Summer activity ideas for children

Summer is one of the best times for children to enjoy, learn and live unforgettable experiences. Throughout this article, we will introduce you to various summer activities for children that combine fun, skills development and educational moments. In addition, we will see how summer camps, especially those that take place in English, can become perfect allies for your children to spend a holiday full of learning and entertainment.

Why are these summer proposals important?

When we think of summer plans, we not only look for ways to keep the little ones busy, but also for options that allow them to develop their cognitive, social and emotional skills. Summer is often a break from school, but it is also an ideal opportunity to explore new skills, play sports or improve a language such as English, all while having fun.

Some families prefer sporting activities, while others opt for initiatives related to creativity or language immersion. In any case, what is essential is that they are enjoyable, safe and age-appropriate, as the needs of younger children differ from those who are about to enter adolescence.

Adapting experiences according to age

1. Activities for 5 year olds

At five years old, little ones are full of curiosity and energy. It is therefore essential to find activities for 5-year-olds that stimulate their creativity, attention span and motor skills.

• Simple crafts: Painting with watercolours, making collages with cut-outs or moulding figures with plasticine are perfect options for fine motor skills.


• Water games: Summer is synonymous with heat, so swimming pools or water balloons can provide hours of entertainment.


• Psychomotor circuits: Setting up a course with hoops, ropes and cushions for jumping and balancing reinforces their coordination.


• Storytelling and songs: Encouraging reading and musicality through stories and melodies is a fun way to expand vocabulary.

At this stage, it is advisable to keep outdoor activities under supervision. It is also advisable to vary them to prevent children from getting bored easily.

2. Summer activities for 8 to 10 year olds

As children get older, they need challenges to suit them. Summer activities for 8-10 year olds often include more dynamic options, combining learning with team fun:

• Group sports: Football, basketball or beach volleyball to work on cooperation and improve physical fitness.


• Specialised camps: At this age, many children discover great benefits from attending camps. They learn to live together, to take responsibility for their belongings and to cope in a different environment from home.


• Cultural excursions: Visiting interactive museums, planetariums or theme parks with educational content can motivate them to learn while being entertained.


• Treasure hunts: Solving clues in groups encourages reasoning and a collaborative spirit.

These proposals, as well as keeping them active, reinforce their self-esteem and social skills.

Summer plans: options to suit all tastes

At this time of year, activities can make all the difference in their development.

The summer season opens up a wide range of possibilities when it comes to summer activities for children, as these plans encourage socialisation and learning. From outdoor sports days to cooking and art workshops, the main objective is for children to enjoy themselves while interacting with other participants. Some interesting ideas:

• Theme days at home or in the community: An evening of dressing up, giant board games or cinema under the stars are great plans to encourage socialising.


• Adapted hiking trails: There are family trails where children can discover nature and burn off energy.


• Children's cooking workshops: Preparing simple and tasty recipes helps them to gain autonomy and learn basic nutritional concepts.


• Small science experiments: Activities with water, colours or recycled materials can become a source of learning and amazement.

- If you are looking for more ideas for summer activities for children, it is worth exploring options that mix learning and fun.
- If you're looking for more ideas, summer activities for children can also include cultural excursions or outdoor sports days.

To be successful, these plans should be age-appropriate and maintain a relaxed atmosphere, where mistakes are a natural part of the process.

Summer camps: the best way to combine learning and fun

To talk about summer activities without mentioning camps would be an understatement. These spaces offer unique experiences, new friendships and group dynamics that stimulate personal development. In addition, many camps are designed to reinforce specific skills, such as the practice of a sport, artistic creativity or language learning.

Summer camps in English

In recent years, summer camps in English have become increasingly popular as they offer children the chance to improve their language skills while enjoying an unforgettable holiday. At English Summer, we can proudly say that we combine these summer activities for children with language immersion, ensuring a perfect environment to assimilate vocabulary, work on pronunciation and develop confidence in English.

Our team organises workshops, games and sports where language becomes the main tool for communication. For ages 5-17, this experience can make all the difference in strengthening their language skills and interacting with peers who share the same interests.

Experiences and benefits of our camps

• Improved social skills: By living with other children 24 hours a day, they learn to cooperate, express their needs and respect rules.


• Development of autonomy: From making the bed to taking responsibility for their utensils, children gain independence and confidence in their abilities.


• Exposure to English in a natural way: Here, the language is no longer a mere subject but a means of daily interaction.


• Fun is guaranteed: Excursions, adventure games, water sports... Summer becomes an inexhaustible source of moments to remember.

Tips for choosing the right summer proposals

When planning summer plans for children, it is useful to consider several aspects that will contribute to a successful outcome:

• Age and developmental stage: Activities for 5 year olds are not the same as summer activities for 8-10 year olds, as each age demands different approaches.
  ecause each age group demands different approaches.


• Personal preferences: If your child is inclined towards music or sport, look for plans that enhance their motivation and performance.


• Combining leisure and learning: Summer is ideal for relaxation, but also for acquiring knowledge in a playful way. A theatre workshop in English or a nature camp can be the perfect mix.


• Recommendations and evaluations: Before signing your child up for a camp, research the reputation of the organisation and, if possible, talk to other families who have had the experience.


• Location and logistics: If it is an overnight camp, check the distance, facilities and how to contact camp leaders. For daily activities, make sure they are accessible to everyone.

Examples of summer activities according to age

If you are looking for a more practical classification, here are some suggestions by age range:

• From 3 to 5 years old: Sensory games with paints, construction of small psychomotor trails or experiments with gelatine and colouring (always with adult supervision).


• Activities for 5 year olds: Storytelling, themed costumes, small choreographies and songs in English to improve pronunciation.


• From 6 to 8 years old: Mini-gymkhanas in the garden, adapted sports (mini-golf, beginners' tennis), simple cooking workshops (biscuits, fun salads) and reading stories in English.


• Summer activities for 8 to 10 year olds: Adventure days (gentle hiking routes, indoor climbing), more elaborate crafts (t-shirt painting, model making), modern or urban dance, and role-playing games in English to improve fluency in speaking.

Conclusion: a summer to learn, enjoy and grow

Designing summer activities for children can be an enriching experience if the age, interests and particular needs of each child are taken into account. There are many options: from simple plans at home to exciting summer camps in English. At English Summer, we love to see how, year after year, our participants develop their skills, forge unforgettable friendships and discover new passions. The important thing is that every child takes advantage of this break from school to have fun, socialise and, of course, improve their English skills in a natural and fun way.

Fancy joining the experience? With a little planning and creativity, summer becomes the perfect setting to explore, create, interact and learn without even realising it.