Summer is here, and while the sunshine brings plenty of smiles, the heat can sometimes make it tricky to keep little ones cool and engaged. At Big Hearts, Little Hands, we’re making the most of sunny days with water play, shade-friendly activities, and creative indoor learning—and we want to help you do the same at home!
Here are some fun, learning-rich ways to beat the heat while making the most of summer with your child:
- Sensory Water Play (Cool + Educational!)
Fill a bin with cool water and household items—plastic cups, spoons, toy animals, sponges, or ice cubes. Add bubbles or a drop of food coloring for a sensory twist! Talk about floating, sinking, warm vs. cold, and different textures. Water play builds fine motor skills, language, and early science thinking.
- Learning Bonus: Use new vocabulary like “splash,” “pour,” “float,” and “freeze.”
- Create a Summer Story Nook
When the sun is too strong, head indoors and cozy up with books in a cool reading corner. Rotate in some summer-themed stories like “Pete the Cat at the Beach” or “The Watermelon Seed.” Act out the stories together or draw your favorite parts.
- Tip: Visit the library’s summer reading program—it’s free and full of early literacy fun!
- Explore Nature in the Shade
Early mornings and late afternoons are perfect for shaded nature walks or backyard bug hunts. Bring a magnifying glass or a paper bag to collect leaves, sticks, or rocks, then explore them together at home.
- Try This: Make a nature collage or sort your findings by size or color—great for early math skills!
- Make Chilled Snacks Together
Cooking is a wonderful way to build math and language skills. Try simple recipes like frozen yogurt pops, fruit kabobs, or make-your-own smoothies. Let kids help pour, mix, and count ingredients.
- Idea: Practice simple measurements (“half a cup,” “one scoop”) and talk about healthy eating.
- Freeze & Paint!
Freeze water mixed with food coloring or washable paint in ice cube trays. Let children “paint” on paper with the colorful ice cubes. It’s a creative, cool way to beat the heat and explore colors, temperature, and texture.
- Learning in Action: Mixing colors = early science and art concepts!
Stay Cool, Stay Connected
We love seeing your little ones thrive both in our care and at home. This summer, keep the learning going with playful, cool activities that engage their curious minds while helping everyone stay safe from the heat. As always, feel free to reach out to us for more activity ideas or resources. And don’t forget—sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water help keep everyone smiling all summer long!