Activities
A summer challenge for kids ages 5-12. A simple daily activity keeps learning going all summer so parents and facilitators can beat the summer slide and head into fall strong.
How the Challenge Works
Built so kids can lead and grown-ups can guide at home, in camps, and in classrooms.
Download the checkoff sheet
Download and print the free Activity Checkoff Sheet.
Pick an activity
Choose any of the activities and gather a few simple supplies from around the house.
Do it together
Spend 20–30 minutes making, exploring, and talking about it at home or in your program.
Check it off and celebrate
Mark it done on the sheet (and here online) to unlock badges and a completion certificate.
Summer Activities for Kids
New activities will be added to the calendar every week.
June 2026
June 1
Write and mail letters or postcards to relatives.
June 2
Make friendship bracelets and count patterns.
June 3
Learn a new song on a simple instrument (ukulele, recorder).
June 4
Stage a play around a favorite fairytale.
June 5
Conduct sink‑or‑float tests with household items.
June 6
Paint rocks with positive affirmations; hide them around town.
June 7
Create an at‑home “museum” of found objects.
June 8
Practice speed reading with a timer and challenge a friend.
June 9
Write and illustrate a comic strip.
June 10
Learn basic coding on Scratch Jr.
June 11
Build and race balloon‑powered cars.
June 12
Design a treasure map with grid coordinates.
June 13
Host a backyard poetry slam.
June 14
Collect and press wildflowers in a homemade press.
June 15
Organize a family trivia night with custom questions.
June 16
Make homemade ice‑cream in a bag (science + snack!).
June 17
Set up a “store” to practice money math with play currency.
June 18
Explore constellations and sketch them at night.
June 19
Create a weather‑tracking chart and record daily.
June 20
Invent your own board game and test it with friends.
June 21
Learn to tie a variety of knots and craft a paracord bracelet.
June 22
Host a “minute‑to‑win‑it” STEM challenge day.
June 23
Write a summer‑themed poem and illustrate it.
June 24
Interview a grandparent about childhood games and document them.
June 25
Build a miniature “bug hotel” from natural materials.
June 26
Choreograph a short family dance and film it.
June 27
Compile a family recipe book with hand‑drawn illustrations.
June 28
Practice map reading: navigate to a local park.
June 29
Make a DIY lava lamp using oil, water, and Alka‑Seltzer.
June 30
Write a letter to your future self and seal it until next summer.
July 2026
July 1
Create a photo scavenger hunt around town.
July 2
Practice journaling one “cool fact” learned each day.
July 3
Sew or glue bean bags and play target toss with fractions scoring.
July 4
Build a solar oven and make s’mores.
July 5
Learn a handful of words in a new language and teach peers.
July 6
Craft shadow puppets and perform with a flashlight.
July 7
Put on a backyard talent show—reading, singing, magic.
July 8
Conduct a “taste test” of fruits and graph favorites.
July 9
Create an animated flipbook of a bouncing ball.
July 10
Read a biography and list three inspiring facts.
July 11
Draw a comic‑style map of your summer adventures.
July 12
Host a mini “science fair” for siblings or church group.
July 13
Write and record a short podcast episode on a hobby.
July 14
Learn origami: fold cranes, boats, or frogs.
July 15
Make a “thank‑you” card for a community helper.
July 16
Practice mental math with jump‑rope tally counts.
July 17
Design and launch a DIY rocket with baking soda propulsion.
July 18
Create a stop‑motion flip‑calendar of seasonal changes.
July 19
Host a storytelling circle at church. Take turns adding to the tale.
July 20
Build a family “memory jar” with written highlights.
July 21
Practice handwriting by writing out song lyrics.
July 22
Explore local history: visit a landmark and sketch it.
July 23
Create and deliver a mini “news report” on family events.
July 24
Learn to play checkers or chess. Teach a friend.
July 25
Make a simple sundial and track the sun’s shadow.
July 26
Plant and decorate fairy garden containers.
July 27
Build a Rube Goldberg‑style contraption from recyclables.
July 28
Explore local history. Visit a landmark and sketch it.
July 29
Build a Rube Goldberg‑style contraption from recyclables.
July 30
Create paper‑mâché models of planets or animals.
July 31
Host a math art mashup. Create geometric shape paintings.
Parents & Facilitators
Everything you need to guide your learners at home or in a group and
make summer learning feel like play.
Storytime with Dr. Sheila
Weekly read-alouds and discussion guides to use at home or in your program.
Go to Storytime →
J.R.'s Clubhouse
Games, printables, and activity packs curated for curious kids ages 5 - 12.
Go to J.R.'s Clubhouse →
Parent Resources
The TECT Community Parent Resources deliver quick, practical, science-backed strategies to help families support and raise confident, resilient, and literate young leaders.
Go to Parent Resources→
Did You Know?
Dr. Sheila Thomas’s "Did You Know?" video series delivers quick, practical, science-backed strategies to help parents and educators raise confident, resilient, and literate young leaders
Go to Did you Know→
QUICK WINS
4 Ways to Keep Learning Fun All Summer
Small habits, big growth. Pulled from Dr. Sheila’s family and classroom learning playbook.
IT’S FREE • AGES 5-12
Ready to make this the best learning summer yet?
Register your learner, print your tracker, and join families and facilitators across the TECT Community.