Summer Fun & Learning Ideas
Art - inside or outside, find things to create with… sticks, rocks, leaves, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, “junk” for sculptures (milk lids, styrofoam, popsicle sticks, etc.) Paint the sidewalk with water… what happens?
Bowling - Children ages 2 -15 years can sign up for free bowling! KidsBowlFree.com
Build - make a blanket fort, what can a cardboard box be?
Farmer’s Markets - there are many to choose from in Minneapolis. SNAP accepted, spend $10 using SNAP & receive $10 extra to spend on more fruits & veggies.
Garden - plant flowers, herbs, veggies. If you don’t have a yard, plant lettuce in a pot. Children are more excited to eat something they’ve helped to grow.
“I Spy” Neighborhood walks - Take walks often, each time looking for something different: numbers, letters, colors, animals, insects, traffic signs, etc.
Journal - keep a small notebook of things you do this summer. Children can draw pictures and dictate the words to be written down.
Library day - designate one day a week as “library day” Check out the website to see when story time is at your local library www.hclib.com READ EVERYDAY!
Museums - Children's Museum (EBT cardholders $3), Mill City Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Art (free), Science Museum ($15 family membership for those on assistance), Walker Art Center (kids free, EBT cardholders $2)
Parks - check out different parks/playgrounds in the area. Visit the wading pool. Have a picnic lunch or dinner. Check out movies and concerts in the park too! www.minneapolisparks.org www.ThreeRiversParks.org
Playdate - call a friend to meet at the park or come over to play.
Relax - lay in the grass… What do you see, hear, feel? Take time to rest!
Sculpture Garden - Free! www.walkerart.org See the spoon & cherry and so much more! Create your own sculpture at home afterwards.
Come to Calvary’s “Start the Party” Vacation Bible School, June 18-20, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, dinner included, contact amy@calvarychurchmpls.org for more info or to register. Ms. Ann will be there! Or check out your neighborhood church!
Woodlake Nature Center - Free! www.WooklakeNatureCenter.org 6710 Lakeshore Dr. Richfield Explore the great outdoors and visit the nature center. They have a great indoor area for rainy days.
Zoo - Como Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul is free!
Additional Resources: familyfuntwincities.com
