Start with a Plan

Firstly, let’s get a plan in place. Having a well-thought-out plan will save you from the dreaded “I’m bored” chorus. Here are some ways you can get started.

Since there is so much time to fill, we suggest creating a Summer calendar and map out the entire summer. When you include family vacations, day trips, and any camps or classes your kids are attending. This will help you see the big picture and moreover find gaps where you can plan other activities.

Also, you could assign a theme to each week. For example, it could be “Science Week,” “Art Week,” “Nature Week,” etc. This gives you a focused way to plan activities and crafts around a central idea, making it easier to gather materials and come up with ideas.

Be Flexible

While it’s important to keep things flexible, having a loose daily schedule can help. Slot in different activities for different times of the day – outdoor play in the morning when it’s cooler, crafts in the afternoon, and wind down with some quiet reading time in the evening.

Let’s Get Crafty

Crafts are a fantastic way to keep kids engaged and help them develop fine motor skills and creativity. Here’s how to organize your craft activities:

Set up a dedicated craft station. Make sure it’s stocked with basic supplies like paper, crayons, markers, glue, and scissors. We love using The Home Edit Canisters and The Home Edit Divided Lazy Susan to keep those craft stations organized. Of course, we love the Multipurpose cart to keep smaller spaces tidy and mobile, so you can move it wherever the kiddos are.

Create a gallery wall where you can display your kids’ masterpieces is such a fun way to show support. This not only gives them a sense of pride but also motivates them to keep creating. We love using these Front Opening Frames that can keep several of their Picassos in one frame.  you can easily change out the artwork.

Fun Activities to Keep Them Busy

Outdoor adventures are what Summer is all about. Plan nature scavenger hunts, backyard camping, or a trip to the local park. Outdoor activities are great for burning off energy and exploring the world around them.

Another option is to prepare craft kits for each week’s theme. Put all the materials needed for each craft into one of these Magazine holders or we love using The Home Edit Stackable drawer. This way, when it’s craft time, you can just grab a kit and get started and it will stay contained as they work on it.

Nothing says summer like water play. Set up a small inflatable pool, have a water balloon fight, or just let them run through the sprinklers.

Learning activities incorporate some learning into the fun. Science experiments, reading challenges, or educational apps can keep their brains active without feeling like schoolwork. Companies like KiwiCo are great for these types of activities.

Remember, the goal is to have fun and make the most of summer. If a plan isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch things up. Flexibility is key to keeping things enjoyable for everyone.

Involve the Kids

Getting your kids involved in the planning process. Ask them what activities and crafts they’d like to do and let them help with setting up the calendar and daily schedules. This not only makes them more excited about the activities but also teaches them valuable planning and organizing skills

Time to Enjoy!

Lastly, don’t forget to capture these summer moments! Take plenty of photos and maybe even create a summer scrapbook with your kids. This can be a fun craft project in itself and a wonderful way to preserve memories. At the end of the summer, you’ll have a beautiful keepsake that your kids can look back on with fondness.

With a bit of organization and a lot of creativity, you can make this summer one to remember for your kids. So grab your calendar, stock up on craft supplies, and get ready to make room for the good stuff!

Happy organizing, and here’s to a summer full of fun and creativity!