How To Keep the Kids Active This Summer

Free from homework and quizzes, most kids have an abundance of free time over summer vacation. However, most parents experience some sort of struggle to keep their kids active and healthy over the summer. Whether this is due to a parent’s busy work schedule or a child’s fascination with watching television in the middle of the day, there are endless excuses for why kids aren’t active all summer long. Read up on how to keep kids active this summer with our handy idea guide on summer fun.

Pool Activities

Water activities are a great way to stay cool and active in the summer heat. With access to a public pool, you can prepare to have a great day on the water. You’ll need to bring a few supplies with you to have a safe and fun day at the pool. Most of these accessories are easy to attain, but you can get creative as well. What do you need to have fun at the pool?

Back Yard Activities

If you don’t have access to a public pool or splash pad, there are some ways you can improvise; all you’ll need is a water spigot and a hose. You can simply let the kids run through the sprinkler while you water the lawn. You can even make a DIY Slip-n-Slide with plastic sheeting bought at a hardware store. Kids also love to toss water balloons. If you don’t have an outdoor spigot, you can load the balloons indoors and carry them outside. Let the kids enjoy getting wet while dousing each other!

Keep Active

Regular exercise benefits a child physically, mentally, and socially. An active kid is a healthy kid, and kids crave activity. So, indulge them with exercise activities that seem like challenges. Give them the opportunity to run around the playground, take a long bike ride, or even just play outdoors with friends. Enrollment in team sports usually provides plenty of regimented exercise, as do recreational park district camps. Camps often schedule physical activities throughout the day to keep your child active.

Limit Screen Time

Though your child may have a break from school, that doesn’t mean they need a break from rules. One rule can be to limit the amount of time they spend in front of a computer, tablet, television, and other electronics. Short bursts when they can watch their favorite show or play their favorite game are okay. Still, screens can be problematic if your child is allowed to do nothing else than watch TV throughout summer vacation. Too much screen time can harm a child’s health. The effects include attention span difficulties, obesity, and trouble sleeping at night.

Kids must stay active and healthy over summer vacation to occupy to keep their minds and bodies busy when they have fewer responsibilities. We hope these tips on how to keep kids active this summer help keep your child busy and engaged. As a parent or guardian, the responsibility of keeping your child occupied while out of school relies largely on your shoulders. Make the activities fun, and you’ll reap the benefits all summer long.