Summer is the perfect time to play, explore, and help your child learn and grow! Whether you’re staying close to home or heading out on little adventures, everyday moments can be full of learning. Helping your child build new skills doesn’t have to be hard — it can be as simple as playing a game or taking a walk. 

Here are 5 easy summer activities that support childhood development and help your little one reach important milestones:

Splash and Learn with Water Play

Water play is more than just fun—it builds motor skills, hand strength, and even early science thinking. Fill a tub or plastic bin with water and add cups, sponges, and small toys. Have your child scoop, pour, and squeeze. Ask questions like, “What floats?” or “Can you fill this cup all the way up?” Water play helps your child practice using their hands, eyes, and brain all at once.

Try this: Add toy animals and play “zoo” or use measuring cups to pour and compare.

Go on a Nature Treasure Hunt

Take a walk and make it an adventure! Ask your child to find things like a round rock, a yellow flower, or something soft. You can also collect sticks, leaves, or shells and sort them by color, shape, or size when you get home. This builds problem-solving and language skills.

Try this: Make a “treasure map” together before your walk and check things off as you find them!

Dance, Jump, and Move Together

Moving their bodies helps young children grow strong and learn to control their muscles. Put on music and dance together, set up a mini obstacle course with pillows and chairs, or play games like “Simon Says” or “Follow the Leader.” These activities build coordination and listening skills.

Try this: Ask your child to hop like a frog, tiptoe like a cat, or stretch like a tree!

Pretend Play All Day

Pretend play helps children understand the world and build imagination, speech, and social skills. Let them play restaurant, doctor, superhero, or even space explorer! Use simple items around the house—paper plates, scarves, or stuffed animals—to create new worlds.

Try this: Join in the fun! Ask your child questions during pretend play like, “What does the patient need?” or “Where are we flying today?”

Cook or Snack Together

Let your child help make a simple snack like fruit salad or trail mix. Washing fruit, stirring, and pouring are great for hand-eye coordination. You can also talk about colors, shapes, and numbers as you cook.

Try this: Let them choose the ingredients and name your snack together, like “Super Star Mix” or “Rainbow Fruit Bowl.”

Curious if your child is on track?

Every child grows at their own pace, but there are tools to help you see if your child is meeting their developmental milestones. If you have questions or just want peace of mind, Help Me Grow Escambia is here for you. We provide:

✅ Free screenings
✅ Friendly care coordination

✅ Early intervention for children ages 0-5

✅ Resources for children ages 0-8

Call us or fill out a quick screening online to see how your child is growing and learning! Reach us at 850-434-7755 or start a screening at www.helpmegrowescambia.org.

This summer, have fun and help your child shine. You don’t need fancy toys or big trips—just your time, your love, and a little creativity.