Who is going crazy with hot Summer days? Maybe you need some Sanity saving ideas that will cool you and your children down? I have gathered up 10 Summer Sanity saving ice play ideas for hot days that have some great STEM components to each of them.
Go ahead freeze some water, make some ice and have some fun! What are you waiting for?
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We love to have fun and it seems like my kids love projects. Some projects are clean and calm while other’s are messy. My children seem to enjoy the messy projects the best! I think these messy projects will be great for outdoor Summer fun. This post is part of a Top 10 Summer posts series so be sure to scroll all the way day for more incredible Summer fun ideas!
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The super Summer buzzword that came to be before 2008 but was made uber popular since the recession – the STAYCATION! You will see, hear, and read it everywhere as Summer gets closer and closer. I love the idea of a vacation but with four children 11 years and younger it may not be as fun as it sounds. This is why I think I have some reasons why Staycations are a great idea that you should consider.
Not everyone can afford a fancy, expensive vacation. Planning a vacation above your means puts stress on the whole family. This also sets an unnecessary standard that your children with grow to expect each year! Instead plan something free, cheap or local. Create memories that are easy for your children to do with their family when they grow up (stargaze, hike, go play at a park,etc). Check your state parks, county parks, and city parks for free or cheap activities. You never know you may just create a fun family tradition!
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Okay, so April is gone and May is rapidly coming to and end! Soon Summer will be in full-force! This Summer my hubby’s job will take him away from us 5 days a week except some days which he can telecommute. This will be our first Summer with FOUR CHILDREN and daddy working full-time. Eek! I definitely need some cheap ways to have fun this Summer! Who better to ask then my children, right? If I do not ask them for input, then we might miss doing something that is on their Summer bucket list!
1. Summer Reading Clubs– usually we join 3-4 different library programs to fulfill all of our reading fun! We just happen to live within a 15 minute radius of four different libraries. Each one has it’s pros and cons as far as how active their program is and what their library has to offer.
2. Backyard Camping– this year might prove a little difficult with an active infant but mom wants to sleep in a tent with kids this Summer. Last Summer being pregnant prevented such fun times!
3. Bonfires– we usually forget to have them early on and then the heat of Summer takes over. We then feel it’s a bit ridiculous to have a hot fire on a hot day! With hubby’s new work schedule we should be able to have one each week if our heart desires. I want to practice cooking on a fire in case we ever go camping:)
4. Grandma’s pool- I hope my parents get their above ground pool prepped early this year. As soon as the temps stay steady in the 80’s then we can drive to my parent’s to enjoy some cooling off.
I enrolled both Eldest and Princess in a free class called “Be a Better Biker” day camp that a local police department puts on for 4th through 6th graders. It is a week long half-day camp all about street smarts and bike safety skills. We live in town so this information will prove valuable for their safety as well as other neighborhood kids.
Princess wants to take a gymnastics class. She took gymnastics at the YMCA when she was preschool age then switched to cheer then to ballet. Last Summer she took tennis so I was surprised when she opted for gymnastics class this year. She even opted to NOT take a jump rope class.
Eldest has been really wanting to do basketball AND Lego League/Robotics. This was a little tricky since most kids his age may have Open Gym times through their local Middle School. Since we homeschool sometimes you have to get creative. I found a local community center that offers a two day basic basketball skills camp and a seasonal leagues. His age is co-ed and starts shortly after the skills camp.
Big Red has no clue. He was offered to attend a nature camp but didn’t think it sounded good to him. GO figure he’s 4! I know he will enjoy swimming in grandma’s pool and taking some short staycation trips with the rest of us. He might even enjoy a backyard camping trip including a bonfire or catching lightning bugs.
What is Summer Solstice?
According to Wikipedia, “The summer solstice occurs when the tilt of a planet’s semi-axis, in either the northern or the southern hemisphere, is most inclined toward the star (sun) that it orbits. Earth’s maximum axial tilt toward the sun is 23° 26′. This happens twice each year, at which times the sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the north or the south pole.”
About.com’s info for Summer Solstice
Old Farmer’s Almanac has more info about Summer Solstice!
1. Crockpot Breakfast/Dinner- beat the summer heat by using a crockpot to cook a meal! Getting up early then make a Crockpot Breakfast. Going to be out most of the day then try a Crockpot Dinner!
2. Sunrise/Sunset- Find out what time your sunrises or sunsets in your area in order to get up early or stay up late. Super fun for kids who usually are not awake at these times:)
3. Stargazing- Have you watched the stars this summer, yet? Well, what are you waiting for? Grab binoculars or a telescope and find a dark area away from street lights this week. Not sure what to look for? Print off a constellation chart or check out some books at the library.
4. Nature Hike and Scavenger Hunt- Maybe you just want to get out and enjoy all the wonderful sun! How about adding fun by doing a scavenger hunt?
At the Beach? No problem check out this printable list from Inspired by Familia:
5. Backyard Camping- My husband and I did NOT grow up camping like some people. We also rarely went on family vacations. I did not want that to be the case with my children. So we bought a tent last Summer to camp in the backyard. The big kids stayed out with and without a parent but the entire family has not.
6. Bonfire- If you have a large enough yard to have a firepit, then be sure to use it! Otherwise find a park or friend’s house that has one to roast weiners and marshmellows!
7. Insect Collecting- We own a few different bug containers, magnifying glasses, and magnifying boxes. Just a variety of tools we have collected over the years from Nature Programs or from the dollar store. You can always poke holes in a peanut butter jar and collect lighting bugs or lady bugs to explore for a short time:)
8. Water Play- Check your local parks and recreation for a FREE water play area or splash pad. Wear plenty of sunscreen and bring lots of healthy snacks and water to drink.
9. Messy Crafts and Science Experiments- Yes, it is time to try some of those messy crafts or Science experiments we have all pinned to do OUTSIDE! Stop pinning and get to doing! Make sure to gather ALL your supplies including clean-up items and directions before you begin. Explain what they should do or just let them loose with paint and instructions!
10. Picnic- Good ole classic Summer activity. When is the last time you packed a picnic with blanket and basket? You can head to the yard or your local park, but be sure to bring some yummy Summer foods like watermelon, pasta salad, or sandwiches.
