4 Easy Summer Crafts for Kids

tropical fish craft

When it’s too hot to play outside, bring the kids to the table for some fun, attention-grabbing summer crafts that make the most of rocks, paper and scissors.

Go Fish!

No one is left out on the fun of making little fishies. Big kids can tackle a more involved project like these adorable DIY Japanese Fish and little kids can stick with a quick, instant gratification project like making Tropical Fish from Paper Plates.

j fish

1. Japanese Flying Carp Craft

This is a great summer craft project for kick-starting a discussion about other cultures, leading to a trip to the library, a new ethnic recipe or a new storybook to read at home. The flying fish are a take-off on a Japanese tradition of flying a wind sock – called a koinobori – on a holiday called Boys’ Day. Google the day for lots of colorful, fun photos that make for great inspiration and a bonus learning experience.

Squirrelly Minds provides step-by-step instructions with helpful (and beautiful) photos to go along with them.

For the Japanese Fish (via Squirrelly Minds) you will need:

3 empty toilet paper rolls

Double-sided tape (or a glue gun)

Tissue paper

White paper

A small dowel

Scissors

Twine

tropical fish craft

2. Tropical Fish Craft for Preschoolers

These bright, colorful fish make for a great summer craft for kids on the younger side who can simply paint paper plates and paste on fins, tails and google eyes. It’s a great summer craft for preschoolers or early elementary kids, who can take it a step further by adding more detailed designs and embellishments to their fish.

For the Tropical Fish (via Make and Takes) you will need:

8 miniature paper plates

Brightly colored paints

Paintbrush

4 large wiggle eyes

White craft glue

Glue stick

Scissors

Bigger kids (and parents or sitters who need a hand) can use these printable patterns for creating more realistic, detailed fish (include fins, tails and stripes and spots): pattern 1 and pattern 2.

pet rock monsters craft

3. Pet Rock Monsters Craft

Who among us hasn’t taken on a pet rock or two? Kids love pet rocks and this easy tutorial helps to turn plain ol’ pebbles into googly-eyed, colorful monsters – scary or silly. Let your child’s imagination run wild to create their own creatures. Wouldn’t this make a fun summer craft to tackle after watching the Monsters University movie?

The how-to is simple: Paint them all over and leave them to dry thoroughly. Then paint on details and glue on the goggle eyes to make them come alive.

For the Pet Rock Monsters (via Cocoa Bean) you’ll need:

An assortment of hand-sized rocks or pebbles

Paints

Small paintbrushes

A Sharpie

Glue

Google-eyes

jellyfish craft

4. Jellyfish Craft for Kids

These cute jellyfish would be great to hang from a ceiling in your child’s bedroom or playroom. The instructions are simple:

▪       Paint the outside of two paper bowls.

▪       Trim eyes from cardstock or draw the eyes with markers.

▪       On the inside of the bowl, add liquid adhesive and place the ends of ribbon in it. Place another bowl on top (with the ribbon sticking out) and let it dry.

▪       Poke two small holes in the center of the bowl. Thread fishing line through the bowl so it creates a loop under the bowl.

▪       Tie ribbon and trim to the loop, then tighten the loop to secure the ribbon.

For this Jellyfish summer craft, you will need:

Paper bowls

Watercolor paints

Cardstock (for the eyes. Or simply draw them on with a Sharpee)

Liquid adhesive or glue

Ribbon

Fishing line

Love these fun summer craft ideas, but you just aren’t the crafty type? UrbanSitter has lots of babysitters who’d love to get busy crafting with your kids.

5 Popular Child Care Options for Summer

kids playing in fountain

Trying to figure out your child care options for summer? Maybe you’re wondering how to plan child care around a summer trip or weekly camps. Let’s review the pros and cons of the top 5 most popular summer child care solutions.

First, there are some general factors to consider:

  • Your schedule – Do you need full-time or part-time coverage and is it for the entire summer or certain weeks?
  • Your budget – How much are you willing to spend on a weekly or monthly basis?

