TACF Articles

Most parents don’t realize that during the summer months they automatically get the job of cruise director for their family. Many kids have a short attention span and can get bored very quickly. That’s why parents need to be armed with a wide variety of options that are both fun and interesting. Whether the kids prefer outdoor recreation such as Cincinnati kayaking and Little Miami canoeing or more structured activities like an art class, a bit of forethought will keep the peace between parents and kids. Here are lots of great ideas to help parents get started in planning a memorable and less stressful summer.

An extremely valuable resource for finding summer activities is the local department of parks and recreation. Every season is set up to help meet the recreational and educational needs of families. They offer day camps where kids are kept occupied from the time mom or dad drop them off on their way to work until dinnertime. Or, your family might opt for only a half-day camp experience. Daily activities might include any variety of games, sports and crafts.

There are plenty of other activities offered by the parks and recreation department. Kids can participate in theater workshops where they perform a play for the families at the end of the experience. Boys and girls alike can choose from just about every sport to improve upon or learn new skills. There are beading and knitting classes as well as tennis and karate. They also offer a wide selection of nature programs that involve hiking, looking for and learning about plants and animals that can be found in the local woods, lakes, ponds and streams.

The more adventurous types, a perennial favorite has always been sleep away camp. Camps can last anywhere from one night to one week or more. Kids cant resist the traditional camping activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, cooking over a campfire, archery, arts and crafts, and other fun games and sing-a-longs. Another type of camp that seems to be very popular with girls is horseback riding camp. Some offer overnight accommodations while others offer camps only during the day. Campers learn how to properly mount and ride horses at their own skill level and some even take part in helping to groom and care for the animals.

If there is a zoo in the area, it is definitely a good idea to look into what summer programs they offer. Kids love the idea of being a zoo keeper. The experience gives kids the opportunity to visit the entire zoo and aquarium and get an in-depth opportunity to learn about the natural world. Kids participate in a variety of fun activities and lessons designed to promote awareness about our environment. Campers will also enjoy include arts and crafts, songs, games, hands on animal experiences and group play.

Some kids are perfectly content hanging out at the pool. But if you need an action plan, then be sure to take advantage of the suggestions outlined here. Youll be glad you did.