End-of-Summer Boredom? Try These Kid-Friendly Backyard Activities This August
For many kids, the back-to-school season will look a bit different this year. While children catch between six and eight colds each year, the threat of COVID-19 has changed how kids socialize and pursue an education. Whether you’re preparing to have your children learn from home come September or they’ll be heading back to the classroom with masks on, this new normal isn’t going to be easy for anyone.
But before that transition takes place, you have at least a few weeks of summer left to enjoy. Since it’s still a good idea to stay home as much as possible, families who are fortunate enough to have green space on their property have ample opportunities for entertainment. Here are just a few backyard activities that will keep boredom at bay and keep your kids engaged throughout the month of August.
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Dig in the Garden
Gardening is a highly beneficial activity for people of all ages. Although older generations still represent 35% of gardeners, kids often love the opportunity to get their hands dirty and learn about how things grow. It may be late in the season, but you still may be able to plant some vegetables for the fall harvest. This can teach your kids personal responsibility and provide plenty of inspiration for home-cooked meals, as well as providing some physical activity that doesn’t feel like a conventional workout.
Splash in the Water
Fall is on its way, but warm temperatures will probably continue well into September. And while 36% of kids between the ages of seven and 17 go swimming at least six times a year, public pools and beaches may be closed or deemed too risky to visit right now. But before you go overboard and install a permanent pool, remember that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to beat the heat. Fortunately, your kids can cool off at home if you get an inflatable pool, DIY a slip-and-slide, haul out the sprinklers, or approve a water balloon fight. When the sun is scorching and popsicles won’t do the trick, have some water activities planned to keep everyone occupied.
Camp Out in the Yard
Even if your family doesn’t enjoy the thought of roughing it, you can still enjoy the concept of camping out if you put up a tent in the backyard in the late summer. It’s the perfect opportunity to fit in all of those time-honored traditions: you can roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and watch the stars in the sky. The best part is that you’ll be close enough to home to go inside if it gets too chilly at night or to use the bathroom whenever you need to. You’ll get the best of both worlds when you have a camping night in your yard!
Watch Movies On the Lawn
Movie theaters remain closed in many areas to stop the spread of the coronavirus, but who says you have to rely on a big movie house to watch your favorite flick? Get yourself a projector, a screen (or a sheet), and all the snacks you can eat for a fun night outside. Although you’ll need to wait until it gets dark, make sure to adhere to neighborhood noise ordinances. As long as you’re respectful, you can enjoy your favorite comedy or action film from the comfort of your yard.
Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the opportunity to spend time outside with your kids. With these ideas, you’ll be able to soak up the nice weather and keep your children both safe and entertained.
