Summer Learning Activities: 25 Unique Ways to Keep Kids Smart This Summer and Ready for School!

This summer is going to be different. Even if we are coming out of quarantine, overnight camps are not open like usual and numbers at attractions are restricted- fact is, kids are going to be home more and need some summer learning activities.

Thankfully, this list is specific to THIS SUMMER– it takes into account that most kids have been out of official school a few months already so we need to get creative AND maintain some academics. Oh, IMPORTANT!!! This list is also from a working mom (me)- who doesn’t have time to prep or help with fancy crafts.

This post contains affiliate links. (In non-blogger language, that means I might get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click on some of the links below.)  Thanks for supporting OnlineSchoolMom! Important note: I am not including anything on this list that I do not recommend.

Check out our list below of Quick and Easy “Assignments” (really Activities) for Kids This Summer. If you want more in-depth e-learning learning for kids, just visit our Summer Learning Activities For Teens or For Kids!

25 Quick and Easy Summer Learning Activities

That WON’T Feel Like Academics (But Are!)

• Write an inspirational quote on bathroom mirror every day for a week (use a dry erase marker)

• Put up a www.Canva.com (serious skill to have for the future and even my third grader figured it out)

• Become an expert at using Google Drive, Google Docs, and more (if you need some guidance, just listen to the free training on this via Homeschooling With Technology Podcast)

• Build one of the newest Skillshare.com (literally anything; first two months subscription is free via this link)

• Take orders from neighbors and make and sell (or donate) homemade dog treats to the furry friends down the street

• Make a Vision Board (this can be as elaborate or simple as your kid / teen wants- just google “Vision Board” to get started

• Listen to a podcast for kids or teens

• Make your own podcast (about anything)

• Take a one-time class on Outschool (courses about various topics taught by certified teachers- just use the easy search function- you can watch a short video about the platform here)

• Older kids- read the book The Latte Factor (seriously SHORT life lesson on personal finance)

• Put a paper runner on your kitchen table and start a 7-day gratitude challenge within the family (or seriously just write anything on it – at least it’s writing!)

• Listen to the Family Road Trip Trivia Podcast as a family (about 15 minutes per episode) even if you aren’t on a road trip-everyone will enjoy it

• Fill out the 50 States Traveled Journal– even if it’s just for your home state, and tag the states you want to visit in the future

• Make a story telling video on the app, Toontastic

• Download an educational app and try it (we recommend anything from Leah Nieman)

• Create a Google Slide Show on “All About You During Quarantine“

• Play Beat The Parents or I Should Have Known That – short but fun family games

• Watch a tutorial on Trello and find one way to use it within your family- menu planning or chore assignments

• Use Procreate to make a drawing or edit an image- it’s $4.99 for the app

• Create an iMovie from videos from Quarantine (it’s free)

• Use Shutterfly to make a photo book from Quarantine

• Watch something on Your Kid Needs To See This (screen time but also serious learning time)

• Learn how to use Grammarly (you can add the Google Chrome Extension)- this will be a huge help with proofreading and writing in the active voice in the fall!

• Try a new monthly subscription box – they aren’t just for little kids! Our fave is eurake carte – geared at ages 14 and up, they are challenging (yet fun) science and engineering projects (save 30% off with this link)

• BONUS: Make a fun Spotify summer tunes list

Hopefully this provided a break from binge watching Netflix and post-quarantine craziness. These 25 Summer Learning Activities to Prevent Brain Drain are supposed to be fun, so choose one or pick 5 to try. Make sure to share with your friends and if you want tips like this, join our Facebook Group For Online School.