As the school year comes to a close, we want to give you some great ideas to keep your children engaged, happy and healthy all summer long. At Lancaster Early Education Center, we believe that summer can be a playground for the mind and body – it doesn’t have to be a time where you find your little ones bored at home. For parents of little ones—from newborns to kindergarteners—this time can be an incredible opportunity to promote learning, encourage healthy activities, and create lasting memories. Lancaster County is full of great opportunities to explore with your little ones and we will also share some ideas like reading at home that you can enjoy anywhere. We hope you have a wonderful Summer and that these ideas help you do just that!
Here are some exciting ideas to keep your summer fun and educational while being active and engaged:
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Nature Walks and Exploration
One of the simplest ways to introduce your child to the wonders of the summer season and the world around them is through time outside. Take advantage of the beautiful weather by visiting the parks and gardens in Lancaster County, such as Buchanan Park or the Lancaster County Central Park. If you want to make these trips more exciting, you can create a simple and fun scavenger hunt by asking your child to find specific leaves, flowers, or bugs. If your child is old enough, you can also use this as an opportunity to discuss different habitats, plant life, and animal species.
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Farm Visits and Local Markets
Everyone knows Lancaster County is known for its rich agricultural landscape and heritage! You can visit local farms, like Cherry Crest Adventure Farm or Oregon Dairy for a fun family outing while also teaching children about farm life and where food comes from. Encourage healthy eating by allowing your child to pick fresh fruits and vegetables or if you have the space, grow a tomato or other plant in your garden or in a pot on your porch. And Lancaster Central Market is only a few blocks away from LEEC and is the nation’s oldest continuously running farmer’s market in America! It is a fun and free activity to just stroll through the stands and see all the standholders have to offer.
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Library Story Times and Summer Reading Programs
If you haven’t tapped into the incredible resource that the Lancaster Public Library has to offer – make this your Summer to do so!! It offers summer reading programs and story times tailored for young children that are fun, engaging and completely free. Check out their Summer schedules when it is posted for a calendar filled with engaging events, family friendly shows, and fun filled storytimes with hands-on craft activities that align with the stories being told. And don’t forget to just rent books that look exciting to them – reading together can spark imagination and improve literacy skills and provide hours of summer fun indoors on a hot day.
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Creative Arts and Crafts
Encourage creativity with at-home arts and crafts. You could set aside a designated space where your child can paint, color, or build with recycled materials. Let your child showcase their work—consider creating a mini-gallery at home to celebrate their creations or just rotate their latest artwork on your fridge!
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Outdoor Play and Movement
A great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine is by just heading outside. Activities like jumping, running, or even simple games like tag can enhance motor skills and healthy habits. Take turns riding bikes or scooters in safe areas, or visit local playgrounds. The Lancaster Rec provides a list of parks with exercise ideas as well so the whole family can get active together!
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Water Play Fun
As temperatures rise, water play is an excellent way to cool off while actively learning! Set up a kiddie pool or visit nearby splash pads. Did you know the Lancaster Rec has FREE splash pads and wading pools you can take your children too?! If you want to keep it indoors, you can fill up your sink and let them play with cups or other small toys. If your child is old enough, you could even incorporate educational elements by discussing concepts like buoyancy and water flow or try out simple science experiments with water, such as mixing colors or creating water flow paths with various materials.
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Exploring Cultural Experiences
Lancaster County is rich in cultural diversity. Look for events celebrating our area’s culture, like Long’s Park Ampitheater’s FREE Summer Concert series, First Fridays, Music Fridays, Celebrate Lancasrter, Central Market’s Strawberry Festival, and more community happenings all of which you can find on our city’s event calendar page. These experiences can provide children with a broader understanding of the world, enhancing their social-emotional development and cultural awareness – and they are just plain fun!
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Gardening Together
If you have the space, start a small garden at home or participate in a community gardening project. Gardening teaches children about responsibility, the life cycle of plants, and the importance of the environment. Even a few pots on the patio with flowers or vegetables or on the counter with herbs can instill a sense of wonder and accomplishment when they grow.
Have a Great Summer with Your Family!
This summer, foster a love for learning and exploration in your little ones while keeping fun and health at the forefront of your family activities. Make it a goal to engage in activities that promote their physical well-being while stimulating their minds. Remember that it’s the shared experiences and memories that count the most. So, go out, explore, and make the most of every sunny day in our beautiful Lancaster County!
For more tips and resources, stay connected with Lancaster Early Education Center.
Here’s to an adventurous, educational, and healthy summer!
Happy Summer Adventures!
– The Lancaster Early Education Center Team
