Fun Summer Ideas for Kids

With summer here, it’s easy to wonder what to do to keep children entertained while they are out of school. Here are some fun, simple, and inexpensive suggestions to keep the kids physically active and mentally stimulated this season.

• Take an afternoon trip to visit your local farmer’s market. Let the children pick their favorite fruits and vegetables. A great way to enjoy your freshly purchased produce is by having a picnic. Pack up the kids, snacks and have a relaxing day in the park. While they are exploring new adventures and making new friends, you can sit back and breathe in the fresh air.
• On warm summer evenings try a camp out in your backyard. If you have a tent, why not put it up, and have the joy of camping without the added expense. Try building your own fire pit where you can grill hotdogs and make s’mores for dessert. If you don’t have a tent, improvise - a little imagination goes a long way.
• The East Bay Regional Parks District offers an abundance of parks and trails for all. The opportunities are endless for those who like to bike, hike, swim, fish, or golf. One of those highlights is Ardenwood Historic Farm in Newark. Take the kids out and journey back to a 19th-century country estate with elaborate Victorian Gardens. The Historic Farm exhibits agricultural practices from the 1870s to the present, and no two trips are the same since it varies season to season.
• Habitot Children's Museum in Berkeley is geared toward infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and offers hands-on exhibits, a drop-in art studio, and special weekend events.

With the hectic schedules that we all keep, it’s nearly impossible to achieve a perfect day. But with a little planning and creativity, summer fun and relaxation is yours for the taking.