Guest Picks: Summer Activity Bucket List
My family has a tiny case of wanderlust, and while we will not be traveling to any place exotic this summer, we can take a trip via a beautiful book. The pictures in this one are engaging enough for my 3-year-old, and the text is suitable for my 7-year-old. We will sit and read this one together.
My kids can play with paper dolls for hours. This collection includes several dolls and a seemingly unending supply of dresses and accessories. It’s perfect for hot summer days when they are stuck inside and have “nothing” to do.
Sticker books are great for car trips and sitting in waiting rooms while other siblings take classes/have practice. This series got my kids (and me) through some long waits, and this one in particular is one we don’t have. I think it works well with our current “world travel” theme.
There is no summer Olympics this year, but this sticker book looks fun for any child interested in sports and competition.
I want to spend time doing art with my kids this summer, and this drawing book seems perfect for us. It shows us how we can create all these creatures using a variety of simple shapes! My kids will love it, and I have to admit that I will too.
While I still enjoy reading aloud to my 7-year-old, I love that she is spending more and more time reading on her own. She recently discovered this series and loves it. She have the first book but now needs the next three.
This looks like another good independent reading choice for my 7-year-old. She is fascinated with weather, so this would definitely hold her attention.
My oldest has made one of these before, but not my youngest. I’d love to let her have a turn at making a garden tile for the backyard. It’s a great way to add a personalized touch to your outdoor space.
Planting and tending a garden is so much fun for kids. If you are short on yard space, this tiny “fairy” garden is perfect. The kids will have so much fun planting, watering and watching the sprouts grow. Plus, adding decorative items makes it even more enchanting.
I like the idea of my kids taking ownership of projects and generating their own ideas of what to do this summer. This book seems like a good jumping-off point for them to get some projects going.
I think summer is a great time to do all the things you didn’t have time to do during the school year when you were bogged down by schoolwork, homework, and sports and music lessons. Exploring science for the fun of it — not for a grade — is a great way to help kids learn without them even knowing they are learning! I know my kids would be fascinated by growing crystals.
This summer will be my family’s third year doing this, but it never gets old. In fact, my kids talk about it all year and look forward to the day we receive our butterfly larvae in the mail. Watching the life cycle is truly amazing, even for adults!
My kids got a jump on summer and have already started their Ladybug Land adventure. This is good for a wide variety of ages and provides a rare glimpse of an insect’s lifecycle and metamorphosis.
I must admit that I do not like bugs. But my kids love them. So, I indulge them and find a few bug books like this one. It’s a perfect companion to their ladybug and butterfly observations.
This looks like a great source for new ideas for those days when the kids have “nothing” to do.
I see my kids and I sitting out in the backyard reading from this book of poetry. I really hope our library has a copy of it!
My kids and I plan on doing a lot of art this summer. I love all-in-one kits like this one because they are easy to transport and clean up. The kids can easily carry the case outside, to the basement or kitchen. And when they’re done, they can just shut it and put it away.
This series of pop-up/sound effect books from Maurice Pledger is just stunning. My kids read them over and over gain. I’m hoping to get a few for my 3-year-old to enjoy.
I’m a sucker for bedtime books, and this one looks delightful. I love the delicate quality of the illustrations, and the subject matter intrigues me just by looking at the front cover.Next: The Family Home: 8 Summer-Prep Sanity Savers
My kids have several of these “See Inside” books, but they haven’t gotten their hands on this one yet! My soon-to-be-second-grader is fascinated by famous landmarks and other countries, so this is spot-on for her interest level. Plus, the lift-the-flap element always adds extra fun for any age.
Q