Easy and Fun End-of-Summer Activities for Kids
Posted on August 14, 2020
There’s still a little bit of summer left before school starts, but you’re probably running out of ideas to keep your kids entertained. Or maybe school has already started for your students and they’re looking for things to do in lieu of cancelled after-school and extracurricular programs. Here are some easy and fun end-of-summer activities for kids that the whole family can enjoy!
Tyndale Kids Summer Camp
From visual and performing arts to writing, science, and Bible lessons, the
Tyndale Kids Summer Camp is your ultimate online destination for educational and fun activities for kids! Create art projects with authors and illustrators Lauren Duncan and Sarah Jean Collins, and learn how to compose silly songs with Mike Nawrocki, voice of Larry the Cucumber and author of the
Dead Sea Squirrels
series. Author Dandi Daley Mackall teaches kids how to write stories of their own, and Brock Eastman (co-author of some of the Imagination Station books) demonstrates cool science experiments using simple household supplies. Plus, author and pastor Stephen Arterburn answers kids’ Bible questions with Marcus Brotherton (co-author of
Kirby McCook and the Jesus Chronicles).
All videos are available to play on-demand from the
Tyndale Kids Summer Camp page, as well as on
Facebook and
YouTube—perfect for summer
or after-school activities!
Reader Rewards Summer Reading Hub
In case you missed it, Reader Rewards has its own
summer reading and activity hub—and it’s not too late to get in on the fun! Check out our
recommended reads and book-related activities for kids, teens, and adults alike. This month’s summer reading
hub features free printable coloring pages as well as videos from author and teacher Leslie Leyland Fields on how to write your story. Plus, when you tell us
here about the activity you completed, you’ll get a chance to win your choice of one of five Book Lover’s Prize Packs in our
end-of-summer giveaway!
Summer Storytime in the Park
If your kids missed traditional summer storytime events from their local library, host your own! Ask each child to choose one or two favorite books to read or pick a theme and see what creative choices your kids decide. Pack a picnic blanket, some snacks, and a portable speaker to play music, and head to a local park. You could even invite some friends to join the storytime fun as you celebrate the end of summer!
Here are a few ideas for storytime themes to try or use as inspiration for your own themes.
Under the Sea
Books:
God Made the Ocean,
The Shark That Was Afraid of the Deep End (also available to redeem for points in the Reader Rewards
store!)
Snacks: goldfish crackers and seaweed snacks
Music:
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong Kids
Animals
Books:
God Made the Rainforest,
God’s Amazing Creation,
Noah’s Ark 3D Pop-Ups
Snacks: Animal crackers or nuts and seeds trail mix
Music: “Who Built the Ark?” from
120 Little Songs for Little Souls, “
Rainbow” by Hillsong Kids
Faith & Friendship
Books:
Wow! The Good News in Four Words,
Why Is There a Cross?,
A Princess Prayer and
A Hero’s Prayer,
The Push: A Story of Friendship,
Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends (also available to redeem for points in the Reader Rewards
store!)
Snacks: If your kids are up for it, try Bible-themed or Mediterranean snacks like bread with olive oil, dates, and fresh figs or olives. Or try a modern twist on ancient Middle Eastern fare with tuna fish sandwiches made with pita pocket bread.
Music: “Love One Another” and “For God So Loved the World” from
120 Little Songs for Little Souls
We hope you enjoy one or all of these end-of-summer activities! And if you’re looking to get a head start on the school year or preparing for at-home learning, check out this free
webinar on 7 Keys to Learning at Home (or read the article
here). Here’s to the end of summer and beginning of the school year!