12 Summer Activities for Kids (without  the use of electronics)

As the school year comes to an end, you may be wondering what summer activities are available for your kids. We believe in the importance of children playing outside, exercising, using their imaginations, and just being kids.

I think all parents (including us) have utilized television to keep their kids engaged even if only for a few minutes. Maybe you needed to get something done around the house, or perhaps you just wanted to enjoy your lunch quickly in peace. We understand that because we’ve been there too.

We want to encourage you to look at other options to keep your kids active this summer, which is why we created a list of fun things to do without the use of electronics.

Why is staying active essential?

Before we jump into the summer activities for kids, let’s discuss why it’s essential for kids to move their bodies.

Television and game consoles can be entertaining and educational. However, screen time many hours each day can be detrimental to your child’s long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Obesity can be a result of a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity harms a child’s entire bodily system- from their heart function to their hormones that control blood sugar. The more weight a child carries around, the greater the amount of damage they incur to their hips and knees. This damage can follow the child for the rest of their life.

Unfortunately, the research is telling us children are not moving their bodies enough. A sedentary lifestyle is leading to a rise in obesity rates in children. According to a World Health Organization report, an estimated 43 million preschool children (under age 5) globally were overweight or obese in 2010, a 60 percent increase since 1990. And the percentages continue to climb as more countries are exposed to processed foods and move less.

Moderation is key here. Encourage your children to spend more time outside or engaged in cognitive games without screen time. Play tennis with them after school or in the evenings. Naturally, activities like this will encourage more movement.

Now the fun part!

12 Summer Activities for Kids

1. Playgrounds: Find a new playground to change things up and spend a few hours there. Then head over to the local splash pad for some more refreshing fun.
2. Water parks/splash pads: Water parks provide a day full of fun. Splash pads are a great way to get in a few hours of sunshine at a reasonable price.
3. Swimming: Your local municipality may offer group swimming lessons. Check them out or form a playgroup with your child’s closest buds and have a pool day.
4. Springs/ lakes/beaches: Check out your closest natural spring park or lakefront park for a picnic in the shade and a swimming adventure.
5. Museums: A children’s museum or the science center- these venues are often a full day adventure and super educational.
6. Summer day camp/overnight sports camp: For example, if your child enjoys tennis, look for a nearby tennis camp to enroll them in for a week.
7. Bowling: This is always a fun, competitive game. Find your nearest bowling alley, take a few of your children’s friends, and have some fun!
8. Family vacations and day trips: Spending time together as a family during the summer is always a great idea to encourage bonding and time away from daily stressors. Spend a long weekend camping or venture to another state for a vacation.
9. Theme parks: There may not be a theme park close to you, but if there is, you can usually get discounted/season passes to visit with your family.
10. Obstacle and trampoline parks: These parks are becoming increasingly popular and talk about exercise- whew! Jump, jump around!
11. The zoo: Visit your local zoo for some animal adventures and catch a few shows while you’re there.
12. Vacation Bible School (VBS): This is an excellent week-long activity that will bring your child closer to God and introduce him/her to new friends.

Sometimes the weather does not cooperate, and we have to spend the day inside. Check out our post on 13 Indoor Family Activities for a Rainy Day.

How do you keep your children active during the summer? We want to hear your ideas! Drop them in the comments section below.