Next, you can start to evaluate the advantages of each of these 5 popular child care options for summer:

  1. Book a summer camp

  2. Summer camps come in all shapes and sizes, from half-day to full-day, completely virtual to sleep-away camps. These can be a great option for kids who want to explore a specific interest (art, dance, robotics, coding, nature, etc.). There are lots of things to consider when choosing a camp including schedules, since many are only 1-3 weeks long and you may need to string together multiple camps to fill the summer.

    Pros: Variety of interests for kids, lots of scheduling options
    Cons: Possible cancellations, strict refund policies, limited openings

  3. Hire a summer nanny or sitter

  4. Hiring a summer nanny or sitter for full-time or part-time child care could be a great solution. A summer nanny cares for your kids in your home according to the schedule and responsibilities you decide on, which may include outings, meal preparation, driving the kids, nap time, bath time and more. While a dedicated caregiver might cost more per hour than other solutions, you only pay for the hours you need and the cost does not double with each additional child as with camps or school. Not sure where to find a summer nanny? Try an online caregiver-finding service such as UrbanSitter.

    Pros: Dedicated caregiver, fits your schedule, no commute
    Cons: Must find/hire candidate yourself, cost depends on how many hours you need

  5. Register for summer school

  6. Many parents want their kids to make up for lost academic time with summer school. If your public school is not offering a summer session, many private schools are open and will accept outside students for the summer session. 

    Pros: Affordable (when offered by public school), prevents “brain drain”
    Cons: Only covers school hours

  7. Form a summer sharecare or co-op

  8. Start a sharecare with a group of families from your neighborhood. Kids benefit from having socialization, while parents share the cost of a caregiver a.k.a. “sharecare” or split caregiving duties a.k.a a “child care co-op.” Form a summer sharecare with your kids’ best friends and hire a summer sitter with camp counselor experience to create your own backyard summer camp.

    Pros: Socialization, shared costs
    Cons: Management of sharecare/co-op rules, not an option if you don’t have space in your home

  9. Plan on a hodgepodge

  10. If you’re a Type A parent, break out your spreadsheet and plan out the ultimate hodgepodge of the child care options at your disposal. For example, pair a series of half-day camps that your kids will love with a summer nanny to handle drop offs, pick ups, and the gap days between camps.

    Pros: The exact schedule and activities you want
    Cons: Lots of planning required, expensive

    Did you find the solution that fits best with your family’s needs? Whatever you decide, we hope it will be your best summer ever.

    Find a summer nanny or sitter now with UrbanSitter’s detailed caregiver search.

Tips for Lining Up College Students for Summer Childcare

Summer childcare, summer babysitters, summer college babysitters, summer babysitter, summer child care

In a few short weeks or days, school will be out for the summer and you likely have different summer childcare needs than you have now. You may need full-time help, a regular sitter for part-time care, or maybe just a reliable bevy of sitters to call when you need some time to yourself during the school-free months ahead.

There are many excellent sources for summer childcare, including nannies, camps, daycare or mother’s helpers, but college students – those returning home for their summer break or local students sticking around to take classes or to work – are one of your top resources for summertime babysitting. Here’s why students work well as babysitters and how to line them up now so that your summer childcare needs are covered well before the season starts.

Why College Students are often Fantastic Babysitters 

  • College students typically have some babysitting experience and are motivated to earn extra money to help pay for their education and living expenses. In addition to childcare experience, they are likely to be CPR certified, have completed a first aid class or studied a bit of early childhood education.
  • Students taking summer classes may have a hard time finding a part-time job that fits around their class load. Babysitting is in many ways the ideal job for them, as they can typically create a babysitting schedule that works with their class schedule.
  • In addition to being available, responsible and ready to earn, they are often vibrant young people with lots of interests, hobbies and experiences to share. They may be able to tutor, help sharpen sports’ skills, or help little kids prepare for kindergarten and bigger kids stay sharp while away from school. Your children could benefit from their skills and mentorship.
  • There’s rarely much of a commute for a student babysitter, especially if you have a campus nearby or are employing a neighbor’s child who is returning home from college for the summer.
  • Students often have plenty of backup if they have a conflict or if they are sick when they are committed to babysit. If they are interested in babysitting to make extra money, their friends likely are, too. Although you need someone who is dependable, it’s nice to have access to backup sitters when you need them.

