When I think of summer, I envision warm sunshine, time outdoors, barbecues, summer camps, sunscreen, vacations, and fun! Summer also means the kids have, more free time on their hands, which can be a double-edged sword.

Just like adults, children need downtime, time to play, be creative and just rest. However, if children keep their minds active and engaged during this “off season,” they have a better chance of retaining what they have just learned in the previous grade. Focused activity can also plant seeds and fertilize the mind for the school year to come.

It can be stressful to find new and exciting ways to keep your children engaged in educational activities during these busy summer months, so I have a resource to help.

With the break from school and longer days, the temptation to spend all day indoors on screens can be overwhelming. This got me thinking about some great (and fun) technology-free alternatives for the whole family to enjoy.

👉 Mind-boosting games like crosswords or Sudoku
👉 Cooking or baking as a family – create a new family recipe!
👉 Playing board games or cards together
👉 Teach each other a magic trick or shadow puppet animal
👉 Neighborhood walks or hikes through nature
👉 Create a story (or short play) together to read or act out
👉 Collaborate on a drawing, painting, or chalk art together

For even more ideas, check out this well-rounded list of 25 unique ideas for summer activities to keep your children engaged in the learning process. The activities range from art projects to nature adventures to science discoveries. Take a look here, and let me know your favorite summer activities with your kids in the comments below.