Supporting Parents: Keyes for CCS Campaign Highlights A Meaningful Summer

Keeping Kids Engaged, Safe, and Growing: A Parent’s Guide to a Meaningful Summer

Summer break brings sunshine, freedom—and a fair share of challenges for parents. With school out, families juggle work schedules, child care, and the question that echoes across kitchens everywhere: "What are we going to do today?"

Here are some practical tips to help families make the most of summer while keeping kids engaged, safe, and on a path of continued growth:

1. Build a Flexible Routine

While summer should feel different from the school year, children still benefit from structure. Try creating a daily rhythm—wake-up times, meals, learning activities, outdoor play, and screen time. Routines provide security and help reduce behavior issues caused by boredom or unpredictability.

2. Keep Their Minds Active

Learning doesn’t have to stop just because school is out. Consider:

• Reading challenges at local libraries

• Free online learning games (math, literacy, coding)

• Everyday learning moments like cooking, budgeting for groceries, or planning a bus route

  
  

3. Explore Local Resources

Columbus and surrounding areas offer free or low-cost activities for families:

• Parks and recreation programs

• Free summer lunch programs

• Community centers, libraries, and school-hosted events

• STEM, art, and music camps with scholarship options

  
  

4. Stay Connected

For working parents, summer can bring guilt and pressure. Remember, quality matters more than quantity. A consistent check-in after work or a weekend activity goes a long way. Also, keep an open line of communication with any caregivers, camp staff, or older siblings involved in supervision.

5. Prioritize Safety

Whether your child is home, at a friend’s, or exploring new environments, talk regularly about:

• Internet safety and limits

• Who to call in emergencies

• Water safety and sunscreen habits

• Setting boundaries with peers and adults

  
  

6. Make Time for Joy

Summer is a season of memory-making. Blow bubbles, have a picnic, take evening walks, or let kids help plan a family movie night. Small moments create the biggest impact.

Final Thought: Every family’s summer looks different—and that’s okay. Whether your goal is to keep kids academically sharp, entertained, or simply cared for, know that your effort and presence matter. A safe, structured, and joy-filled summer can set the tone for a confident return to school in the fall.

Listed below are free events and activities for children:

Commons for Kids:

Every Friday during the summer Columbus Commons hosts Commons for Kids with free activities like face painting, crafts, games and more. Https://columbuscommons.org

Metro Parks:

Explore nature through free educational programs and resources offered by Metro Parks. Https://metroparks.net

Columbus Museum of Art:

The museum offers free admission days and educational programming for families. Summer Art Workshops 2025 |

Columbus Metropolitan Library:

Offers free story times and other educational programs. Library to kick off Summer Reading Challenge with events at all 23 locations - Columbus Metropolitan Library

Other Activities:

Check out resources like CAP4KIDS for a list of free activities and events in Columbus. Https://cap4kids.org