How to Find and Hire Students for Summer Childcare

Sold on the idea of hiring a college student to help with summer child care and wondering how to score these ideal sitters before their summer is spoken for?  Here are a few tips for lining them up now:

  • Reach out to sitters on UrbanSitter who attend local colleges or who live nearby and inquire about their summer plans. It’s likely they will be as anxious to nail down summer work as you are to line up care for your kids.
  • Post a job on UrbanSitter that outlines your needs. This is especially helpful if you have a need for a full-time summer sitter or for someone to babysit on a regular basis. Local sitters will see your request, as will students returning home and looking for nearby work.
  • Check local college job boards for sitters advertising for summer work or post a job request. Join local Facebook or Google groups where sitters may post looking for summer babysitting opportunities. 
  • Talk with friends and neighbors to inquire about students returning home for the summer and their potential interest in babysitting. Encourage these sitters to join UrbanSitter to post their availability and profiles so booking is quick and easy.

With a little advance planning, you can quickly and easily find an excellent summer sitter well before summer arrives. Need help finding your summer babysitter? Join UrbanSitter.

Summer Essentials for Babies

Is your baby as ready for summer as you are? Before you take the newest member of your family outside for some summertime fun, make sure you are prepared to keep your child protected from the sun and heat. Experts recommend that you keep babies under 6 months old away from sun exposure. For older babies, here are summer baby must haves to pack in your tote for a day out.

Summer Essentials for Babies

  • Lightweight clothing: You want to keep your baby cool, so you might think less is more when it comes to clothing. Not so true. Choose light-colored, lightweight fabrics to protect their skin, including arms and legs, and keep them cool, too. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may want to invest in clothes with built-in sun-protection.
  • Summer Hat with Coverage: Don’t leave home without a dependable hat (or even two!). Babies in hats are always adorable, but choose a hat for function, not just fashion. Summer hats are essential and those with big brims or flaps that cover ears and the back of the neck are especially good. Verywell has compiled a list of the best summer hats for babies.
  • Sunglasses: If you can get your baby to keep sunglasses on, choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays (check the label). Baby Bandz sunglasses have a velcro fastener for easy on and off. If you can’t keep glasses on your little one, a visor or hat with a large brim should help shield his eyes.
  • Swim Diapers: If you’ll be hitting the pool, you’ll need swim diapers. Save money and the planet by choosing reusable swim diapers. Reusable swim diapers made from a stretchy swimsuit fabric are easy to change. Some even come with matching rash guards.
  • Sun shade with UV Protection: Don’t rely solely on your stroller’s canopy to shade your baby. He’ll, undoubtedly, end up with burnt toes! Amp up the protection by attaching a pop-up stroller shade with built-in UV protection to shelter your baby’s entire body.sun shade
  • Sunscreen: You can decide between a physical sunscreen (often called sunblock, which does not get absorbed into the skin) and a chemical sunscreen. There’s a debate brewing about whether chemical sunscreens are absorbed and potentially dangerous to babies. While these is no proof that the chemicals are toxic, you can play it safe by choosing sunscreens that are made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin, forming a physical barrier against the sun. Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide start protecting as soon as you put them on, while the chemical-based products need to be applied 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Lucie’s List provides a list of the best sunscreens for babies. Whichever you are using, be sure to reapply often. BabyCenter has a nice overview article on how to choose sunscreen for your baby.
  • Swim Float: To give your arms a rest in the swimming pool, consider a swim float that the baby can safely sit in and enjoy the water. Plus it provides extra sun coverage!
  • Hydration: Be especially mindful of keeping babies hydrated when it’s warm outside. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t advise giving water to babies younger than 6 months. If your child hasn’t yet reached the 6-month mark, nurse or bottle-feed more often when they are likely to be thirsty. For older babies, be sure to offer water in a bottle or sippy cup throughout the day.
  • Lightweight blanket: A lightweight blanket is indispensable. Use it as an extra sun shade, a cover when the A/C’s a bit too chilly, a changing pad, a nursing shield and for an impromptu picnic.

