Materials: Flour, salt, water, oil, food coloring

• Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of oil, and a few drops of food coloring.

• Let the child help mix and knead the dough.

• Use cookie cutters, rolling pins, and other kitchen tools to shape the playdough.

Storage Container with, White Paper, Colored Paper, Crayons, Paints, Brushes, Glue, Glitter, Pom Pom Balls, Popsicle sticks, Safety Scissors, Googly Eyes, Pipe Cleaners, Old magazines, Stickers,  Other supplies from the craft store. 

• Set up a craft station with paper, crayons, and markers.

• Create collages using old magazines, stickers, and glue.

• Encourage the child to draw and create their own artwork.

• Cut Flower Petals and Glue To drawings

• Use pipe cleaners to bend into shapes and glue to drawings

• Crumble bits of paper and collage into animals

• Draw people and cut out clothing from magazines to paste on them. 

• Glue Pom Pom balls into animal shapes

Materials: Old socks, buttons, thread, glue, markers

• Create sock puppets using old socks and decorating them with buttons, markers, and thread. Create Characters From Classic Tales(Three Little Pigs) (Red Riding Hood)

• Put on a puppet show, encouraging the child to make up stories and characters.

Materials: Pillows, chairs, blankets, boxes

• Set up an indoor obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and blankets.

• Create tunnels with blankets and boxes for the child to crawl through.

• Encourage the child to navigate the course, providing guidance and cheering them on.

Materials:  Red Paper, Green Paper, 4 Popsicle Sticks Glue

• Cut Out 2 Round discs of each of the colors of paper

• Glue 2 sticks side by side on one of each of the disc colors

• Glue the other disc on top of the first disc to sandwich the sticks between 

• Use the Red and Green Lights Created to Play the game

• The Game is simple. Stand about 10 feet from the toddler and tell them to move only when you say Green Light and Hold up the Green Light,  When you say Red Light and Hold up the Red Light, they must stop.  The object of the game is for the toddler to reach you. Take turns with the toddler being the light. 

Materials: Household items like buttons, plastic lids, or toys, plastic containers or cups.

• Gather a variety of small household items.

• Have the child sort them by color, size, or shape.

• Create matching games to develop their cognitive skills.

Materials: Paper, Scissors, Glitter glue optional 

• Gather Your Paper: Start with a square piece of paper. ...

• Fold Paper in Half: Fold paper in half diagonally to make a triangle.

• Fold Paper in Half Again: ...

• Fold Paper Into Thirds: ...

• Overlap Pointed Corner Over Triangle: ...

• Trim Pointed Ends: ...

• Cut Out Snowflake: ...

• Unfold Snowflake:

• Glue on glitter optional 

Outdoor Activities

1. Nature Walks and Hikes: Explore local parks, nature trails, or botanical gardens. Collect leaves, flowers, and interesting rocks to start a nature journal.

2. Gardening: Plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs together. Teach them about different plants and how to care for them.

3. Picnics: Pack a lunch and head to a nearby park. Bring along a blanket, some games, and enjoy a relaxing day outdoors.

4. Beach Day: Spend the day building sandcastles, collecting seashells, and splashing in the waves.

5. Biking: Go for a bike ride on a scenic trail or around the neighborhood. Make sure everyone wears helmets.

6. Fishing: If there’s a nearby lake or river, take the grandchildren fishing. It’s a great way to teach patience and enjoy quiet time together.

7. Camping: Whether it’s in the backyard or a campsite, camping can be a fun adventure. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and stargaze.

8. Sports and Games: Play soccer, catch, frisbee, or set up a mini golf course in the backyard.

Creative Activities

1. Craft Projects: Make summer-themed crafts like seashell art, painted rocks, or DIY bird feeders.

2. Painting and Drawing: Set up an outdoor art station with paints, chalk, and drawing supplies. Create masterpieces together.

3. Storytelling and Writing: Create a summer-themed storybook. Each person can contribute a part of the story or illustrate different pages.

4. Photography: Give them a simple camera or smartphone and go on a photo scavenger hunt. Capture interesting sights and create a summer photo album.

Learning and Exploration

1. Science Experiments: Conduct simple science experiments like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or creating a rainbow with a prism.

2. Library Visits: Visit the local library for summer reading programs, story hours, or to check out books on topics of interest.

3. Museums and Zoos: Explore local museums, zoos, or aquariums. Many have summer programs and special exhibits for kids.

4. Historical Sites: Visit local historical sites or landmarks. Teach them about the history of your area and the importance of preserving it.

Relaxation and Fun

1. Water Activities: Set up a sprinkler, slip and slide, or small pool in the backyard. Water balloon fights are also a hit.

2. Movie Nights: Have an outdoor movie night with a projector and some cozy blankets. Don’t forget the popcorn!

3. Cooking and Baking: Make homemade ice cream, popsicles, or bake cookies together. Teach them simple recipes and kitchen safety.

4. Reading Time: Read books together under a shady tree or create a cozy reading nook indoors.

Community Engagement

Farmers' Markets: Visit local farmers' markets. Teach them about fresh produce and let them pick out ingredients for a meal.

2. Volunteering: Participate in community service projects, such as helping at a food bank, participating in park clean-ups, or visiting a nursing home.

3. Local Events: Check out community calendars for local events such as fairs, parades, concerts, or outdoor theater performances.

Seasonal Crafts and Decorations

1. Summer Scrapbook: Create a scrapbook to document all the fun activities you do together throughout the summer.

2. DIY Sun Catchers: Make colorful sun catchers using tissue paper and clear contact paper.

3. Tie-Dye Projects: Tie-dye shirts, socks, or other fabric items. It’s a fun, messy project that results in a unique keepsake.