This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Moms Talk: Summer Activities

Getting the kids out of the house is essential to a parent's sanity.

Q: Can you offer some suggestions for cheap and free activities for kids on summer break?

A: After a full year of sun struck fantasies about beach days and splashing in the pool, the sun is finally out. And, with it, school.

Parenting is a nonstop juggling act, and while schlepping the kids to school is not an issue for most parents in summer, there’s still plenty to think about. Activities, camps, and keeping those free hands out of trouble are the juggling balls of summer.

Find out what's happening in Watsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kids need stimulation. They need to explore, create and imagine. Summer activities that take them outside their routine and give them freedom to roam (physically and mentally) don’t have to cost money.

Here are some summer activities to keep things interesting:

Find out what's happening in Watsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Visit the grandparents. While this isn’t an option for everyone, for those who can, it can be a grand way for parents to get a break and for kids to explore new activities, and get a little spoiled. My son just returned from a week at the grandparents where he rode horses, went fishing, caught lizards and stayed up past his bedtime. For parents who don’t have the time to visit family, invite them for a visit. Having extra help and entertainment around can make the transition into summer a bit smoother.
  • Park play. A few hours at the park, throwing a Frisbee or baseball, climbing trees or swinging as high as possible, will help expend some idle kid energy.
  • Head to the library. The public library isn’t just a place for checking out books. They have activities for kids, summer reading programs, and games to keep kids learning even while school is out.
  • Bike rides. We love riding around our neighborhood or heading somewhere new on our bikes. It’s the perfect time of year to grease up your chains and explore.
  • Dance and sing. Music is such a mood booster. Learn to sing a song together. Lyrics are easily found on the internet. Turn the music up loud and bust a move.
  • Beach day. The beach provides hours of free fun for kids of all ages. Pack a lunch and water bottles and make a day of it.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?