Find your summer babysitter with UrbanSitter. Search for CPR-trained babysitters.

Summer Boredom Busters: 5 Fun Activities For Your Sitter and Child To Do Together

5 Fun Activities For Your Sitter and Child To Do Together

Looking for some fun summer babysitting activities to keep the kids entertained? Look no further – we’ve found 5 fun boredom busters that are sure to work for the kids.

First, parents book a sitter – UrbanSitter makes it easy to find one that is just the right match for your child – and with these creative ideas, set up a fantastic day they will both enjoy:

1. Tackle something new. Let your sitter introduce your little one to a new sport or hobby. Give them some basic equipment to take to a local field, playground or indoor play space.

2. Learn about a new culture. Pick a place or culture that has piqued the child’s interest – maybe somewhere they’ll be traveling together in the near future or the native culture of a friend — and dive in to explore it together. Cater to the child’s age and ability:

Preschoolers:

  • Choose a book to read together.
  • Draw a picture about something they saw in the book or learned about the culture they explored.
  • Try a new treat or snack from an ethnic grocery store or take-out restaurant.

School-aged kids:

  • Grab the PC to do some simple online research.
  • Take a trip to the library or local book store.
  • Create a collage or poster to showcase findings.
  • Tackle a simple recipe to create a native dish.

3. Plan a double date. Everything is more fun with friends. Invite a friend and his sitter along for a day out or over to your house for an inside play date. Visit a local museum or science center, or host a movie day, make a music video, put on a play, or have a water balloon fight.

4. Get crafty! Another fun summer activity for the kids is to work together to choose an interesting, age appropriate project or series of projects that build upon a theme:

Preschoolers:

  • Go camping! Build an indoor tent, and create a pretend campfire or pictures of animals that live in the woods (a bear? an owl?). The sitter can cap off the afternoon by making s’mores in the microwave as an additional fun summer activity.
  • Send them to the kitchen to make a fun, good-to-eat treat, such as this fun recipe for Spider Snacks.

Spider Snacks

Ingredients:

2 round crackers

8 pretzel sticks

2 raisins

Peanut butter

Directions:

1. Spread peanut butter onto one of the round crackers.

2. Place the pretzel sticks on the edges of the cracker. These are your spider’s legs!

3. Place the second cracker on top of the first cracker.

4. Spread two small dots of peanut butter on top of the second cracker.

5. To make your spider eyes, stick one raisin to each dot of peanut butter

School Age:

  • Make friendship bracelets to wear and share with pals. Here is a good how-to.
  • Everyone is intrigued by origami. These origami animals are easy enough for kids and are very cool!
  • Create a fairy house in your backyard or neighborhood park. Any kind of natural materials will work, so just use what’s there – leaves, rocks, moss, flowers, wood chips, sticks and even shells.

5. Venture out to check out a community event or activity. Check local online listings to find a festival, an outdoor movie showing, fair or even a farmer’s market. The two of them can plan the big day out together, and  get away for an easy, yet fun break from the usual routine.

Escape the summer doldrums and book yourself a fun, energetic sitter at UrbanSitter!

Cool Summer Activities for Preschoolers on Hot Summer Days

toddler summer activities, preschooler water play

Summer is chock full of opportunities for entertaining and enriching little kids’  development through new experiences and activities. Need some ideas for summer activities for preschoolers? Check out these ideas for summer activities for the 3-5 year-old set. They’ll come in especially handy during the dog days of summer, headed our way. 

1.  No-Stress, No Mess Water Play

Take advantage of a sunny day (or even a rainy one, provided there’s no thunder or lightning) to set your kids loose outdoors and let them burn some energy doing what all kids love to do as a summer activity – play with water. Fear not, city dwellers, simply set a big plastic container filled with water on whatever outside space you have and arm your tikes with any of the following, all which make for great water play for little hands:

Summer Activities for Keeping Preschoolers
Ice Cube Boat via Alpha Mom
  • Small plastic fish or animals
  • Barbie or Polly Pockets dolls
  • Sponges and a wash cloths
  • Small paint brushes for “painting” the sidewalk
  • Matchbox cars for washing
  • Boats – make your own Ice Cube Boats with nothing more than an ice cube molded in a plastic cup set with a drinking straw and flag for a sail.  These boats are adorable, and perfect for hot days.
  • Plastic cups for pouring and filling
  • A watering can for watering plants
  • A garden hose
  • Pull out the inflatable pool and let them splash for hours.

