Summer break is almost here! There is nothing students anticipate more than the end of the school year, not even those in the preschool age. It means no waking up early, no teachers, and no homework, after all!
You've probably found a summer activity for your little one by now, but if you'd rather have your child doing something different — something she can do for FREE — check out this list.
Here are fun activities you and your child can do this summer without spending a lot!
1. Plant a tree.
This one simple act that won't even take an hour to do could leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. It's an opportunity for parents to educate their kids about the benefits trees give such as fresh air, food, and shelter.
2. Visit a farmer's market.
Aside from showing your child what fresh produce looks like (or what her food looks like before it gets cooked), you could also tell your child about the important role farmers play in providing food for communities, and introduce them to other professions other than doctors and lawyers.
What other parents are reading
3. Clean up trash at a nearby park.
Next time you visit a park, bring along trash bins and make a game out of picking up pieces of garbage. Besides doing a good deed, you can show your child how much more beautiful parks can be if people did their part in keeping them clean and cared for.
4. Camp out and watch the stars.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWSet up a blanket one evening when the skies are clear, and just enjoy the breeze while you look to the night sky. It would help if you're familiar with constellations and talk about them with your child, but if not, you can spend your time just tracing shapes out of clouds or telling stories.
5. Interview a grandparent and trace your family tree.
Grandparents have lots of wonderful stories to tell. Why not hit two birds with one stone and ask your child to spend time with lolo or lola, while also getting to know other members of the family your child never met, like his great-great grandparents? If you're up to it, you can put all of the information in a chart and start your own family tree.
What other parents are reading
6. Go on a picnic.
No need to spend extra here — just pack finger foods and drinks, troop to a nearby park (the UP Sunken Garden in Diliman is a favorite spot among families), lay a blanket, and let the kids run around while you enjoy the afternoon breeze.
7. Take a stroll and take photos using film.
Let your kids experience what it was like before everything became digital. Use an old-fashioned camera (instead of your mobile phone camera), then have the neighborhood photography shop develop the prints. Put them in an album for posterity.
8. Let your child write and illustrate her storybook.
Kids are a creative bunch, and their imagination will sometimes amaze you. Work with them to put their favorite made-up story in writing, and ask them to do the drawings. All you need are paper, cartolina, pens, and crayons, which you already have at home for sure!
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowWhat other parents are reading
9. Host a sleepover.
School break is the perfect time to come together one weekend with cousins and have a sleepover! Have a potluck, set up the kiddie pool, and let a fun family weekend unfold.
10. Have a garage sale.
Instead of spending money, earn it! Get everyone to find personal items they no longer use (but still in good condition) that they are willing to part with, and set up a garage sale one weekend. Your child can help man the transaction (if she's fond of playing tinda-tindahan, let her know this is the real thing!), and you can also teach her the concept of money and saving.
11. Introduce piko, patintero, or trumpo.
Relive your childhood and get active with your kids, too. They'll love listening to your stories on how you defeated your playmates in piko, for sure.
What other parents are reading
12. Play catch.
Go outdoors, find shade, and have a blast! See how long you can keep it going without dropping the ball. The more, the merrier! Have both adults and kids join in.
13. Teach your child to play an instrument.
It doesn't have to be a formal lesson — just play the guitar, keyboards, or drum for fun, and see if your child finds an interest in it. If so, you can always enroll him in a summer activity if he wishes to learn more.
What other parents are reading
