Summer is an ideal time for kids to explore and learn new things about the world. One fun way to make the most of the summer season is to plan themed weeks.
This is a great way to keep kids learning and away from screens in an enjoyable and creative way. Each week plan to go to the library (and maybe participate in the summer reading program) to check out books on the theme. Also prepare a few easy projects around the theme, and maybe even plan a field trip if you are feeling extra ambitious. Read on for some themed week activities and ideas.
Summer Theme Week Ideas
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Under the Sea Week
What better way to celebrate summer than by focusing on the beach and ocean? This theme can involve activities like building sandcastles (if you can’t make it to an actual beach, you could do this at a local park), collect sea glass or seashells, go bodysurfing our boogie boarding, or take a local harbor cruise. You can even check out a local sea center!
On your library trip, check out plenty of books about ocean life, beaches around the world and marine conservation. The sky’s the limit for art projects. Pinterest was always my go to place for ideas on this front. A weekly trip to Michaels for supplies was an adventure all in itself.
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Sports Week
If your kids love sports, this is a fun way to keep them active. Activities this week can include checking out books on sports they love as well as some they have never heard of before. You can also focus on stories that teach sportsmanship and overcoming obstacles to reach goals. Play basketball, soccer, go swimming and maybe attend a professional or college level game for your field trip activity this week!
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Arts Week
Encourage creativity with arts week. Not only can you engage your children with traditional art activities like painting and coloring, but also think about photography or sculpting. Have them check out books about various art forms, or act out plays with their stuffed animals. For a field trip maybe attend a local theater with a children’s show. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, head to an art museum. Often, they offer summer programs for little ones. You can visit the Santa Paula Art Museum for free during the summer on July 2 and Aug. 6.
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Science Week
Science week can be messy, but well worth it. Organize activities like fun experiments, demonstrations and hands-on projects. Check out Amazon for ready to go science kits for kids or create your own. Visit a local planetarium or science museum as your field trip for the week. As for library books, let your child’s scientific wonders lead the way. One year my child was obsessed with the planets, and we created a styrofoam solar system and hung it from her ceiling!
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Cooking Week
If your kids are always trying to help you in the kitchen, this is a week they will love! Set your kids up for success in the kitchen by teaching them simple recipes and safety tips. Check out cookbooks at the library and maybe visit a local restaurant or ice cream shop that has a window where you can watch them create the food. YouTube works too, but if you want to reduce screen time visiting in person offers a fun alternative.
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Around the World Week
Expose your children to other cultures around the world during this fun week! You could choose to focus on one or two countries of particular interest or do as many different countries as you can! Field trips could include eating at a restaurant that serves food from a country you are studying, or visiting a museum that features this culture in some way. Create art projects reflecting the country. Maybe draw and color their flag, recreate landmarks, or write words in their language. The sky’s the limit as there are so many options on how to explore other places and cultures.
Keep Your Kids Engaged This Summer
Summer theme weeks are a great way to keep kids engaged, excited and even learning without realizing it during summer break. With a little creativity and preparation, you can create memorable summer activities for your kids that they will enjoy and you will feel great about!
