15 Ways to Work Kids' Brains in the Summer

Summer vacation is a time for kids to take a much-needed break from school and enjoy a little fun in the sun. Unfortunately, this time off causes kids to lose up to two months of math and reading skills, setting them back when school starts again in the Fall. This doesn't mean you have to enroll your child in Summer school to keep them at the top of their class. Instead, turn traditional Summer activities into learning opportunities. From fun games to amazing adventures, here are 15 ways to have an educational and entertaining Summer. Source: Flickr user demandaj

01
Give Them a Geography Lesson

Give Them a Geography Lesson

If your Summer plans involve a lot of travel, use them as a teaching opportunity. Create an activity book for your child filled with maps, games, and fun facts about your destination. Source: Flickr user Anke L

02
Join a Book Club

Join a Book Club

Check with your local library to see if it offers a special Summer reading program. If not, gather your child's friends and have them start a kid-friendly book club. Source: Flickr user John-Morgan

03
Dive Into the Unknown

Dive Into the Unknown

Whether you take a trip to the beach or a nearby aquarium, kids can learn all about life under the sea. Source: Flickr user tsoumplekas

04
Open a Lemonade Stand

Open a Lemonade Stand

A classic summertime activity, a neighborhood lemonade stand gives your children a chance to practice their addition and subtraction while making a little extra money. Source: Flickr user bethanypetrik

05
Grow a Garden

Grow a Garden

Grab a kid-friendly gardening kit to teach your child about biology. Source: Flickr user woodleywonderworks

06
Write It Down

Write It Down

Encouraging your child to start a Summer journal will give him a chance to practice his penmanship, spelling, and vocabulary — not to mention it will help him with his Summer vacation essay in September. Source: Flickr user woodleywonderworks

08
Make Math Tasty

Make Math Tasty

Since the kids no longer have homework, ask them to help you prepare dinner. You'll get a little extra help, and they will get a lesson on fractions and time. Source: Flickr user tastytouring

09
Go on a Nature Walk

Go on a Nature Walk

An adventure in the great outdoors will teach kids about plants, animals, and science. Source: Flickr user Take a Hike Arizona

10
Visit a Museum

Visit a Museum

Escape the Summer heat and take a trip to your city's hottest exhibit. If your child has a Summer birthday, plan a special sleepover at the museum of her choice! Source: Flickr user Chris Ford

11
Learn a Foreign Language

Learn a Foreign Language

Your child doesn't have to spend hours in a classroom to master a new language. Source: Flickr user vincross

12
Master Minecraft

Master Minecraft

During a rainy day, let the kids play a little Minecraft — an entertaining game with many educational components. Source: Flickr user kjarrett

13
Enjoy Scientific Sweets

Enjoy Scientific Sweets

Whipping up ice cream in a bag satisfies kids' sweet tooths while teaching them about temperature, liquids, and solids. Source: Sarah Lipoff

14
Download Some Apps

Download Some Apps

Between road trips and rainy days, your tot is bound to spend some time on an iPad. Load up your device with some educational apps so the screen time won't be a total waste. Source: Flickr user mitikusa

15
Stare at the Stars

Stare at the Stars

Take advantage of the warm weather and clear skies to teach your kids about the constellations and planets. Maybe you'll even spot a UFO! Source: Flickr user Justin Ornellas