JULY / AUGUST 2015

Five Ways to Squeeze the Most Out of Our Last Days of Summer

Back-to-School reminders are everywhere - but don't despair. There's still time to enjoy some late summer/early fall time outdoors with your child.

Now, as the hot days of mid-summer melt into cool nights and crowds migrate back into their fall routine, is the ideal time for you and your child to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the season.

 

Take Five_1Visit a farmer's market or harvest a garden. Many children do not know where their food comes from. Offer your child the opportunity to touch the green tops of carrots, peel back the leaves of cabbage, or rub soil from fresh potatoes. Many gardens and orchards hit their prime in late summer and fall.

 

Pack a picnic and take a stroll. There's something about a meal outdoors that makes it special and extra tasty. The menu doesn't have to be elaborate. A meal of fresh fruit, veggies and a sandwich topped off with a leisurely stroll is a great "staycation" that you can squeeze into a late summer or fall afternoon.

 

Take Five_3Play with water. You don't have to trek to a lake or pool to enjoy some water fun. Simply fill a tub - indoors or out - with water, then add cups and things that float or sink. Or cool things off with a backyard water fight using water-filled ketchup bottles. Always supervise children around water - deep or shallow.

 

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Pick a small area and explore it up close. Use sticks or string to mark off a 2 ft. x 2 ft. section in the grass and get down on your hands and knees to explore. What's hiding in the grass? Is there a bug or stone down there? What would it feel like to be that tiny?


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Do nothing. All of us need time to daydream. Give yourself permission to slow down and kick back. Laying back in the grass watching the clouds float by is not only relaxing, it is essential.

 

 

 

More resources for you to explore.
Check out this collection of "extend the summer fun" ideas: 
Summer activities on Pinterest  
Nature at Home Video
11 Fun Ideas for Exploring Nature with Kids Slideshow
 
Follow Child Care Aware� on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for more play and learning activities you can share with your child.
  
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Q. 
Summer around here is short and goes by so fast. Is there a way to maximize this time with my kids?

  

A. 

Keep in mind that "summer" doesn't have to end on Labor Day. Take advantage of those warm "bonus" days we often get in early fall.

Playing in the sand with a shovel and bucket is fun whether you're wearing jeans and a sweatshirt or shorts and a t-shirt. A laid back evening around the campfire is another great way to extend that summertime feeling.