Under the best of circumstances, summer can be a stressful time for parents. Without school in session, childcare becomes tougher to organize. Even with so many parents working from home this summer, balancing work with kids in the house isn’t easy.
This summer looks set to be an even bigger challenge as camps get canceled, and vacation plans are postponed. As hard as it is for parents, it’s even more disappointing for kids watching their social lives and extra-curricular activities all but disappear.
That doesn’t mean summer is all lost. There are still ways kids, tweens, and young adults can learn, engage, and play this summer. Below, are 4 Activities Kids and Teens Can Still Do This Summer.
4 Activities Kids and Teens Can Still Do This Summer
#1 Virtual Camps
Not all camps have been canceled. Instead, you may be able to find a virtual summer camp for your kids. While some parents are skeptical about the format, especially those who have struggled with online learning at school, camps where kids have a chance to learn new skills are ideal.
Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels
Summer coding camp is a great example of a camp that transfers well online. Kids aged 7 to 18 can start learning how to code, and the work is already done on a computer. With screen sharing technology and live instruction, coding camp can be a huge success.
#2 Online Volunteering
Many teens planned on using their summers for full- or part-time work or volunteering opportunities. Not only is volunteering a great way for teens to contribute to their communities, but they also use these opportunities to build their resumes for college applications.
High school students are finding ways to do virtual volunteering and internships instead. As reported by Teen Vogue, students have been doing things like organizing grocery deliveries and tutoring online.
#3 Outdoor Activities
Outdoor time is just as important as ever. For younger kids, planning simple backyard activities on the weekends will be a great way to get them out into the sun and away from screens. For older kids and teens, plan an adventure like a hike as a family to get them active.
They don’t have to be overly complicated or pre-planned. Even the simple act of limiting screen time and encouraging kids to enjoy the freedom of running around the neighborhood can be liberating. As kids get older, there are still some great ways to get them outdoors. From skateboarding to pick-up sports, there’s plenty to do in the great outdoors for kids of all ages.
#4 Alone Time
Don’t dismiss the value of alone time. Teenagers will naturally be less inclined to bug their parents during the summer, preferring instead to read a book, play video games, take a walk, or, frankly, do just about anything besides be with their parents. Even younger kids benefit greatly from alone time to daydream, imagine, play, and process the world.
In the rush to find things for them to do, don’t forget that sometimes it really is good for them to enjoy time with no plans at all.
Last but not least, don’t forget to take your kids’ wants into and needs into consideration.
They’re processing the challenges of the year in their own way as well. Talk to them about what they want to do before scrambling to make up for lost plans. Summer is different this year, but it can still be fun. Explore your options and talk to your kids about what they want to do.