Summer break is a time kids look forward to all year, but parents know it takes a little planning to make it both enjoyable and smooth. From ensuring safety during outdoor fun to keeping minds sharp and easing into a new routine, there’s a lot to think about. Keep reading to see our tips that will help your family prepare for a safe and fun summer break. And it’s packed with ideas for staying healthy, learning on the go, adjusting to new schedules, and making the most of the sunny season.
Safety Tips for Summer Activities
Whether your family is heading to the beach, the pool, or the backyard, safety is a top priority:
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Swimming safety: Always supervise children around water. Enroll them in swim lessons if they’re beginners, and make sure life jackets are used when needed.
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Heat exposure: Dress kids in light, breathable clothing, and avoid outdoor play during the hottest parts of the day. Never leave children in a parked car.
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Dehydration: Make sure children drink water regularly, even before they feel thirsty. Carry refillable water bottles everywhere you go.
Children can get caught up in the fun they’re having and forget to drink water. In the summer it’s especially important to keep them safe from heat stroke and dehydration. Check out this deep dive into summer hydration!
Tips for Avoiding an Academic Slump
Summer learning loss is real, but it’s preventable with a few fun and easy strategies:
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Practice math through everyday activities: Cooking, shopping, and even road trips offer great opportunities for practicing math skills in real-world ways.
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Plan a party with a budget: Let your child plan a summer party. They can create a shopping list, compare prices, and stick to a budget, learning math and planning all at once.
- Encourage reading: Let kids pick their own books to keep it exciting. Consider joining a summer reading challenge or checking out your library’s free events.
Interested in helping kids develop an enjoyment for reading? There’s lots of benefits! We’ve pulled together a list of recommendations and tips for making it a fun activity.
Tips to Prepare for the Change
The end of the school year means big shifts in routine, which can be especially challenging for children with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. Structure helps everyone, but it’s essential for some. In those cases:
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Stick to a consistent sleep routine: Try to keep bedtime and wake-up times the same as during the school year.
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Create a summer schedule: Post it in a visible spot so children know what to expect each day.
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Talk about plans in advance: Giving your child notice and time to mentally prepare for activities or changes reduces stress and helps them feel secure.
Tips for Travel
Whether you’re taking a road trip or flying across the country, keep these travel tips in mind:
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Let kids help pack: When they know what they’re bringing, they’re more likely to feel prepared and excited.
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Pack entertainment and snacks: Books, drawing pads, puzzles, and healthy snacks like trail mix or granola bars will make travel smoother.
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Explain what to expect: New travel experiences can be overwhelming. Let kids know how long the trip will take, how you’ll be traveling, and what the schedule looks like.
Travel and schedule changes can affect some kids in big ways. When these changes get to be too much, it’s important to focus on mental health. If this is a challenge you’re dealing with, learn more about how to promote good mental health in summer below.
Fun Summer Activities
Summer doesn’t have to mean screen time all day. Here are some fun ideas for kids and teens:
Easy, low-prep ideas:
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Sidewalk chalk obstacle course
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Backyard scavenger hunt
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Lemonade stand
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Start a garden
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Make homemade popsicles
Takes a little planning:
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Visit a local museum or zoo
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Go on a nature hike
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Host a themed craft day and invite friends
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Plan a family picnic or backyard movie night
Bigger adventures:
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Take a road trip to a nearby town
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Visit an amusement park or water park
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Attend a summer festival or fair
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Sign up for a summer workshop or camp
Interested in learning more about screen time? Click the button below to learn more about the pros and cons of screen time plus the recommendations for how much to limit it based on age.
Wrapping Up – Preparing for a Safe and Fun Summer Break
A safe and fun summer break is possible with the right balance of structure, adventure, and preparation. By thinking ahead and involving your child in the process, you can create a season full of memories, growth, and well-being. Here’s to a joyful, safe, and fulfilling summer for you and your family!