As a parent, you know how challenging it can be to keep kids entertained! Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a beautiful sunny day, having fun activities up your sleeve can make all the difference. During the summer, when kids are off school, it’s especially important to have a variety of ideas you can pass along to your babysitter. Let’s dive into a mix of indoor and outdoor activities your little ones can do with their sitter. These activities will keep them happy and engaged throughout the summer so you can relax and enjoy the season, too!
Outdoor Activities for Babysitters and Kids
Grab that sunscreen and step outside on those beautiful summer days! Summer is a perfect time for your kids to enjoy some fresh air and get active with their babysitter. There are so many fun outdoor activities they can dive into!
Have a Blast with Classic Outdoor Games
Get ready to take the fun outside with some classic games like tag, hide-and-seek, and kickball! With just a piece of chalk, you can create hopscotch, tic-tac-toe, or even an imaginative obstacle course. These timeless games are favorites for a reason, and the best part is you don’t need much extra equipment to enjoy them. If you don’t have a yard, why not chat with your babysitter about taking the kids to a park for some outdoor fun?
And don’t forget, summer is the perfect time for water games! Kids love running through the sprinkler or having a blast with water balloons. If you go the water route, remind your babysitter to watch the little ones closely to keep everyone safe, as things can get slippery! For a more low-key option, try blowing bubbles!
Create a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Kids love a fun challenge, so why not set up a nature scavenger hunt for them to enjoy with their babysitter? You can pick out items for them to find in your backyard, during a neighborhood stroll, or at a nearby park. Tailor the list according to your children’s ages—older kids can look for specific trees or bugs, while younger ones can focus on identifying colors and shapes.
You could jot down a simple list or get creative with a bingo card. To make the hunt even more exciting, consider offering a fun prize when the kids complete it! It’s a fantastic way for them to have a blast while learning about their surroundings. Encourage your kids to gather treasures from their adventures, and by the end of summer, they’ll have a delightful collection that would make for a fun show-and-tell with the whole family!
Have a “Park and Picnic” Day
Who doesn’t love a summer picnic? It’s such a great way to spend time outdoors! Pack healthy meals or snacks for your little ones and ask your sitter to take them on a fun “park and picnic” adventure. If you have a favorite local spot, that’s fantastic, but this could also be an excellent chance to discover a new place. And remember, not all parks are green—consider hitting up a water park or your local pool for a splash (or two) of fun! Just don’t forget to throw a towel in the bag!
Plant a Garden and Watch It Grow!
Planting and tending to a garden is an excellent way to get kids outside and engaged with nature. You can start by choosing flowers or vegetables to grow in pots or a small garden bed. A fun idea is to take your little ones on a shopping trip to pick out seeds or young plants together. Then, they can get hands-on and help plant them with their sitter. Once everything is in the ground, the kids can have a blast all summer long watering the plants and watching them grow. To make it even more exciting, your babysitter can involve them in the kitchen to whip up a fun snack or meal using the fresh harvest! It’s a fantastic way to teach them about where food comes from while encouraging some creativity.
Indoor Adventures for Babysitters and Kids
When the weather isn’t entirely on your side, or if you just want to take a little break from the sun, indoor activities can be a fantastic solution! There are plenty of enjoyable things that kids can do with their sitter right at home, ensuring everyone has a great time without needing to step outside.
Set Up Weekly Play Dates
It’s so important for kids to keep socializing during the summer. One fantastic way to ensure they get that interaction is by setting up a weekly playdate with a friend. This keeps them connected and adds an extra layer of excitement! If you have a sitter, they can take the lead during play dates and engage the kids in fun activities. Just give your sitter a heads-up that they’ll be watching another child so they feel comfortable and prepared. Play dates are a great way for everyone to have a blast while building those friendships!
Have a Game or Movie Night
Heading out for a fun date night or another evening adventure? Your kids can enjoy an exciting game or movie night with their sitter while you’re away! It’s a great idea to ask your kiddos beforehand about their favorite games and set them aside for easy access so they can jump right in. Whether they’re into board games, card games, or having fun with classics like charades, they’ll surely have a fantastic time!
Movie nights can be such a treat for all ages. Movie snacks can add a special touch, so let your babysitter know what goodies you have on hand. To make it even more fun, let your kiddos whip up a tasty treat together with their sitter before curling up on the couch to enjoy the film.
Keep the Learning Going with a Fun Class
Just because school’s on break doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! It’s super important for kids to stay engaged during the summer to avoid that pesky “summer slide.” Why not have your sitter take your child to a fun local class? Think about what your child enjoys or what they might like to try—there’s a whole world of options like art, tae kwon do, yoga, dance, music, and so much more! Your local library or community center is usually a treasure trove of summer programs, so check out their offerings for some exciting classes. It’s an excellent way for your kids to learn, make new friends, and have a blast!
Embrace Rest with an “It’s Okay to Be Bored” Day
Feeling the urge to keep your kids busy throughout the summer is normal. However, it’s just as important for them to have some downtime and relax. Embrace those cozy indoor moments and let the day unfold a bit less structured. These lower-key days are incredible opportunities for kids to tap into their creativity! They can dive into crafts, engage in imaginative play, or even develop their own fun games. These slower days can be especially refreshing after a fun-filled day of activities!
Find Your Perfect Babysitter with Jovie
We all deserve a little break now and then–especially parents! That’s where Jovie comes in to lend a helping hand. Our sitters love to create a fun and engaging experience for your kids while you tackle work, run errands, or take some well-deserved “me time.” At Jovie, we take care of everything from thorough background checks to personalized matches, ensuring you can relax knowing your children are in great hands. Whether they’re playing games, going on adventures, or just hanging out, your kids will have a blast with their sitter! Discover the joy of stress-free babysitting with Jovie today!
