Exciting Summer Projects for Kids: Keeping the Fun Alive!

As summer brings longer days filled with sunshine, kids are bursting with energy and creativity. While this can be exciting, it can also pose a challenge for parents looking for fun projects to keep those little hands busy. This summer offers an incredible chance to explore new interests, nurture creativity, and create unforgettable memories. Here’s a collection of exciting summer projects for kids that will engage their imagination and curiosity while providing plenty of fun!

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Explore the Great Outdoors

Take the adventure outdoors with a nature scavenger hunt! Kids can explore local parks or their backyards, searching for items like a smooth stone, a colorful leaf, or a unique flower. To set up a scavenger hunt, create a simple checklist of items for them to find.

This enjoyable activity helps kids appreciate nature while letting off some steam. Encourage your kids to document their findings by taking photos or drawing pictures. For added excitement, turn it into a friendly competition by rewarding the child who spots the most items on the list. This project can be easily repeated throughout the summer, allowing for different themes, like "colorful objects" or "things that buzz," to keep kids engaged. Check out this website for more ideas: Summer Scavenger Hunts for Kids.

A desert scene during a nature scavenger hunt.

DIY Bird Feeders: Connect with Nature

Engaging with local wildlife is both fun and educational! Making bird feeders can be a delightful project that encourages kindness toward nature. With materials like pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed, kids can create simple yet effective feeders.

Start the project by covering the pine cone in peanut butter and rolling it in birdseed. Then, hang it in a tree using string. Watching various birds visit their creations is an exciting experience. This project nurtures responsibility and teaches kids about different bird species, such as the red cardinal or blue jay, and their habits. Here is one of my favorite sites for more information: Homemade Birdhouses for Kids.

Homemade Tie-Dye T-shirts: A Colorful Expression

Bring on the colors with a classic summer project! Tie-dyeing allows kids to express their creativity vibrantly. Gather some plain white T-shirts and fabric dyes in various shades.

Kids can twist, fold, and bind their T-shirts in unique ways to create their designs before applying the dye. The thrill of seeing the final product after the dye sets is something they will not forget. Once their colorful shirts are ready, kids can proudly wear them or even gift them to friends and family, creating lasting memories for everyone! This site has a list of helpful ideas: Tie-Dye Instructions Printable for Shirts.

DIY Backyard Obstacle Course: Fun and Fitness Combined

Time to get moving! Creating a backyard obstacle course gives kids a chance to burn off energy while having fun! Use everyday items like hula hoops, jump ropes, and cones to set up different stations for climbing, jumping, and crawling.

Kids can design their obstacle courses, testing each other’s time. This activity promotes physical fitness and teamwork, making it a perfect option for friendly competitions and joyous outdoor playdates! Here is a cool pool noodle obstacle course to consider: Pool Noodle Obstacle Course.

Science Experiments with Household Items: Learning Made Fun

Who says learning can’t be entertaining? But parents, make sure you are ready for this! Transform your kitchen into a science lab with easy experiments using common household items. Kids can create mini volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar, mix slime using glue and borax, or grow crystals with just sugar and water.

These hands-on experiences make learning about chemical reactions and science concepts exciting. Kids gain a sense of accomplishment as they see their experiments come to life. For example, a simple baking soda volcano not only entertains but also introduces basic principles of chemistry. Explore more fun experiments here: How to Make a Volcano.

Create a Summer Journal: Capture Those Moments

This project is close to my heart. Encourage children to document their summer adventures through a journal. A summer journal serves as a creative outlet where kids can write about their experiences and paste pictures or mementos from their adventures.

Host “show and tell” sessions every few weeks, allowing them to share their journal entries with family. This project enhances writing and storytelling skills while helping kids reflect on their summer. They don’t have to spend a lot! They can make their own journal with copy paper, notebook paper, or construction paper. They can decorate it with pictures, stickers, and homemade artwork! Check out this site for a printable version: Summer Journal for Kids.

Adults, you can journal too! I don't write every day, but I do several times a week. I used to have a special notebook I carried with me for years, then I switched to a digital app that I can use on my computer, Android phone, and iPad. I love this journal for a few reasons. I can look back at previous days, there are templates I can use for different things, and I have categories and tags I can use to easily search for items. It is easy for me and not expensive for the pro! Check it out here: Diaro Journal App. If you’re looking for a fantastic digital planner, consider Artful Agenda. It integrates easily with Microsoft, Apple, and Google calendars. Use referral code RK324939: Artful Agenda.

Dive Into a DIY Garden Project: Teach Responsibility

Let’s dig in! Cultivating a garden is a therapeutic and educational experience for kids. Begin with easy-to-grow plants, such as tomatoes, radishes, or herbs like basil and mint. Kids can help choose seeds, prepare the soil, and plant them.

As they care for their plants, they learn about responsibility, patience, and the joy of nurturing living things. The satisfaction of tasting homegrown vegetables is a delicious reward for their hard work!

Summer Movie Making: Unleash Creativity

Give aspiring filmmakers a chance to shine! Encourage kids to write and direct their own short movie. They can create a storyboard, gather props from around the house, and even invite family members to star in their production. Alternatively, they can make a "show and tell" how-to video!

With smartphones and tablets, capturing their movie becomes easy and fun. Parents can join in by assisting with editing, making it a delightful family bonding experience. Watching the final movie together while enjoying popcorn will create cherished memories!

Embrace Creative Adventures This Summer

Summer presents an amazing opportunity for creativity and exploration. These exciting projects engage kids' imaginations and offer adventure! From outdoor scavenger hunts to artistic tie-dye shirts, there is something for every curious mind.

Introducing your children to these projects not only keeps them entertained but also cultivates skills, fosters creativity, and strengthens family bonds. So, which exciting project will you and your kids tackle first? Let the summer adventures begin! Until next time...

Till next time, stay hydrated, Kathy

Kathy Amery, Creative Director, Valley Arts and Education