Nanny to Mommy

Keeping kids busy and entertained can be tough, especially during the summer when they’re out of school. It only gets more complicated when we're living through a time where community centers are closed, summer camps get cancelled, and sports teams might not be running.

There are plenty of fun ways to keep kids entertained throughout the summer right at home. Consider things like new books, puzzles, activity sets, or arts and crafts!

No matter what, kids will always be intrigued by the same fundamental activities that we all grew up with. Just because games have become digitized or TV is expanding doesn’t mean that children have completely forgotten about things like books and puzzles.

Reading is a great form of entertainment, especially when children are young. Not only will reading books together grab your kids’ attention, but you’ll also instill in them a love of reading that will follow them as they grow older. Find books that are about things your children have expressed interest in. The books don’t all have to be fiction either; you can find plenty of non-fiction kids’ books with fun images and interesting information for your little readers to enjoy!

If your child chooses a book of fiction but is having some trouble following along, you can help make the reading experience more dynamic. You can do this by reading to them out loud, turning the book into a play, or using hand-puppets to narrate the story. Just because they’re reading doesn’t mean it has to be quiet!

Jigsaw puzzles are also a great way to keep kids entertained. Especially if they’re colorful or are images of things that your children really love. You can help each other build the puzzle while listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook, which might help them stay focused for longer. Puzzles are a fun way to spend quality time together, and you don’t have to worry too much about being loud or messy.

Activity sets and activity books are a great way to keep your kids entertained. There are a ton of activity sets out there for you to choose from, depending on your child’s interests, like this great Galaxy Rocks Paint Set. It contains everything your child will need to get creative and create something that is uniquely their own.

Activity sets are wonderful because they allow kids to be creative, work with their hands, and also use their problem-solving skills. Some activity sets are all about building structures and following instructions, which, for some children, can be a really fun challenge. Different children find fun in different ways, so if your little one prefers to follow patterns instead of making something up on the spot, follow their lead and look for more technical toys.

Activity books are similar in that they can challenge kids to problem solve. They can be a fun way for kids to learn essential skills like math and reading, or new skills like hair braiding, bracelet making, or the rules of different sports. They’re great for kids who are less tactile and prefer to learn through reading and writing.

One of the best ways to keep kids entertained is by getting your hands dirty. Arts and crafts are always fun and spark creativity, no matter how old your children happen to be.

Have a group painting session and try to paint different objects you can find around the house. You can set up a still life display by rearranging a bowl of fruit and vegetables, gathering your favorite dishes, or putting a few flowers in a vase. You might be surprised by what your children are able to recreate, and you also might even surprise yourself. Or instead of trying to paint a still life, go abstract and just paint whatever you feel! Encourage your children to play with different shades, shapes, and textures.

Playdough, construction paper, or even markers and printer paper will have your child making fun creations while using their imagination. It’s a bit less messy than painting if that’s something you’re concerned about, and the materials are easy to find and readily available. You can even look at things that you already have lying around your house that could be used for playtime. Empty paper towel rolls could be a pirate’s telescope, or old t-shirts could be a cape. Kids love playing dress-up, and sessions can last for hours. Dress-up is super fun because it allows kids to get creative, explore different identities, and helps with socialization. The possibilities are truly endless when you use your imagination.

Because painting or similar activities can be messy, it’s important to prepare for any possible spills or accidents. You can get ahead of the game by spreading newspapers on the floor and getting your kids to wear aprons or old t-shirts. You can also move the activities outside, which is an added bonus if it’s a gorgeous day.

You can keep kids entertained at home with just a little bit of imagination and creativity. It might be difficult at first, especially if they’re missing old camp friends or regular summer activities. Or it might take some time to find what works best for you and your family.

But don’t be scared to try different activities to find what works for you. If something isn’t working, you know to move to the next thing. Children are usually pretty open to trying out new activities. It won’t be long before you find something that really grabs their attention.

Check out Kidsbooks.com for great deals on kids’ books, as well as activity sets and puzzles.