Summer can be daunting. I miss my kids when they are at school, but I can appreciate having that time already filled with activities for their learning. Even though, for me, it’s only two days a week, those are two days that I don’t have to worry about activities. I don’t have to worry about what they’re learning. I don’t have to worry about their development or whether I’m doing things that are challenging how they see the world. I have the confidence that they already have those things built into their curriculum and their wonderful teachers are helping them!
And then summer comes. And there is the sudden realization that I have more days to plan. I need lists of activities and crafts. I need ideas for excursions. I need fun ideas for my children to explore, grow, and develop.
You can go on Pinterest and find a BILLION different ideas. In a moms group on Facebook, I even saw a “Summer Fun Bucket List” once for our local area. It was intensive and complete. It was almost overwhelming.
So instead of overwhelming you with a million ideas of things to do this summer, I’m splitting this summer activities guide into three parts – Water Fun, Excursions, and Education. Take the guide as a basis for information that you can pick and choose throughout the weeks of summer. I’ll even throw in some activities to help prevent the summer slide and encourage learning through fun.
We looked at fun water activities in our first summer activities guide. Today, let’s look at excursions! I know that sometimes, especially if you live somewhere hot like Texas, outdoor excursions can be daunting. So let’s talk a couple of tips on ensuring that everyone is safe if you decide to do an outdoor excursion.
- Morning is best for outdoor activities. Afternoon and early evening will be when it is hottest during the day, so if possible, avoid that time for outdoor excursions. Seek indoor air conditioning!
- Drink plenty of water and pack a washcloth that can be dampened and used to cool off. Back of the neck and forehead will help cool the body off quickly.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, fatigue, confusion, headache, and nausea. Signs of dehydration include rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, very dry skin, dizziness, sunken eyes, and fainting. If you see any of these signs, have the person take small sips of water. Do not gulp large amounts as that will make them sick. If you have something with electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte, these are fantastic options for rehydrating someone who is dehydrated. For someone experiencing heat exhaustion, on top of the sips of water, loosen clothing and place cooling rags on their neck, head, and stomach. These tips including finding a shady spot will help the individual recover.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen and to reapply throughout the excursion!
- Depending on where you are going and time of day, consider packing a bug spray. Check out our Summer Products List for some great bug spray and sunscreen options.
With all of that in mind, here are my top 5 summer excursions to do with your kiddos!
The Zoo and Aquariums
There are so many zoos, aquariums, animal encounter places that you could rotate through and try different ones. If your kiddo has a particular animal that is their favorite, check out the local zoo’s website and see if they have that animal. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for any special events or daily feedings that you might be able to attend while you’re there!
One thing in particular to keep in mind with zoos and animal encounter locations is that animals will tend to be most active first thing in the morning when it is coolest and right after they’ve been fed, so arrive early for the best views!
Aquariums are a great indoor option for viewing and learning about wildlife- marine wildlife! The hardest part for little ones is that it can be easy to try to speed through because some fish or animals may not seem as active. The best way to combat this is to be prepared with questions to ask about the animals. Have your little ones identify colors on the fish. Have short discussions about what they may eat or who may be their predators. Talk about where each marine creature lives and what their homes are like.
You don’t have to ask every question with each creature, but having a couple as you move through will slow them down and get them to really look at each marine creature. One of my favorite things to do with Little Mister is to ask him to act like whatever animal he is looking at. This works great if there is an eel!
For more zoo fun, check out our post on Tips for Visiting the Zoo and our FREE Zoo Printables!
Museum Days
Much like the zoos and aquariums, there are probably numerous museums in your area. Not only would there be the larger science or children’s museums, but also smaller local museums. Here in North Texas we have the larger Perot and Heard Museums, but we also have two local museums right here in our city – the Heritage Farmstead and the Interurban Railway Museum.
Though the larger museums can quickly become expensive, especially if you take multiple days to see the entire museum and do not have a membership, oftentimes these smaller museums are free or are donation-based.
