Summer Activities

How to homeschool through the summer

Tiany Davis — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:00:00 -0700

Surprisingly, many families that homeschool year round experience homeschool burnout far less than those that take the summer off. The pressure to finish the year's curriculum within a specific time frame can become quite stressful.

Top 20 summer camps in the U.S.

Melissa Chapman — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

From sea to shining sea — and sometimes, even across that sea — here are 20 of the coolest summer camps for kids!

Field guide to summer safety

Heather Barnett — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Do you know what to do if someone's stung by a bee? What about a broken bone while camping? Don't hit the great outdoors without reading this guide to summer safety.

Help your child avoid summer learning loss

Guest Author — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Summer is time for fun in the sun, but that doesn't mean that learning needs to go completely on the back burner. Parents can help their kids avoid the summer slump and prevent learning loss.

Survey: Tell us about your family

SheKnows Parenting Editors — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:15:00 -0700

We want to know all about your family. What kind of discipline techniques do you use? How much TV do your kids really watch? Who do you lean on when you need some help?

10 Fun spring and summer crafts for kids

SheKnows Parenting Editors — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:00:00 -0700

Nurture your child's creative side and enjoy some bonding time together with these spring and summer crafts. Whether you enjoy outdoor crafting or you are looking for indoor projects to beat the heat, your whole family will love making these crafts.

9 Ways to end the summer fighting in your home

Michele Borba, EdD — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:00:00 -0700

The neighborhood kids have chosen your home as the "cool" place to hang out. Great, eh? After all, friends do play a big part of our kids' happiness and well-being, and one of the best ways to instill happy home memories is by making your house kid-friendly.

Summer sunrise: Fun ways to make the most of daylight

Whitney Coy — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:53:00 -0700

Summer is full of sunlight. Not only are the days warmer and brighter, but they’re longer, too. So what’s a girl to do with all that extra sunshine? We’ve got some ideas to make sure you don’t waste it.

Beat the heat with active water toys

Kristin Morency — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 07:00:00 -0700

From sprinklers and water blasters to pool toys galore, there are tons of ways for kids and families to stay cool — and fit — during the dog days of summer.

10 Things you should do now to get your child ready for school

Maria Mora — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0700

Your kids are probably loving the homework-free summer, but take it from us, staying sharp and prepared will make the transition back-to-school easier this fall. Encourage your child to prepare for school by spending just a few minutes a day with an age-appropriate workbook or joining a summer reading program at the local library. Use these tips to prepare your entire family for school this fall.

Get your kids excited for back-to-school

Christina Holt — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Who says summer can’t include learning and excitement about going back to school? These fun, interactive and creative ideas help parents and children be more prepared for back-to-school by engaging them in learning-based and social activities. And, your child will be more comfortable once he sets foot in his new classroom!

Summer fun: 31 days, 31 ways

Lisa Steinke — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:00:00 -0700

Is it August already? Are there really only 31 days left until Fall is here... until the kids go back to school? Well, why not make the most of the last month of summer with these 31 fun, kid-friendly ideas?

4 Family rules to bend this summer

Nichole Beaudry — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:00:00 -0700

Yes, rules are incredibly important to the way a family functions and they're in place for a good reason. But, sometimes, rules are meant to be broken. Here are four family rules to break this summer that will bring you closer as a family.

Don't let summer heat drain your workout

Molly Cerreta Smith — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:15:00 -0700

In the dead of summer, the last thing you want to do is take a long jog outside. But that's no excuse to go soggy this summer. We've got some fun and painless ways to stay fit with your kids this summer.

Sunning it with your kids… without tanning

Sarah W. Caron — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:00:00 -0700

When “pale is the new tan” is your mantra, how can you make sure your kids get enough sunshine and Vitamin D if you’re always the parent under the wide-brim hat and slathered in sunscreen? Or if you’re the parent who fears your own child being too exposed to the harsh sun? Here are five fun ways to enjoy fresh air without worrying about UV rays.

Summer weekends: Grab your bikes (and helmets) and head out

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:00:00 -0700

This weekend, head outdoors with the family for a bike ride. From where to go to what to bring, read on for ideas on how to have some two-wheelin' fun with your kids.

How to enjoy a water park with a toddler

Maria Mora — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:00:00 -0700

With big slides and big waves, water parks can be daunting for little kids. Try these simple tips for making the most of a trip to the water park, even when you have little ones and weak swimmers.

The new and improved lemonade stand

Lisa Steinke — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:00:00 -0700

This summer, when your kids complain of boredom, why not challenge them to make some money. From the new trends in lemonade stands to starting your own mini-business, read on for creative ways your child can make some cash while school's out.

New children’s books for summer

Christina Holt — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:00:00 -0700

These new and exciting books for 2012 will make a great addition to your child’s summer reading collection. Encourage a summer of reading together, learning life lessons and expand your child’s imagination with these children’s books.

Summer weekends on a budget

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:00:00 -0700

Even if your bank account isn't overflowing, don't let it discourage you from trying to plan some fun with the family this weekend. If you want to bond with the family while still watching your wallet, read on for our ideas for how to have some family fun on the cheap.

Hottest summer toys for 2012

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:00:00 -0700

As soon as the mercury rises, your kids head outside for some warm weather fun with the latest summer toys. But, will the toys in your backyard keep them active and sneak in a little learning in the process of play? Before your kids are struck with summer boredom with last year's toys, be sure to pick up the seven hottest summer toys for 2012 before they're gone!