2. Easy DIY Crafts Just for Kids

Every kid needs a creative outlet, not to mention a quiet, inside activity once in awhile. We’ve found loads of great summer crafts for kids of all ages, some that can be made in minutes and others that will occupy a preschooler for the full duration of his baby sibling’s nap. Check out our Summer Crafts for Kids Pinterest board for ideas, including these adorable and easy-to-make Flowers.

3. Explore a Good Book

Be sure to save time in your summer schedule for the simple pleasure of reading with and teaching your preschooler skills that will help him learn to read.  You can encourage preschoolers to spend time with books by having them join older siblings in a summer reading program, whether it be one from a local library, Scholastic or a homemade incentive program. Encourage any form of reading, including pre-reading activities, like tracing or practicing their ABCs; “reading” to you or a sibling; or having a summer ritual of reading  together as a family, perhaps a chapter of an endearing family-friendly favorite like Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskeybefore bed. Scholastic has a helpful list of book recommendations for kids of all ages, including good picks for 3-5 year olds.

4. Get Your Groove On!

Another good hot summer activity is getting your groove on. Turn a playdate into a musical instrument making extravaganza (hint, hint, call in a babysitter to help!) and create the neighborhood’s next musical sensation. Check out Meaningful Mama’s fantastic list of 20 DIY Musical Instruments for Kids and see how simple and easy it can be to make anything from a bottle-cap tambourine to a full-on drum set.

Summer Activities for Keeping Preschoolers
DIY Musical Instruments via Meaningful Mama

5. Master a New Skill (and give Mom and Dad a helping hand!)

Teaching kids new skills helps develop their independence and shows them that they are an important, contributing member of their family… and eventually of the bigger world. Early childhood education experts recommend building skills by assigning chores, and believe that most preschoolers are capable of any of the following simple “taking care of myself and my house” chores:

  • Setting and clearing their place at the table
  • Making their bed
  • Sorting their clothes from the dryer
  • Picking up and putting away toys and art supplies.

See our handy guide to age-appropriate chores for kids for more ideas.

After all the fun with these summer activities for preschoolers you might need a parents night out. Book an UrbanSitter and leave the entertaining to the sitter!

7 Reasons to Book a Babysitter This Summer

20180228_URBANSITTER_SHOT_02_0784

Why is summer a great time to book a babysitter? Read on to find out:

 

 1. School’s Out For Summer!

frank-mckenna-127295-unsplashSummer break is here, which means a whole new schedule for the whole family. Make the transition easier for everyone with a summer sitter or nanny to help with the new routine. Part-time, full-time, anytime. We’ve got you covered!

2. Summer Camp, Soccer Games, Swim Lessons…Oh, My!

maarten-van-den-heuvel-105902-unsplashSchool may be out, but the kids’ schedules are busier than ever. Find and book a sitter who can help you manage all of the drop-offs, pickups, and everything in between! *Pro tip: Search for sitters that are willing to drive before you book!

3. “Me-Time”

rawpixel-369784-unsplashSummer break is filled with activities and family fun, but let’s be real, parents…sometimes we need a break. Book a sitter and take a time-out for some quality alone time.

4. Hosting A BBQ or Pool Party

matthieu-joannon-666745-unsplashThe summer is the perfect time to have friends over for a bbq or pool party, but we also know it can be overwhelming trying to entertain and watch the kids. Book a sitter to help keep an eye on the kids while they swim and play. *Pro tip: Search for CPR certified sitters before you book!

5. Summer Fun is Here and So Are Your Errands 

jeshoots-com-462287-unsplashTaking your kids to the grocery store or your hair appointment isn’t usually efficient or time-saving. Book a sitter and get through your to-do list faster this summer.

