When I think of summer, I envision warm sunshine, time outdoors, barbecues, summer camps, sunscreen, vacations and just a feeling of 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 to some degree 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 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. It’s a 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.