School is almost out, and you might soon be in charge of keeping a child entertained for the summer months! If you’re looking for healthy and active ways to encourage your kids to enjoy summer, we’ve got you covered.
Check out the 11 ways we’ve suggested to keep your kids mentally and physically active! Let us know in the comment section or on Facebook which one is your favorite!
1. Use this chart to keep a child active before electronics are allowed
If you’re concerned about your child spending too much time on their electronics this summer, this chart to the left might help you implement a good morning routine for your children.
2. Go camping (even in your own backyard)
Whether it’s in your backyard or at a nearby campground, camping allows your children to have a chance to explore the outdoors with you by their side! Click here for a list of Indiana campgrounds that might spark your excitement about camping. You could also have your child attend a nearby summer camp, like Camp Tecumseh!
3. Encourage meaningful work
There are plenty of ways your kids could get involved in meaningful work this summer, whether it’s by helping an elderly neighbor, volunteering at a food back or community center, or starting their first job!
4. Encourage them to try a new sport
If your children are old enough, let them choose a new sport to try! There are plenty of local summer leagues. For information on Carroll County Summer Sports, click here. For information on Monticello youth baseball, click here, or for info on the Twin Lakes Youth Sports Complex, click here.
5. Attend fun local fairs and festivals
Looking for a low cost way to get out of the house? Try heading to one of the many fairs and festivals that will be going on locally throughout the summer! To see a list of the ones we’ll be attending, click here!
6. Check out your local library’s summer programs
Most libraries offer summer reading programs (like the images you see below!), and some libraries will offer additional programs for children, like the Monticello Library which has a Lego League, Arts and Crafts Days, and Movie Nights! We encourage you to go into the library and talk with the staff to find out what your child could participate in!
7. Visit the beach
Whether it’s Indiana Beach or the dunes in Northern Indiana, planning a trip to a place with sun, sand, and fun will be a treat for the whole family. As a bonus, pack a picnic lunch together before you go with all of your favorite (healthy) snacks! For some ideas on healthy summer eats, click here.
8. Start Swimming Lessons
Summer is the perfect time to kick off swimming lessons, since many local facilities provide opportunities for children to learn! According to Delphi’s website, information for Delphi Swimming Lessons are available from Brian Burton at 765-564-4242. Also, recently posted in the Carroll Network: “It’s Swim Lesson sign up time! The first session will June 19-29 we will have a 10:00, 11:00, 4:00, and 5:00 classes and the second session will be July 3-14 and we will only have the early classes! The cost is $40 for the first child and $35 for the second! Contact Carla Richardson.”
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. Go fishing
Indiana has Free Fishing Days on May 20th, June 3rd, and June 4th, which may be a fun way to kick off summer for your kids! Fishing allows you and your family to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. For information on places to fish and how to get started, click here.
10. Fill out a summer bucket list
Combine all of these ideas and work with your kids to plan out their ideal activities! Your kids will love checking the items off the list, plus you’ll have something to come back to when you’re looking for ideas for the day or the weekends!
Looking for more summer posts from the Family Health Clinic? Check them out below!
Mark Your Calendars and Catch Us at These Fun Summer Events!