6. Date Night…or Day!

20180228_URBANSITTER_SHOT_09_0480Take advantage of summer weather and plan the perfect date. A day trip to a winery or dinner and a movie. The possibilities are endless when you unlock your sitter network.

7. It’s Wedding Season

chuttersnap-461238-unsplashHave an upcoming wedding? Kids not on the guest list? Don’t miss out! Your sitter network has wedding season covered.

Whatever your summer childcare needs, UrbanSitter lets you find and book sitters of people you trust. Unlock your personal network to book babysitters and nannies you’re connected to today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Prevent Summer Brain Drain? Let Kids Play!

The practice of giving kids a break from school during the summer started in the early 1900s. Doctors thought kids needed a reprieve from sitting still for long hours in a classroom, which they believed made them physically weak. Summer was the perfect time to set them free because classrooms became stifling hot. And because then like now, when the heat soared, those who could afford it abandoned cities for the shore.

Long gone, though, are the days when kids had three months of total freedom from schoolwork. In recent years, some schools have begun assigning more and more summer homework in response to research that shows that kids spend the first part of a new school year relearning what they’ve forgotten during vacation. But “summer brain drain” remains a hotly debated topic among parents and educators alike. Opinion is sharply divided about whether we should we stock up on workbooks and shell out big bucks for academic-driven camps to help keep kids’ skills sharp—or give kids some well-deserved time off after working hard for nine months. Turns out, the answer might lie somewhere in the middle.

“Kids deserve a break,” says Katie Willse, chief program officer at the National Summer Learning Association. “But they can and should be learning, too—in different places, different spaces, and in different ways than they do during the school year.”

She says it’s important to understand the academic loss that occurs while kids are away from school. Although it disproportionately affects lower income students who have unequal access to educational opportunities during the summer months (American Sociological Review 72, 2007) all kids, regardless of economic status, lose about two months of grade level equivalency in math skills while they are between grades. A lot of the loss has to do with what kids are doing during their summer break. Just as fitness levels and nutrition suffer from changes in structure and routine, so do academic skills.

Addressing the loss can be pretty simple—with camp. “Summer gives kids a chance to explore new topics and a chance to practice skills they already have,” says Willse. She suggests seeking out camps that offer exciting learning opportunities—such as digital media technology or computer programming—while also sharpening math skills. Local libraries and museums also often offer project-based learning opportunities and field trips that meet these criteria.

Additionally, Willse says parents can sneak in educational opportunities through family projects: involving older kids in remodeling the house by having them research, create supply lists, keep a budget, and manage a schedule; planting an edible garden; planning a family vacation using maps to plot distances and routes, and creating an agenda that accommodates the budget; and starting a family book club. “The goal is to show kids that learning is a life-long, interesting pursuit,” says Willse.

These learning opportunities minimize the chances that kids will spend the brunt of their summer vacation on mindless pursuits, like watching television and playing video games. But Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way for Parents, says that summer learning need not be so organized and purposeful. “There’s too much pressure on children—in school, in the loads of homework, and in the structured lessons their parents schedule,” she says. “If we pressure them to accomplish and to be perfect, it takes away much of the glee of childhood and pushes them to be an adult too soon.”

Cameron sees summer as a wonderful opportunity to give kids a breather, and “a chance to learn and expand at their own rate.” She advises parents to simply let their kids be bored. “Boredom is a tool to let children just be and to reach into their own psyches to find what speaks to them.” Parents merely provide the necessary raw materials: blocks and building tools, art supplies, dress-up clothes, plenty of books, and access to the outdoors. When kids complain that they don’t know what to do, says Cameron, tell them confidently, “You’ll think of something!”

Numerous studies show the importance of unstructured play. It not only positively impacts language development and builds social and physical skills, it also predicts academic success and mental health. “Through play, children develop the ability to become self-achievers and learners,” says David Whitebread, a developmental cognitive psychologist at Cambridge University. Kids develop the ability to think for themselves, control their impulses and emotions, organize tasks, problem solve, and learn from their experiences and mistakes. “Children in play are often setting themselves challenges—climbing a taller tree, riding faster on their skateboard—and through this they are learning their limits and regulating themselves,” says Whitebread. “There’s a decline in this unstructured play and a lack of opportunity for it,” he says. Summer is the time to catch up.

