Last Updated on August 24, 2020
Summertime is family time. With some of us opting out of destination vacations this year due to social distancing, families are staying closer to home and making their own fun—right in their own backyards (literally).
This month, Granite and TREND Transformations shares our picks of fun summer activities for kids.
Setting Up Camp
Kids love camping. It gives them a feeling of independence as they enjoy hiding out in their own space. With most kids’ camps closed this summer on account of the coronavirus pandemic, why not set up camp in your own backyard? With a little help from a responsible adult, your kids just might love their backyard campground more than the real thing. Here are some fun and easy outdoor camping ideas to bring this experience to life:
- Set up a tent in your backyard: If you don’t have a yard, bring the fun indoors. Lay blankets on the ground and don’t forget the flashlights for nighttime fun.
- Place a kid-size picnic table outside the tent: This is a fun way to create a campground scene. Cook hot dogs, hamburgers or your kids’ favorite foods and let them enjoy their meals, snacks, and drinks outdoors.
- Buy an inflatable pool: If you do not have a pool in your backyard, an inflatable one can bring hours of splash time and much relief from the heat. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Build a “campfire”: Nothing says camping like a campfire. If you have a fire pit, arrange chairs around the fire and toast marshmallows to make s’mores. If you do not have a fire pit, you can toast marshmallows for the little ones on an outdoor grill first, and then have them make their own s’mores. Safety first. Keep little hands away from open flames. And don’t forget the insect spray!
- Tell ghost stories: Kids love to tell stories in the dark. Be sure they all have flashlights to shine on their faces to make the storytelling even more fun and spooky.
- Stargazing: What better way to end the night then to gaze at the stars? Stargazing is a great way to teach kids about astronomy and to have them look for constellations. They might even see a shooting star!
Backyard Games
Backyard games are a great way to bring competitive family fun to the day. Play one or play them all. Whatever you choose, these fun outdoor summer activities for kids are sure to keep even the teenagers happy—and off their devices!
- Flashlight tag: This is the same concept as traditional tag except it’s played at night with flashlights. Instead of “tagging someone” with your hand, you shine a flashlight on them. Then they’re “it.” It’s the perfect game for staying socially distant while keeping it “contactless.” Tag! You’re it!
- Water balloon games: Water balloons are an easy and inexpensive way to keep the kids cool in the summer’s heat while watching them having fun at the same time. Kids love to get wet and you’ll love to hear them laugh. Be sure to keep some towels nearby.
- Corn hole: This popular bean bag tossing game has become a hit with kids and adults of all ages. It’s a great way to teach eye-hand coordination—not to mention sportsmanship.
Nature Treasure Hunt
Kids are curious and love to explore. A nature treasure hunt is a clever way to teach your kids about nature while giving them the excitement of exploration. Go around your yard and choose several different plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers. Hide little surprises under each one. Then, give the kids a list of the names of the foliage you want them to find. If they select the correct plant, they win the prize. They’ll have a blast trying to figure them out.
Virtual Tours of Museums and National Parks
You can’t always count on good weather to enjoy outdoor activities for kids. So, what do you do when the weather brings you inside? Take your kids on a cool virtual tour. Your vacation plans may have been sidelined but thanks to Google Earth, you and your family can experience the wonder of some of our country’s most majestic destinations. You can even check out some of the coolest kids’ museums. We have selected a few for you to discover.
Museum of Discovery and Science—Florida
Virtual Kids Camp and Activities
The Grand Canyon—Arizona
Yosemite National Park—California
We hope you enjoyed our picks of fun summer activities for kids. While the kids are keeping busy, now is a great time for you to start thinking about a kitchen or bath renovation from Granite and TREND Transformations. Contact us today for either a free virtual or in-home design consultation and see how our beautiful etherium® By E-Stone surfaces can bring elegance and luxury to your home—in less time than you ever imagined.
