Kid-friendly summer activities

It’s late July, and the days are long—and seemingly getting warmer each day. With the humidity and temperature rising, and kids resisting going outside due to the heat, you might be thinking about how you can keep your kids active and entertained. Never fear—we have plenty of ideas for you!

Consider taking your summer fun to a new location. Consider these fun day trip destinations:

1. Say hello to some wild animals! Visit your local zoo. To beat the heat, try going in the morning–plus, that’s often when the animals are most active.
2. Take your kids to the library to pick out some new books to read. While you’re there, check into whether the library has any summer programs your kids might enjoy.
3. Keep your kids active—take them to an indoor kid gym.
4. On a day when the heat isn’t too stifling, be one with nature—visit an arboretum.
5. Attend a summer concert or movie – many townships offer this service. Check your town’s community calendar.
6. Grab a bucket and do some berry picking at a local farm—then use the berries in some of the recipes below.

If you’d rather stay home with the kids, there are plenty of fun activities to do there, too. Try these entertaining ideas:

1. Help your kids make your own box cars – yes, here’s your chance to let kids play with the box instead of its contents. Here’s an easy-to-follow set of instructions.
2. Have the kids help you plant a family vegetable garden. Or, if you don’t have outdoor space for a garden, grow spices in a pot or two – then use the vegetables or spices to cook something of your own, like the Easy Herb Salad below.
3. Go outside at night to try stargazing or just watching fireflies.
4. Make decorated rocks. Have the kids choose their own personal rock(s). If paint is too messy, you can help your kids glue eyes, buttons, feathers or leaves to the rocks. You can use the rocks to decorate your garden or display them on your bookshelves.
5. Want other fun craft ideas? Check out this great list of arts and crafts for kids of all ages—from toddlers to tweens!
6. Bring the kids into the kitchen to help you whip up a yummy, healthy recipe! Kids love to help, and if you involve your kids in making food, they’ll enjoy eating the fruits of their labor even more. Below are some fun recipes to get you started.

DELICIOUS BANANA DESSERT

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen bananas (you have to peel the bananas when they have leopard spots, place in a plastic bag, then in freezer)
• 10 ice cubes
• 1/4 cups water
• 3 Tbls – 1/4cup agave nectar or honey
• Cacao powder or nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth like a smoothie.
• Top with cacao powder, nutmeg powder or cinnamon (optional).

FRUITY YOGURT ICE POPS

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen fruit (berries, mangos, kiwi, or your favorite fruit)
• 1 individual plain Greek yogurt
• Popsicle molds OR 4 oz. disposable cups and wooden popsicle sticks

Directions:

• Thaw frozen fruit for about 5-10 minutes out in the nice summer weather, or about 1 hour indoors. If you thaw outside, make sure it’s covered to avoid insects enjoying your fruit first!
• Blend fruit in a blender until creamy. Pour it into a medium bowl and mix it with the plain Greek yogurt.
• Pour into your popsicle molds or disposable 4 oz. cups. (If using the disposable cups, then place a wooden stick into each pop.)
• Place in the freezer. Enjoy once it’s frozen!

EASY HERB SALAD

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh dill leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 big handfuls baby spinach or salad greens (about 4 cups)
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon brown mustard
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt (optional) and freshly ground pepper

Directions:

• Add the dill, tarragon, parsley, basil and baby greens to a large salad bowl.
• Whisk together the garlic, vinegar, and brown mustard. Then whisk in the olive oil and season with salt (optional) and pepper.
• Dress the salad immediately before serving and toss to mix it up.

For Health Advocate Members

If you are a Health Advocate member with access to our Wellness Coaching program, call your coach for more healthy summer recipes and activity ideas!