Whether your child’s playtime this summer is organized or self-initiated, all our experts are agreed that what’s really important is just that they stay engaged and learning—with an emphasis on fun.

Experts say kids deserve a break in summer

 

Here are few ideas for fun summertime activities from summerlearning.org that don’t necessarily feel like learning:

  • Tackle a fun cooking project, such as baking a cake. Shopping for ingredients, using coupons to determine discounts, reading a recipe, and measuring all sharpen math skills.
  • Volunteer at a local school, park, shelter, or soup kitchen to build life skills and compassion.
  •  Get creative juices flowing by making sock puppets or turning cardboard tubes into rockets.
  • Record memories and practice writing skills by keeping a summer journal. Kids can write about books they’re reading, new friends they’ve made, and fun trips you’ve taken as a family.
  •  Plant a window box or herb garden to promote healthy eating.

Photographs by UrbanSitter

How to inject Family Fun into a Summer of Work & Camp

four out of five of the miller & friedlander kids playing cards

Summertime, which we’d so love to think of as carefree fun-time, can too often be an extended period of regret for those working moms and dads who can take few vacation days to spend with the family. But do the post-school hot months necessarily have to translate into drudgery for kids, and a guilt-fest for parents?

Not in the slightest, say Lisa Friedlander and Ilene Miller, DC-area moms who are the founders of class- and camp-booking site Activity Rocket, and between them, parents to five kids. Fun for all might just start with an attitude adjustment: one that enables you to see the summer camp you might inevitably have to enroll your kids in as something exciting and enriching rather than an unfortunately necessity.

According to Miller—mom to sons Mark, age 13, and Max, age 10—“The beauty of summer is it gives kids the opportunity to do something new, that they don’t get exposed to in school, like Claymation camp, or rock band camp, for example,” she says. “But in our area, there are also kids who spend the summer at the community pool, taking swim lessons and being pool bums.” Either way, she says, when kids are happy and tired at the end of the day, that goes a long way toward minimizing parental guilt. Which makes for happier family time all around, when you do manage to wedge some in.

This doesn’t have to be an elaborate or expensive prospect, Miller maintains. “I really value the longer days in the summertime, when the kids can stay up later,” she says. “My husband, Craig, and I try to spend a lot of unstructured family time in the evenings with them. We can barbecue outside, have family tournaments that can last the whole weekend—the kids are huge card sharks. We just get back to basics.”

The basics certainly extend to weekends, when camp and work are finished for the week. Says Miller, “We’re so lucky that in the DC area, we have hiking trails, and a lot of rivers that are accessible to us within 10 minutes, that we can kayak on with the kids.” She’s also a big proponent of finding community events, most of which are free. “In the Potomac area, we’ve got all the Smithsonian museums, book fairs, concerts in the parks, festivals—often they have no admission and the only money we’ll spend is on food once we get there.”

Friedlander and family spend weekends at a river house on the Chesapeake (if you don’t have your own, make friends with someone who does, she jokes!). “It’s very much no screens, no electronics, a lot of time spent tubing and water skiing and playing beach tennis and fishing and crabbing the old-fashioned way, with a piece of chicken tied to a rope.” With her oldest child, Jaclyn, age 14, set to head off to sleepaway camp for the entire summer, she says she’s also relishing the opportunity to spend a bit of quality time with Cole, age 11, and Camryn, age 9. As well as taking her own breather from the usual grind. “Those eight weeks of summer go by so fast, it’s important to give yourself a little bit of a break,” she says. “Whether that means not cooking every night, or not cleaning up every day, or just enjoying a walk around the neighborhood—things you wouldn’t do on a regular basis. Just slow down and enjoy the pace of summer.”

Also critical for Miller, “I need time with my husband, too, whether or not the kids are away. We’ll take a picnic and a bottle of wine somewhere, and focus on our time alone.”

