20 summer "chores" for kids

Following Educa Diver's post about Summer Homework, which I loved! and which is very much in tune with my way of seeing things, I wanted to add my 20 "homework" (hahaha)... essentials! for the little ones to do this summer, let's see what you think:

1. Play with sand: there is nothing kids love more than playing with sand to make castles, pits, roll around like croquettes, etc... and the truth is that in winter there aren't many opportunities, so in summer they can't miss out!
2. Play with water: with balloons, with water guns, among the sprinklers, etc... how can we not enjoy water together now that the heat is on?
3. Fly a kite: summer is also a perfect time to do it... as long as there's wind, of course... I confess I've never held one... so I'm as curious as my kids... and this summer, it's happening!
4. Play paddleball: there are sports we can only play in summer and one of them is playing paddleball outdoors... on the beach, on the grass, etc. there are surely a thousand opportunities!
5. Have a family picnic: is there anything better in summer than finding a shady spot to plant your "behind" and spend hours eating, chatting, playing cards or looking for lizards?
6. Roll down a little hill like a croquette... Have you ever tried it? I don't know about you, but your kids will surely love it!
7. Go to the outdoor cinema: I love watching a movie outdoors! and the truth is that we can't do it in winter either, so we have to take advantage! The kids will surely enjoy the experience...
8. Collect shells and precious stones on the beach... a summer classic that can't be missed... if they want, they can paint them and make their own treasure chest, what do you think of the idea?
9. Observe birds, ants, ladybugs, lizards, etc. Contact with nature is fundamental for their development!
10. Ride a horse, if possible, or at least go see them up close...
11. Feed the animals within their reach (snails, ants, ducks, fish, rabbits, hamsters, turtles, etc...)
12. Make fruit smoothies or other summer recipes: I usually cook a lot with the kids, but in summer the recipes change a lot; it's time for more salads, gazpacho, smoothies, ice creams, etc...
13. Invent the summer song: they have a lot of free time, so there's room for all kinds of games. I'm going to suggest we all invent the summer song together. Don't tell me it doesn't sound fun?...
14. Enjoy an outdoor concert... how can they not savor the atmosphere of our town or city's festivals? and what better way to do it than by going to a summer concert or pilgrimage?
15. It's also a good time for them to ride a bike, rollerblade, skateboard or for kids to start learning these activities...
16. Have a sleepover, the kids don't have to get up early the next day, so it's okay if they go to bed a little later one day. We can prepare a special "pajama" dinner and spend a long time telling and inventing stories and having a pillow fight...
17. Experiments and summer crafts: they can collect ice cream sticks and when they have enough, make some craft with them: a box, a little house, etc. They can also bury treasures in the water, freeze them and play at digging them up, etc.
18. Fun outdoor games: sack races, scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, etc.
19. Record a funny family video of the best moments of summer so we can remember them when the cold winter arrives :)
20. And finally, I know it's not something special for summer, but I can't help but include it, read to them a lot or, if they know how to read, put lots and lots of books within their reach now that they have time, so they can discover other worlds...

Because not everything in life is about doing worksheets and workbooks, I think that allowing time to live other types of experiences is very necessary and involves as much or more learning... and above all, don't forget: rest, enjoy, disconnect, and have as much fun as possible!

And what other summer "homework" can you think of? I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas :)

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