Adriel Blog > July 10, 2024
Fun Summer Activities for Kids: A Guide for Families
Summer is a time for exploration, relaxation, and creating lasting memories. For foster families, it can also be an opportunity to bond and create a sense of security. This season, embrace the sunshine and adventure with summer activities for kids. We’re always looking for ways to support our foster families and biological families. We’ve put together a variety of summer activities for kids and families to do together, along with some special considerations for foster families. Finally, we’ll wrap it up with a list of resources and ideas for you to explore, catering to different interests, needs, and budgets.
Summer Activities for Kids
The end of the school year can feel like a world of opportunity for fun summer activities with kids, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many choices for families, especially those with foster kids. Instead of sending the kids out to camp or into the neighborhood on their own, which isn’t always possible with foster kids, we like to focus on family time in three primary categories: outdoor adventures, water activities, and attractions or events.
Outdoor Adventures in Nature’s Playground
Across the United States, including our home state of Ohio, there are a wealth of parks and nature reserves, perfect for fostering a sense of exploration and discovery in children for an afternoon, a weekend, or longer.
Hiking and Picnicking: Hiking scenic trails allows children to connect with the natural world, and it’s a great conversation starter. Pack a backpack with snacks, water bottles, and games, and head out to explore a local park or nature trail together. Point out interesting plants and animals, have conversations about what you see, and enjoy a relaxing lunch. These simple activities foster bonding opportunities, encourage curiosity, and create a sense of belonging for children.
Camping: Camping under the stars provides a thrilling sense of adventure for both adults and children. Family-friendly campgrounds offer amenities like restrooms, playgrounds, swimming areas, and other fun summer activities for kids, ensuring a comfortable experience. Sharing stories around a campfire can create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.
Water Activities Make a Splash
Who doesn’t remember a great afternoon running through sprinklers, or splashing around in a small backyard pool to cool off? Community resources, like neighborhood pools, are also plentiful and provide great sources of fun, and in Ohio, we’re fortunate to have many natural waterways from creeks and rivers, to ponds and even one of the Great Lakes. Here are a few great summer activities for kids and families to splash around together.
Swimming Lessons: Swimming lessons are not only crucial for safety but also build confidence and provide a fun way to exercise. The whole family can brush up on skills at the beginning of the summer and be ready for even more fun as the season heats up.
Water Parks: A day at a water park guarantees excitement and joy for kids of all ages. The rides and splash zones provide a fun- filled escape from the ordinary and can even feel like a vacation.
Canoeing or Kayaking: Gently gliding down a river on a canoe or kayak promotes teamwork and resilience. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about and practice navigating challenges together.
Attractions and Events Thrill the Senses
High on the list of fun summer activities for kids are the many installed and pop-up attractions and events to keep everyone entertained. From world-class zoos and aquariums to vibrant concerts, festivals, and street markets, there's something for everyone.
Exploring Local Thrills: Immerse yourselves in the wonder and excitement of local zoos, aquariums, and amusement parks. If it’s in your family budget, season passes can be a great way to get the most out of your investment and spread the fun out across the whole summer. You can mix in a little learning while creating lasting memories that strengthen family bonds.
Street Festivals and State Fairs: These experiential events can help expose children to new ideas, traditions, and even ways of life. Take the kids to experience the fascination of the agricultural community at a big state fair, dive into the past at a renaissance fair, or learn about different cultures, cuisines, and music often featured in local street festivals.
Concerts and Community Events: Participating in community events and outdoor concerts is a fantastic opportunity to connect with neighbors, experience live music, and enjoy the outdoors together. Give the kids a glimpse into your favorite performers from "the good old days” or rock out to a local up-and-coming band. Community events can introduce a new level of familiarity between your foster kids and your neighbors.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Routine to Support Summer Activities for Kids in Foster Care
There’s plenty of fun to be had, but we don’t want to forget about safety and special considerations for foster children. It’s a common and important thread running through all fun summer activities for kids. Here are some quick reminders:
1. Routine: Establish a summer schedule that accommodates the unique needs and preferences of your foster kids.
2. Communication: Create a safe space for foster kids to express themselves and their interests in the activities you’re planning.
3. Inclusivity: Look for activities that promote togetherness and inclusivity, such as cultural outings or thoughtful experiences tailored to individual needs.
4. Cost: Explore free or low-cost options like library story times, community events, or local nature trails.
5. Safety Tips: Check out our recent blog, “Summer Safety: Tips for Keeping Foster Children Safe and Healthy” to learn more practical tips.
For more ideas on supporting foster children during the summer months, check out the National Foster Parent Association, a non- profit organization that advocates for foster parents and children.
Embrace a Fun and Safe Summer Activities for Kids
By prioritizing both fun and safety, families can create a memorable summer experience for everyone. This guide provides a starting point for planning summer activities for kids and caters to different interests and budgets. Scroll down for a great list of resources and more ideas!
Join the conversation with Adriel on Facebook or contact us to learn more.
Bonus: Resources for Fun summer activities with Kids in Ohio
If you’re in Ohio, you’re in luck! If not, maybe you can use some of these resources as inspiration. Here's a list of links to places and activities in Ohio:
Outdoor Adventures:
• Ohio State Parks: https://parks.ohiodnr.gov/
• Metroparks in Ohio: Many cities in Ohio have metroparks with hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. You can find a list by searching "[City name] Metroparks"
Water Activities:
• Ohio Public Pools: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/public-swimming-pools/welcome-to-pools (Note: This link provides a directory to locate public pools in your area. Call the pool before your visit to confirm hours and fees)
• Water Parks in Ohio: Here are a few popular water parks:
- Cedar Point Shores: https://www.cedarpoint.com/cedar-point-shores
- Kalahari Resorts: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/ohio/
- Great Wolf Lodge: https://www.greatwolf.com/mason
Attractions and Events:
• Zoos and Aquariums in Ohio:
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: https://cincinnatizoo.org/
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: https://www.columbuszoo.org/
- The Toledo Zoo: https://www.toledozoo.org/
• Festivals and Fairs in Ohio: There are many festivals and fairs throughout Ohio year-round. You can find a comprehensive list by searching "[Year] Ohio Festivals and Fairs"
Additional Resources:
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Events Calendar: https://ohiodnr.gov/home/news-and-events/all-events
• Ohio History Connection: https://www.ohiohistory.org/ (This website lists historical sites and museums throughout Ohio)
Remember: It's always best to check the websites or call the locations before your visit to confirm hours, fees, and any specific requirements.