But absolutely the biggest opportunity afforded even to working parents and camp kids in the summer: the fabulousness of being outside. “We get really active,” says Friedlander. “We have swimming races, and we bought a Kanjam—literally a Frisbee you throw into a slot, a team game that’s tons of fun; we all love it.”

Says Miller, “Friends helped us build a Gaga pit, which is Israeli dodge ball in a confined space. On weekends we’ll have friends over and sometimes it’s just adults in there. It’s a great way to be outside, get competitive, and work out a little aggression.” Let the summer games begin!

10 Healthy On-the-Go Summer Snacks You Kids Will Gobble Up

The end of the school year doesn’t necessarily mean the end of rushing around. And on-the-go summertime families need quick, easy, healthy snacks to keep them energized as they dash from camp to playdates to the pool. “There are good and bad packaged options for your kids,” says Kimberley Grayson of the all-natural online shop, Abe’s Market. She’s helped us round up some of the best treats out there. They come in properly portioned sizes; contain wholesome mixes of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy; contain little sugar; and are non-GMO wherever possible. Happy snacking!

These toddler-friendly bagged snacks are “filled with 100% organic fruits and veggies in bite sized and easily dissolvable pieces,” raves Grayson. “The produce is harvested fresh and quick-dried to lock in essential nutrients. And the flavor combos contain just the right amount of natural sweetness and engaging color.” ($3.50, Abe’s Market)

Two varieties of granola—Caramel Apple and Chocolate Banana—are surprisingly light, easy-to-chew and not-too-sweet. Perfect for those busy mornings when your kid’s got to eat breakfast in the stroller or the car seat, since they’re delicious even without milk and provide plenty of fiber and carbs to get tykes fueled up on the fly ($4.50, Target).

What snack’s more classic than popcorn? If you don’t have time to pop it yourself, or just don’t feel like shaking a pot over a hot stove on a sweltering afternoon, grab one of these handy snack-size bags for a low-salt, high-yum treat ($5/bag of 6, available at Whole Foods).

Maybe you have time to spread some nut butter on a slice of toast; maybe you don’t. Either way, Justin’s has you covered with these 1.15-ounce squeeze packs that get some high-quality protein into your snack-needy child’s afternoon—even if it means squeezing them right into his hungry little mouth ($1.30, Justin’s).

This nutrient-packed bar will give kids and parents alike a wholesome, high-energy, low-calorie snack that’s also vegan, gluten free, organic, and non-GMO. All you’ll notice is its vanilla deliciousness ($22/pack of 12, Pure Bar).

Unlike certain yogurt tubes that shall here remain nameless, Siggi’s squeezable yogurts, in blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry, are low in both sugars and ingredients—no frightening-looking dyes, no weird fillers. And while they’re also low in fat, they sure don’t taste like it, thanks to the Icelandic method of straining yogurt into rich skyr. Also great frozen ($4/box of 8, available at Whole Foods).

Especially well-suited to tweens, these easy-pack bars are perfect for any time of the day and fit neatly into lunch boxes and glove compartments for after-camp pick-me-ups. Says Grayson, “Made with five wholegrain super-grains with mix-ins of flavors kids love, I am in love with the chewy texture and nutrition of these bars!” ($5/pack of 5, Abe’s Market)

These smart snacks were developed by two moms to make eating healthy a fun adventure while boosting the brain power of growing minds, according to Grayson. “As the world’s first fruit and vegetable smart cookies for kids, Bitsy’s provides new palette introductions while providing the nutrition active kids need,” she says. Bonus for kids with allergies: they’re also made in a nut-free facility ($6, Abe’s Market).

A sweet, chewy twist on that old nature-lover’s stand-by, gorp. A little bit sweet, a little bit salty, these little bars are the perfect tidbits to munch on as you make your way to all your kids’  summertime activities ($13/pack of 6, Amazon).

This is puffed fruit that crunches, in bite sized clusters active kids can snarf right from the bag.  “Here’s a snack that spans the ages” says Grayson. “It’s got fewer than 75 calories per serving and is made without refined sugars or preservatives. It can do double-duty as a yogurt or ice cream topper, and mixes well with nuts to create a custom-made snack of your own choosing.” ($5.50, Abe’s Market)