Chances are, if your child is cooped up inside during the week while you’re at work, they’ll be itching to get outside during the days that you’re off! Even if you’d rather stay home and relax. However, there are some great ideas that are fun for both you and your keiki, and sure to help keep them busy during the summer months.
1. Visit Local Museums and Educational Centers
Those of us that live here can sometimes overlook the various museums and educational centers here, thinking they are more for those visiting the island. Spend some time visiting these fantastic places! The Imiloa Astronomy Center, Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Lyman Museum, Pacific Tsunami Museum – to name a few. There may be a small fee to enter, but many have reduced prices for keiki and kama‘aina and you’ll be supporting a local business!
2. Get Moving
One of the best ways to keep your kids busy is to keep them physically active! They’ll burn off all that extra energy and have fun at the same time! (And as a bonus they’ll probably sleep great that night) Look for local sports teams that may practice during the summer – or just grab some gear and go have some fun at the park on your own! Take a walk at the park – like Liliuokalani Gardens – go fishing, skateboarding, rollerblading; whatever it is that you and your keiki can have fun doing together.
3. Catch a Flick
There’s nothing like watching a movie on the big screen in a movie theater! Find out what titles are playing in your local theater and make it a family outing! Be sure to check out ticket prices, you might find that it’s a better deal to purchase discounted tickets from your local credit union! (If they offer that, HFS FCU does sell discounted Regal Theaters tickets)
4. Learn to Cook
The need to cook meals for your family never stops, but why not get your keiki involved! Help them find some kid-friendly recipes that you can make together, including some cool treats like ice cream or popsicles to help with the summer heat. Your keiki will be learning great skills, while also making memories in the kitchen with you. Although it may take a little longer to finish preparing the meal, those moments are priceless! With their help, you can have meals and snacks prepped to keep your keiki fed throughout the long summer days.
These four options are a great start to coming up with fun summer activities for your kids. Have more ideas? Share them with us in the comments below? Happy Summer!
