July is here, which means summer is officially in full swing! Although this year may be unlike any other, the elements of summertime remain, longer days, water-activities, icy treats, sidewalk chalk, and much more. We’ve put together a few indoor ideas in case you need to get out of the sun for a bit. Here’s to kicking off the season and entertaining the kids in your life!
The days get hot around here and may make us wish for rain. When that happens, why not make your own? This one is great to try at home or in a classroom setting to demonstrate how rain falls from clouds. To start the science experiment, you’ll need:
- Shaving cream
- A large clear vase, jar, or something similar
- Small cup of water
- Food coloring
- Eye dropper or syringe
For a sensory activity warm up, squeeze the shaving cream on the table and let your kids get into the fluffy stuff to create their own clouds. To make the rain, pour water into the clear container. Make a cloud layer on top of the water with the shaving cream. Add blue food color drops to the small cup of water. Gather the blue water up in the dropper or syringe and drop it through the cloud to make “rain.” You can use more colors for a rainbow effect.
Have you ever bought, or has your child ever received a gift and it turns out they are more interested in the box then what is inside of it? An empty box is a source of endless imagination and fun for babies and toddlers. One way to transform a box is to turn it into a clubhouse together. In a few easy steps your little one will have a place of their very own.
- The box. You’ll need a slightly larger one, like a moving or appliance box.
- Decorate it. Open up the child-safe markers or crayons, stickers, tissue paper, anything goes!
- Cut out the windows and doors. Grownups only.
- Play away!
Click here for more ideas like this.
Fruit can be one of the most refreshing treats to help beat the heat. Learn how to make simple kebabs everyone can enjoy.
Bonus ideas:
Reading is the perfect anytime activity. Children love turning the pages and listening to caregivers read. It is also helps build your child’s vocabulary and can foster a lifelong love of learning. There are many opportunities online for free books, like this one, which has rhyming, non-rhyming, and Spanish and Arabic original stories for kids 3-10. A few San Bernardino County libraries are now open, with limited hours. Click here for locations and new regulations. And you can always check out their e-books.
Feeling stir crazy and ready to leave the house? How about taking a tour of a few world famous museums, like the Boston Children’s Museum, from the comfort of your own home. See the list of best museums for kids here.
Thank you to Hi Mama, Zero to Three, and CCRC for the great ideas!
Visit our Resource page for more ideas and opportunities to build quality at home.