How do I keep my 10 year old busy in the summer?

Answered by John Hunt

There are countless ways to keep your 10-year-old busy and entertained during the summer. Here are 50 ideas to get you started:

1. Organize a pick-your-own fruit or vegetable outing. Visit a local farm and let your child experience the joy of harvesting their own food.

2. Set up a backyard camping adventure. Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the outdoors without leaving home.

3. Have a family slumber party. Clear out the living room, lay out sleeping bags and pillows, and watch movies or play games together.

4. Get creative with furniture rearrangement. Let your child help you come up with a new layout for their room or the living area.

5. Host a game day with friends. Invite your child’s friends over for a day of board games, card games, and friendly competition.

6. Make homemade pizzas together. Let your child choose their favorite toppings and get creative in the kitchen.

7. Encourage your child to talk to animals. Take them to a local petting zoo or volunteer at an animal shelter to learn about and interact with different animals.

8. Get wet and cool off. Set up a backyard water slide, have a water balloon fight, or visit a local water park for some splashy fun.

9. Explore nature by going on a hike. Find a local trail or park and embark on an adventure to discover new plants, insects, and wildlife.

10. Start a summer reading challenge. Create a list of books for your child to read and offer incentives for reaching reading goals.

11. Have a picnic in the park. Pack a delicious lunch and enjoy the great outdoors while spending quality time together.

12. Teach your child a new hobby or skill. Whether it’s painting, knitting, or playing a musical instrument, encourage their interests and help them develop new talents.

13. Visit a museum or art gallery. Expand your child’s horizons by exposing them to different forms of art and culture.

14. Create and perform a backyard play. Let your child’s imagination run wild as they write, direct, and act in their own production.

15. Have a movie marathon. Choose a theme or series of movies and spend a day cuddled up with popcorn and snacks.

16. Start a family garden. Teach your child about gardening and let them take responsibility for planting and caring for their own plants.

17. Visit a local farmer’s market. Show your child the importance of supporting local businesses and let them pick out fresh produce or unique treats.

18. Set up a lemonade stand. Help your child learn about entrepreneurship and money management while having fun and earning some extra cash.

19. Go on a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for your child to find in your neighborhood or local park, and give them a prize for completing the hunt.

20. Take a day trip to a nearby town or city. Explore new places, try local cuisine, and learn about different cultures together.

21. Build a fort or a treehouse. Let your child’s imagination soar as you work together to create a special hideaway.

22. Have a DIY spa day. Set up a relaxing atmosphere with soothing music, face masks, and foot soaks for a day of pampering.

23. Start a collection. Whether it’s stamps, rocks, or action figures, encourage your child’s interests and help them curate their own collection.

24. Volunteer for a local charity or community service project. Teach your child the importance of giving back and helping others in need.

25. Set up a science experiment station. Conduct fun and educational experiments at home using household items and simple instructions.

26. Create a family recipe book. Collect your family’s favorite recipes and create a personalized cookbook to pass down through generations.

27. Take a bike ride together. Explore bike trails in your area or simply enjoy a leisurely ride around your neighborhood.

28. Build and launch a homemade rocket. Research safe methods and materials, and let your child experience the thrill of launching their creation into the sky.

29. Start a DIY project. Whether it’s building a birdhouse, painting a mural, or making homemade jewelry, let your child’s creativity shine.

30. Have a sports day. Set up a mini Olympics in your backyard with different games and challenges for your child and their friends.

31. Teach your child how to cook a meal. Involve them in the entire process, from planning the menu to shopping for ingredients and preparing the meal.

32. Take a day trip to the beach. Build sandcastles, swim in the ocean, and soak up the sun for a fun-filled day by the sea.

33. Host a themed costume party. Let your child choose their favorite theme, and encourage them to dress up and get into character.

34. Plan a backyard treasure hunt. Hide clues and treasures around your yard for your child to discover and solve.

35. Start a journal or scrapbook. Encourage your child to document their summer adventures and memories through writing, drawing, and collecting mementos.

36. Have a DIY photo shoot. Let your child be the photographer or model and create fun and memorable photos together.

37. Visit a local amusement park or fair. Enjoy thrilling rides, play games, and indulge in delicious fair food.

38. Set up a mini-golf course in your backyard. Use household items and creativity to create a challenging and fun course for your child to play.

39. Take a day trip to a nearby zoo or aquarium. Learn about different animals and their habitats while enjoying a day of exploration.

40. Have a DIY science camp at home. Plan and conduct science experiments, learn about different scientific concepts, and have fun discovering new things.

41. Start a summer journal club. Choose a book to read together as a family and discuss it over snacks and drinks.

42. Host a family talent show. Let each family member showcase their talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, or performing magic tricks.

43. Take a pottery or art class together. Explore your artistic side and create unique masterpieces.

44. Go stargazing. Lay out blankets in your backyard and spend an evening identifying constellations and learning about the night sky.

45. Visit a local farm or petting zoo. Get up close and personal with farm animals and learn about their care and feeding.

46. Have a DIY spa day. Set up a relaxing atmosphere with soothing music, face masks, and foot soaks for a day of pampering.

47. Start a family podcast or YouTube channel. Record fun conversations or create videos about your family’s interests and adventures.

48. Take a cooking or baking class together. Learn new recipes and techniques while bonding over the joy of food.

49. Plan a family game night. Gather your favorite board games, card games, or video games and spend quality time competing and laughing together.

50. Encourage your child to start a summer project. Whether it’s building a model airplane, writing a book, or learning a new instrument, support their passion and help them achieve their goals.

Remember, the key is to involve your child in the planning process and listen to their interests and ideas. With a little creativity and enthusiasm, you can create a summer filled with fun, learning, and memorable experiences for your 10-year-old.