By Cynthia Martin
For the Sequim Gazette
School’s out, the backpacks are hung up, and summer vacation has arrived. For kids, this is pure freedom. For parents, it’s often a mix of joy and dread: What are we going to do for the next two and a half months?
The good news? There’s plenty your kids can do this summer — and not all of it requires a screen, a packed schedule, or an expensive camp. With a little structure and a bit of planning, summer can be a time of learning, growth, fun, and connection. You need to keep their brains active, but don’t overdo it.
Let’s start with the basics. It’s no secret that kids lose academic ground over long breaks, especially in reading and math. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to keep those skills sharp.
Read every day
Let your child choose their own books — from comic books and graphic novels to adventure stories or biographies — and encourage daily reading. Talk to them about what they’re reading and take turns reading aloud. It’s a great way to bond and build comprehension at the same time.
Practice basic math facts
Summer is a perfect time to reinforce addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills. Try flashcards, educational games, or work math into everyday activities like cooking or budgeting.
Quick recall of basic facts gives your child a strong foundation heading into the next school year. You need to keep their brains active but don’t overdo it. If he has addition down, then go to subtraction, multiplication and then division. He needs to know all of these really fast. The computer is filled with great games to help kids learn math.
Get writing
Have your child write a journal, create a short story, or send a handwritten letter to a family member. Review spelling and grammar together in a low-pressure way that builds confidence and skill.
Boost keyboarding skills
If your child is in third grade or above, introduce (or reinforce) proper typing. There are free or low-cost online programs that turn keyboarding into a game. In today’s world, being comfortable with a keyboard is nearly as important as handwriting.
Daily chores
Daily chores build life skills so mix in responsibility.
Give your child a small task each day — watering plants, feeding pets, folding laundry, or helping prep dinner. Let them choose some of their own chores so they feel involved and capable. Even fun tasks like baking cookies or washing the car can be a chance to teach responsibility.
Free play
Make time for unstructured play. It’s easy to over-schedule summer, but kids need time to just play. Free time lets them use their imagination, problem-solve, and recharge.
Encourage creativity and exploration. Give them space to build forts, make crafts, invent games, or play outdoors. Boredom isn’t a bad thing — it often leads to the most creative play.
Be social
Promote social interaction, Invite friends over or meet up at a local park. Kids learn important social skills through play, like sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflict.
Most important is time with you.
Amid all the summer activities, don’t forget one of the most valuable parts of the season: quality one-on-one time with your child. Whether it’s a morning walk, an afternoon ice cream stop, or a quiet conversation before bed, those small moments matter. They build connection, trust, and memories that last far longer than any summer break.
Summer vacation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a simple routine that includes learning, responsibility, creativity, and connection, your child can thrive — and so can you.
Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, growth and moments that make it all worthwhile.
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Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.
