Avoiding Summer Boredom – Ideas for the Whole Family

By Jamie Kaun

“I’m bored.”

Caregivers often dread hearing those two simple words, particularly in the summer when kids are home more regularly.

In our family, we have four kids ranging from a preschooler to a pre-teen, so we need a variety of ideas to help combat boredom. Below are some ideas we’ve generated that perhaps your family would enjoy as well.

Get Creative
Crafts are a timeless activity that younger kids in particular enjoy. There are many ideas available online and it’s likely that you’ll find supplies already in your home. You can also get out and explore your neighborhood while socializing through scavenger hunts. Speaking of neighbors, children can put on a talent show or play for their neighbors. The planning, rehearsing and performing can entertain them for hours!  

Go on an Adventure
Families are often rushed during the school year with sports and activities commitments. Summer may offer more flexibility for you to find time to finally get to the zoo, visit local farms, museums, roller skating, hiking, canoeing, bowling and so much more! Kids can even bowl for free through the Kids Bowl Free program.

Get Outside
Most communities have lots of playgrounds and parks – get out and explore them! It’s free and some even have splash pads in the Dayton area, like Kacie Jane, Activity Center Park and Kennedy Park Splash Pad. Outdoor concerts are another fun activity – many communities have free concerts throughout the summer. Check out Springboro’s concerts in the park and the Greene in Beavercreek.

Give Back
Children can go through their rooms and downsize their toys and clothes. The items in great shape can be donated to local organizations or perhaps your community has a local Buy Nothing group. Helping a neighbor mow their lawn, take out the trash, wash their cars, etc. is another great way to give back. The whole family can create artwork or write thoughtful letters to people who may need a little joy, like those who are deployed, nursing home residents and hospital patients.

Practice Self-Care
Many of us have such rushed lives that summer may offer some downtime to actually take the time to do what brings you joy. Visit your local Dayton YMCA to swim, exercise or play. Go on a family walk. Take that nap. Read a book outside in the sunshine. Watch a family movie. Make bath bombs and have an at-home spa day. Just relax – we all need to do that sometimes!

While there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained with the ideas above, it’s also okay to let kids be bored. Boredom can spark their creativity for finding things to do. It can encourage their problem-solving skills and independence.

If they maintain that they’re bored – you can always offer them household chores to do. Consider it a great time for them to work on life skills that will serve them well as they get older – cooking and using household appliances for dishwashing, laundry and more. It’s amazing how quickly they’ll suddenly not be bored.