Key Points at a Glance
- Most children have vivid imaginations and can keep themselves occupied for a few hours at a time.
- But most parents know that you need a Plan B up your sleeve—especially in the summer.
- It's wonderful when you can get the younger generation excited about nature.
- An evening picnic in the garden is the perfect way to round out the day for the little ones.
A summer day like this is always a real treat for kids. Of course, you can’t set up the wading pool or take the kids to the outdoor pool every day—not least because it’s sometimes just too crowded there, at least on weekends or during vacation. And since the little ones shouldn’t be left to entertain themselves all day, it’s important to find an activity for them where they can have lots of fun, learn something—and maybe even enjoy a picnic with a larger group in the evening.
It's important to go outside
The first rule, even on hot days, is this: the kids need to get outside for some fresh air. Of course, it’s nice when the little ones play inside during the day—while it might still be cool in the apartment—giving Mom and Dad a chance to relax on the sofa with the newspaper or a book. Sure, that’s necessary sometimes—but first of all, fall days are better suited for that, and second, at some point the kids will rightly want you to spend time with them. With very little effort, you can give the kids a great day away from crowded pools and stuffy apartments, and by evening they’ll be well-rested and ready for bed.
So get outside. Pack plenty of drinks and snacks, and head out to your own backyard or into nature to introduce your kids to plants and wildlife. It doesn’t have to be anything spectacular—almost all kids are interested in bees, grasshoppers, and the like! Let them plant and tend to their own herbs, pick berries, and bring them home. You’ll be surprised at how eager to learn kids are and how well they pick up on things that interest them. Of course, don’t forget to use sunscreen for the kids.
A picnic is an adventure for the kids
Kids love eating outdoors. So organize a nice picnic in the park or in your own backyard, invite a few friends and their kids over, and give the little ones an unforgettable evening—with relatively little effort. By evening, the problem of the scorching sun is no longer an issue.
Well-chilled drinks like lemonade (preferably homemade and sugar-free) always put the kids in a great mood, and it goes without saying that the food should be as kid-friendly as possible. Of course, it shouldn’t be too greasy; that just puts an unnecessary strain on the body in hot weather. And what else is a must-have for an outdoor picnic when kids are along for the ride? That’s right—plenty of games! Although here, too, it’s true that kids don’t need as much as you might think. A ball, a game of bocce with colorful plastic balls, or Viking chess are usually enough.
