By Ellen C.

Beat the summer heat while keeping your little ones engaged with these refreshing summer learning activities. I hope you’ll find something that works for your family here.

Relax in a Swing

Set up a hammock in a shady spot in your yard or find a tandem swing for parents to ride with their baby at a nearby park. Bring a good book to read aloud or just enjoy some quiet time while gently rocking your baby. The hammock can be a perfect spot for a peaceful nap, too. Rocking back and forth is a great way for your child to explore their vestibular system, which helps their sense of balance.

Cooling Off with Sensory Play

Create a cool, shaded area in your yard or patio with a small kiddie pool or water table. A water table can be as simple as a shallow container of water with some kitchen utensils for play. Let your baby splash and play while you dip your feet in to cool off. This can be a refreshing way to beat the heat! As babies manipulate objects, they learn to experiment with cause and effect. Young children make connections through sensory experiences and develop cognitive skills, such as spatial awareness and object permanence.

Library Visits

I’ll never stop recommending public libraries! They are typically cool and quiet, making them an ideal spot for tired parents. You can browse books, enjoy some quiet reading time, or attend baby-friendly events like story time sessions. Library visits introduce babies to early literacy practices, such as book handling, page turning, and storytelling.

Glow-in-the-Dark Play

Turn down the lights and create a mesmerizing multisensory experience for your baby with glow-in-the-dark activities. Set up a dark room or use blackout curtains to create a dim environment. Then, introduce glowing toys and glow sticks. It can also be as simple as a flashlight and making shadows on the wall! Watch as your baby marvels at the glowing objects and explores their luminous world with curiosity and wonder. Let the music set the mood. You can use calming classical for a relaxation session or find upbeat children’s music for more of a party. Through activities like touching different textures, listening to sounds, and observing colors, babies develop their sensory processing skills.

Remember that every little one is different. If an activity doesn’t seem like your child’s style or  suitable for their sensibilities, you can adjust it to fit their interests. I also suggest repeating activities that you enjoy, as this can help your little one get comfortable with them.

Editor’s note: Please closely supervise your children with any activities you do, particularly around pools. To ensure safety, consider the ages of your children and avoid choking hazards when selecting the materials you use in any craft or sensory activity.

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