DIY Activities — Outdoor Adventures

We’re all thankful that, after a year of uncertainty, activities are starting to reopen, just in time for summer. But just a few weeks ago, when summer camp registration deadlines hit, things were still uncertain and many parents, including me, didn’t jump at the chance to sign up. And now here we are, in the height of summer, with bored kids and parents who are … well, we’re over it, aren't we? Here’s a few simple, go-to activities this summer that all the kids can enjoy.

We’re parents, too, and we know that every day can’t be filled with summer camps, swim lessons and beach days, and we also know that having a plan in order helps. So, grab your calendars; here’s our ultimate summer activity guide for parents looking for a little inspiration (or a little help!) in the weeks ahead.

DIY seed bombs are a great answer to my struggle with horticulture. Part of the fun is making them, another part is letting the kids launch them into who-knows-where, and the last part is enjoying the flowers that grow, knowing that wildflower growth is good for the environment in so many ways. Here's what you need to know to make your own. 

Planting a garden and observing the changes throughout the season is a great stepping stone for children who may be interested in planting their own gardens or learning about the science of plant life, but it can be tricky to create for those of us without a green thumb. However, gardening with children doesn’t require a large plot or huge time commitment. Here’s how to get started.

Instead of just saying to my little ones, “let’s go outside,” I try to look for new, fun, and relatively specific ideas on what to actually do when we get outside. In this case, we decided we’d try to construct each of the 26 letters of the alphabet with things we found outdoors: sticks, grass, flowers, tiny stones, acorns, etc. 

As the weather changes, I find myself trying to get the kids outside, especially in a year where a lot of school happened on screens. One activity that’s become a favorite in our family are child-led hikes: a hike where child the leadership role. It makes the hike more fun for the kids and take the stress off of the parents to plan activities or routes on the hike. Here’s what you need to know to get started.