5 tips for keeping kids’ brains stimulated this summer

Aah, the freedom of summer for a child — no homework, no tests, no early mornings. It’s a break from the structured routine of school and a time for fun and relaxation.

While taking a break from schoolwork is essential, it’s equally important to ensure that kids’ minds remain active and engaged during the summer months. This not only helps prevent the “summer slide” — the learning loss that can happen when kids are out of school — but also smooths the transition back to classes.

“When it comes to keeping kids’ brains stimulated in summer, it’s important to incorporate physical activity, problem-solving and creativity,” says Deandra Cloy, LICSW, an integrated mental health therapist with the MultiCare Behavioral Health Network.

Cloy suggests integrating those ideas into non-screen-time activities and offers the five following tips on how to do just that.

Creative ways to keep kids’ minds active

1. Encourage physical activity

Physical movement boosts brain function and reduces stress. Just 15 minutes outside three times a week has been shown to lower stress hormones and anxiety. Encourage your child to ride a bike, play tag or simply explore nature.

“This is a tip that has gone over really well with my patients,” Cloy says. “It’s a stat that has stuck with them, and they have found themselves outside longer than just 15 minutes at a time.”

2. Have a weekly family game night

Games are a great way to build problem-solving and social skills. Set aside one night a week for board games, card games or puzzles. It’s a fun way to spend quality time with your child and challenge their mind.

3. Cook or bake together

Let your child choose a recipe, write it down and plan it out. Cooking teaches math (measurements), reading (instructions) and planning. Plus, it ends with a delicious reward!

4. Start a family book club

Choose a book to read together — either aloud or separately — and set aside time to discuss it like a real book club. Add snacks or a themed activity to make it feel special. This encourages reading comprehension and critical thinking.

5. Create an ‘I’m bored’ jar

Fill a jar with slips of paper listing creative activities. When your child says “I’m bored,” they pick one and do the activity for 15–20 minutes. This encourages creativity, focus and independent play.

Here are some ideas:

• Write a story about a superhero
• Make a paper airplane
• Invent a new plant or animal
• Build a fort
• Invent a new game using only a ball and a chair
• Find five objects outside and make a mini sculpture with them
• Create a comic strip
• Make a picture collage
• Write down five things that make you happy and draw one of them
• Paint rocks
• Write a poem about today’s weather
• Make a gratitude list of three things you’re thankful for
• Make a bracelet or necklace
• Count how many sounds you hear in one minute

Feel free to create your own!

Minimize screen time with smart alternatives

Too much screen time can lead to a host of issues: eye strain, sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity and increased anxiety. It can also impact social development and emotional regulation. While screens can be educational and entertaining, balance is key. Kids need opportunities to explore, create and think critically — away from digital distractions.

Instead of banning screens outright, offer engaging alternatives and be sure to set clear expectations (designate “screen-free” zones like bedrooms and the dinner table, and screen-free times such as before bed and during meals).

Cloy suggests Common Sense Media as a resource for age-appropriate books, games, apps and podcasts. You can filter by age and interest to find something that fits your child.

“I highly recommend podcasts for stimulating minds,” Cloy adds. “It’s a segue from screens and gives them a choice.”

Whether it’s a science, storytelling or history podcast, there’s something for every age to encourage curiosity.

Establish a routine, offer choices and use rewards, if needed

Even in summer, structure helps.

“A weekly planner can be helpful,” Cloy says. “It should include activities, chores and responsibilities, and free time.”

This can help keep kids grounded and help them manage their time.

Cloy also suggests giving your child as much choice as possible within a structure and to maintain expectations with flexibility. This increases their willingness to participate and gives them a sense of control.

If your child resists, try a reward system as a starting point. For example: “Let’s play outside for 30 minutes, then you can have 30 minutes of screen time.” This creates balance and teaches compromise.

Above all, enjoy your time together

Summer can be even trickier when juggling work and home life. But it’s also a season meant for making memories and recharging. Choose the ideas that resonate with you and your family. It’s OK to keep it simple.