Motherhood: Summer break activities to do with your kids

Parenting in today’s world comes with unique challenges and opportunities. The digital age brings a wealth of information to our fingertips, yet the sheer volume can sometimes be overwhelming. As summer break is in full effect, many parents find themselves seeking meaningful, engaging activities to keep their kids entertained and stimulated. As a parent of three, I understand how parents feel when hearing those infamous summer blues words: “I am bored”, so here are some ideas to make the most of summer with the family. 

Outdoor Adventures:

Nature Hikes and Scavenger Hunts: Explore local trails and parks. Create a scavenger hunt list of items to find, like specific leaves, rocks, or wildlife. It's a great way to teach kids about nature and encourage physical activity. Evy’s Tip: Most local parks are free entree Monday - Friday. For example, two of the parks in Broward County, Tree Tops Park and C.B. Smith Park, both have several activities and hiking trails that you and your children will enjoy. 

Creative Projects:

Cooking and Baking: Involve your kids in the kitchen. Let them help with meal preparation, bake cookies/cakes, or create their own simple recipes. Cooking together teaches valuable life skills and can be a delicious way to spend time. Even if you want to go a step further, there are many places that offer cookies classes for children and their family.

Educational Experiences:

1. Library Visits: Take regular trips to the local library. Many libraries offer summer reading programs with fun incentives. Let your kids pick out books that interest them and set aside time each day for reading. 
   

2. Museums and Zoos: If possible, visit local museums, zoos, or aquariums. Many of these places offer summer programs and special exhibits for kids. These visits can be both entertaining and educational, providing a hands-on learning experience. Evy’s Tip: Most Zoos have free entree on certain days, for example Jungle Island have free admission on Sundays with prior reservations, just visit their website. 

Physical Activities:

Bike Rides: Go on family bike rides around your neighborhood or find local bike trails. It's an excellent way to explore your community and stay fit together. Evy’s Tip: Many local parks or beaches have specials on bike rentals including family bikes, just visit their website ahead of time. 

Relaxation and Downtime:

Movie Nights: Have a weekly family movie night. Let each family member take turns picking a movie. Don't forget the popcorn. Evy’s Tip: many of the local movie theaters have free matinee movies for free or at a very low cost for kids during summer break. 

Summer break is a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories with your kids. By balancing outdoor adventures, creative projects, educational experiences, physical activities and relaxation, you can ensure a fun and enriching summer for the whole family. Remember, the key is to stay flexible and enjoy the time spent together. Happy Summer!