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!