Summer is a wonderful time for kids to relax, explore, and connect with others outside the structure of the busy school year. During this time, encouraging kids to participate in community events and other activities that promote wellbeing can help support their emotional and mental development. Spending time with others and attending community events can help kids build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety during these summer months.
For many parents, it can be challenging to find affordable, meaningful ways to keep kids active and social during the summer. To help ease this burden, we have compiled a list of suggestions to keep the kids engaged, active, and encourage them to connect with their communities and others around them:
1. Explore Free Days at Colorado Institutions
Many gardens, museums, and other organizations offer free days and programs thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Visiting local, cultural institutions is a great way for children to learn something new while socializing with others in a fun, educational setting.
2. Visit Your Local Library
Libraries are more than just books! From free summer programs and reading challenges to hands-on activities for kids of all ages, libraries are a great community resource that can help keep your children curious and allow them to interact with people who share similar interests.
3. Attend Neighborhood Events
Summer is a popular time for block parties, farmers markets, concerts, outdoor movies, and other community events. Attending these events helps children feel connected to their neighborhoods while enjoying social time outdoors with others.
4. Volunteer Together
There are many wonderful places where you can volunteer as a family, such as food banks, animal shelters, and conservation projects. Volunteering in the community empowers children to support causes they care about and teaches them the importance of empathy and helping others.
5. Get Outside
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers guided hikes, plant walks, birding outings, scavenger hunts, and many more events for people to participate in at their local state parks. Outdoor activities provide endless opportunities for adventure, helping children to explore the world around them while keeping them active, curious, and connected to nature.
When kids participate in community activities, they form new friendships, develop social skills, and gain confidence in navigating new environments. By empowering kids to stay social and involved this summer, parents can help support their emotional growth and overall wellbeing while creating lasting memories along the way.
