Ah, summer is the time for sunshine, ice cream, and the freedom every child dreams about all year long. Learning doesn’t have to stop when school ends. Here are some summer activities to keep your kids engaged and curious without breaking the bank!
1.The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library has launched their summer reading incentive program for all ages! Stop into your local EVPL location and enroll today. There are lots of opportunities to earn prizes along the way.
2. Water Play: Set up a water table or sprinkler in the backyard for some refreshing fun in the sun. Preschoolers love splashing around and experimenting with water, so why not turn it into a learning opportunity? You can add cups and containers for them to practice pouring and measuring, or even introduce some water-safe toys for imaginative play.
3. Nature Walks: Take a stroll through nature and encourage your preschooler to explore the world around them. Point out different plants, animals, and insects, and ask them questions to spark their curiosity. You can even bring along a magnifying glass for a closer look at the tiny wonders of nature. Scrap cardboard with holes for dandelions and found treasures make for a fun twist on an everyday walk.
4. DIY Solar Oven: Reuse that leftover pizza box and create smore’s in your own solar oven. Click here for instructions on how to build one. Involve your kids in the process and enjoy a sweet treat!
5. Outdoor Scavenger Hunts: Take advantage of the warm weather by sending your preschooler on a scavenger hunt in the backyard or at the park. Create a list of items for them to find, such as a pinecone, a red flower, or a feather. This activity not only gets them moving but also helps with their observation skills. Visit here for a free printable!
6. Arts and Crafts: Get creative with some summer-themed arts and crafts projects. From making sun catchers with tissue paper to creating sand art with colored salt, the possibilities are endless. Not only does this activity allow preschoolers to express themselves, but it also helps with their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
7. Gardening: Teach your preschooler about the wonders of nature by starting a small garden together. Let them help plant seeds, water the plants, and watch them grow. Not only does this activity teach responsibility, but it also introduces them to the concept of growth and the importance of taking care of the environment.
8. Cooking: Whip up some tasty treats with your preschooler in the kitchen. Whether it’s making fruit popsicles, decorating cookies, or assembling a simple salad, cooking together is a great way to teach them about measurements, following instructions, and trying new foods. Plus, they’ll love getting to taste the fruits of their labor!
9. Visit CMOE: Family Free Night is every first Thursday of the month at the Children’s Museum of Evansville. Also at CMOE is an outdoor beach display on 5th street. Dig your feet into the sand, build a sandcastle, and relax in the summer sun!
10: Chalk Obstacle Course: Start by selecting a spacious and flat area, such as a driveway or a sidewalk. Use colorful sidewalk chalk to sketch obstacles such as zig-zag lines to weave through, hopscotch squares, jumping spots, and balance beams. You can also include challenges like “spin around 5 times” or “jump like a frog.” Encourage creativity by involving the children in designing the course, and ensure that the obstacles are age-appropriate. Once the obstacle course is drawn, explain the rules and let the kids enjoy navigating through the course while having fun and staying active.
So there you have it – a list of summer learning activities for preschoolers that are sure to keep them entertained and engaged all season long. Get ready for a summer full of fun, exploration, and learning!