Tips for Kids During The Summer Months by Katelyn Millinor, LPC
“With summer temperatures usually exceeding 100 degrees, it’s safer to turn to indoor activities and keep kids out of the sun.”
Most families around the country are enjoying time outside engaging in fun summer activities. In the Arizona valley that seems almost impossible. Keeping our kids busy during the summer months can be challenging. Here are some low or no cost options for summer fun.
Indoor activities
- DIY arts and crafts.
- Board games/ card games.
- Reading (consider audiobooks).
- Puzzles.
- Scavenger hunts.
- YouTube videos to learn a new skill (consider cooking, yoga, painting).
- Apps (find an age-appropriate app that encourages learning).
- Remember, it only takes about 10 minutes of play to connect with your child. Consider making time to play with your child daily. Try to choose activities that match your child’s development and age.
- Around the community.
- Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
- Local Public Libraries (most offer story time for younger kids as well as some classes/events for older children such as computer coding and college prep).
- Arizona Science Center.
- Local parks or pools.
- Local sports (Minor League Baseball plays at 7:00PM throughout the valley from mid-June until early-September and it’s free to attend).
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
- Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park.
- Local art/craft classes (City of Tempe hosts Free Art Friday for preschoolers and their parents).
- Karate, gymnastics, or other types of classes available in the community.
Arizona has extreme temperatures during the summer. Here are some tips protect your child and family.
Sun and heat tips
- Plan errands and recreational activities for the early morning and evening. Avoid being outside from 10 AM to 4 PM when the sun is the hottest. Consider starting each day with a morning walk or taking an evening bike ride.
- Teach your children to wear shoes outside. The concrete or pavement can be hot enough to cause second-degree burns.
- Check the temperature of buckles and car seats as they can reach the temperature of a hot skillet. Park in covered parking or under shade whenever possible or use a wind shield sunshade.
- Keep water with you. Pack extra bottles in the car in case of an emergency.
- Wear sunscreen. Make sunscreen part of your morning routine. Lather up your kids before dressing them to ensure they’re protected, even if you’re not around water.
Summer doesn’t have to be boring. Feel free to ask any of our NOAH providers for suggestions on summer activities in your community and how to stay safe in the heat.
