Woo! Back in the swing of things. Having both boys in the prime of their little age group (1.5 years old and a little over 3.5 years old) I started feeling run down trying to keep them busy.
It's crazy how often we find ourselves going the extra mile just to provide "memories" and "experiences" that we forget that the simplest things are what make the best memories. The summer months have finally arrived. Beautiful weather, fun activities and keeping them busy is on my list of things to do.
From arts and crafts to outdoor adventures, there is something for every preschooler to enjoy.
We all know we've seen the lists and lists and all of the pins on pinterest listing them out and this one is no different. It's all just something we've been doing here and there, coupled with ones we want to do!
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee drinking habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
1. Go on a picnic – Have your preschooler help you to pack up a beautiful picnic lunch. Once
packed, grab a blanket and head to the nearest park to enjoy it. Check out this adorable picnic blanket - waterproof and large to fit all of the food & kiddos!
2. Host a Lemonade stand – Lemonade stands are a fun way for preschoolers to learn about work
and make a little money at the same time. Just make sure you help them as much as possible. Some artwork will surely end up bringing all the lemonade lovers - you can work on the signs beforehand ;)
3. Create a backyard obstacle course – Use items you have around the house to create an obstacle
course for your preschooler in the backyard. Once finished, time them as they attempt to
complete it. We love these agility cones, this tunnel is a hit with my guys, and you just can't go wrong with some boxes from your latest amazon purchase anyways!
4. Play in the water – Sprinklers, water balloons, kiddie pools, and even just a good old hose all
offer plenty of cool summer fun for preschoolers. We have this one and it literally makes days so much better.
5. Have a beach day – Pack up a beach towel and some pails and head to the beach. Swim, build
sand castles and enjoy the beautiful sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Alexander and Lucas LOVE playing with these sand toys!
6. Have a backyard camping day – Set up a tent, bring the pillows and some sleeping bags and
spend the day camping out in the yard.
7. Collect and paint rocks – Collect large rocks and paint them to place around your garden. We have, what I like to call, a knock-off waterfront home and we have rocks GALORE. This is something I am planning on doing with them this week - especially now that it's stopped raining.
8. Make mud pies – Sometimes it is important to let your preschooler get dirty. Listen. If you ever come across my parents they will tell you we used to play in the dirt EVERY chance we got. It's just what we did. Chocolate birthday cakes and all - texture, science and hands on? You can't go wrong.
9. Host an outdoor tea party – Make decaffeinated iced tea and have a backyard tea party. This is my favorite little set for the boys! They absolutely LOVE just sitting outside, listening to music and being around. We typically mix a few activities before they get a bit too rambunctions and start getting too risky for my comfort. I do have climbers after all!
10. Make a summer scrapbook – Take pictures of all the fun things you do each day and at the end
of the day, add them to the scrapbook. By the end of the summer, you will have a fun book full
of memories to treasure. This is my goal for the end of the summer! I want to take pictures, get the developed and get. to. scrapbooking. I think it would be perfect to look back on!
11. Make sidewalk chalk art – Spend the day creating art with sidewalk chalk. Crayola is the way to go when it comes to side walk chalk! Just sayin'.
12. Throw a backyard carnival – Pop some popcorn, get some cotton candy and play some carnival
games in the backyard. This is definitely going to be a family event before school is back in session! I can't wait to get this one planned and ready to go!
13. Play with bubbles – Blowing bubbles can be a whole lot of fun. Make your own bubble mixture
with dish soap and a little water and see what you have around the house that you can use to
blow bubbles.
14. Go on a nature walk – Pack some snacks and refreshments and head out for a nature walk with
your preschooler. Discuss the plants, the trees, and the wildlife along the way. We live in Maryland right now and there are SO many parks and hiking trails near us. We've done a few - but haven't done it since having Lucas! Time to get on it!
15. Take a field trip – Go on a field trip to the local library for story time. Some libraries will offer
weekly programs for your preschooler, so check your local listings. Our local Macaroni Kid sites also provide us with so many activities! If you're in the Maryland area - check out Macaroni Kid Annapolis and Macaroni Kid Pasadena - Severna Park!
There are many different summer activities for your preschooler that will not only keep them busy, but also keep them learning and active. Just get creative with your time and your preschooler will have the best summer ever. Check out your library, look for Macaroni Kid in your neighborhood, google your mommy bloggers and get to traveling and experiencing!
