It is beneficial to have a plan going into summer. Below are links to some of our top ideas that will lead to a memorable summer break:
Reading and Learning (Links)
Family Reading Goal –work together towards a goal. This is great for a family with all different reading levels.
Book Bingo –printable bingo sheets to help kids be excited about reading and to introduce new genres.
Traveling the World at Home –spend the summer learning about different cultures, people, and places! See also – Evening in England, Dinner in Ireland, Family Dinner Trip to Washington State, and A Pretend Trip to Italy
Billboard Cereal Box – a surprising fun way to teach children. See also – Cereal Box Syndrome
Movies vs. Books –Conduct a family review and decide for yourselves with this fun activity
Become Your Ancestors –acting out history can teach many sermons
10 Minute Learning Chore –this is my all-time favorite summer job!
Who’s Invited to Dinner? –A mystery at the dinner table leads to a fun biographical discussion
Meet Mozart –Do you wish the schools taught more about fine music? Use the summer as a chance to introduce it at home.
Memorizing Scripture Tips –entertaining ways to help scripture become a part of your child’s life
Cleaning, Chores, and Order (Links)
Step by Step Cleaning –Using photography to show cleaning progress
Job Search? –Do your kids have trouble seeing what jobs need to be done? Try this.
Watch Out Clutter –Chester visits each night to collect the clutter…so watch out!
Job Jar –Small jobs to change a child’s focus…and a genius way to get odd jobs finished.
Jobs by Number -using a versatile job chart that can change with your busy schedule
Food Hacks for Swift and Cheap Food (Links)
Speedy Treats for Busy Days –Don’t spend all your time in the kitchen. Try these treats and have time to really play!
Food on the Go –Saving food money on road trips or at ballgames has never been easier
Foods That Help a Budget Stretch –how to get more food for your money
Not Your Ordinary Fortune Cookies –turn your next batch of cookies into a “fate” filled day
Chicken Dinner Starters -a speedy way to get dinner on the table quickly
Service Activities (Links)
SWAT –Try a sneaky night of family service…and smiles
Card Commotion –Fan this idea into a family tradition
Simple Fun (Links)
The Ever-Changing Treasure Hunt –I am sure this treasure hunt was inspired…it works over and over again to the delight of the kids (and me!)
Silverware Swap –Change a normal dinner into something quite out of the ordinary!
Ex-STRAW-ordinary Dinner -See how adding a straw to dinner can make the needed difference
Playground Hop! -change up the usual playground scene
Enjoy every minute of your children’s time at home!
Rachel Bradley says
Thanks Amy! Love this list of ideas! Finding fun things to do with a 5 year old shouldn’t be so hard, but when her attention span is so short it helps to have several plans in place! Love your blog!
Amy says
Thank you, Rachel! I hope your summer is wonderful!