Summer is here! For moms and dads – that means finding fun and stimulating activities to keep the kids busy throughout three school-free months. If you’ve been looking for some creative ideas, here are some that we found, and want to share with you! To find more ideas, a great place to start is Pinterest.com.
Dive into summer with these great songs and activities! Summer is short, so make everyday count!
Songs:
Oh Mr. Sun
Oh Mister Sun, Sun. Mister Golden Sun. Won’t you please shine down on me?Oh Mister Sun, Sun. Mister Golden Sun. Hiding behind the tree.
These little children are asking you. To please come out so we can play with you.
Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun, won’t you please shine down on me?
If You’re Happy And You Know It
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap) If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap) If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap, clap)If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet (stomp, stomp) If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet (stomp, stomp) If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet. (stomp, stomp)
If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (hoo-ray!) If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (hoo-ray!) If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (clap, clap, stomp, stomp, hoo-ray!) If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (clap, clap, stomp, stomp, hoo-ray!) If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it If you’re happy and you know it, do all three. (clap, clap, stomp, stomp, hoo-ray!)
Five Little Monkeys
Five little monkeys Sitting in a tree Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me.” Along came Mr. Crocodile, Quiet as can be SNAP!Four little monkeys Sitting in a tree Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me.” Along came Mr. Crocodile, Quiet as can be SNAP!
Three little monkeys Sitting in a tree Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me.” Along came Mr. Crocodile, Quiet as can be SNAP! Two little monkeys Sitting in a tree Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me.” Along came Mr. Crocodile, Quiet as can be SNAP!
One little monkey Sitting in a tree Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me.” Along came Mr. Crocodile, Quiet as can be SNAP
No more little monkeys Sitting in a tree
Activities:
Mr. Sun
What You Need:
- Paper plate
- Yellow washable paint
- Black marker
- 2 googly eyes
- Yellow construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Sensory Pool:
Sensory pools/tables are a great way to introduce your kids to new textures, and themes, while also having a little fun! Get as creative as possible, when trying to think of new additions for the pool. Here are a few examples that I’ve found, and can’t wait to try with my little guy.
Ocean Theme with noodles, and plastic fish- Feeder corn, plastic animals, and farm equipment
- Sand, and fake flowers
- LOTS of sudsy bubbles
- Shredded paper
- Water, fish, and a plastic fishing pole
- Sand, plastic letters, and numbers
- Macaroni
- Jello
- Feathers, pom-poms, and string
- Water, and colored ice cubes
- Color themes – red items, orange items, blue items, etc.
Kid Wash:
Check out how Mom Fluential made this awesome kid wash on her amazing tutorial here.
Frozen Block Of Ice:
This is incredibly easy, fun to make, and your kids will love having permission to demolish it! To make the frozen block of ice, fill a baking dish, or similar object, with colored ice cubes, plastic gems, and various water creatures. You can really use anything that the kids will have fun “excavating” from the ice. After the creation has completely frozen, allow the kids to begin chipping away at the structure, to uncover their frozen treasures. This is a perfect activity for hot summer days!
Colored Ice cubes On A String:
What You Need:
- Colored water
- Ice cube tray
- String
The Ultimate Water Toy:
Whether or not you already have a swimming pool, or a sprinkler, no backyard water park is complete without these awesome DIY sponge balls. Created by crafty mamas Brittany Egbert and Sara Westbrook, at One Charming Party, kids will have a blast tossing these around, and they won’t leave a mess in the yard. And the best part? You can make a whole bucket full of these squishy sponge balls for just a few dollars.
What you’ll need:
Sponges (the more colors, the better!)- Scissors
- Dental floss
It’s really that easy! You’ll find the full instructions for making these sponge balls here, on their website. And if you’re looking for more great ways to enjoy the outdoors before summer is over, check out these 6 other fun activities at CanadianFamily.ca that will keep kids entertained for hours.
Project For Mom:
125 Things To Do This Summer Bucket List!
Like many other moms I know, I have a TON of summer projects and Mom-Me outings planned (thank you Pinterest!)! But rather than doing my traditional method of planning for days in advance, I’m going to try my hand at making a more spontaneous and fun bucket list. And for the record, I hate that these summer to do lists are called bucket lists – I don’t plan on kicking the bucket this fall! Geez!
What You Need:
- Bucket
- Multi-Colored Popsicle Sticks
- Sharpie Marker
YELLOW STICKS (things to do outside in the sun)
ORANGE (science projects)
49. make bird feeders
50. freeze things and dig them out
51. oily fireworks
52. fossil cookies
53. static electricity
54. volcano in a mug
55. m&ms in hot water
56. glow in the dark party
57. weather cloud in a cup
58. blowing up balloons
59. ice sculptures
60. sidewalk egg frying w/aluminum foil
61. floating eggs in salt water
RED (art projects)
62. make bath paints with shaving cream
63. bubble painting
64. make pinwheels
65. sewing project
66. glitter toes
67. make a treasure map and go on a hunt
68. marshmallow and tooth pick sculptures
69. make slime
70. make a paper mache bowl
71. “I wish…” art project
72. paint cement with water
73. ABC hand print art book
74. finger paint
75. finger paint with pudding
76. self portrait
77. silhouette pictures
78. invisible ink
79. melt crayons
80. use a calculator
81. write digits 0-9
82. puppet show
83. sound sorts
84. write name
85. letter bingo
86. write and illustrate a story
87. follow direction cards
88. etiquette factory
89. letter sound flashcards
90. number bingoGREEN (Hometown)
91. Bowling
92. Park
93. Farmer’s Market
94. Miniature Golf
95. Pick Blueberries
96. McDonald’s Play scape
97. Visit the Library
98. Go See A Movie
BROWN (The Great Lakes Bay Region)