Summer Tips for Parents of School Age and More

Welcome to the end of the school year and the start of the Summer for many parents. The phrase that most parents dread to hear is “I’m bored.” This comes from kids that have a lot to do but don’t occupy their time wisely. The time when kids forget to use their imagination since it’s been burned out from all the electronic usage. So here is a guide to start the summer off on the right foot.

Summer Amusement Park Fun

Some parents must work so it may not be feasible to take kids to the amusement parks during the week. So, if you have your child in summer camp dedicate to take the kids to one amusement park a month. If you live in or near the Philadelphia area there are a few I would suggest that I take my own kids during the summer. Make it an extended family trip and gather other family members or friends along. Some of those include:

• Sesame Place

• Nickelodeon Universe

• Clementon Park and Splash World

• American DreamWorks Indoor Waterpark

• Diggerland

• Big Kahuna’s Indoor Waterpark

There are many others to go to as well. This list provided is just a start for those in my area. Add in things like visiting the shore and more too.

If you don’t mind traveling, consider going outside of Philadelphia area to:

• Hershey Park

• Dorney Park

• Knoebel’s Amusement Resort

• Dutch Wonderland 

Amusement Park Tips

Wherever you live do a deep dive into what is around you. There are always discount tickets online, in grocery stores, community centers, child’s school, and more. Do not be afraid to explore. A few tips, always check to see what places allow you to take food into the park if you are attempting to save money. Go after 4pm and save too. A lot of parks want to attract as many people as they can. When families have decided to go home, you could be on your way inside. Consider the ages and heights of the children you are taking. For instance, Dutch Wonderland is too small for my kids because of their height. They would not find value in attending unless we were going with their much smaller cousins.

Summer Beach Trips

One of the things that I love to do is visit the beach. Keep in mind that anytime you are near the beach or any body of water there is always a risk. Things like being watchful of the places that you visit and who you allow your child to go with especially when you aren’t around matters. Make sure you are prepared with more than enough chaperones for the number of children you have. Take with you all that you need such as beach toys, floatation devices, and more.

Plan ahead. Some beaches require you to pay and others do not. Have cash as well as the use of your debit or credit cards. Pack extra sunblock and snacks. Do not stay past the point of exhaustion. Many kids tend to tire out quickly especially if they are smaller. If you want to have a full day and an adult time, plan a separate trip. Make sure to get more than enough rest the night before. Get what you need for a great beach day here on my Amazon list.

Summer Picnics

These can be so fun. Kids love a change in atmosphere. Having lunch outside at a park is not only a cheap way of getting out of the house but it allows fresh air for mental health for both parent and child. Pack you and the child’s lunch. Make sure to bring plenty of extra water, as well as sunblock. Add a little sweet treat to enjoy after you are done. Find a park that has both benches or pavilions to eat and a park to play.

You will tire your little ones out and that can contribute to a good day. I used to do this and leave the house at 10am, have lunch and then bring the kids home for a nap. As the kids get older, they may want to play a little longer. That is okay just plan it around what works best for you and your family.

Rainy Day Preparations

Most people do not like how rain can ruin the fun. We as adults know how important rain can be for the environment. Disappointments take place when you aren’t ready to meet them. I have suggested this before but have some rain day activities ready. Things like painting, reading, board games, and more are ideal to have in a rainy-day activity bin or basket. Put them where kids know where they are. This will be helpful as you teach them how to manage their feelings. Instead of being mad that it’s raining they learn how to pivot and enjoy their space. Check here for some other indoor activities.

Where to find Activities for your Kids

I have found many of them before I became a blogger right on the internet. There are plenty of mom and parent bloggers that keep you updated with activities in your city. Google search is your best friend. I would always asked how I found so many amazing activities. Also, social media has things such as Facebook calendars with events. Ask another parent. My kids’ school are a wealth of knowledge for activities too. 

Mental Health and the Summer

There are a lot of kids who get joy from seeing their classmates. Not everyone has bad experiences at their schools. If you are able keep in touch with as many as possible. This way you cando playdates and more with them. Check in daily with your kids. Ask open ended questions like when did you feel frustrated, angry, or sad today? Go online and use apps that are child friendly and helpful. My kids use Tappy. Tappy helps them manage their emotions as they guide Tappy through his. Tappy helps them reduce stress and anxiety.

Yoga and Other Activities

Home yoga sessions once a week is what we do at our house. My son especially does well with adding this into his daily enrichments. If your kids have a therapist do not go on summer mode and not make appointments. Attempt to have plans around therapy so they do not get used to missing them. Make it as important as you did during the school year. Do not have a home therapist but your child was using them during the school year. Contact your child’s school therapist on things that they can add during the summer months.

These do not touch the service of the things to do. You can take a family trip or vacation, spend summer at a relative’s house, Family reunions, take walks in the neighborhood, visits museums and other historical places where you live, visit farmers market, check local listings for free and reduced costs activities, go to the library, and more. Be creative and have a plan in place. One other thing is to pay attention to the national holidays. I know some people complain about them, but I would create activities, lunches, dinner, and home family parties around them. You got this parent (s). Let them have off a few days but keep them on track with their summer reading and homework. Nothing is worse than trying to cram the week before school starts.