.

14. Photography Walks

Photography walks encourage kids to capture their summer adventures through the lens of a camera or smartphone. This activity nurtures creativity and observation skills as children learn to see the world from different perspectives. Plan walks in scenic areas like parks, beaches, or urban landscapes where kids can find interesting subjects to photograph. A summer au pair can help encourage your child to express their creativity and ensure the safety of the children during these explorations.

15. Building and Construction Kits

Using LEGO or other building kits encourages creativity and problem-solving. These kits allow children to construct various models, from simple structures to complex designs, fostering spatial awareness and engineering skills. Building projects can be done individually or collaboratively, promoting teamwork and patience. With assistance from a summer au pair, families can set up and manage these building sessions, providing the necessary support and supervision to ensure a successful and creative experience.

Community Involvement

16. Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is one of the most meaningful things to do with kids this summer. Family-friendly volunteer programs, such as community clean-ups, food drives, or animal shelter visits, teach children the value of giving back and foster a sense of empathy and responsibility. These experiences can be deeply rewarding and educational for kids. A summer au pair can assist in coordinating schedules, help engage and support children during volunteer activities. 

17. Local Festivals and Fairs

Participating in local festivals and fairs is an excellent way to immerse children in community culture and traditions. These events often feature parades, games, crafts, and performances that offer fun for all ages. Attending these festivals allows families to enjoy local cuisine, arts, and music while supporting their community.

18. Sports Camps and Classes

Signing up for short-term sports camps or classes is one of the healthiest things to do with kids this summer. These camps provide structured physical activity and teach skills in various sports like soccer, swimming, or martial arts. Participating in sports helps children develop teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. A summer au pair can help provide transportation and support, making it convenient for parents to keep their kids active and enrolled in different camps and activities

19. Farmers’ Markets

Exploring farmers’ markets is a delightful way to spend time with your children while learning about fresh produce and local farming practices. Walking through stalls filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods introduces kids to healthy eating habits and supports local farmers. Many markets also offer live music, cooking demonstrations, and kids' activities. A summer au pair can help plan these visits, engage the children in conversations with farmers, and even assist in picking out ingredients from your summer au pairs culture for family meals, turning market visits into educational and bonding moments

20. Library or Bookstore Storytime

Participating in storytime sessions at libraries or bookstores is a wonderful and relaxing activity among the many things to do with kids this summer. These sessions often include read-aloud, interactive storytelling, and themed crafts that encourage a love for reading and creativity. Book clubs for kids can further enrich their literary experience by fostering discussion and critical thinking. With a summer au pair, families can easily incorporate these activities into their routine, ensuring that children continue to develop their reading skills while having fun.

Plan Your Summer With An Au Pair From AuPairCare

Summer is the perfect time to explore an array of exciting and enriching activities with your children. A reliable and dedicated summer au pair can be incredibly beneficial by not only providing trustworthy childcare but also helping plan and execute these activities, ensuring a fun and memorable summer for your family.

For more tips, ideas, and information on how a summer au pair can enhance your family's summer experience, visit AuPairCare's website. Our extensive resources and expert guidance will help you find the perfect au pair to meet your needs. By planning ahead and utilizing the support of AuPairCare, you can ensure that this summer is filled with joy, learning, and unforgettable moments.

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