One great way to find museums is based on interest. Does your little one love planes and flying? See if there is a small museum at a local airport. What about trains or firefighters? Do a quick search to find the closest firefighters museum or train museum. You will be surprised at the variety of museums that your great local area has to offer.
Movie Clubs at your Local Theater
One thing that I love about the summer months are that the local movie theaters will have series of kids movies at a reduced price. This is a great way to introduce your kids to sitting and enjoying a movie. Sometimes the series will even include a small popcorn and drink for your little one.
These movies are not only age-appropriate, but because they are relatively inexpensive – usually only a couple of dollars per ticket – if you need to leave because your child can’t sit through the movie, it won’t be the great loss that a regular-priced ticket would be.
Here are four theater chains and their summer movie series for kids for the summer of 2019:
Cinemark Theaters – With Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse, you can either purchase tickets for a $1 per movie, per person OR purchase tickets to all 10 movies at $5 per person! The movies are on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Food isn’t included in this deal and it is only select theaters, so be sure to check out the list or participating theaters in your area.
Studio Movie Grill Theaters – On weekday mornings, you can see an animated movie for just a $1 at Studio Movie Grills across the country. The movies include everything from Shrek to the most recent How to Train Your Dragon. Though food isn’t included, they do have a full menu available. The schedule may vary based on the local school district’s vacation schedule, so be sure to check ahead of time.
AMC Theaters – AMC’s Summer Movie Camp is Wednesday mornings starting June 6th. For $4+ tax, you get a movie ticket and a KidsPack (which includes a small popcorn and drink). Most of the movies listed are fairly recent. Keep in mind that this is only for participating locations.
Regal Cinemas – On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, you can get tickets to Regal’s Summer Movie Express for just a $1. Each week there are two movies that will play on both days. The movies vary from recently released to older animation favorites. This deal is only in select Regal Cinemas, so be sure to check for your specific location.
Park Picnics and Flying a Kite
There is something incredibly simple and yet enjoyable about packing a picnic lunch, a ball to through or a kite to fly and heading to a nearby park. If available, you might even be able to pack some grapes for ducks at a pond.
The key to packing a picnic – especially for younger kids like toddlers – is to pack items that can be eaten intermittently. I know my little ones are notorious for eating a little, then running off and playing for a bit, then coming back and nibbling some more. Because of this, I’ll pack some deli meat, crackers, fruit, and cookies.
Be sure to pack some of their favorite toys to play with – a ball and glove, a kite if the wind is right, or maybe a teddy bear that can picnic with them! Find a big tree to sit under and enjoy the time together.
Don’t have a picnic blanket? Be sure to check out the Monkey Mat! I absolutely love how compact they are. Major pluses are that they are machine washable and food will brush right off! They have their original Monkey Mat as well as their quilted Monkey Mat that are perfect for your summer picnic.
Beaches (Lakeside or Oceanside)
You don’t have to live by the ocean to get a chance to relax on the beach. Many lakes have a beach access that your kids will enjoy just as much. There is nothing that screams summer quite as much as building a sand castle or running your toes through the warm sand.
If you are on a beach by the ocean, be sure to do a little shell collecting. Just make sure that the shells are empty before taking them home. If you are on a beach by a lake, enjoy watching the boats pass by with the water skiers and wakeboarders – maybe even try it out yourself and then relax in the sand after. Be sure to bring a shade or tent such as this one to find a break from the sun every now and then!
No matter what beach you’re on, be sure to always keep an eye on your little ones around the water. Many times there may be a quick drop off just a little ways out from shore and it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the water. Water safety is always the most important so having an adult be a designated watcher can be a helpful tool to ensure all little ones stay safe.
Excursions can be as simple and inexpensive as a day at the park or as complex as traveling to a nearby zoo. Sprinkling a variety of activities throughout the summer will keep your kiddos entertained and provide a learning experience for a variety of ages. What other excursions do you like to go on with your kiddos?