Just a few weeks after the end of the school year, parents often start hearing these dreaded words: “I’m bored.” Kids can feel at loose ends in the summer without the daily structure provided by school. With creative thinking, you can help your kids stay busy and active this season.

Get Moving

While it’s tempting to let kids have more screen time when school’s out, summer’s warm weather offers a perfect opportunity to get kids off the couch. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that kids get 60 minutes of activity every day. Here are a few ideas for outdoor activities that won’t break the bank:

• Play in local parks. Most communities have public parks that offer playgrounds, walking trails, skate parks or basketball, pickleball, volleyball and tennis courts. Let your kids take turns choosing the park and activities they’d like to do.

• Ride bikes. This is a good option when you have access to bicycles and safe riding areas. Be sure to follow bicycle safety practices. Everyone – kids and adults alike – should wear a well-fitting bicycle helmet.

• Play outdoor games. Kids love traditional games like tag and tossing a Frisbee. Be inventive – have a family dance competition or make up your own games.

• Go swimming. It’s great exercise and cools everyone down on hot days! Here are water safety guidelines to keep in mind. Local YMCAs offer programs to teach children how to swim and be safe in the water.

Get Learning

During this time when kids aren’t busy with school and homework, encourage them to pursue their own interests. You’ll help prevent summer learning loss and spark a love of lifelong learning. Here are a few ways to inspire your children:

• Browse your local library or bookstore. The library offers a cool place to hang out on hot summer days, with print books and audiobooks about a wide range of subjects that interest kids, from animals to sports to music. Plan time for the whole family to browse and read together. Local bookstores often have reading areas where you can look through books with your kids before deciding on a purchase.

• Participate in free library and local park events. The CDC also recommends that kids participate in group activities to boost their well-being. Many local libraries offer special free programming for kids in the summer. Check out your library’s website or stop in to pick up an events calendar. Many local park systems also offer free events for kids and families. Check your park system’s website or stop in at the park office for a schedule.

• Visit local historic sites. Many communities have local, state or even national parks that have historic sites that will interest kids. In Northeast Ohio, most sites in Cuyahoga Valley National Park are free. Kids can even participate in a junior ranger program.

• Visit local museums. Communities throughout Ohio have museums that meet a wide range of interests, from sports to cars to aviation.

Get Creative

Encourage kids to indulge their creativity over the summer in whatever interests them. Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Cook and bake together. Help your kids find healthy, family-friendly recipes. You can take them shopping for the ingredients and prepare the recipe together for the whole family to enjoy.

• Unleash your child’s inner artist. Sidewalk chalk is an inexpensive and fun option. Or take advantage of sales to stock up on a variety of craft supplies that interest your kids. The internet abounds with ideas; here’s just one list of suggestions from Good Housekeeping.

• Go to farmers’ markets and flea markets. Take kids along to outdoor markets. You’ll all get exercise and find fresh, healthy foods and maybe some great bargains.

• Borrow free games and activities from the library. Some libraries loan out items such as telescopes or giant Jenga. The Stark County District Library, for example, has a special Library of Things for cardholders.

• Check local resources for free kids’ movies. Many communities have free movie nights in the park or a local theater that periodically offers free movies for kids during the day.

Check out local visitors’ bureaus for ideas for low-cost kids’ activities. Here are a few:

• VisitCanton – 50 Free Things to Do.
• Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau.
• Ohio Amish Country.
• Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
• Visit Wayne County.